Parkes fell agonisingly short of notching their first win in the Women's Premier League Hockey, fighting out a 2-all draw with the Souths at Parkes Hockey Complex on Saturday afternoon.
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It took just two minutes for Parkes to get on the board, with a powerful strike from India Draper at the top of the circle thumping into the back of the net in a perfect start for the home side.
Parkes' high possession game plan was evident early on, holding the majority of possession before Draper was able to capitalise with a goal once again just one minute into the second quarter after another scintillating strike.
Unfortunately another costly lapse ensued from the young Parkes side, with coach Graeme Thompson lamenting yet another game where his side switched off at times.
"We played really well in patches but we let ourselves down by not holding our structure and panicking.
"I believe our ball speed really hurt us, and our options in and around the circle could certainly be better," said Thompson.
A short corner from Souths was expertly converted by Sarah Watterson just before half-time, and the game really ramped up physically in the second half with the game on the line.
The Parkes defence, led by young goal keeper Gracie Jones, were superb in the face of wave after wave of Souths attacks, with Jones showing composure beyond her years as she survived two one-on-one chances.
"The team scrambled well in defence which was great, and Gracie Jones made some vital saves," said Thompson.
Disaster struck just 30 seconds into the final quarter when Watterson struck again, tapping the ball home during a mad tussle in the circle, leveling the scores to ensure a tight finish.
Neither side gave an inch in the last quarter, with Parkes forcing a number of short corners, but in the end 2-2 seemed a fair result for a match that had a bit of everything.
Women's Premier League Hockey: Round Three
Lithgow Panthers 1 (Clare Bosman) defeated Bathurst City 0
St Pat's 4 (Amy Glenn 2, Millie Fulton, Macey Fulton) defeated Orange CYMS 0
Souths 2 (Sarah Watterson 2) drew with Parkes 2 (India Draper 2)
Confederates 2 (Emily Gould, Heidi Townsend) drew with Ex-Services 2 (Chloe Barrett, Larissa Gallard)
