Stiles Electrical Premier League Round 7 wrap

As the Stiles Electrical Premier League paused to celebrate the contributions of First Nations culture, fans were treated to an exciting round filled with tight contests and high-scoring clashes.

Women's

A Stephanie Kershaw hat-trick proved the difference under the Friday night lights as WASPS edged out a determined Whitford side 3-2 in the Stiles Electrical Premier League's Indigenous Round on 23 May.

The match opened with fast-paced, end-to-end action, and it was Kershaw who broke through in the 11th minute with a powerful field goal to give WASPS the early lead. Despite Whitford’s pressure, the home side held firm to lead 1-0 at quarter time.

Kershaw struck again in the 18th minute, doubling the advantage with her second field goal as WASPS continued to apply pressure. Whitford kept chasing but couldn’t break through before the main break, leaving the score at 2-0 at halftime.

Re-energised in the third quarter, Whitford found their spark through Libby Youngman, who slotted a field goal after her side successfully defended a WASPS penalty corner. The visitors continued to hold their ground, fending off another penalty corner and closing the gap to 2-1 heading into the final term.

As the intensity ramped up, Kershaw completed her hat-trick with a penalty corner conversion, restoring WASPS’ two-goal buffer. Whitford refused to back down, with Maddison Brooks narrowing the deficit once more, but WASPS held their nerve to seal a hard-fought 3-2 victory.

Elsewhere around the grounds, a third quarter scoring burst lifted Victoria Park to a 3-1 win over YMCC, Shayni Nelson's lone goal proved enough for UWA to edge out Melville 1-0, Westside Wolves remained unbeaten with a 4-1 triumph over North Coast Raiders, and Hale cruised to a dominant 6-1 win over Reds.

Men's

WASPS bounced back in style under the Friday night lights, overcoming Whitford 3-1 in the Stiles Electrical Premier League’s Indigenous Round at Perth Hockey Stadium on 23 May.

After a balanced start, it was Freddie Britt who opened the scoring for WASPS, calmly converting a penalty stroke. Moments later, Shaun Shackley doubled the lead with a sharp penalty corner finish, giving the home side a 2-0 advantage at the first break.

Whitford responded early in the second quarter, with Fraser Heigh finding the back of the net to inject energy into the visitors. Despite the momentum shift, WASPS absorbed the pressure and maintained a 2-1 lead at halftime.

The second half saw WASPS tighten their grip on the contest. Trent Mitton extended the lead with a well-taken field goal, giving the home side a crucial buffer.

Though Whitford continued to press in the latter stages, WASPS’ defence stood tall to secure the 3-1 victory.

Elsewhere around the grounds, Fremantle Cockburn edged Mods-OGM 3-2 in a fiery encounter, YMCC claimed a strong 4-1 win over Victoria Park, UWA proved too good for Melville, winning 3-1, Patrick Andrew starred with four goals as Westside Wolves outgunned North Coast Raiders in a goal-fest, and Liam Flynn also hit four goals to help Hale cruise past Reds 6-1.

Premier Division 2

In the Women's competition, Victoria Park and Fremantle Cockburn played out a 1-1 draw, while UWA dominated Melville with a commanding 6-0 win. Westside Wolves edged past Curtin University 2-1, Hale narrowly defeated Reds by the same margin, and Suburban Lions held off North Coast Raiders in a close 3-2 encounter.

In the Men's competition, WASPS claimed a 3-1 win over Whitford, UWA overcame Melville 2-1, and YMCC secured a 3-1 victory against Victoria Park. Rockingham Redbacks got the better of Fremantle Cockburn 3-1, Curtin University edged Westside Wolves 3-2 in a nail-biter, and Reds and Hale couldn’t be split, finishing 2-2.

The Stiles Electrical Premier League is proudly supported by Stiles Electrical Services.