Stiles Electrical Premier League Round 1 Wrap

As hockey made its long-awaited return to the turf, the teams that suffered grand final heartbreak in 2023 have exacted revenge on the reigning premiers in their respective matches.

The Stiles Electrical Premier League kicked off last weekend, providing three days of fast-paced action with interesting results.

Men’s

After finding themselves on the receiving end of a clean-sheet grand final loss to Hale in September, Melville kicked off their 2024 campaign in the best way possible under the Friday night lights at Hale Hockey Club.

With plenty of back and forth during the opening quarter, Melville were the first to open their account for the new season, with Matt Willis scoring a field goal early in the second term, followed by a penalty corner via James Day to lead 2-0 at the main break.

As Hale looked to respond in the second half, Melville continued to put their foot down with Willis breaking through for a second field goal at the 42^nd minute.

A further goal from Jake Staines early in the final quarter sealed the deal for Melville, although Hale managed to prevent being kept scoreless with a field goal via Sam Ashton in the late stages of the match.

Elsewhere, WASPS put up a dominant front against the newly promoted North Coast Raiders, recording a 5-0 clean sheet victory, a last-gasp goal via Tom Harvie saw the Westside Wolves edge out YMCC 2-1, Reds came from behind to steal a 3-2 win away from Whitford, Victoria Park held off the newly merged Mods-OGM 2-1, and UWA fought off a relentless Fremantle Cockburn side to win 3-2.

FULL RESULTS HERE

Women’s

UWA have christened their new ‘Paris Blue’ turf by exacting revenge on reigning premiers Suburban Lions on Sunday.

The highly anticipated match-up saw both sides put the pressure on each other, until Lexie Pickering opened the home-side’s account for 2024 with a penalty corner goal.

As the Lions looked to fight back, UWA refused to let up, extending their lead with a second penalty corner goal via Pickering.

The contest reached a stalemate during the second quarter as both sides continued to fight hard, although UWA held the 2-0 advantage at half time.

A penalty corner goal via Bellé Ramshaw seemed to seal the deal for UWA but the Lions continued their attempts to break through the home-side’s defences.

Despite a penalty corner shot, the Lions’ efforts proved futile with UWA going on to win 3-0.

Elsewhere, Victoria Park held off North Coast Raiders 2-1, Westside Wolves celebrated Jayde Taylor’s 150^th match in style with a 9-0 win over WASPS, a dominant first-half set Hale up for a 4-2 victory over the newly-promoted Melville, and Reds defeated Whitford 4-0.

FULL RESULTS HERE

Division 2

In the Men’s competition, a last-gasp goal from Blake Murdoch saw Hale steal a victory away from Melville, resulting in a 2-2 draw, two goals from Patrick Baster helped Westside Wolves on the way to a 2-0 win over YMCC, two goals from Kieran Springett in quick succession saw Reds defeat Whitford 2-1, Curtin University recorded a 2-0 win over WASPS, Victoria Park held off Mods-OGM 5-4 in a tight battle, and neither UWA nor Fremantle Cockburn could be separated in an intense 1-1 draw.

In the Women’s competition, a Nicola Tame hat-trick helped North Coast Raiders hold off Victoria Park 3-2, YMCC defeated Westside Wolves 3-1, two goals from Brooke Corbett saw Hale get one up on Melville 2-1, Reds held off Curtin University 1-0 with Zoe Hopkinson the sole goal scorer, and UWA recorded a 4-0 clean sheet win over Suburban Lions.

The Stiles Electrical Premier League is also proudly supported by Joel Mitton of RE/MAX Extreme.