Suns, Breakers claim 2021 Future Thundersticks Classic titles

The Future Thundersticks Classic has finished for 2021 in thrilling fashion at Perth Hockey Stadium at Curtin University, with the Suns and the Breakers claiming the titles in the boys and girls divisions respectively.

Saturday saw a fixture compiling of four Future Thundersticks Classic matches, complete with U13 State Team and 14s Thundersticks Academy rivalries, while also showcasing WA’s elite-level stars with the Perth Thundersticks Invitational Squads facing off against the WA Under-21s State Teams.

In the boys, the Lightning defeated the Storm 3-2 in the Under-13s State Team rivalry match with Charlie Hampson scoring two goals to lead his side to victory; the 14s Thundersticks Academy rivalry match saw a closely contested 2-2 draw between the Suns and the Highlanders.

The Lightning also claimed the bragging rights in the girls State Team rivalry match, defeating the Storm 1-0, while the Breakers got the better of the Outbacks, also defeating their rivals 1-0 with Ahlia Vuletich the lone scorer snatching the victory for her side.

The matches between the Perth Thundersticks Invitational Squads and the WA Under-21s State Teams saw two thrilling results between the star-studded line-ups.

In the men’s, a battle between the Thundersticks and Under-21s saw the Thundersticks defeat the Under-21s in a close 6-5 victory; Tyler Lovell swapped the gloves for the stick to score in the final minute of the match to put the Thundersticks ahead.

The women’s match saw the Thundersticks showcase their offensive prowess in a goal-fest for fans, defeating the Under-21s 7-1 in an exciting all-round attacking performance.

Sunday saw the Suns claim the title in the boys tournament on the final day of action, completing an unbeaten run with six wins and a draw from seven matches.

The Suns faced-off against the 14s Academy rivals, the Highlanders, in the gold medal match, claiming a win in a scintillating match that went to shoot-outs.

The sides went blow-for-blow until the final buzzer and met at a 2-2 deadlock heading into the shoot-outs, with the shoot-out going the Suns’ way with the side claiming the title after a domijant tournament run.

The Breakers claimed the girls title after narrowly defeating their rivals, the Outbacks, in a closely-fought 2-1 victory.

The Outbacks opened the scoring in the 22^nd minute through a goal to Ava Fraser-Edwards but the Breakers had the answers, scoring two consecutive goals in the 26^th and 35^th minutes through Lauren Healey and Petra Verster to claim the title for 2021.

For full tournament results and goal scorers, click here.

Watch the Future Thundersticks Classic matches on demand