Alex is back!!! Yippeee!!! We have missed you and are sooooo happy that you are better. It is great that you are back for this game as this was always going to be the toughest game – the last of the round robins against Penrith and our last chance to prove to ourselves that we can win. Unfortunately this was not to be. Penrith was determined not to let us any where near their net if they could help it and they have the most in form goalie in the League. As has been happening against Penrith we were allowing them to dictate our play, any mistake was quickly punished and they just proved too strong, pushing through our defence and using us to screen Alex, getting them past her.

It was by no means all their way. We played well – everyone stepped up, skated their butts off and worked hard, we had our chances – 8 shots in the first period, 5 in the second and 7 in the third – we just couldn’t get it past their Goalie. First period they were 2 up, second period we were nil all and in the third they really stepped up the pressure with 18 shots for 4 goals. I reckon that Penrith is not going to allow what happened last year to happen to them again. They will be relentless against us and we can expect more of the same if we get the chance to come up against them in the grand final this year.

This game really showed us where we need to concentrate our efforts in training. We need to pass more, back check more and take our shots from where ever they present. We need to give our defence more support and work on using the boards more to clear the zone. Above all we need to play a more composed and considered game against them whilst maintaining pressure on their defence and attacking their net. I still believe we can do it – it will make the win all the sweeter when it is the grand final.

MVP for this game is truly difficult. Huge effort was put in by everyone, Kath and Mel’s put in their usual high standard of play, Michelle, Nita and Larissa worked really hard in defence and Heidi, Chris and Elisa also were outstanding in their work in offence however I feel that Annelie put in the hard yards and needs to be commended for her efforts in this game. Outstanding Annelie. Congratulations.