In a stunning upset that sent shockwaves through the Hockey One league, the Perth Thundersticks women's team has snatched the last available finals spot with a heart-stopping 6-5 victory over the previously undefeated NSW Pride.
Ratcliffe's Goal-Scoring Masterclass
The Sunday clash at Perth Hockey Stadium in Bentley became the Madi Ratcliffe show, as the star player delivered an unprecedented performance, scoring all six of the Thundersticks' goals. The victory was especially crucial as Perth needed to defeat the top-of-the-table NSW to leapfrog Tassie Tigers into fourth position after their win over Canberra on Friday night.
Ratcliffe struck early, firing in two penalty corner goals to give Perth a strong start. The Pride fought back with a penalty corner goal from Chelsea Holmes and a field goal from Grace Stewart, though her conversion attempt went wide. Undeterred, the Thundersticks earned another penalty corner, allowing Ratcliffe to complete a stunning first-quarter hat-trick.
A Nail-Biting Contest to the Final Whistle
The second quarter was a tight defensive battle until a penalty corner goal from Alana Kavanagh levelled the scores at 3-3 heading into half-time. NSW Pride seized the initiative in the third quarter, taking the lead with a field goal and conversion from Grace Young.
The momentum nearly shifted decisively when the Pride earned a penalty stroke, but Thundersticks goalkeeper Zoe Newman made a brilliant save to keep her team in contention. This heroic stop proved pivotal as Perth hit back immediately with another penalty corner goal and conversion from Ratcliffe, taking her to the top of the women's goal-scoring tally.
Last-Gasp Winner Seals Finals Berth
With scores locked at 5-5 entering the final quarter, the pressure mounted on the home side. Perth earned multiple penalty corner opportunities but failed to capitalise until the dying moments, when one final chance presented itself.
In a storybook finish, Madi Ratcliffe stepped up and struck the decisive penalty corner goal, snatching the thrilling win and booking the Thundersticks' place in the finals. The team will now travel to NSW to face the Pride again this Saturday in the semi-final, with the winner advancing to Sunday's grand final.
In contrasting fortunes, the Thundersticks men's season has concluded after a 2-1 defeat to the second-placed NSW Pride men's team. Blake Govers scored both goals for NSW via penalty corners, while Brodee Foster managed a consolation goal for Perth in the third quarter. The men finished their campaign in sixth place with just one win.
