Tambellup’s Penny Squibb nets penalty stroke to seal fifth win and finals berth for Perth Thundersticks women

The Perth Thundersticks dominant Hockey One campaign has continued, securing a finals berth with a 3-1 win over NSW Pride on Friday. Thundersticks captain and Tambellup product Penny Squibb sealed a fifth straight win for the women’s team with a final quarter penalty stroke. At the Macarthur Regional Hockey Complex, Lexie Pickering scored twice to put the visitors ahead before Emma Scriven pinched back a goal in the third term. However Squibb stepped up to the plate in the fourth quarter, converting a penalty stroke to keep the Thundersticks’ undefeated campaign intact. The Thundersticks sit well clear on top of the ladder, having conceded only nine goals this season. They will now face Brisbane Blaze at Perth Hockey Stadium on Sunday to round out their qualifying games before heading to Tasmania for the finals series that starts on November 30. The Thundersticks men’s side have strung four straight wins together after losing their season opener, to also book a finals spot. The men were 3-1 winners over NSW Pride after a double from William Battistessa and a third goal from James Day helped them secure a vital away result.