Stingrays snatch surprise win

In another tight University derby, the unfavoured Stingrays side got over the top of their A team with a goal in the last two minutes to win 3-2 over the Huskies.

The match was locked up at 2-2 for most of the second half as the Stingrays held firm while their more favoured opposition attacked.

But the Stingrays had the last laugh when Lauren Iggo beat the keeper after a broken-down penalty corner right near the end.

While both sides have struggled against top sides so far this season, this game was played with decent speed and good quality.

Lucy Sheffield scored both of the Huskies' goals, while Felicity Leov also bagged a double for the Stingrays. However, it was the late strike from Iggo that proved to be the winner, and after the final whistle those in black were running from all directions to celebrate the upset.

Stingrays coach Garrick Hately was very proud of his side for sticking to its game plan even when it was under pressure or down a goal, and it clearly paid dividends for it later in the match.

He said the result showed the depth on the women's side of the University club.

The result leaves the two Uni sides tied for fifth in the middle of the table, with round one now completed. With the Southern Under-21 representatives all back next weekend, the competition starts relatively afresh as the teams focus before the mid-year break.

In the other matches, Taieri Tigers and Southern under-18 battled to a 0-0 draw, City Highlanders overcame a stiff challenge from Southland Barbarians to win 2-1 in a close game, while Momona put away Kings United 7-2 to remain top of the table.

-By Matthew West

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