Hills inflict another defeat on Canberra

Canberra fell just short of Hills Heat, going down 35-33 at Homebush on Saturday.  Canberra, still missing several players through injury was bolstered by Brazilian newcomer Luciano Baca making his debut. 

Hills went into the match full of confidence after defeating competition front runners, Sydney Uni last week by 10 goals.  However, Canberra made it tough going for them early on, going goal for goal for the majority of the first half.  Canberra went for a 5 + 1 defence, with Jordan Chapman taking Hills danger man Kenneth Toerlen out of the game for the majority of the first half.   Towards the end of the half, Hills managed to break away to a three goal lead, but Canberra responded to score the last four goals of the half to go to the break with a 19-18 lead. Results...

The second half started as the first did, with Hills and Canberra exchanging goals.  However, two 2-minute suspensions proved costly for Canberra with Hills breaking away to a four goal lead.  With five minutes to go, Canberra called a time-out and then pushed its attack, scoring three quick goals to get the momentum back and trail by one.  Unfortunately, a crucial attacking error by Canberra, offered Kenneth Toerlen an easy fast-break opportunity, which he converted to break Canberra’s momentum. Hills managed to hold on, with their goal keeper Ben Pellegrin making several important saves.  In the end, Hills too good for Canberra, 35-33.

Tomasz Lasek top scored for the match with 13 goals, whilst Ahmed Ayad was Hills' best with 9.

Next week, Canberra plays Harbourside in Sydney.

Hills Heat defeated Canberra 35-33 (18-19)

For Canberra: Tomasz Lasek (13), Andrew Lawrence (6),  Luciano Baca (5), Taip Ramadani (4), Michael Kubal (3), Jordan Chapman (2), Dragan Radicoski, Sasha Petrovski , Matt Lacey (GK).