The Diamonds in action against Malaysia at their Bentley home ground.
Camera IconThe Diamonds in action against Malaysia at their Bentley home ground. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

WA Diamonds coach happy with Malaysia series performances

Pia van StraalenCanning Gazette

WA Diamonds head coach Rob Hammond said the performances of his team during their series against Malaysia will stand them in good stead in the future.

The Diamonds played their final match against Malaysia last Wednesday, drawing 2-2 in a highly entertaining contest under the lights at Perth Hockey Stadium.

Kyra Flynn opened the scoring for the Diamonds in the first quarter with a neat finish to beat the visitors’ goalkeeper.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

Malaysia then hit back with two goals of its own, however it was the Diamonds who would have the final say with Pippa Morgan levelling the game with a fantastic finish in the final quarter.

With just a couple of minutes remaining on the clock the Diamonds were only denied victory by the width of the post.

Hammond said he was pleased with the efforts of his players.

“Games three and four for the Diamonds were their best and I was happy with the draw but in the end the results are irrelevant; it’s all about the performance and they were really good performances from the squad,” he said.

The WA Diamonds four game series against Malaysia was organised to help prepare the team and assist them with their training for the Australian Hockey League (AHL), which is scheduled to get under way in Perth in September.

The WA Diamonds squad for the AHL will be announced on July 1.

Result:

Wednesday, June 22 (Perth Hockey Stadium)

WA Diamonds drew with Malaysia 2-2

WA Diamonds 2 (Kyra Flynn 14’, Pippa Morgan 45’)

Malaysia 2 (Fatin Shafiqa 29’, Noraslinda 36’)