Played at the Parkes Hockey Fields on Saturday, the hosts cemented their stance as the most improved side in the 2014 women’s Premier League Hockey competition with four first-half goals to put to bed any chance Feds had of springing an upset after just 35 minutes.

Feds coach Mark Pengilly said he was astounded at the level his opponents played at, particularly in the opening half.

“They were awesome,” Pengilly said of his unbeaten opposition.

“They came at us pretty hard there in that first half and we probably weren’t ready for that.

“Parkes have changed a lot over the off-season. They’re using a new structure and played to that structure well on Saturday. All of their passes hit their targets, they played very well. They’re a completely different team.”

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Feds took an under strength side to Parkes for the round four away clash and the inexperience showed.

Minus Sarah Kelly and Teagan Carpini, Feds lacked leadership in the key play-making positions and Pengilly said against a ruthless Parkes, the assignment of filling the duo’s boots was too great a task for the red and blues’ young brigade.

Still, Pengilly was more than happy with keeper Steph Hinds, Telisa Schumacher and Grace Evans.

“We played much better in the second half,” he said, Feds now sitting in ninth with just a draw next to their name.

“Steph was peppered all day in goals. She played really well.”