CONFEDERATES got the 2014 women's Premier League Hockey monkey off their backs on Saturday, knocking off the Dubbo Blue Jays 2-1.
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Played in the kind of wintery conditions Dubbo would rarely enjoy, Feds made the most of the home ground advantage to hit the lead after nine minutes thanks to a Georgie Parr goal and, despite a late rally from the visitors, were never headed.
It was Confederates' first win in 11 rounds this season.
"We carried on like we'd won the grand final afterwards," Feds coach Mark Pengilly said following the thrilling victory.
"It was a little nervie there in the last three or four minutes. They came back at us and we gave them a few opportunities. We'll have to work hard on closing out games."
Parr's goal after nine minutes was the catalyst for the victory, with the Feds girls lifting when in front on the scoreboard.
They maintained that lead until the half and break, and then come the second period, extended that advantage to 2-0 after exciting forward Annie Pakinga found the back of the Blue Jays goal at the 39 minute mark.
Two minutes later, Dubbo star Emma Corcoran found her groove in front of goal to put the Blue Jays to within striking distance.
It was the shift in momentum Dubbo needed, however, a dominant second half showing didn't translate into goals on the scoreboard, with Feds hanging tight to the death of a women's PLH thriller in Orange.
With young guns Eva Reith-Snare and Tiff Davis performing well in their first taste of the top grade, Confederates coach Mark Pengilly believes an injection of youth helped his side over the line.
"For the young players in the team to play so well, it's really pleasing to see."
"Sarah Kelly was really strong for us in defence and Annie Pakinga was good as well. It was our best effort this season."
CONFEDERATES 2 (Georgie Parr, Annie Pakinga) def DUBBO BLUE JAYS 1 (Emma Corcoran).