HOCKEY
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SOUTHS twice came from behind on Saturday to see off a determined Lithgow Zig Zag side 3-2 in their men's Premier League Hockey match at Bob Roach Field.
It wasn't the most convincing of wins, but the home side were able to make the most of their greater time in possession.
A thumping shot from Chris Hanrahan into the top right corner of the goal with nine minutes left to play proved the difference.
Souths did have to survive so nervous moments in the final five minutes, but held on to build up some momentum with a second consecutive victory.
"We needed to hold our composure throughout the game. The Zig Zag boys played well to go one up. We always had the better part of the play, but we just couldn't finish it off and get the ball into the net. To the Zig Zag boys' credit they hassled well in defence," Souths coach Dale Campbell said.
"A couple of times we tried to rush that ball into the circle too narrow rather than using our patience. It's easy to say from the sideline, but the guys have to get out there and be patient. Hopefully we'll work that in as we go through the season."
Despite having two early penalty corners, Souths ended up conceding first. Zig Zag scored 12 minutes in as a perfect Chris Williams cross from the right wing was met by Chris Bennett.
From that point on, Souths made their home in Zig Zag's half, but Lithgow goalkeeper Luke Thurtell denied them with some great saves.
Souths finally got on the board seven minutes out from the break through Hanrahan.
A heated couple of minutes before half-time then saw Souths' Bryce Hitchcock and Zig Zag's Bennett yellow carded for fighting.
After being locked at 1-all at the break, Zig Zag went back in front just two minutes into the second half through Zac Sharp.
But a ball from Hitchcock into the circle was not cleared by Zig Zag's defence and Jono Cole pounced to level it back up at 2-all.
Souths were on the front foot from that point on.
Joe Radburn cut out a pass that would have almost certainly found an open Jono Baillie before Adam Campbell missed after beating Thurtell.
Hanrahan's second goal of the day came not long after Zig Zag's third yellow card of the game, Souths using their numerical advantage well.
"A few calls could have gone our way that didn't go our way, but the boys defended the whole game. They really put some pressure on us playing the extra bloke through the middle of the field," Zig Zag captain Ben Kelly said.
"Full credit to Souths. They were behind most of the game and they're a quality side and one of those teams that will probably be up there in the top four."
SOUTHS 3 (Chris Hanrahan 2, Jono Cole) defeated LITHGOW ZIG ZAG 2 (Chris Bennett, Zac Sharp)