A SECOND-half goal from Kaylene Osbourne has seen Souths escape with a 3-2 win over Olympians on Sunday.
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Both sides started the game strongly with both midfields working hard to prevent the other from having a major impact.
In the first half tussle, both sides found ways to score and apply scoreboard pressure on the other.
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However, a change in attacking strategy from Souths coach Hayden Lewin saw his side score late in the first half to level the scores at the break.
"We made a decision at the start to try and stretch our attack and create more space for our midfield to work in," Lewin told the Leader.
"This seemed to work and the team were able to transition from defence into attack more effectively than in past weeks.
"This created more goal scoring opportunities for us."
The struggle between the two sides continued after half time with both sides missing chances to take the lead.
However, some quick play and a strike from Osbourne saw Souths get over the line.
"I thought that Souths and Olympians put on a high- quality, gutsy, exciting game," Lewin said.
"Both teams had a lot of quality players returning and this showed."
Lewin said Olympians' more experienced players proved tough for his charges to stop.
"Emily Chaffey and Kate Reynolds were very strong for them and we had to work hard to limit their impact," he said.
"Our girls certainly worked very hard and it paid off with a win."
Lewin said his side's defensive efforts were the catalyst for the team's victory.
"Defensively I thought our strikers worked hard trying to stop Olympians out letting," he said.
"Our short corner defence was also good.
"Amber Witney forced a lot of turnovers and was always threatening in attack.
"Meg Abbott at the back made a lot of good passes out of defence."
Playing with a full-strength team, Lewin said the work of the midfield could not be underestimated.
"Vanessa Harwood, Kaylene Osbourne and Tayla King were great for us in the midfield," he said.
"Personally, I was very happy with how the team played, and it is good to see what the team is capable of when we are at full strength."
In Sunday's other Tamworth Hockey Association women's first grade game, Waratah's and Wests played out a thriller.
Much like the earlier clash between Souths and Olympians, the late game came down to the wire with Waratah's also scoring a 3-2 victory.