Tamworth hockey: Tegan Risk scores double to fire Flames to two goal win over South United

The former Sydneysider was five when she was introduced to the sport that would be a big part her life for the better part of the next 20-plus years.

Now suiting up for Flames in the Tamworth women's first grade competition, Risk on Sunday showcased the talent that saw her pull on the NSW blue as a junior and get an opportunity with the Northern Territory to play in the country's premier competition - the AHL, scoring a double and setting up their third as they beat South United 3-1.

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She was devastating in a bit of space, burning Souths on multiple occasions with her pace.

It is by her own admission, probably her biggest asset.

The midfielder was a welcome addition for Flames last season after work opportunities had brought her to Tamworth at the start of the year.

Prior to that the gym manager at Advance Fitness, had spent two years travelling around Europe.

"I lived in London for two years and just travelled around; it was an amazing experience," Risk said.

It's something the 27-year old said she had always wanted to do.

"I've always wanted to experience more than just Australia and different cultures," she said.

For someone who had lived in the city most of her life, moving to Tamworth was a bit of a change.

"It's a lot slower, but I found a good group of friends and found a job that I really like so it kind of kept me here," she said.

"And then I obviously love playing for Flames as well. They're a good bunch of girls and Baz (Barrie Pritchard) is an awesome coach."

One of Flames' best last season, while only three rounds in, Risk said she feels like she is playing better this year.

Last year was her first season back for a couple of years.

She didn't play while she was overseas feeling like she needed a bit of a break.

"Having those two years off and then coming back last year I didn't feel like I was playing up to my standard," she said.

Sunday was a tight tussle, Risk putting Flames ahead 2-1 midway through the third quarter with a brilliant individual effort.

Souths had a few opportunities from corners to hit back but Flames held them out.

Risk then blazed her way through the Souths defence at a similar point in the final quarter before laying the pass off to Ruby Spark to give them a two-goal buffer.

"It was a handy win for us," Pritchard said.

He said they had a lot of possession in the first half but were probably a bit lethargic. But they picked up in the second half.

In the other round three clashes Waratahs edged out Tudor Wests 1-nil and Olympians and Services played out a 0-all draw.

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