Canberra sides advance to the AHL semi-finals
Two teams, two semi-final appearances, one set of fingernails.
The Canberra Strikers and Canberra Lakers booked places in the Australian Hockey League semi-finals on the Gold Coast on Thursday - but the tale of how they got there could not have been more different.
The Strikers women's side advanced to the semi-finals with a thrilling 4-2 shootout win over South Australia.
A defensive grind turned into one of the most memorable games of the season when a 0-all draw at the end of play left a semi-final spot hanging in the balance.
The Strikers needed some stars to stand up, and it was Tina Taseska, Beckie Middleton, Naomi Evans and Edwina Bone with ice running through their veins to deliver the victory.
The quartet struck truly to give Canberra a pulsating win and set up a semi-final date with Queensland on Saturday at 12.30pm.
The news was just as good for the Canberra Lakers - although the men's side at least walked away with their fingernails after doing things comfortably.
A Glenn Turner-inspired Lakers outfit gifted Canberra a stunning 7-0 win over South Australia and paved the way for a grand final playoff appearance this Saturday.
Turner found the back of the net five times in one of the most remarkable individual displays of the AHL season to put Canberra within striking distance of the silverware.
The NSW Waratahs looked the more likely opponent as they cruised to a five-goal advantage over WA in their quarter-final, with the winner to meet the Lakers.
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