Most hockey followers believed Regals would possess too much strike power for Souths, even though it was without its representative stars Estelle Hughes and Mel Greer.

But the Lions roared despite being without outstanding striker Mariah Williams and defensive stalwart Kodie Wakefield.

Perhaps it was from watching her sister play for the NSW under-18 side in the national championships that inspired Maddy Williams to produce the defensive game of the season, which along with a remarkable and tenacious performance by goalkeeper Ashley Bailey, lifted the underdogs to an outstanding win.

Both players have stamped themselves as outstanding prospects for this year's State League team.

First-half goals to Mel Howard and Maddy Webster had Souths in front at half-time but, with 65 per cent of possession, Regals fought back through former international Shelly Mitchell.

In fact, Mitchell, along with representative strikers, Cindy Peady, Katie Logan and teenager Sophie Robinson, threw every attacking play on offer at the South's line but failed to net an equaliser.

Souths now leads the competition as the only unbeaten team after four rounds.

In other matches, Ashley Cocking led the 2011 premiers Central to a hard fought but uninspiring 1-0 win against an improving University.

The University team is taking time to determine its best line-up after an influx of new players this season.

Central's only goal came from a penalty corner netted by captain Kasey Cocking.

Tigers kept its premiership hopes alive with a 3-1 win against Oxfords.

Oxfords struggled to find the rhythm required to launch attacking raids.

Ernie Johnson