A 3-1 LOSS to Western Australia put the final nail in the coffin of Tasmania’s Australian Hockey League title defence.

Glenn Freeman’s men took on the Thundersticks in Darwin knowing a two-goal win, combined with Queensland defeating Victoria in the late fixture, could still earn a spot in the final and keep alive their hopes of a second straight title.

But the Tigers paid the price for some sloppy penalty corner routines, squandering a host of chances against a side far more ruthless in front of goal.

Tom Wickham’s 12th-minute field goal was wiped out when Jack Welch took advantage of some good approach play by Kieron Arthur and Jeremy Edwards.

But Chris Bausor smashed home a penalty corner on the stroke of half-time to restore WA’s lead.

Tassie captain and Kookaburras regular Eddie Ockenden was denied by Thundersticks keeper Tyler Lovell and the Tigers also struck the frame of the goal as the Pool B winners led a charmed life.

Lovell continued to frustrate the Tigers as Aran Zalewski orchestrated the contest allowing Tim Bates to fire home another penalty corner at the start of the final term.

Having crept into the final four with back-to-back four-goal wins over South Australia and New South Wales, Tasmania failed to register a win in the second phase but had the consolation of scoring in every fixture.

The Tigers will play off for third place at 6pm on Friday.

In the women’s competition in Sydney, the Tassie Van Demons will play-off for seventh place after a disappointing 2-1 loss to South Australia.

First-half penalty corner goals to Charlotte Van Bodegom and Karri McMahon put the Suns in control with Madeleine Hinton pulling back a 48th-minute field goal.

Captained by Jess Tremayne and coached by Ilene Carr, the Tassie team will play their final game at 1pm on Friday against Northern Territory, the team they beat 1-0 on Tuesday.