Ladies 2nd XI Match Report
Potters Bar Ladies 2nd XI v Berkhamsted and Hemel Hemstead 1st XI
05 March 2011 | by Sarah Withers
Once Upon a Time…….Waking up before 9am on the weekend is not a regular occurrence for some, however PBHC’s 2nd XI had to so on this dry but chilly Saturday to face Berkhamsted and Hemel Hempstead at home. With a strong defensive 11 Bar were ready to face a team that they had lost to two weeks previously.
The game got off to a fast start, however the fast start was for the opposition and they were quickly camped in our half. Despite the early break Bar defended well, thanks to solid tackles from Ruth Spencer and clear guidance from Glenys Chiswell. Despite the great defending and occasional breaks towards the oppositions goal, BHHHC finally broke through and scored a weak goal. Not letting this get the better of them, Bar continued to make breaks however BHHHC’s undeniably better fitness kept getting the better of them. Another attempt of goal had Bar thinking they were 2-0 down for a split second before it was disallowed as the striker had been playing the wrong sport having booted the ball at goal. A strike from captain Esther Strous looked as if it was going in but rebound off the left post and both teams watched the ball roll off the sideline dumbstruck at the very near miss.
Uplifting half-time speeches from a variety of players gave Bar added confidence and a change of formation meant that Bar got off to a reasonable start with all players marking the opposition closely. Although BHHHC had more possession Bar put on the pressure by regularly breaking through their defences and taking the ball up the wing. Strong passes from Strous and Lorraine Gallagher reached the forwards, Sam Bowen and Sarah Withers on a regular basis which kept BHHHC on their toes. Whilst on a break, a BHHHC player collided with Helen Stovin which resulted in a jarred neck and a quick substitution to keep Bar from going down to 10 players.
Bar fought well throughout the second 35minutes with it ending with no goals scored and a much closer scoreline than the last game against BHHHC.
This match report would not be complete without mentioning the phenomenal teas put on by Liz Finding who produced enough spaghetti bolognaise to feed an army. Some very happy, very full hockey players in the clubhouse.
Man of the match: Louise Allmark – well deserved for her continuous surges upfront and from the midfield.
Wooden spoon: Shelley Farmer – for having a stress fracture and being unable to play.
Final Score: Potters Bar 0 - 1 Berkhamsted and Hemel Hemstead
Goal Scorers:
Team: Glenys Chiswell, Ruth Spencer, Helen Stovin, Lorraine Gallagher, Esther Strous, Michelle Lewis, Liz Finding, Louise Allmark, Sarah Withers, Sam Bowen
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