Report from Jo Price
The temperature had dropped for our first 8.30 pushback but the play remained hot. For the first time we were only able to muster13 players but were boosted to the full 14 by Sofia Martin who had been helping out with the U14 training and was keen to join our number.
The score suggests a relatively one-sided game. Although player for player we were a better team the visitors, they played strong, old-school hockey and were hard to break down at the back and it took us some time to find our way through. I confess that I cannot remember the order of the goals scored but the majority of play during the first half took place in their defensive half with debutant Tabs Collier, aided by Sofia, Megan and Dora commanding the midfield and creating regular opportunities for our forward line to convert. It was to the credit of their defence that we ended the first half only 2-0 ahead. At this point, Lynn Bryden, having run herself to a standstill around the forward line, came off with a back injury and we were back to 13.
After a half-time discussion we decided to aim for two-touch hockey and, for the first 15 minutes of the second half we produced some sublime movement all around the pitch which brought shouts of delight from our spectators on the verandah. Our top scorer Ella Duthie added two more to her healthy haul ,with Megan, Tabs, Sofia and Vic also finding the back of the net. However, Harpenden were not done continuing to defend well and look for ways to break through our midfield. Hotshots defence, who had been fairly redundant, during the middle of the half and were feeling a little chilly were now pressed into action during the last quarter and Harpenden’s persistent attack enabled them to force two short corners which they duly converted and provided them with a reasonable return for their evening’s efforts.
Another good performance , winning streak maintained and we are now TOP OF THE TABLE – hurray!
Next up the tasty prospect of Ham and West – who have been top for the last month.