Ladies League Hockey 28/11/09

Middlesex Premier

ASHFORD 1st XI 0 v HAMPSTEAD & WESTMINSTER 3rd XI 0

Once again the Ladies first team squad were depleted due to continuing injuries (NICKY BENEDICT & ANNIE NEYTON), three regulars being unavailable (LUCY UTTLEY, KELLY TAYLOR and LOU DOUGLAS), and poor availability throughout the other Ladies sides. This left coach MANDY WAIN with only eleven players to face Hampstead & Westminster third team, at Short Lane on Saturday. Included in the squad for her Premier League full debut was young, versatile defender BRYONY SMITH and making a farewell cameo performance, was former skipper STACEY KENWARD. Second team striker MARIA CAVILLA was also given another run out up front. Despite, the lack of numbers and experience in the squad, the eleven Ashford players grafted well from the start and although a few players were in different positions to normal, some fast, flowing hockey was played. The visitors also played some fluent hockey and both sides were striving hard to find the opening goal as the exciting first half progressed. The deadlock could not be broken by either side though and the score line remained at 0-0 until half time.

After the interval the pattern of play remained the same, with both teams playing some fine, flowing hockey. Youngster BRYONY SMITH was playing extremely well on her debut as were all the Red & Black players, especially STACEY KENWARD who didn’t look ring rusty despite her lack of games this season. Prompted well by stalwart defenders SOPHIE SMART, EMMA HYNES and skipper PHIL WORSFOLD, Ashford did secure a short corner and made numerous forays on the Hampstead & Westminster goal in second half, but stalwart defending by the visitors kept the threatening Ashford forwards at bay and the score remained goal less until the end of the game. Hard working midfielder JACQUI BASHFORD was voted Ashford’s player of the match, in a game where coach MANDY WAIN was pleased by the effort shown by all eleven Red & Black players.

Next Saturday Ashford Ladies only have to make the short journey to Teddington to face Teddington Ladies 3rd XI. Hopefully the Red & Blacks will have more regular squad players available to play in what will be their last League game before the Christmas break, against the team currently three places above them in the League. It will be a tough game, but if the Red & Blacks can play with the same conviction and effort as they did in this match, then they should secure at least a League point and hopefully another win.

Team: S. Grant (GK), E. Hynes, S. Smart, B. Smith, P. Worsfold (Skipper), A. Protheroe, E. Sibia, M. Cavilla, S. McGinley, S. Kenward, J. Bashford