Womens 3 Vs Bourne Deeping Ladies 3

SNHC L3s came away with a 3-0 win on their first league game of the 21/22 season, following a great game of hockey against an evenly matched Bourne Deeping 3s on pitch, despite the unseasonable heat pushing both teams to the limit.

The scoreline failed to reflect Bourne’s determination and solid defending, with great marking of the Saints forwards and midfield throughout the game. But St Neots had that little extra when it came to goal attack. The 17 year old Bourne keeper saved over a dozen solid hits on goal by the Saints forwards, with Becky Roberts providing the majority of the shots through the game.

Both teams were fielding plenty of junior players, some in their first ladies league matches, but the inexperience failed to materialise in game-play. St Neots kept up the pressure with midfielders Poppy Presland, Sophie Gurnell and Claire Cooper moving the ball around, working hard in the heat to chase the Bourne attack. They provided 13 year old Ella Roberts, in her first league match, and Mum Becky with plenty of opportunities in the Bourne circle.

The first goal came midway through the first half with Claire picking up a rebound from one of Becky’s shots to slot it past the keeper. Bourne pushed for an equalizer, focused on attacking through their younger players, but St Neots defence was always in control. Player of the Match 14 year old Katie Pye, always a superb tackler, showcased her new skills in ball distribution, picked up through a summer of mixed league games, and ensured Saints keeper Tara Bell had little to do. She was supported by Andrea Pybus and Karen Sutton who both kept up the pressure on the Bourne forwards.

Saints went 2-0 up 14 mins into the second half with Becky Roberts making an unstoppable, hard, clean strike on goal at a short corner following an accurate injection from daughter Ella. Ella continued the pressure in the Bourne circle, often taking on two defenders by herself. At 20 minutes a run and cross from Julie Lewis straight into the Bourne circle found Becky Roberts who shot on goal, drawing out the keeper. Eleanor Masters was in the right place to pick up the rebounded pass from Becky and slotted it into the open goal. The match finished 3-0 to St Neots.