Womens 4 Vs Cambridge South 6

And so, this Saturday started like any other, a 10am home match for the Ladies 4s. Except it didn’t, as the 4s were a bit bemused when they got to the pitch and the opposition had stolen their dugout!! How cheeky!!

The match was against Cambridge South 6s, and the ladies were keen for another victory. But perhaps a warning to the 4s should have been taken from the dugout stealing, as the match was to end with a similar feeling of thievery. The game welcomed back Callie Wicks, who provided a tremendous boost to the midfield, and a new face amount the crowd, Becca Creasey.

St Neots started the first half keenly with some good defensive play, linking up with midfield to provide balls to the forwards. Neither side had many chances towards goal, but Fiona Humphrey only needed one. About halfway through the first half, a cracking cross from the right from Iris Fearing into the D, found Fiona in just the right sweet spot to firmly plant the ball in the back of the net. One goal up and St Neots were on a roll. Or so they thought….

This was to be a game though where St Neots struggled to find a consistent rhythm due to the type of game being played, and this affected their ability to counteract their opposition. Towards the end of the 1st half, Cambridge South picked up their game. The onslaught was heavy, and Steph Simpson was kept very busy with some phenomenal goalkeeping. Bridget Bickley was playing a blinder of a match, and had a very hairy moment on the goal line, which she dealt with admirably. However, it was not to be enough as Cambridge South continued coming and eventually got past, finding their first goal. The 1st half ended level pegging, one a piece.

After a good half time talk, St Neots were on the hunt for their second goal, but things did not go to plan. The 4s found the opposition difficult to read and control due to their type of play. Callie Wicks, Elizabeth Russel, Cerys James and Captain, Alex Colby worked hard in midfield, trying to feed the ball up the pitch, but kept coming a cropper with the frantic play of the opposition.  Some excellent defending from Liz Owen, Anya Poole, Bridget Bickley, and particularly Mia Herbert, who was having a brilliant match, kept Cambridge South from scoring down the other end, but only for a time. Unfortunately, they continued to persist and eventually found their second goal. A further third controversial goal did come from Cambridge South after this. However, this provoked much discussion, and it was subsequently disallowed.

St Neots responded, continuing to move the ball up to the forwards. Chris Deeks worked hard, causing the opposition much bother in the D but not quite finding that goal she wanted. Iris Fearing and Becca Creasey could not find one either. And nor could Fiona Humphrey, with her attempt going agonisingly wide of the goal posts.

As the final whistle blew, St Neots put down their sticks, frustrated. It was not the match for them today. However, the team worked hard in tough circumstances. A special mention to Mia Herbert, who, in only her second match with the 4s, grew in confidence and played some really good hockey out in right defence. However, it was to be Steph Simpson who took home player of the match today, with her exceptional goalkeeping prowess.

Onwards and upwards 4s. We will get them back next time….