Ladies' 1s come to grief against Gloucester

The Ladies 1s faced Gloucester on Saturday optimistic of a good performance, but they struggled to get out of first gear. Gloucester, unbeaten all season, showed why they are tough to beat with some exceptional defending combined with constant pressure on the Hawks players all over the pitch. Gloucester's first goal came from a Hawks penalty corner - where Caro Harris's shot was well saved and cleared to a Gloucester player, who started a fast break which ended in a goal at the other end. Gloucester added another moments later making the score 2-0 at half time.

The first five minutes of the second half were disastrous for Hawks, conceding a third after only a minute and then another with a top class reverse stick strike from the top of the D. A huge mountain to come back from, but Hawks then picked up their performance and to their credit continually pushed forward, with Katie Lowe coming close at the far post midway through the half. Poppy Webb was on very good form throughout, showing good strong receipt on the ball despite huge pressure from Gloucester. However Hawks were unable to make any breakthrough and to their disappointment went away empty handed.

Thanks to Evelyn Hargraves for the photos.