Ladies 1s take three points after fine display against Bath

Having lost their opening league match last week the ladies 1s were looking for their first points of the season. Spirits were high as they knew they had the performance in them but with a youthful Bath Buccs team ahead of them they knew it was going to be difficult.

The tempo from the opening whistle was high and it remained like this for the rest of the match. The first quarter came and went with both teams coming close but neither being able to convert. Some wise words from Andy to keep up the pace, Hawks came out the stronger of the two teams and put the Bath keeper under a lot of pressure which resulted in Hawks winning a short corner. A well worked routine and a good second phase saw Smithers flick the ball in the goal at the back post to put Hawks 1-0 up. Bath came back strong but some excellent defending all round kept the score 1-0 at half time.

The third quarter started much like the first with both teams pressing, Hawks looking to extend their lead and Bath looking to bring the scores level. But Hawks were playing well all over the pitch, with Becca Edwards on man-of-the-match form in the midfield. They held out the Bath forwards at the back and creating chances in the D. Unfortunately the forwards were unable to convert but the sustained pressure and numerous short corners looked promising. A magnificent save mid quarter from our young keeper Millie kept the score line at quarter time 1-0.

Hawks went into the final quarter knowing that Bath were going to throw everything they had at them as it was still a very close game. In the early stages of the quarter Hawks were put under a lot  pressure from Bath, as they had anticipated, but again everyone played their part and managed to successfully withstand the onslaught. Hawks then piled the pressure on the Bath defence and won a short corner which Caro calmly dispatched making the score 2-0 to Hawks. As the final minutes ticked by each team came close to scoring but neither side could convert. The final whistle blew and the ladies celebrated their thoroughly deserved win after a fantastic team effort all round.

Thanks to Evelyn Hargraves for the excellent photos.

Match report by Claire Werlinger.