Ladies' 1s in convincing win against Cheltenham

Cheltenham made the relatively short journey east to face Oxford Hawks at BRN on a very cold and wet day. With only 2 points separating the teams at the start of the day, there was all to play for in what is a very tight league. Hawks started in top gear and delighted the home crowd when Caro Harris scored from a penalty corner. Minutes later, Hawks made it two goals from two corners as Tam Pascoe finished a well worked move. The second quarter was a different affair, with Cheltenham putting huge pressure on Millie Lane's goal, but outstanding defending from player of the match Bex Oakes, kept the score at 2-0 going into half time.

In the third quarter Cheltenham continued to push, and hit the Hawks post twice, but the home side killed the game off with a great move down the left. Emily Smith's strike was well saved by the keeper, but Lexi Newall was on hand to finish brilliantly with a first touch reverse stick strike into the corner of the goal. In the final quarter Sam Jacobs made it four as she smashed the ball into the roof of the net from the top of the D, but then the away side did get a goal back with a well taken finish on the break. Hawks had the last say however as Frankie Brown was left with a simple tap in after the Cheltenham keeper fumbled a cross.

Hawks now sit in second place in the table and will prepare for their away trip to Clifton on Saturday.

Thanks to Evelyn Hargreaves for the great photos in very trying weather.