Leighton Buzzard 4th XI v South Herts 2nd XI

11th October 2008

An early, foggy, start saw South Herts travelling to Leighton Buzzard. Starting the game on a surprisingly sunny pitch with only 8 players, South Herts, having won the toss, played an attacking game from the start. With early forays into the opposition D, South Herts failed to capitalise on this strong start... however the team went from strength to strength. Within 10 minutes South Herts finally had a full complement of players and continued thier attack. Leighton Buzzard struggled to break into South Herts half, only managing to get the ball out of their defending half several times but strong defending by Clare Pollit, Nic Holland, Karen Lawson and debutee Cerys Chiswell, South Herts quashed any fears of Leighton Buzzard scoring. South Herts continued the first half with attack after attack from both the forward line and midfield. Frustratingly shots from Chris Field, Michelle Lewis, Esther Strous, Rebecca Partridge and Nic Holland all failed to find the back of the net.

The second half saw more of the same, South Herts played some strong hockey with lovely passing, team work and communication. With goal scoring opportunies galore, South Herts were unfortunate to go 1-0 down following a surprising breakthrough from Leighton Buzzard. Not disheartened South Herts continued their attack just as strongly and before long a short corner saw South Herts 2nd XI score thier first goal of the season, injected by Chris Field, struck with lovely composure by Esther Strous the ball hit the back board with a satisfying thud. However the game took a more even tone with Leighton Buzzard even getting the upper hand for a while and South Herts conceded another goal. Again South Herts fought on failing to put away the ball, a strong strike from Esther Strous going wide of the post, a clearance off the line by a Leighton Buzzard defender dashed hopes of captain Michelle Lewis' first league goal following some strong stick work beating 2 defenders and the keeper and even youngster Charlotte Sayers got in on the action nearly sneaking in a goal on the post. Unfortunately Leighton Buzzard managed to score another goal following a lapse in the midfield leaving the defense overrun with attacking players. South Herts picked up their game and some lovely team work showed more shots on goal, alas that second goal still eluded the South Herts team, that was until Chris Field found the back board following a pass from Rebecca Partridge. Unfortunately a weary South Herts failed to find the net one last time ending the game 3-2 down, again the score failed to give credit to a great team effort in what was a very exciting, action packed game with a performance the team should be proud of and continue to build on.

Man of the match went to young Charlotte Sayers following a outstanding performance in the midfield during the second half, with strong tackling, lovely passing, positioning and team work. A young player continually improving... well done!!!

Goals: Esther Strous, Chris Field