Potters Bar 2nd XI v Enigma XI

3rd October 2009

Potters Bar Ladies 2nd team began their second game of the season on Saturday hosting a team who has been climbing the league tables each season, carrying the apt name Enigma.

Bar started a midday push back on a real blustery day, which sent the sand soaring along the astro turf, and the wind making it hard to hear one another on the pitch. Bar confident after last week's win had a frustrating start as it was clearly evident that Enigma were a stronger team. Knowing that 2 players on the oppositions’ side had county experience did not crush Bar’s improving hockey. The first goal came from a lovely passing play from Esther Strous, to Shelley Farmer, using Kerry McCann for a one-two touch into Sarah Withers, who then sent the ball across the ‘D’ for Chris Field to convert.

The opposition who had a strong centre forward made desperate attempts to convert for themselves. But with counter attacking play from Bar, McCann had an attempt on goal which was saved by their keeper. Enigma soon repaid the favour but unfortunately scored making the score 1-1 at the end of the first half.

After switching ends and with the wind now in our faces, Enigma’s striker flicked the ball at our goal, which was denied from an awesome high stick save by keeper Glenys Chiswell.

Despite some great defensive channelling from mid field players into Ashleigh Rouse strong stick in left back, the game seemed to be leaning in the away side's favour. However, a difficult subbing decision helped Rouse play a strong pass into Withers who despite being stick tackled, won a foul that allowed her to carry the ball into the ‘D’ who struck the ball at a tight angle giving the team our 2nd goal.

The final score was 2 - 1 to Potters Bar which was a well earned performance giving the team 6 points out of a possible 6 at the start of the season. Bar is looking forward to play their first away game against Hertford 3rd IX next Saturday.

Team: Glenys Chiswell (K), Esther Strous (captain), Charlotte Sayers, Michelle Lewis, Ashleigh Rouse, Claire Pollitt, Jenny Milne, Katy Francis, Shelley Farmer, Sarah Withers (vice), Kerry McCann, Alison Dale, Michelle Niblett, Chris Field, Sarah Gower.

Lady of the Match: (voted by players) was a tie between Ashleigh Rouse, Sarah Withers and Esther Strous.

Goal Scorers: Chris Field and Sarah Withers