Potters Bar V Chicksticks

Wednesday 21st April 2010

Potters Bar meeting Chicksticks, Broxbourne’s under 18 team who beat Bar on both occasions last summer, were hoping to keep their clean sheet after last week's victory over Cheshunt.

The Chicksticks had first push back, and it became apparent early on that Bar’s opponents were skilful young hockey players, making light work of beating Bar’s bewildered mid field early on. However, first team defender Claire Moore took the lead down the right flank, building great teamwork by containing these moments of genius from Chicksticks as Bar backed up each player making sure a team mate was there to pick up any lose ball and then distribute the ball back into attacking play. Both wingers Jo Spinks and Katy Francis got hold of the ball in the ‘D’, but both of their attempts were saved by the keeper.

Despite the determination of Anna Walker and Caroline Stanners in mid field, Chicksticks had a number of counter attacks, which surpassed Bar’s defence and left new Keeper and third team skipper Kelly Hutcherson in the firing line. Nonetheless, Hutcherson booted their attempts back in to Bar’s third with no forethought but to deny their chances.

The game seemed an even match, with Chicksticks flutters of talent versus Bar’s experience and dexterity. This soon became frustrating for Bar, but this did not dull their hunger to score, when first team skipper Caroline Partridge intercepted a long ball and powered up the centre. The whole team made good work spreading their players who were man marking them. Partridge’s flair stepped up a gear when she found space for herself in the scoring circle, smacking the ball at speed straight into the keeper. However, skipper Shelley Farmer swept the ball up after the rebound and hit the ball against the back board. Making the score 1 - 0 to Bar at half time.

A swap of ends and with the light gone, the flood lights saw the positive play from Bar continue with Caroline Stanners taking the ball in from the left and taking a hit from the off, but missing. Clare Rose had a good battle with Chicksticks captain in right mid, making her presence known and denying the majority of her advances down their wing.

Chicksticks had a 5 minute period when they earned a couple of short corners, but once again Hutcherson denied any conversion and Partridge made sure the ball was out of harms way. Up the other end the forward players made space for three different attempts from hungry Spinks, Stanners and Partridge.

It became end to end stuff with Chicksticks keen to grab a point from Bar. Although Esther Strous’s interceptions and Hutcherson’s saves denied any hope for the young side. It wasn’t long before Partridge once again drove the ball up from half way line into the attacking circle and lobbing the ball up passed the keepers puzzled left shoulder. Making the final score 2 - 0 to Bar, with Hutcherson keeping her clean sheet and earning another 3 points on the league table.

Umpire: Tony Sayers

Goal Scorers: Shelley Farmer and Caroline Partridge

Team: Kelly Hutcherson, Lorraine Gallagher, Esther Strous, Caroline Partridge, Claire Moore, Charlotte Sayers, Viki Ayres, Anna Walker, Jo Spinks, Shelley Farmer (Capt.), Clare Rose, Shefali Desai, Tracey Sayers, Katy Francis and Caroline Stanners