A tough but enjoyable game nets a point a piece

The match started very competitively, and it was quick to see this was a very different Ipswich 2's side from when we beat them 4-0 at home earlier in the season with a lot of new skilful juniors. After a couple of early runs into the Ipswich D, we conceded a PC on the break which they scored from a direct hit after a retake.

The match continued with end-to-end action, and great hockey skills shown from both sides. Unfortunately Ipswich got another goal on the break. We knew we would have to work hard to get back into it. After that there were several good attacking runs from Izzy Johnson, Lilia Payne, Dom Dyball and Heather Dunand but the Ipswich defence just about held up.

After half time, Bury were more in control and we were not giving the Ipswich players time or space to play the way they did in the first
half, making early interceptions, covering runs and frequently driving into the Ipswich D.

This work paid off with Dom Dyball scoring a nice angled drive to the far corner of the goal. More good work from Libby Stacey, Lottie Howard and Dom Dyball won a series of PCs, with Ari Dyball scoring with direct shot from the top of the D. Now we continued to push for a winner and were awarded a flick that was well saved by the Ipswich keeper.

It was a highly entertaining match which finished with a point each.

Submitted by Jon Payne