On a Day That Always Promised Fireworks

Today saw the first round of the EH Championship matches and Bury were drawn at home against Spalding Hockey Club. The Bury side included several players making their debut in this competition, and for many it was their first experience of a full 11 a-side match.. This wasn’t at all evident with Bury knuckling down to their task right from the off. An early goal for Daisy Alfred-Allen (following her goal for the ladies first team yesterday) settled the nerves and the girls started to play some good hockey. The defence, marshalled by goalkeeper Lara Hopewell-Plant, stuck to their task with Stella Wilkinson, Olivia Coe and Maddie Green looking strong. Francesca Konrath again turned in a powerful performance, contrary to her diminutive appearance.. Daisy scored again in the first half and the girls went into the break leading 2-1.

Random testing at the break showed nothing more sinister than Haribo overload for Bella Vendy and Zoe Troy following a pre-match all-nighter. No ill effects, both girls were full of running and performed superbly throughout the match.

The second half started well and Louisa Gooderham helped the ball into the goal having taken up some great attacking positions – 3-1 to Bury. Emily Fairs and Emma Boyle were now taking up some super positions out wide and helped the ball up the pitch to the strong forward line. Sophie Scarff found some space on a couple of occasions and was unlucky not to add to the goal tally. Then, against the run of play Spalding pulled a goal back from a short corner leaving a nervy last five minutes. However, Holly Reynolds, as ever full of running, made yet another foray into the Spalding D, this time finishing the move to give a well deserved winning scoreline of 4-2.

A huge thanks to Jet Konrath for her coaching, and also to Guy Robins for his umpiring and advice – as ever, it is greatly appreciated.

Post match teas were taken across the road at Culford Club with the highlight amongst a fine spread being the Wilkinson Rock Cakes – I can’t believe Prue Leith hadn’t tweeted about these earlier in the week – definitely a show-stopper!

The next round of this competition sees us away at Bedford in a couple of weeks time – further updates to be issued as and when I know more.