England Hockey Under 18 Cup
Third Round
Canterbury U18 5 Chelmsford U18 2
THE U18 girls faced the Canterbury girls in wet, overcast weather at Canterbury today in what proved to be a very tough match.
The game started evenly with the first short corner to Canterbury after six minutes saved on the line by Rosie Patterson. Canterbury began to exert pressure in the Chelmsford half for the next period with two breakaway opportunities saved by Lucy Stuchfield with strong defending from Jess Ecott.
Play flowed evenly until the first goal for Canterbury at 21 minutes, in spite of a good a Chelmsford short corner and goal scoring chances through Jenny Elias and Kate Maxey. Canterbury continued to press and their second goal came after 31 minutes from quick open play. Chelmsford rallied immediately and scored the second of two short corners just before half time.
The second half started excellently with goal from the first Chelmsford short corner after one minute. The score was level only for a minute, however, as Canterbury scored from a very good, sideline run and cross into the D. Chelmsford had a number of good chances with at least two shots on goal saved and for many periods of the second half Canterbury were under pressure. Our defence and midfield worked tirelessly and contained much of Canterbury's attacking play but Canterbury upped their tempo and work rate throughout the rest of the half and scored two further goals from short corners.
The team deserve praise for a good performance which, at half time, could have ended with a win. Everyone played well but Canterbury proved to be a stronger team overall and deserved the win. We wish them well in the next round.
The result means that we have left the Cup this year after only two rounds, which is hugely disappointing; however with the indoor tournaments looming and plenty of league hockey to play, our U18 girls still have lots to contribute and achieve in 2010.
Squad: Kate Maxey, Natalie Davis, Harriet Price, Hannah Newton, Isobel Hare, Rosie Patterson, Jess Ecott, Kathryn Ecott, Jenny Elias, Jocasta Staines, Katherine Roberts, Lucy Stuchfield, Georgia Herron.
Coaches: Rosie Maxey and Simon Price
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