Colchester 4 Bourne 1

Division 1N Colchester 4 Bourne 1

COLCHESTER produced a strong home performance to beat Bourne 4-1 in the NE14Hockey sponsored East League, Division 1 North on Saturday.

The home side made a determined start to the game, pressurising every Bourne pass which resulted in the visitors being camped in their own half for much of the early play. Colchester took an early lead when Karen Harris reacted first to a Lucy Struth shot, managing to deflect the ball past the keeper. Colchester continued to press and Bourne found it increasingly difficult to get the ball through the Colchester players. The home side doubled their lead when a slick short corner routine was neatly finished off by Helen Wall. A further short corner routine provided Colchester with their third goal after Angela Cook deflected in Helen Barnes' shot. Bourne managed to pull a goal back just before half time to take the side's in with Colchester leading 3-1.

The second half was more difficult for Colchester as Bourne pushed forward and created a number of opportunities. Alice Addison remained strong on her defensive short corner duties, while Anna Foley controlled the midfield to keep Bourne at bay. Colchester finished with a flourish and were rewarded with a fourth shortly before time, as Lucy Struth struck the ball past the keeper after some fine individual skill.

A solid performance all round, which finally kick started the Colchester season.