Ladies Masters through to Round 2 of the EH Trophy

Ladies Masters 5-3 Wildkatz Masters

Goals: Emma Cooper, Lou Harte, Trudy Royer, Nikki Stringer, Jan Sanders.

A local derby was drawn for the first round of the Ladies Masters tournament with local Northampton sides Saints against Wildkatz at Moulton College.

Saints took an early advantage with the conversion of a short corner in the first 5 minutes through the accuracy of Emma Cooper.  Wildcatz were organised in their attack and despite Saints having their faithful backline on pitch in the shape of Winnie, Claire Dale and Liz Hone, Wildkatz scored to bring the game level.  With both teams getting plenty of attacking opportunities, Lou Harte picked up a pass on the top of the D and deftly nut-megged the Wildkatz keeper to bring Saints back into the lead.  The opposition continued to press Saints defence and a 2nd goal was awarded shortly before half time.

A half time reminder to shorten passes and keep shape paid off with an early goal from Trudy Royer after a scramble in front of the keeper.  A return goal from Wildkatz did not distract Nikki Stringer who scored a miraculous goal from an acute angle off the back line.  Cracking defence and quick passes from man of the match Liz Hone soon gave Saints the chance to close out the game with a clever goal by Jan Sanders who was perfectly positioned to pick up loose ball in front of the keeper.  

This may have been Masters hockey, but the knitting was definitely left at home.