Match Reports from Saturday 15th October

Ladies 1st XI 3-7 Hampstead

Goals: Millie Denton, Chloe Cozens, Dani Hagan

Another week another battle. There were mixed feelings in the squad after the match, with saints finally converting more of their opportunities but still finding themselves disappointed with the outcome. This could be a positive, in that they now feel not only do they deserve to be in the league, they deserve to score and win.

Saints let in two early goals in the first ten minutes putting them on the back foot from the start. With two penalty corners won in the first half by Hampstead they performed very slick strikes to further their lead. Saints had some great attacking play and put pressure on the Hampstead defence. Some super play by Dani Hagan weaving around 3 players and then selflessly slipping the ball to Millie Denton for saints first goal. At moments like this Saints made it look easy and very much like they could do more. Not long before half time Saints won a penalty corner, a quick huddle at the top then action. An accurate strike by Lucy Chacksfield saw the ball deflected in by Chloe Cozens. The score at half time was 2:4. The second half had continued waves of attack at both ends. The highlight of the second half came from the umpire doing a gymnastics display onto the floor. His superman moment brought ooohhs from the crowd and giggles once it was seen he was alright. Another penalty corner win by the opposition saw the score line stretch, but at no point did this slow the pace or effort from Saints. Their willingness to battle to the end will see them in good stead for the rest of the season. Another fantastic weaving run, midway through the second half, from Dani put her on the score sheet and again demonstrated the possibility of future victories if consistency can be found. Training from Mr Dowson came to the fore this week when captain Dani momentarily confused sports and shoved her opponent a little too enthusiastically, although it may have been an equal battle throughout the game, only Dani was shown the yellow card and had a brief spell on the naughty step/step of reflection!  There are a number of matches ahead that saints should target but they are looking more coordinated and determined than ever.