Evesham & Badsey Ladies 4 Gloucester Ladies 4ths 2
West Clubs Women’s Hockey League Severn Division Three
EVESHAM & Badsey Ladies were given their toughest test of the league season so far on Saturday but they had enough in the tank to see off the second placed visitors and extend their lead to six points.
With a 100 per cent record after 11 matches, E&B now have a golden chance to go on and win the title when the league campaign resumes on January 9 at Cirencester 3rds.
The Gloucester defence was very strong in the first ten minutes and the E&B forwards could not find a way through until a penalty corner against the visitors produced a fine goal from Karen Robinson from captain Laura Moore’s cross.
This enlivened the home team and good switching by the backs Fi Jordan, Alys Morgan and player of the match Amie Jabczynski fed the ball to Shelley Banner on the left wing and across to midfielder Ceri Speake, who fired home powerfully from the edge of the D to make it 2-0.
The Gloucester midfield then broke through the E&B defence and keeper Cheryl Keeley had to make some determined saves to thwart the visitors.
It was end to end play and shortly before half time Robinson scored her second goal following a strong, accurate cross from Lydia Webster.
The second half showed how evenly matched these two teams are as both teams conceded a number of penalty corners.
Gloucester scored a good goal soon after the break before the E&B attack responded with a fine cross from Banner which found Webster on the post to convert the hosts’ fourth goal.
There was continued disciplined play from the hosts including some great short passing between Banner and Moore on the left wing but in the final quarter the Evesham & Badsey D was crowded like a bunch of grapes and, despite some great defence from Jordan, Gloucester’s persistence was rewarded with a second goal.
