Bretforton Ladies 4 Newent Ladies 3
West Clubs Women’s Hockey League Premier Division 2A
AN EXEMPLARY 20-minute display in the first half of this amazing game on Saturday is what eventually secured Bret all three points in their first league game of the season.
The Pink Ladies simply outplayed the visitors and it was Hayley Whitehouse whose pass was picked up by captain Tess Lewinton, who pirouetted on her toes and slipped the ball past the keeper.
Before Newent could regain their composure, the same deadly duo were at it again as Whitehouse’s neat reverse stick pass found Lewinton, who again made no mistake in burying the ball into the back of the net.
Newent did get a goal back but it was to be Whitehouse’s half when she got her name on the scoresheet as a brilliant solo run ended in her firing the ball high at the keeper, who could only help fumble it over the line.
The second half started much the same as the first, with Bret on the up. The pinkies were awarded a short corner and Danni Cox’s ball beat the onrushing Newent defenders to find Whitehouse who was given enough time and space to enable her to pick her spot and tuck the ball away for her second of the match.
Newent, however, were not done yet. Proving why they came third in the league last season – a place below Bret – they will always fight and scrap for every point and this game was to be no exception as it was their turn to score two quickfire goals and pile the pressure on the Bret defence.
With still 15 minutes to play, it took good goalkeeping by player of the match Vicky Watkins and composure from right back Polly Christian to thwart Newent on several occasions.
Bretforton fought hard for these points and may not have a tougher game all season. Credit to Newent who never gave up and to both teams who did really well to cope with the new EHA discipline directives – as there was hardly a swear word to be heard!
Plonker of the match was Julie Hall and the match ball sponsor was Decorative Touches of Pershore Indoor Market.
On Saturday Bretforton visit City of Bath Ladies.