Women play hard

Press, 18 June 1979, Page 19

Women play hard

The match of the day in the ninth round of .the senior; womens’ hockey competition was between Harewood and Woolston. Spectactors saw some exciting play. Both sides looked certain to score on several occasions but last-minute defence kept the goals intact. Cranmer and University also played a scoreless draw, although Cranmer did everything except put the ball in University’s net. Burnside was too strong for Digbys. and Carlton straggled against Linwood United until the’ late stages of their match before; winning comfortably. Results; Woolston 0, Harewood 0. Cranmer 0, University 0 Burnside 8, Digbys 0. Carlton 4, Linwood/United 1. ; Points: Burnside 16. Carlton 14J Woolston 13, Harewood 12. Cran-j mer 8. Digbys. Linwood United' and University 3. Harewood v. Woolston The game started at a fast pace which was maintained to the final w’histle. Both defences were forced to turn quickly by long, raking passes, particularly in the second half. Woolston, never a side to hold the ball, spread play constantly and Harewood was hard pressed in the first-half to match Woolston. In the second-half Harewood’s forwards began to link better, but there were large gaps between the forwards and defence on defence. Woolston had no such problems. and its attacks were generally more dangerous, all five for-

wards participating, while Harewood’s efforts were mainly solo. Wooistons penalty-corners were always dangerous and Harewood's goal-keeper, Jenny Hamilton, was undoubtedly Harewood’s player of the day. Her stopping of some of Woolston’s crashing shots drew applause. Harewood, in turn, had one period early in the second-half when it seemed sure to score at least twice, but Woolston’s defence held. Woolston’s right-back. Chris i MacAuley. had a fine game, leading her team by example; a feat ■ which similarly applied to Ann McKenna at centre-half for Harewood. Burnside v Digbys Digbys young side was outplayed for much of its game againis the leading team. It faced ■an awful task trying to contain (Players who make more experienced oppositions look mediocre. Leading 4-0 at half-time with : goals from Judith Phillips (2) and jAdrienne Alleway (2), Burnside had had its defence tested spiritedly b\ Digbys. In the second half, goals came from Misses Phillips, Alleway, Jane Earnshaw and Christine Smith. In goal for Digbys, Beth McEachen, revelled in the constant pressure she was under. She gave an admirable display. Cranmer v University Cranmer spent most of the game in University’s territory, apart from the first 10 minutes of the second-half, when University launched a series of attacks. Several corners were conceded, but Cranmer's defence copsd confidently and University's forwards lacked enough aggression to utilise their scoring chances. Cranmer’s forwards executed some excellent passing moves, particularly between the left- ; wing Nicky Sheriff, and the in-side-left. Barbara Roper. Miss Sheriff was her team’s spearhead and was always dangerous. At left-half, Vicki Burtt constantly fed the forwards and supported them on attack. University’s right-half. Sally McGregor, and right-back, Anna Wickham, steadily faced Cranmer’s attacking forwards and trapped and tackled confidently.

Had University’s inside forwards been willing to run the ball in the space they had, the game would have been more even The? showed a tendency to get rid of the ball immediately they received it. despite the fact that their fellow forwards were well marked. Carlton v Linwood/United Although the score indicates a clear win to Carlton, this was not the case until the late stages of the game. Carlton scored first [very late in the first spell. The centre-forward. Maureen Darch. dribbled past several defenders and trickled the ball into the goal. Linwood began the secondhalf strongly and the insideright, Margaret O'Brien, scored from close range. Carlton seemed to find in its opponent's goal the impetus its game needed, and the replacement in-side-left. Gail Edgar, immediately put her team ahead The right-wing, Lorraine La;ngan, handily picked up a rebound to widen the gap On full-time, the inside-right. Isobel Knight scored with a firm shot. For Linwood the left side defence of Lyn Wilson and Robyne Rosevear played steadily. Very little play took place on Calrton's left and Linwood's right flanks.