100% RECORD FOR 1STS
Leicester 1sts continued the good start to the season with a 3-1 win away at Brooklands Poynton (the artist formerly just known as Poynton).
Poynton managed only two incursions into Leicester's circle in the first half as Leicester bombarded the Poynton goal but a loss of concentration in defence led to the home side taking a shock 1-0 lead.
There was no let up in the Leicester raids with Hannah MacLeod in exceptional form and it was she who finished after a Leicester short corner had pinballed around the Poynton circle. 1-1 at half time but it was not long before Leicester took the lead. Good work by Beckie Herbert saw the ball moved wide, a fine delivery into the circle meant that Katie Long just had to slide the ball home. Leicester's 3rd came from the penalty spot. MacLeod was dealt with crudely again by the home defence and the umpire, probably fed up of giving frees and pcs for barging stick tackling and general 'stop 'em whatever' tactics, gave a stroke. Jennie Bimson, as the Leicester player least unhappy at the idea of taking a stroke, stepped up and converted well. The Poynton keeper continued to have a stormer for the rest of the game and the game ended 3-1.
This Sunday, the side faces a big task taking on another undefeated side in Reading who, thanks to England Hockey's positioning at Bisham Abbey, have gained Kate Walsh, Beth Storry, Alex Danson and our own former star Helen Richardson. It will be strange seeing Hels in anything but Leicester kit but she will get a warm welcome for the game at Leicester Grammar at 12.30.
Leicester, thanks to England Hockey bureaucracy when players have been guesting for clubs overseas, may still be missing Crista Cullen and Chloe Rogers. Cullen played for Natal in South Africa for some of last season and Rogers played one weekend for a club in New Zealand but both have to jump through various form-filling hoops made more complicated by postal services' action. Surely EH know them both to be bona fide Leicester players? Don't they want England's best players in regular club hockey action? Don't answer that one.
Elsewhere in the club, Leagues got underway. The 2nds began with a 2-2 draw against Towcester. Former 1st team player Kate Sharland looked very sharp but Towcester led 2-0 at half time; slack marking on the first one and dodgy umpiring on the second. They fought back well, however, to draw 2-2 and that fighting attitude needs to be in evidence from the start on Saturday away to Bedford.
The 3rds, looking to put a poor season in Midlands Conference behind them, opened up with a 7-1 win against Lutterworth 2nds in Leicestershire Premier. Youngster Carmen Simpson notched 3 and Sandy Yeates 2. With the surprise departure of a promising triallist keeper, coach Sarah Treanor has donned kit again to keep goal for the 3rds. They host Melton on Saturday at LGS.
The 4ths, struggling to field a side due to absence, injury and illness (yes in the first match of the season) fielded 7 players with no Premier League experience. The team gelled well and was always on top against a rugged Half Century side. A goal in each half from player-coach Gaynor Nash settled things while 13 year old Jess Honarmand was judged Player of the Match. The 4ths travel to play Charnwood/Sileby this Saturday.
The 5ths start their campaign this Saturday when they entertain Roundhill at LGS.
Also in action this weekend will be the Leicester u18 side which follows the 1sts onto the water for a 2.30 game on Sunday. Your support would be appreciated.