JUNIORS LOSE OUT TO WESPEN
Leicester's young players took part in an exciting out of season match with German side Wespen from Berlin on Wednesday night. From the off, Leicester carried the game to the German girls who are over here to watch the Women's Champions Trophy in Nottingham. Leicester took the lead early on from a penalty corner, Lizzie Honarmand picking up a rebound to crash the ball into the net. The Germans came straight back and Leicester looked uncertain. A misplaced pass and anxious defending let a player through for a bobbling shot that keeper Caitlin Jeffries was disappointed to concede. She redeemed herself well with some excellent stops, especially one where when prone she flashed up her left hand to glove a certain goal away.
Leicester looked strongest when carrying the game to Wespen. Direct running from Honarmand, Emily Burgwin (advanced into a centre half role) and Abbie McArthur was causing the Germans problems. From another good Leicester attack the ball broke to the hard working Abi Lester who slotted home to give Leicester a deserved 2-1 interval lead.
The German girls really stepped up the pace at the start of the second half and Leicester's defence worked overtime to keep them out with Jeffries making some good stops. Steph Mason took over in goal for the last 25 minutes and she too made some excellent saves before being powerless to stop a reverse stick piledriver from Wespen's star player, Primus. Leicester still threatened on the break but began to tire with just one field substitute and the Germans took advantage to crack a third.
The game was a great example of both club's high quality young players and we now look forward to an opportunity to visit Berlin in 2011 for a return match. Following the experience for some of Barcelona at New Year this was another opportunity for Leicester's young players to tackle Europe's best.
Thanks are due to Jane and Phil Jelley for umpiring and managing, Lawson Williams for extensive driving and Steve Margetts for organising the food.
Squad: C. Jeffries, S.Mason, K.Mason, C.Simpson, A. Johnson, H.Starkey, A.Stephenson, A.McArthur, E.Burgwin, L.Honarmand, C.Margetts, A.Lester, C.Willis.