3rd YEAR OF INDOOR SEMI'S
Leicester Ladies have made it through to the Indoor Semi finals for the 3rd year on the trot. The Pukkas finished 3rd in the indoor league, which has set them up for an all Midland Semi final against Sutton Coldfield this Saturday night at Loughborough University.
After a great first weekend of indoor hockey before Christmas, Leicester recorded 2 wins, a draw and a loss, leaving the Pukkas in 5th position. Needing to finish 4th to make the semi finals, Leicester needed to capitalise in the second weekend of the league to secure a top 4 spot.
It was tricky opening 2 games of the second weekend against bottom sides Trojans and Harleston Magpies. Leicester found themselves 2-0 down inside the opening minutes against Trojans, but the strength, resilience and character of Leicester shone through and came out 5-4 winners. Harleston Magpies like Trojans played a defensive game and were difficult to break down, but Leicester recorded a rare clean sheet in indoor hockey with a 3-0 victory. Leicester had Lauren Turner (back from Holland to play in the indoor competition) to thank, scoring 5 of Leicester’s 8 goals on Saturday.
Going in to the final day, Leicester needed to take 3 points from Slough to secure their spot in the semi finals. A great game of hockey saw Leicester take the win 6-4, Katie Long scoring 3 for Leicester. Sutton Coldfield needed a result against the Pukkas to push their place for the semis and despite 2 Kerry William’s goals, honours were even in a 2-2 draw. Sutton went on to beat Slough in their final game 5-4 to confirm a Sutton Coldfield v Leicester Semi Final.
The Semi Finals will take place at Loughborough University this Saturday evening from 6:00pm, with the winner to take on either Bowdon Hightown or Reading in the final at Wembley at the end of the month.
