On a sunny Saturday morning, Edge Women's 1st team arrived to play a previously postponed away game against Sutton Coldfield Hockey Club. Edge were ready and determined to get stuck in and improve on their past performance of losing 5-1 Sutton Coldfield who are placed second in the Investec Women's National Hockey League Conference North .
Conditions were tricky with a half a frozen pitch. Despite many slips and grazes, Edge dominated the first quarter, completing a team objective of gaining a circle entry in the first 5 minutes. Unfortunately, with some strong pressing from Sutton they managed to convert a rebound off keeper Rachel Humpherson to take a one nil lead.
The 3rd quarter was extremely unlucky for Alderley with both umpires missing a crucial foot in front of goal that allowed Sutton forward, McCabe, to lift the ball and score her and Sutton's second.
Edge heads didn't go down and the final quarter was the teams best period , with great forward and defensive organisation. Energy levels rose and Edge worked as a team passing it round the oppo with speed and precision.
An unfortunate result, but much progress and a fair achievement against the 2nd best team in the league. Edge now look forward to a home match against league leaders Nottingham University on Saturday 1st February.
Player of the match was shared by Lara Tabachnik and Annie Hebb for dynamic forward play, organisation, great passes and speed. Very well deserved!
Alderley Edge Women's 2nd team lost 3-1 at Deeside Ramblers 1st team, the 3rds drew 2-2 against DeesideRamblers 2nds. Team of the weeks was Alderley Edge 4th team who beat Oswestry 1's, the previous league leaders 4-1 to go top of their Cheshire Women's League Division 3.
The Men's 2nd team played twice this weekend beating Windermere 1's 7-0 away on Saturday but went down to League leaders Brooklands on Sunday 3-1.
Match report by Kelvin Briggs.
