Alderley Edge Ladies 1st team won the final of the England Hockey Board knockout competition for county sides on Saturday, April 16th, by beating Guernsey hockey club 2-1.
Edge started brightly on the water based astro pitch at Tonbridge School in Kent, watched by a big crowd of Alderley supporters who had made the 230 mile journey to support the mighty Edgehogs.
It was Guernsey who opened the scoring very much against the run of play. A cross in to the circle from the right wing being deflected in by a Guernsey forward. Edge pressed hard and forced a number of short corners but resolute Guernsey defending thwarted the Edgehog Ladies until Irma Laskevice scored from a penalty corner. Just before Half term Irma added a second with a fierce reverse stick shot and Edge took control of the final tie.
Edge had chances in the second half to increase the lead but the Guernsey keeper made a string of fine saves. Late on Guernsey forced a few penalty corners but Edge held on to win the day and a handsome trophy, The EHB Vase.
Captain Gemma Garton received the trophyand was interviwed for the Guernsey TV channel before the champagne celebrations began and finished late in the evening back in the bar at Alderley Edge Cricket Club.
This was the second title this season for Edge as they won the Cheshire league championship and are now promoted to the North league.
Alderley Edge Hockey Club have had a superb season with multiple promotions for adult sides and Cheshire and North Championdhip wins for junior teams.
The hockey team are now looking forward to the construction of a new artificial grass pitch at the Ryleys playing field following the Club's General Committee approving the new pitch project last week. Hockey has been played at Alderley Edge since 1888 and the future looks very exciting for a club dedicated to playing excellence as well as junior and community development. Well done ladies!
Photos: Alderlety Edge ladies win the EHB vase, Goal scorer Irma Laskevice and mascot Eddie Edgehog.
This is a member post by Kelvin Briggs.
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