Alderley Edge Ladies hockey club 1st team travelled to Whitchurch on Saturday knowing that 3 points would bring them level on points with their opponents and secure 4th place in the Cheshire Women’s league Division 1.
As is becoming a tradition this season Alderley started well then wasted early chances and conceded a soft goal after giving the ball away in midfield. Matters got worst when Whitchuch scored their second shortly afterwards when the Alderley defence again lost concentration.
The only good news was Alderley had sufficient time to come back and slowly, with 10 minutes of the first half left, the young side started to look a threat and just before the break, player of the match, Judith Offer fired in a goal. This was just the tonic Alderley needed and with a few changes to the formation at half time Alderley came out full of confidence.
For 15 minutes Alderley produced fast free flowing hockey and the home side didn’t have an answer as Clare Davidson scored from a penalty corner to equalise and before Whitchurch could regroup Alice Galloway converted her first league goal from a narrow angle to take Alderley into a 3-2 lead.
Whitchurch responded well but Alderley's defence had learnt from their first half mistakes and cancelled out the entire home teams attacks and it was in fact Alderley on the break that scored the decisive goal through Judith Offer.
Victory takes Alderley to fourth spot and with key players set to return a top three place, or more, is a realistic target. This weekend they host Marple at Wilmslow High school, Saturday 3.00pm,
The 2nd team continued their 100% win over Wilmslow to maintain their domination of their league and the 3rd team repeated the 4-0 win against Knutsford to keep their realistic promotion hopes alive. The 4th team had a rare defeat to league leaders Oswestry whilst the newly formed 5th team gained their first 3 points of the season following the fixture against Wilmslow 5ths.
Sunday was the England National Cup for the Ladies under 18 and Under 16 teams.
The Girls U18s shocked Ben Rhydding whom they beat 7-0, and the Girls U16s also won 2-1 against City of York. Two fabulous victories outlining the tremendous youth section the club has and the club eagerley await two other top clubs in the next round.
Click here for further information on Alderley Edge Cricket Club or telephone the General Manager, John Berry, on 01625 584733.
