Match report

Well the summer seems to have finally arrived as once again it was another hot day at Brooklands HC for the penultimate pre-season fixture for Brooklands Poynton Ladies 1st XI. Liverpool Sefton were todays opposition, their squad containing three players who have played for Brooklands Poynton in past. With not long before the league fixture to come, today was somewhat of a dress rehearsal, with both squads still fine tuning their performances at this stage. Brooklands Poynton welcomed Kate Harris in her debut game having transferred to BPHC from Doncaster prior to starting University. Her performance today indicates she will be one to watch for the future, settling quickly into the team and producing a performance worthy of MOM. The game itself started cautiously, neither team taking risks early on and just looking to settle into the game. BPHC had the better of the possession in the first half, but squandered opportunities. The deadlock was broken by Helen Turner having dispossessed the Liverpool left back and driving along the baseline. A second was added moments before the half time whistle by Kellie Baxter, a confident strike past the Liverpool keeper following good play by Amy Gavin. The second half saw Liverpool gaining more ball as the home side lost concentration leading to unforced errors. However, the home side made more of their attacking play with Baxter's second of the game and Whinnerah finishing well at the back post from a penalty corner. Again as legs and lungs tired the game became more open. Thomas' goal was threatened on further occasions, causing the outfield players to hear her wrath! The final 10 minutes saw Turner add her second of the game with a deflection from an excellent ball in from Harris, much to Turner's joy. Liverpool continued to work hard and create, scoring from a penalty corner to prevent the clean sheet. All in all a solid performance with players working hard. There are still creases to iron out with little time until the league starts. Thanks to Eric & Gemma for umpiring and to all those who came down to watch, your support is much appreciated by the players.