Saturday 5th December 2009

Ladies 1sts

Aylesbury Ladies 1st XI continued their winning streak this weekend with yet another home victory, this time against South Bucks. After a ropey couple of minutes at the start, with some strong defensive work by the opposition, South Bucks appeared threatening and Aylesbury knew they had to step up their game in order to defeat them. And they did just that... Lucy Drane and Angela Dickson in the midfield, played some short sharp passes around them and took advantage of the overload they created by scoring a great early goal (deflected off a defender) to set the Aylesbury in good stead. Aylesbury continued to play some good hockey, with Eliza Frith and Captain Cat Mohammed passing some quick balls through to the forwards, one of which made the goal keeper go down, failing to stop Tash James flick the ball into the back of the net. Becky Kiely stepped into goal for the 1st XI this week, and although a little nervous, didn't let that show and confidently controlled the defence so that South Bucks had no chance of breaking them down. A third goal came from a power hit by Cat, which Charly Smith tactfully deflected to mislead the keeper and make the score 3-0. Josie Hassall forced a penalty corner just before the half time whistle. Aylesbury yet again took advantage of this, when Tash James passed the ball left to Cat, who proceeded to nail the ball to the back right of the goal.

The second half was much more difficult, as South Bucks really put up a fight and made it hard for Aylesbury to score any more. Nevertheless, Aylesbury were happy with their 4-0 victory and hope to have an even better score line next week in the last game before Christmas.

Aylesbury Ladies 1st XI are sitting in second position this week, level with Wokingham on points and goal difference; only a game in hand keeps Wokingham at the top.

Aylesbury 2nds

Narrowly holding second place in the league, Aylesbury Ladies 2nd XI found themselves playing third place Welwyn 2nd XI with one point between them. Aylesbury's young side dominated the match, holding possession and out-playing the Welwyn midfield. A free hit halfway through the first half gave Gill Nord the opportunity to pass the ball up front to Naomi Smith on the left wing. The youngster swept the ball across the goal face to team mate Steph Thomas who gracefully slotted the ball past the keeper.

The second half saw an impressive performance from Jess Wylde, holding the midfield and breaking down Welwyn's breaks. Lisa Hall's drives up the right wing, skillfully beating every attacker in her way, and Evie Plumb's great breaks put Welwyn under constant pressure. Though the game was dominated by Aylesbury, further goals were elusive due to some great saves by the Welwyn keeper.

The match concluded with 1-0 win for Aylesbury, taking them four points clear of their nearest rival. Special mention goes to players of the match Kirsty Dean and Jess Wylde.

Aylesbury 3rds

The Ladies 3rd XI welcomed top of table team Oxford Hawks to Meadowcroft. Anticipating a tough match, Aylesbury found themselves nearly a goal ahead within seconds of the whistle with one of Amy Hudson's many great twisting runs. But instead the counter attack from Hawks gave them the lead as an unmarked player swept the ball into the goal. Aylesbury keeper, Hannah Huggins, didn't stand a chance.

With such a frantic start to the game and finding themselves behind, Aylesbury could have let their heads drop but the team produced some great hockey, passing accurately and confidently to feed the forwards, putting Hawks under pressure. Aylesbury deservedly leveled the score with a wonderful team goal which Meghan Howitt duly swept into the goal following great move down the right. Minutes later Aylesbury were 2-1 ahead through Katie Welsh. It was all going Aylesbury's way; even when Hawks were awarded a penalty flick, Huggins produced a fantastic save to keep Aylesbury in the running. Hawks were seemingly troubled to find themselves under such pressure and pushed forward. They were rewarded by a number of short corners which just before half-time they managed to convert one. At half-time, the score was 2-2 with all to play for.

The second half continued with the same end to end hockey. It was anyone's game. But yet again the solid defensive partnership of Katherine Anley and Player of the Match, Kirsty Dean, kept the opposition at bay for the most part. Aylesbury continued to attack and were unlucky not to take the lead. Instead Oxford Hawks, who have won all but one of their games this season, somehow got the winner. The final score was 3-2 to Hawks but Aylesbury came away delighted with their performance and will be looking to move higher up the table after Christmas.

Ladies' Badgers

Aylesbury Ladies Badgers team welcomed Milton Keynes Ladies Development B team to their home ground at Meadowcroft on Saturday. With fine performances from the junior players (Meghan Howitt, Molly Howitt, Jessica Adams, Scarlett Slaymaker, Charlotte Oswald, Emily Smith, Millie Ellis), Aylesbury won convincingly with the final score 3-nil. Particular mention goes to Molly Howitt who was voted Player of the match. The Badgers team play in the Bucks Development League and teams comprise 4 seniors and 7 juniors. The aim of the Development League is to provide an introduction for junior players to competitive senior hockey.