Saturday 20th March 2010

Ladies 1st XI

Oxford Hawks: 1 - Aylesbury 1st XI: 1

Aylesbury Ladies 1st XI visited Oxford Hawks, who were sitting mid-table in the league and some 7 positions below them. Following a great run of victories over recent weeks, Aylesbury were expecting to come away with three points. But it was tough game. Aylesbury moved the ball about with their usual confidence, marshaled by Player of the Match, Eliza Frith, but just couldn't seem to penetrate the Hawks defence until eventually Ria Symmonds broke the deadlock. Hawks responded quickly when a lapse in the Aylesbury defense allowed Hawks their goal. With the score leveled at 1-all, Aylesbury finally got into their stride but time was against them and as the final whistle blew, Aylesbury were disappointed to come away with just a point.

But this still sees the 1st XI sitting at the top of the league. With 3rd placed Sonning losing, promotion for Aylesbury is guaranteed and it's now about winning the league. Their nearest rivals, Wokingham, are only 3 points behind them but have a game in hand. With 3 league games remaining and their last match against Wokingham, it may well come down to the last game of the season.

Ladies 2nd XI

Aylesbury 2nd XI: 1 - Royston 2s: 4

Despite losing on Saturday, Aylesbury Ladies 2nd XI, followed in the footsteps of the 1st team, to secure promotion in the 5 Counties Hockey League. Back in October, Aylesbury had just managed a 4-3 win and it was soon apparent that Royston had arrived to avenge their earlier defeat. This time round the match was completely different, and not in Aylesbury's favour. Royston were tough opponents, skilful and quick and Aylesbury found themselves 3-nil down at half-time, all conceded from penalty corners.

Seldom this season have Aylesbury been in this position. But the scoreline belied the game. Aylesbury had some good spells, moving the ball round confidently at the back, some good moves down the left, particularly by Emily Davitt and did put Royston under pressure. Liz Brooks was robbed a couple of times with the ball shaving past the keeper, but the wrong side of the post. Royston's goalkeeper had a huge game and was instrumental in keeping Aylesbury at bay.

The second half was much more of a even game with both sides adding to their tally. Final score was a 1-4 loss by the Ladies 2nd XI but with league rivals, Harpenden losing as well, Aylesbury Ladies 2nd XI are still promoted. It has been a fantastic season for the squad who have only been in this league for just this one season.