Ladies 5’s slipped to their first defeat of the season as they lost 1-3 in a top of the table clash away to an unbeaten Ashford 2’s side on Saturday.
OCs had a strong start putting pressure on Ashford but the home side took the lead midway through the first half. Despite goalie, and player of match, Michele excelling, Ashford doubled their lead just before half time and went into the break 2-0 up.
After the break OCs rallied, and after two close attempts from Freya, OCs got their reward. A good assist from Freya set up an excellent goal from Hildegard and OCs were back in it. However, shortly before the end Ashford secured the game and the points with a third goal as they ran out 3-1 winners. Everyone worked their socks off but it just wasn’t enough today. Well played everyone!
With seven games left, the result puts the high scoring Ashford one point clear of Ladies 5s who are home to bottom club Surbiton Wolves next week.
Report written by Jess North
Ladies 3s 4 – 0 Richmond Ravens
At 11:30 we headed to the pitch to start our warm up, the speaker was on and blasting tunes to get the energy levels high. We knew this would be a tough game as we were playing our joint top of the league so we had to bring it all.
The match began and the ball remained mostly in our possession. We were quick to react on the counterattacks, responding well to their high press. However, Richmond managed to break through our strong wall of defence to have a one v one with the goalie, she took her shot, and Hannah saved it! That attempt on goal gave us the kick up the bum to get back on it and get a goal ourselves.
The clock was nearing halftime and the score was still 0-0, but OCs were determined to get a goal. Elle dribbled skilfully past two defenders down the sideline and hit it into the D but unfortunately their goalie saved it. After lots of attacking play from us we finally managed to score, with Molly flicking a rebound into the goal before the goalie had time to get up and react. We ended the half 1-0 up but still eager to score more goals.
After our inspiring team talk and handfuls of squashies and gummy bears, we made it back onto the pitch, ready to score more and to not concede.
As soon as the whistle blew, OCs were on the ball, connecting well with eachother and linking passes that Richmond just couldn’t intercept. Some beautiful play led to a short corner where Elle positioned herself perfectly on the back post, deflecting the ball into the goal. Now 2-0 up, OCs did not take their foot off the pedal. With Helen and Ellie strong in defence, blocking and slowing down Richmond’s counterattack, Richmond struggled to get past our defensive line. OCs team effort led to a wonderful play up the right from Lily and Elle, leading to a strong hit from Alice that resulted in our third goal! Minutes later, we were in the D again with Alice scoring her second goal, chipping it past the goalie. This gave us a final score of 4-0.
The game showcased our team’s amazing performance, with player of the match going to Ellie for her amazing defence and tackles, saving us from conceding, and securing our place at the top of the league.
Written by Molly
Ladies 4s 2 – 2 Epsom Wildings
In an exciting game at Epsom Hockey Club, Old Cranleighans and Epsom drew 2-2. The game was fast paced from the first whistle, the first half started intently with a goal from Epsom but Old Cranleighans responded shortly after with a goal from Sarah in a short corner with an incredible straight strike. So many opportunities on both sides leading to another goal by Epsom increasing Old Cranleighans intensity causing a goal from Izzy from another short corner injected by Poppy. When going into the second half at 2-2, so many shots and counterattacks with no outcomes however pressure put on by both teams. Overall a close match with no further goals scored in the second ending with a 2-2 finish!
Puricrans 0 – 1 BromBecks
Our unbeaten record has gone with last year’s champions BB taking the honours. After a close 2-2 draw first time round this was always going to be a tough game and sop it proved. By winning BB now move up to second and on our heels.
Having had the better of the first half we conceded the initiative in the second and in a game of few chances we conceded the first of two short corners whilst not really threatening with the 6 corners we won. They dominated the midfield for large a greater proportion of the 70 minutes and deservedly won. Having only conceded 5 goals all season, and keeping 7 clean sheets in the process, we needed to be sharp in front of goal but unfortunately failed in that objective.
We are still in control of our density but cannot afford any more slip ups.
A bye followed by the half term break means we have no game for two weeks.