Investec Women's Hockey League reports and results, Feb 8 20
10th February 2014Reading narrowed the gap at the top of the Investec Women’s Hockey League Premier Division to just one point when they beat Beeston 2-0, while leaders Canterbury were held to a goalless draw by Bowdon Hightown.
The nil-nil draw at Canterbury was the first time they have dropped points at home this season, and ends a winning run in the outdoor league going back to October.
At Sonning Lane, Reading took the lead through a Leah Wilkinson penalty corner after 17 minutes, which was followed up nine minutes later by another corner routine, this time Emma Thomas claiming the goal.
And they held on to that lead right through the second period, despite Beeston’s best efforts.
Third-placed Surbiton also strengthened their place with a 4-0 win at Olton and West Warwickshire. Jenna Woolven and Sarah Page both scored twice in the win.
And a penalty stroke a minute before half time from Isabel Palmer proved to be the only goal of the game as Clifton beat University of Birmingham.
And Leicester moved up into the top four with a 2-1 win over Sutton Coldfield, with Jess Hickman and Hannah Fair scoring their goals.
Wakefield consolidated their lead in the Investec Conference North with a 2-1 win over Loughborough Students. Cat Horn scored both their goals in the first half. Holly Brown’s second half strike wasn’t enough for Loughborough, although they remain fourth.
Second-placed Brooklands Poynton remain a point behind Wakefield after beating hosts Boots 4-1.
And in the Investec Conference West Buckingham won 2-1 at Trojans to maintain their narrow one-point lead. Jo Ellis and Jess Bloom scored the goals which gave them victory.
A goal after two minutes by Mel Ball proved to be the only score as Slough won 1-0 at Barnes.
Two goals in the last five minutes helped Holcombe battle to a late 3-1 win at Ipswich in the Investec Conference East. Goals from Megan Frazer and Chloe Hunnable had left the match level until goals on 65 and 69 minutes from Ona Lopez Crespo and Nicci Daly sealed a win for the league leaders.
Investec Women’s Hockey League (Saturday, February 8 2014):
Investec Women's Premier Division: Canterbury 0, Bowdon 0; Clifton 1, University of Birmingham 0; Leicester 2, Sutton Coldfield 1; Olton & West Warwicks 0, Surbiton 4; Reading 2, Beeston 0.
Investec Women’s Conference East: Chelmsford 3, Old Loughtonians 3; Horsham 3, St. Albans 1; Ipswich 1, Holcombe 3; Sevenoaks 1, East Grinstead 3; Wimbledon 1, Harleston Magpies 0.
Investec Women's Conference North: Ben Rhydding 1, Kendal 2; Boots 1, Brooklands Poynton 4; Doncaster 3, Stourport 3; University of Durham 1, Whitley Bay and Tynemouth 0; Wakefield 2, Loughborough Students 1.
Investec Women's Conference West: Barnes 0, Slough 1; Bristol Firebrands 0, Gloucester City 0; Isca 2, Swansea City 3; Oxford Hawks 3, Exe 1; Trojans 1, Buckingham 2.