L1A: Buckingham 4 Reading 2

Reading began a double header weekend with a trip to Buckingham, league leaders in South Division 1.

Reading found themselves under most of the early pressure but contained Buckinghams chances. With limited opportunity to threaten the Buckingham half it was more about soaking up the pressure while gradually trying to build play.

Buckingham gained the upper hand after 25 minutes with their first goal, and then increased their lead from a short corner 5 minutes later, leaving Reading trailing by 2 goals at the half time break.

Reading had harsh words for themselves at half time and it looked to have done the trick as they began to fight well for possession and carve out more opportunities as the team moved the ball around better.

Cyd Hartland put in a fine performance in midfield after dropping back from her usual position in the forward line to cover for injury, and her constant tackling and good linking play earnt her the Player of the Match award.

Readings renewed efforts were rewarded with a goal when Louisa Gueritz slipped the ball to Jen Bogg. Her initial shot was saved but both Bogg and Gueritz did well to follow up the rebounds, both having a go, before Gueritz eventually scrambled the ball over the line.

Reading levelled the scores as Kirsty Reeman hit in a well placed shot from a short corner, sending the ball just inside the post.

With 20 minutes to go a share of the points looked within reach for Reading, but a Buckingham proved too strong for Reading to contain, and the added 2 more before the end of the game, one resulting from a solo run from a Buckingham forward and the other from a deflected short corner routine. With Jen Bogg limping off with an injury, Nicky West being troubled by a painful ankle, and Hayley Munt suffering from illness it was too much for Reading to reply again, and the final whistle blew with the scores at 4-2 to Buckingham.

The positives were that Reading came back from behind, and became only the 2^nd team this season to score more than 1 goal past Buckingham, but with every point vital it was frustrating to come away with nothing after coming close to taking a share of the points. 

TEAM – Sarah Gowers, Katharine Pike, Kirsty Reeman, Helen Ritchie, Amy Sanders, Nicky West, Louisa Gueritz, Liana Smith, Cyd Hartland, Hayley Munt, Amy Simmons, Jen Bogg. 

PLAYER OF THE MATCH – Cyd Hartland

Reading Hockey Club

Ladies 1a’s Team Match Report 

Date -  07/03/09

Opposition - Buckingham 1’s

Venue - Away

Result - Lost 4-2

Scorers - Louisa Gueritz

            Kirsty Reeman