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Milton Keynes Hockey Club Scores And Match Reports

Published: 3rd April 2012 17:12

A round-up of scores and match reports from the boys and girls at Milton Keynes Hockey Club this weekend.

MKHC Ladies 1s V Abingdon Pilgrims 1sts

Saturday saw the Milton Keynes Ladies 1st team in action in their penultimate league game of the 2011/2012 season. Their opposition for the game, Abingdon Pilgrims 1sts, sit at the foot of the league table without a single point this season and MK weren't going to give them any points either. Having beaten the Abingdon side 9-0 at home earlier in the season MK knew this game could be one for improving their goal difference if they played the hockey they were capable of. Right from the starting whistle MK took control of the game, setting themselves nicely in the Abingdon Pilgrims defensive end and building attack after attack and it wasn't long before they opened the scoring, captain Sophie Reynolds slotting the ball past the Abingdon keeper from close range.

MK continued to play some good attacking hockey, putting the Abingdon Pilgrims defence under more and more pressure. Laura Browne, Charlotte Batty and Chrissy Little playing some fine link-up play through midfield and the defence of Sarah Lowry, Steph Bates and Dee Davis being utilised to transfer the ball a number of times almost on the half-way line. Milton Keynes went on to score a total of five more goals in the first half, one each from Kate Cash, Karmel Bracken and Lou Reynolds and two more from Sophie Reynolds leaving the half time score at 6-0.

Returning to the pitch for the second half, MK knew there were more goals in the game, however, the goals were a little slow coming with Abingdon Pilgrims showing fight and determination and creating attacking opportunities of their own and giving the MK defence something to think about. MK soaked up all Abingdon attacks, instantly switching the possession back into their hands and creating more goal scoring opportunities. Some fine work down the left side of the pitch by Lowry, Little and Cash linked to the centre by Bracken meant MK continued to put the Abingdon Pilgrims defence under intense pressure. MK scored their seventh goal of the game when Sarah Lowry fired home from the top of the D and it wasn't long before they extended their lead once again, this time Gemma Meredith slipping the ball past the Abingdon keeper at the left post. The MK defence came under pressure when Abingdon won three penalty corners which the MK defence and goal keeper Catherine Vince cleared with ease.

The MK attack finished off the game with a flurry of three more goals, two more from Sophie Reynolds and Meredith netting her second of the game. This resounding 11-0 victory keeps the MK side on course for league victory. With the Easter weekend and then the EH Vase final on the 14th April, MK have to wait until the 21st April to play their final league game, a game which will determine their final league position.

Ladies 2nds v Newbury and Thatcham 1st

On Saturday the ladies 2nds travelled to Newbury and Thatcham 1st team for their last match of the season. It was always going to be a tough game with Newbury and Thatcham above Milton Keynes in the table but MK went to finish the season positively. From the whistle the game was scrappy with both teams closing each other down quickly and with tackles flying it was a very stop start first half with little flowing hockey which Milton Keynes enjoy. Jess Barnes in a new position at left back had a fantastic game not giving their play maker many chances to get in the D and fighting hard for her team and Emma Small in goal made some great saves frustrating Newbury. A good attack created a great chance for Anya Dunlop 1 on 1 with the keeper but the keeper did well to deny her. However Newbury then started to create chances and managed to break through the Milton Keynes defence a slot home the game's first goal leaving Milton Keynes a goal down at the break.

Milton Keynes regrouped and started the second half strongly determined to get back into the game. This created more chances for MK with Zoe Dawson and Ellie Walsh working well together to create short corners, this lead to a goal line clearance from Newbury. The game continued to be a midfield battle until a pass from Lindsay Kettleborough found space on the right wing with Mally Dolphin working hard for her team she found Lina Makan, her speed taking her past their defence she slotted the ball home. To the delight of Milton Keynes this gave them a good point against a strong team a real battling performance. The girls can have a good rest with lots of positives to take into next season.

Thank you to our fantastic supporters and the wonderful stand-in coach Babs Lisgarten.

MK Ladies 3's v Abingdon 1's

The MK ladies 3's knew their last match of the season was going to be tough against Abingdon ladies 1's. This was proven from the start with constant changes in possession in midfield. Cat McCullagh, Sophie Wombwell, Alex Barnard and Susan Watkins battled hard to keep winning the ball and give MK some long periods of possession. MK defence of Jackie Collins, Barbara Grove, Sue Pardy, Emma Hooton and goalie Holly Captainino conceded a few short corners but they held strong and stopped Abingdon from scoring even though they came close with the ball striking the cross bar after taking a deflection. Such was MK team spirit to prevent the opposition from scoring forward Laura Rundle made some great tackles to prevent Abingdon getting a shot off from long corners. Clearing the ball quickly from defence saw Zoe Carter run with the ball from near half way take it into the D and calmly slot it over the grounded goalie to give MK the lead. This was the half time score.

The second half started with the 3's knowing they had to be quicker to the ball but Abingdon started brighter and had a lot of ball possession leading to them getting several short corners. It was from the breakdown of a short that saw Abingdon equalize. Milton Keynes started pushing again and a ball from Lizanne Miller passed to Zoe Carter and then onto Susan Watkins saw Susan score into the right hand corner and MK's lead was restored again. Milton Keynes were shaken when the match was stopped for a bad gash to Jackie Collins' forehead which meant she needed to leave to get medical attention. As the match restarted Sue Pardy went down after a shoulder barge to the face but she carried on to finish the match. MK defended some short corners right at the end of the match to hold on for the win. This has meant a great third position finish in the league. It has been an excellent season for the 3's with excellent commitment from the players and training from coach Manjit Meeda. We hope you mend soon Jackie. Well done everyone!

Elsewhere...

• The Men's 1s have avoided relegation, Eastbourne lost on Saturday which meant they were safe. They did however beat staines 4-3 on Sunday.
• The Men's 2s lost 4-1 to Gerrards Cross.
• The Men's 3s beat Leaighton Buzzard 6-3 to prevent them winning the league on our turf 
• Men's 4s was cancelled - This should mean they avoid relegation as it was a for fit, however this has not been confirmed.
• Men's Samurai won 4-2

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