Strong performance from Thame Hockey ladies’ third team

ANOTHER sterling performance by Thame Hockey Ladies third team saw them beat Bicester Ladies fourth team by 4 goals to nil on Saturday, January 24.

Right from the off, Thame put Bicester under strong pressure and kept the play firmly in the Bicester half. With the forward line constantly pushing forward, two goals were scored in quick succession by quietly determined, but deadly in the D, Danielle.

One further goal was scored by centre forward Clare Seed during the first half .

Excellent defensive work by the halves, particularly Hattie at LH and Gee at RH meant that Bicester struggled to get the ball past the half way line, and never looked liked scoring during this period. Thame also had a number of short corners that they were unlucky not to convert.

The second half saw Thame’s play disrupted by a couple of nasty injuries to the forwards, and this led to a reshuffle of positions. Particular praise must go to Laura, who played admirably throughout the game variously at left back, left inner, right wing, and a short stint at Centre forward.

Thame managed to gain their final goal via a lovely pass from Gaynor, into the top of the D, where it was struck home by the ever- reliable Clare Seed.

The final quarter of the game saw Thame put under slightly more pressure by Bicester, with them having one serious run on goal. A superb clearance by Rachel Staines- Moore, playing in an unaccustomed position of left back, meant that Bicester were unable to score. Very well done to standin Emily, who admirably gave up a position as forward to be our goalie for the day. Although she was never seriously challenged by Bicester, we knew our goal was in safe hands!

Man of the Match was awarded to Gee, who had to contend with Bicester’s best player on the field, a very speedy left wing. Gee did a superb job of keeping up with her opponent, as well as driving the ball forward to support the forwards.

A fantastic result ladies that we should be very pleased with- lets keep the momentum going!!

Report by Julie Tatum