Blandford & Sturminster Ladies Continue Unbeaten Streak

Basingstoke 4s v Blandford and Sturminster Ladies (Away) (1-4) 

Saturday saw another successful league game for the Ladies of Blandford and Sturminster Hockey Club. This weekend found them playing away against a brave Basingstoke side, a team in turmoil after their clubhouse had a fire. 

Blandford came out ready and raring from the first whistle, quickly winning a short corner. Jenny Smith injected to her sister Caroline, whose shot was defended by the Basingstoke keeper, (a last-minute step-in, who had already played 70 minutes of hockey earlier in the day). The save rebounded and was picked up by Chantelle Talbot, who, with a little tap, got around the keeper and lifted the ball elegantly into the back of the net. 

Lydia Harvey was subbed into an unfamiliar position in defence. After a pep talk from Captain Linda Smith on the sidelines, Lydia very quickly showed Basingstoke that she was there to play! Surprising everyone, Lydia threw a fantastic ariel and made some outstanding runs down the left wing, interchanging with Caroline to hold the defensive line between them. One run found Lydia in Basingstoke's D, and, trusting her captain and herself, Lydia took a powerful hit, thumping the ball into the back of Basingstoke's goal. 

The second half started with Blandford 2-0 up. The ladies continued to pepper shots at goal, forcing Basingstoke's stand-in keeper to make some impressive saves. Jenny picked up the ball in midfield, and drove into the D. She sent a perfect ball to Sally Evans on the back post, who neatly swiped it into goal, putting the score at 3-0. 

Blandford were feeling confident, which caused a lapse in concentration, and Basingstoke capitalised. The home side won a short corner, which they swiftly converted into a goal, putting the scoreline at 3-1. 

Rather than letting it get to them, Blandford kept their heads up and kept pressing. Susan Bovenizer was brutal in the D, continuously slicing in shots on goal with her iconic reverse hits. But the Basingstoke keeper and her defence stayed strong, holding the score. 

Laura Robinson and Lydia were maurading down the wings, and Lydia once more found herself in the D in the 68th minute. Another impressive hit had the ball clanging against the back board.

With the game finishing 4-1, it was another dominant win from Blandford and Sturminster Ladies. Basingstoke showed real class and fight and provided some great umpires. The Player of the Match went to Lydia, with a landslide victory.