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Ladies 1s
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Sat 25 Jan 2025  ·  South Central Women's Premier Division 2
Southampton University 1
1
3
Henley Hockey Club
Ladies 1s
Ladies 1s v Southampton University

Ladies 1s v Southampton University

Rachel Herbert27 Jan - 17:40

Seaside trip secures another 3 points for top of the table ladies

Henley ladies 1s took a trip down to the south coast to face a young, athletic Southampton university side this weekend. With the long journey in their legs, a bit of a sluggish start saw the Henley side put under pressure from the outset, conceding a few short corners early on - however the Henley defence managed to keep the sheet clean. The Henley side also faced a new challenge - a talented centre half throwing huge aerial balls to their forwards - unusual in the ladies game and a tactic that took a little getting used to. Robyn Horan, the Henley keeper was able to steady the ship, keeping the Southampton forwards at bay.

Seeing out the early pressure, Henley managed to gradually gain back possession and territory. After some quick thinking by captain, Charlotte Hetherington, who took a free hit outside the Southampton D which got promoted to a short corner, up stepped the Henley team. Following a solid strike by Rachel Herbert which was saved, it was Hetherington who pounced on the rebound and was able to send the ball past the Southampton keeper. Henley managed to hold on to their lead and went into half time still ahead but with a much improved performance needed in the second half.

After a tense team talk from coach Rhys Joyce, Henley did just that, upping the intensity and passing with much more fluidity and intent. Despite the improvement it was Southampton uni got a goal back, taking a deflection on a short corner. However, excellent pressure by forwards Caitlin Barrass, Georgie Metcalfe and Emma Jean Jean in the oppositions defence exposed opportunities and short corners were awarded for their efforts. Henley managed to get a goal back thanks to a well worked short corner where again, Hetherington managed to tip the ball past the keeper.

The game saw a lot of Henley pressure but with moments of Southampton attacks too, however, Mel Joyce and Rachel Herbert steadfast in defence were able to keep things calm and collected. A breakaway run by league debutant Lily Baker caught Southampton on the back foot. Slipping the ball to Georgie Metcalfe, deadly in front of goal, she was able to fire the ball home to go 3-1 up. The Henley side put in a real team effort to see out another brilliant victory and maintain their top of the table position. Special mention has to go to Mel Joyce, Lily Baker and Charlotte Granger-Holcombe for their player of the match performance.

The team are really racking up the miles this week as they face Leighton Buzzard away on Tuesday for a mid week rescheduled game before heading to Banbury on the weekend.

Match details

Match date

Sat 25 Jan 2025

Kickoff

13:00

Meet time

12:00

Instructions

The Wide Lane Pavilion, University Of Southampton Sport, Wide Lane, EASTLEIGH, SO50 5PE

Competition

South Central Women's Premier Division 2

League position

1
Henley 1
7
Southampton University 1
Further reading