Witney freeze Henley out of the game

With just one league place separating the two sides at the start of the day, both teams were desperate for the three points.

The home side dominated the early stages of the match and were soon rewarded for their efforts when Emma Buckham-Hedges scored after six minutes. Kat Green, pushing forward from defence, drove into the circle and her shot at goal was touched over the line by Buckham-Hedges. However, within 11 minutes the visitors had taken the lead, scoring two goals in quick succession from penalty corners.

Henley, searching for the equaliser, came close through Captain Georgie Metcalfe when she cut in from the right, only to see her powerful strike cannon off the post. However, Jem Barham ensured the Amber and Blues were level at 2-2 going into the break, converting a well worked penalty corner routine from close range. Green again was involved as her trademark disguised pass was deflected by Lou England, evading the defenders, allowing Barham to slot home on the post.

With the game finely poised, both sides continued to attack hoping to get the crucial breakthrough. Kath Draycott and Mel Joyce kept the Witney forwards at bay with some smart tackles and Hannah Lavis was on hand in the Henley goal to keep out any shots that got through the defence. Witney took the lead after 49 minutes though when Henley failed to clear from another Witney penalty corner and the rebound was poached past Lavis.

Henley continued to threaten in attack and striker Flic Jefferis came agonisingly close to equalising, only to see her diving effort scrambled clear by the Witney defence. With the home side pushing forwards, the visitors were able to counter. They converted a further two penalty corners in the final ten minutes of the match, preventing any chance of a Henley comeback and securing a 5-2 victory. Midfielder Ellie Roseff was awarded player of the match for her superb work rate and attacking prowess.

Henley are now placed sixth in Division 3A of the South Clubs’ Women’s Hockey League, behind Witney on goal difference and will face West Hampstead away in their next fixture.

Written by Hannah Jeremy