Senior Hockey v BHS (Away) Thursday 23^rd October

The senior girls went into the final league game before the half term break against a strong Ballakermeen side, who had won all of their games so far, with the saints anticipating a tricky game in the Douglas Derby. With 5 key players missing due to injury and availability, it was important to ease expectations for the girls and remember to enjoy their hockey. The game was very open, with chances at either end early on. However, a reverse hit into the D, was met with a finish past the goalkeeper to put Balla 1-0 up. The saints struggled to gain control, with the Balla midfielders driving through the heart of our team, making it 2-0 and 3-0 within quick succession. The girls at half time were 3 goals down. With a team talk around how the girls can improve in the second half, the saints flew out of the blocks. Good work from Lara Smith down the right found Lula-Belle, who showed excellent composure to slot the ball past the goalkeeper, to make it 3-1 for her first senior hockey goal. The saints struck again 2 minutes after, from a well worked short corner. Anna Wilson injected out to Macey Crellin, who pushed the ball to the far post for Lara Smith to square the ball to Anna Wilson who moved towards the post to make it 3-2 - game on! The saints were pushing for an equaliser, with Lois Coppell driving the saints forward down the right hand side with some resilient play, both offensively and defensively. However, despite all of the girls' efforts for an equaliser, BHS hit on the counter attack, scoring a breakaway goal to make it 4-2.
The full time whistle went with the scoreline finishing 4-2 to Ballakermeen. Emma Worsfold was voted player of the match, she was fantastic in her ability to break down attacks, and pick the right pass in transition. Special mention to Lois Coppell and Lula-Belle Findlay, who battled throughout the 60 minutes and helped the saints regain control in frantic phases of the match. Mr Middleton and Miss Murphy told the girls that we were very proud of the second half efforts, playing their hearts out and showing a major improvement from the struggles of the first half. Having now played every school, the saints know what to expect going into the semi finals. Let’s go saints!