12th March Match Reports

HARRISON SHIELD 12 MARCH 2005

The beginning of the Harrison Shield was very eventful for Reddish Green Ladies as they started with a total of five players. It was always touch and go as to whether the players who played in an earlier match that day in Liverpool would arrive on time, given the strategic convoy necessary to get everyone there on time. True to form Reddish gave the organisers a bit of headache at the start, with their somewhat depleted squad. Equally true to form Maggie Fiddler, Reddish’s Captain, remained calm and unruffled, not, keen to keep the Harrison Shield within the Reddish camp for another year.

In their first match against Hadfield, Reddish conceded a goal, as they were not ready to start on time. The reinforcements had arrived and Sarah Wantling, Reddish’s goalkeeper, was busy getting kitted up. Unfortunately Becky Schofield arrived on the pitch without her hockey stick – the fun tournament was the following week! Hilary Clamp of Edgeley very kindly let her borrow one. Reddish went ahead with ten players. The outcome of the game was very successful for Reddish as they won 3-2, despite the somewhat fraught start.

The start of the second match against Forrest was equally tense and the defence were particularly strong. Again Reddish began this match with ten players, but Maggie had summoned extra reinforcements, which included Jenny Plant and Helen Elcock. The outcome of this match was another win for Reddish.

The final two matches against Edegely and Heaton were always going to tough. Reddish played well in both, but unfortunately in the last match of the day Reddish didn’t give their best efforts. Despite a team talk, in which we predicted Heaton’s goal scoring strategy, namely, Jenny Foster taking the ball down the middle and, the little one (Alex) popping it in the back of the net, Reddish appeared, somewhat paralysed. Rumour has it, the cold weather had something to do with it!

The final match between Forrest and Hadfield had everyone on the edges of their seats, with Edgeley on 51 points and Reddish on 52. Hadfield got off to a slow start, but raised their game, coming away with a win and ultimate winners of the Harrison Shield. Reddish showed their usual sportsmanship in congratulating Hadfield on their success. An enjoyable and somewhat tense time had by the “Reddish Runners (Up!)”.

Many thanks to all Reddish players who gave 100% and the organisers, for their patience.

Match report provided by Becky Schofield and Maggie Fiddler

Lancs Team Match Report - Reddish v Hillwood

This week saw a clash of two teams with equal points in the league table.

The game opened with Hillwood putting Reddish under a lot of pressure, but soon changed round when Jenny Worth subbed on a few minutes into the game. Reddish played some excellent team hockey. The first goal came as Biggsy deflected the ball into the net. We nearly scored again as Sam Piggin managed to cross the ball in front of the net, but unfortunately no one connected with it. Hillwood came back to equalise and the keeper Sarah Wantling went out to intercept and fell on the ball. After a brief respite, play resumed with a penalty, which found the net but was disallowed by the umpires as it was deemed to be a slap hit. Becky Schofield then went on to sink another 2 and it was 3-0 at half time.

The second half was tough going and but after some concerted play Becky managed sink another to get her hat trick. The Reddish defence managed to keep a clean sheet almost to the end of the match with Adele putting in some excellent tackles but in the final minutes Hillwood managed to break passed the Reddish defence and sneak a ball passed Sarah.