Four matches were played in the Investec Women's League Premier Division this afternoon, but the results leave an unchanged table.
What had started as a very promising season for Sutton Coldfield is now coming apart at the seams. Only four weeks ago they were in second place, but last weekend saw them slip down to sixth. Although their away defeat to table toppers Canterbury this afternoon leaves them in sixth place, losing a match 8-1 tends to suggest that the slide is likely to continue. There was no indication of the size of the final score when the two sides went into the break with Canterbury leading 2-1, thanks to goals from Lucy Hyams and Sarah Kerly. But a second half blitz from Hyams (2), Judge Mayne, Susannah Townsend, Eliza Brett and Mel Clewlow, gave Canterbury a more than convincing win.
Canterbury's goal difference may be important because Leicester are hot on their heels. A single goal from Katie Long gave them a 0-1 win away against Clifton. Clifton is another side that have slid down the table in recent weeks, having been among the early season leaders. The result of this match leaves them in seventh place, whilst Leicester is in second, one point behind Canterbury.
It was a former Clifton player who made the difference when Surbiton met Olton and West Warwicks at home this afternoon. Olton had taken a 0-1 lead into the second half after Kerry Thompson-Moore scored a 27th minute goal from a penalty corner. Vicky Bryant and Sarah Haycroft gave Surbiton a brief lead before Emma McCabe equalised for Olton. It was two penalty strokes, both converted by Georgie Twigg, that gave Surbiton the eventual 4-2 win. Surbiton are in third place, three points behind Leicester.
University of Birmingham scored three goals to Bowdon Hightown's two this afternoon, but still managed to lose. Liz George put the University 2-0 ahead but, after Tina Cullen pulled one back, the University had the misfortune to score an own goal. A late goal from Cullen gave Bowdon a 2-3 win.
The Premier Division programme will be completed tomorrow when Reading play Slough in a double header at home. Reading are in fifth place, four points behind Bowdon, whilst Slough are four points adrift at the bottom of the table. As a consequence, the result of tomorrow's match will leave the table unchanged.
Last week we made a comment about the neck and neck race at the top of the North Conference. Beeston and University of Durham are both on 27 points, with Beeston having a much superior goal difference. The University could have taken a large chip out of this, but at 1-6 away at struggling Ben Rhydding, two late penalty strokes resulted in a final score of 3-6. Leaders Beeston won their away match at Wakefield Bradford 1-2.
Buckingham has opened up a huge gap at the top of the West Conference. Jo Ellis scored twice to give them a 1-2 win away at Isca University. Buckingham are 10 points ahead of second placed Trojans, who seem to be enjoying something of a revival. They beat Bristol Firebrands away 0-2.
There was a postponement and a late start in the East Conference. Harleston Magpies lost at home 0-2 to Oxford Hawks, which may give Sevenoaks a chance to reclaim the top spot they surrendered last weekend. Sevenoaks are playing Bromley and Beckenham, who are laying at the bottom of the table with zero points. Sevenoaks are playing at 17:00 today.
TABLES AND RESULTS CAN BE FOUND ON OUR WEB SITE AT: www.talkhockeyradio.co.uk.
