Great Britain got off to a storming start in their Olympic qualifying tournament in Santiago this afternoon with an 11-0 win over outsiders Mexico. We will bring you further details on this blog as we receive them.
This afternoon’s matches in the Women’s Slazenger League Premier Division mean that the table remains unchanged, although an out of form Bowdon side slipped up when they visited second from bottom Poynton. The match went goalless until the last fifteen minutes when Poynton’s Katie Maltman found the net. Cath Linaker put Poynton two ahead and, with minutes left on the clock, Phillipa Jones scored their third. Final score 3-0 to Poynton. Bowdon remain in second place but the gap between them and leaders, Slough, has opened up to ten points after Slough beat Old Loughtonians 4-0. Scorers there were Alex Scott (2), Jane Smith and Chloe Strong. Third place Olton entertained struggling Chelmsford and despite Tracy Willmore giving the Essex side an early lead, two goals from Denise Marston-Smith and a goal from Emma Rochlin gave Olton a 3-1 win. Leicester are doing an amazing job staying in fourth place after their squad has been decimated for Great Britain duties. Their 2-2 draw at fifth placed Canterbury means that they both retain their positions. Leicester’s scorers were Hannah Macleod and Kate Sharland, with the replies coming from Jenny Wilson (wearing white in our photograph) and Helen Grant. Clifton, newly returned to the top flight this season, have been modestly successful, and stay away from the relegation area with a useful three points from their match against Ipswich. Carla Dunnett scored the only goal in the match midway through the second half.
Trojans opened up their lead at the top of Women’s Division One with a 4-0 win over Harleston Magpies, with the goals coming from Heather Batten, Tacita Haines, Joanna Davis and Amy Sheehan. Second placed Sunderland slipped up when they entertained Reading in third place, going down 3-2. Reading’s goals came from Emma Thomas (PS) and Jenna Woolven. There was no change at the top of Women’s National South, although leaders Staines could only manage a 2-2 draw at home to Bournmouth. In Women’s National North, Belper move into second place after a 2-0 win against Bedford. They replace Whitley Bay who were beaten 3-1 by mid-table Bradford. This remains one of the most competitive divisions in the league, with only six points separating the second and seventh placed sides.
There was one men’s EHL match today. In the National South division Cambridge University, who will be playing in the Varsity Match next Tuesday, were beaten 3-1 at home to Holcombe.
