Ladies 1sts Vs Evergreens

 Saturday 18th March 2023

East Women’s Hockey League

Division 3 North East (North)

Evergreens  0     Broadland  3

3rd placed Evergreens held the initiative for the opening stages and manufactured the first shot of the game.  Broadland who had been indifferent until then, suddenly woke up and started playing their style of hockey with some lovely passing play, creating several opportunities that could have been easily converted for an early goal, but had to wait 20 mins for their first goal, a reverse stick strike from the league top scorer Jess Bennett.  Evergreens started the second half much as they did the first half with some intensity and determination  but were unable to capitalise on the few clear chances they had, as an equally determined  Broadland defence holding firm.  Broadland’s Natasha Blyth, fully committed to defending penalty corners, ended up with a cracked shin pad from the force of one of the Evergreens attempts on goal, but dusted herself off to repel the following short corner, but this time using with her stick. Broadland continued to develop and control the game with their star player Connie Harris playing no small part. Connie Harris was solid in midfield, with some strong but fair tackles which frustrated the Evergreens midfield and defence, and once she had control of the ball, used her silky skills to get past Evergreens players.  Connie Harris with great maturity distribute the ball effectively setting up numerous Broadland attacks, one of which resulted in a penalty corner and a goal when Blyth ‘s effort to the left-hand post was powered home by the experienced Kelly Allen. Broadland, now  reduced to 10, but still in control of the game increased their lead and scored their third and final goal 10 mins from the end.  Although Broadland’s penalty  corner was initially well defended by Evergreens, they were unable to clear the ball effectively and not much beyond the 23. Evergreens defence, unable to clear the ball presented a clear chance to Jess Bennett which she skilfully looped over the visitor’s keeper for the final goal of the game.  Broadland retain their position at the top of the league with 2 matches of the season remaining.