Success in season opening fixture for Broxbourne HC Ladies 1's!

Broxbourne Ladies 1st XI won their first match of their season on Saturday against newly promoted Dereham. Despite going 1-0 before the half time whistle blew, Broxbourne scored two goals in the second half to earn a valuable 3 points at home.

The Broxbourne Ladies started strongly, controlling the tempo of the game well and gaining plenty of pressure in the oppositions half. Despite having most of the possession, Dereham broke through the midfield of the Broxbourne team and were awarded a penalty flick just before half time, owing to an alleged push in the circle from one of the Broxbourne defenders. They converted the opportunity, taking a 1-0 lead just before half time. In response, Broxbourne increased the pressure inside the Dereham 'D', but were unable to convert any of the short corners gained in the first half.

However, in the second half Broxbourne grew in confidence. The new additions to the side from last season began to gel together better with the original elements in the team. The first Broxbourne goal came from an excellent personal effort from Lucie Heyes- a reverse stick shot neatly placed into the corner, and with a blistering pace to ensure the goalkeeper didn't have a chance. Broxbourne maintained the pressure in the Dereham half, and a collective team effort resulted in the second goal. Some impressive passing from Gemma Wilkinson gave rise a great skilful run down the right hand side of the pitch by Emily Wilkins, who crossed the ball into the D. Lucie Heyes converted the cross at full stretch on her reverse stick to score her second.

Despite mounting pressure from Dereham, Broxbourne defence kept their cool and kept the team in the game. Late in the second half Laura Wills was unlucky not to score a third for Broxbourne, after Kay Finch delivered a great ball in from a short corner. Ultimately Broxbourne put on a confident performance in their first league game of the season in the East Premier division and took away 3 precious points.

Scorers: Lucie Heyes (2)
Player of the match: Lucie Heyes
Donkey: Becci Pratt