Ladies beat hockey rivals

Sudbury II 1, North Walsham Ladies 2NORTH Walsham Ladies gained three points from mid-table rivals, Sudbury II, with a decisive 2-1 victory away from home.

Sudbury II 1, North Walsham Ladies 2

NORTH Walsham Ladies gained three points from mid-table rivals, Sudbury II, with a decisive 2-1 victory away from home.

The first half was fiercely competitive with end-to-end action from both teams. But Walsham Ladies took the lead early on from strong build-up play and a stunning back-of-stick strike past the Sudbury keeper from Julie Mercer, a regular member of the Walsham defence who was debuting successfully in midfield, due to a shortage of players on the day.

Sudbury came back strongly and pulled one back from a broken down short-corner routine.

Walsham decided to change to a more attacking formation for the start of the second half.

This paid dividends when swift passing play from a defensive hit-out, involving the majority of the team, including fine wing play from Charlotte Else, ripped open the Sudbury defence and allowed Ellen Vanlint to score what proved to be the winner.

Sudbury then continued to press forward but some fine saves from the Walsham keeper, Emily Waldron, and strong defensive play with the continued threat of Walsham's quick- paced breaks kept Sudbury from scoring further.

Overall, Walsham's controlled play and ability to take their opportunities when presented meant the scoreline was a fair reflection of the game.

Special thanks also go to last-minute call-up from the second team, Bobby Pye, who had a fine game in the Walsham defence.