Weymouth edged out by the lively Swans (From Dorset Echo)

Weymouth edged out by the lively Swans

6:30pm Friday 8th March 2013 in Sport

Hockey

SWANAGE & WAREHAM LADIES 2 WEYMOUTH LADIES 1

THE Swans edged out Weymouth in a hard-fought clash in the WCWHL East Division.

The visitors made a good start, putting Swanage under intense pressure and creating several goalscoring opportunities, including an impressive shot from striker Emily Austin, which struck a post at chest height before deflecting back into play.

It was Susie Stone, returning from injury for her first match of the season, who eventually managed to get the ball in the net, with a resounding strike from the top of the circle finding its mark.

Swanage fought back hard and following a swift attack were rewarded with a goal struck by an unchallenged attacker past Weymouth’s goalkeeper. The score remained level at half-time.

Weymouth resumed the game in a less inspiring fashion than they had begun it but both teams continued to create chances.

However, it was Swanage who appeared the more competitive and enthusiastic side, battling hard for the ball and making rapid advances up the pitch.

Despite valiant efforts by the defence, the sustained pressure eventually proved too much for the visitors, as the home side managed to thread the ball across the circle to their striker, who tucked it into the goal at the unprotected back post.

Weymouth never seemed to fully recover their composure and despite a handful of opportunities the score remained 2-1 to the Swans at full-time.

The visitors’ player-of-the-match honours were shared by Susie Stone and Emily Austin.

* Weymouth Ladies II had better fortunes against Salisbury Ladies V at Redlands in Channel Division Two. The Seasiders dominated the game and struck from a first-half short corner to claim a 1-0 win.