GILLINGHAM 2

WEYMOUTH LADIES 3

WEYMOUTH Ladies put in a superb late defensive performance as they held on to secure a great win against Gillingham in the West Clubs Women’s Hockey League East Division.

With the help of step-in coach Andy Stiles the team came out ready to win as Gillingham showed strength but Weymouth didn’t back down.

First goal came off a beautifully practised corner coming from Emily Austin putting the ball across to Amanda Harvey who made a slap towards goal.

Lynda Drewitt then made a flick at the p-spot to send the ball up and over to Anneka Bowles who took the final hit to back of the board lower left-hand corner.

Gillingham grabbed a goal back after keeper Megan Eadon took the opposition out at the legs.

With minutes to go to half-time Weymouth secured a short corner which was gracefully stopped and pushed out by Gina Brown to Austin, who slammed a straight shot in for the goal as the first half ended 2-1 to Weymouth.

Weymouth started the second half positively and a great give-and-go from Susie Stone and Amanda Harvey the ball carried from the defensive circle up the centre of the pitch to Emily Austin in the front line.

As Austin drew the ball across towards the left of the defensive circle, she pivoted for a reverse pass across the cage for Harvey to take a reverse shot into the bottom right corner to lead the game 3-1.

After quite the battle during the second half, Gillingham counter attacked with a strong setup and after a pass across the cage Gillingham got a goal back.

With spirits still high but energy running out, Weymouth kept composure and cheer after a stellar save by keeper Megan Eadon.

Captain Alice Craven kept a tactical and strategic mind as she maintained ball control into the bottom defensive corner for the final two minutes to see out the 3-2 victory.

Player of the match: Alice Craven