Droitwich Ladies 1 – Tenbury Ladies 4

Another outstanding performance against high-flying Droitwich resulted in another win for Tenbury. This mirrored last week against Redditch. The game was played at a high tempo and the scoring was opened by Rachel Croxton who scythed through the opposition’s defence from the halfway line to produce an unstoppable drive from the back of the circle. Her amazing solo effort was the goal of the season, so far. Droitwich replied before half-time and the sides remained balanced.

The second half opened with a series of strong runs from Sarah Nightingale who produced several opportunities. But it was Player of the Match, Abi Thomas, collecting a pin-point pass from her who converted with a thunderous shot. Once they had the lead, Tenbury pressed on relentlessly. The defence played with great cohesion led again by Jo Turvey, whose calm, thoughtful play ensured that the forwards could attack down both flanks. Following an infringement in the circle, a penalty was awarded and Rachel Croxton collected her second goal with a powerful, unstoppable flick in the top of the net. Droitwich, unbeaten in the league this season, conceded the fourth goal, from a short corner routine slotted home by Oli Linton. The was another solid and impressive team performance.



Two Hat-tricks as Tenbury take control
Tenbury Ladies 11 – Badsey Ladies 1

Tenbury Ladies produced a comprehensive win against newly promoted Badsey at Bridge Street Abi Thomas, playing another fine game, scored the first of her hat-trick goals after 30 seconds of play. An interception from the start by Rachel Croxton and a pass to Abi saw the ball slammed in the back of the goal. Shortly after, Rachel herself cut through the opposition to score the second. After 15 minutes, Vicky Riley danced passed several defenders to make it 3-0. She controlled the midfield throughout the game, providing opportunities for all the forwards to take goal-scoring opportunities and was awarded Player of the Match. Badsey scored from a fine piece of individual play to make it 3-1. However, following a well worked short corner in which the ball was switched across the circle, Emma Hillhouse notched the 4th when she pushed it behind the keeper. Abi struck the 5th goal with great power from another short corner and Sarah Nightingale scored the first of her hat trick goals with a devastating run, out manoeuvring several defenders with beautiful stick work. She chalked up the 6th with similar attacking play just before half time.

The second half produced more resilience from Badsey, who held Tenbury at bay for 20 minute with competitive hockey. Abi completed her hat trick when she hit the back of the net from another short corner and only minutes later Sarah completed her hat trick from opportunistic work in the circle clipping the ball home. Rachel Croxton produced another of her flowing runs in which she showed perfect balance and tenacity to score the 10th goal. The last was from Michele Petrie, who received and struck the final short corner of the match just before the whistle.

Although this was a comprehensive win, and another fine effort by Tenbury, opponents Badsey worked hard to compete and played with good sportsmanship.