Bright future for New Forest Hockey Club with victory over City of Portsmouth

FOLLOWING the previous week’s defeat to Basingstoke, Forest ladies first team came out all guns blazing in their Hants Division 1 hockey fixture against City of Portsmouth last Saturday.

A tough match was anticipated and when the deadlock remained for some time, a tight game looked on the cards.

However, Forest kept plugging away and patience paid off with a fantastic goal created by Lia Waine for debut-making 13-year-old striker Octavia Allen.

Both sides were playing committed hockey and as tensions rose, a few fouls on both sides resulted in a couple of green cards for Forest’s Maz Brewis and Waine. The temporary depleted Forest remained strong and player of the match Lynn Jones alongside Beth Cammegh held firm at the back, giving Portsmouth few scoring opportunities.

Beautiful play by midfielders Nicky Brooks, Rachel Lloyd and Lauren Gavin set up forwards Jade Lock, Frankie Robertson and Flossie Williams to put pressure on the opposition.

City were on the backfoot leading to an untimely tackle on teenager Williams that resulted in a Forest penalty flick which was calmly put away by Lloyd.

Portsmouth regrouped, and a strong attack was initially thwarted by keeper Becky Sporne, but an unfortunate deflection off her pads was scooped up by a Portsmouth striker to make it 2-1.

The well drilled Forest side then put their practice into motion and very quickly added a third goal, scored by Robertson, assisted by Waine.

A great 3-1 win for the Forest ladies who are back in fine form and ready for their top of the table clash with Winchester this weekend.

New Forest: Octavia Allan, Maz Brewis, Nicky Brooks, Beth Cammegh, Lauren Gavin, Lynn Jones, Rachel Lloyd, Jade Lock, Francesca Robertson, Becky Sporne, Lia Waine, Flossie Williams.