Ladies 4s deliver in a rain soaked match - 04.10.14

Driving towards the BA Hayes pitch the ladies 4s could see the sky darkening and knew they were in for it. The heavens seemed to open right on the push back whistle, but with a stunning display of hockey it was harder to tell which was hotter, the hockey or the wet T-shirt display in the white ladies away kit!

The ladies 4s started ...as they meant to go on, with a goal coming just 5 minutes into the match. Albeit a somewhat scrappy goal, but Gemma McIntosh found the backboard to put Chiswick 1-nil up. The second goal was a lot more clinical, great play round the backs and up the wings gave Georgie Wilson a nice opportunity to finish off the work of the team. A nice touch on a tight angle saw the keeper beat and the ladies in white celebrating. Play didn't continue to be as one sided and with BA Hayes playing a long ball to an awaiting high player, Chiswick found themselves under a bit of pressure. A brilliant save from our debut goalie Alice Taylor-Bennet kept BA scoreless and with sensible play under pressure the defence got the ball safely back up pitch. With a two unsuccessful attacking penalty corners, the third goal of the half was yet again in open play. Georgie finding the backboard for the second time sounded so sweet and gave the ladies a great lead heading into half time.

The second half began a bit lacklustre and almost flat, with no calling and the rain getting heaver the ladies 4s seemed happy enough with a 3-0 win. However when an opposition’s foot stopped Kate Cato’s shot on the line, a flick was awarded. Having already made some cracking diving saves (with the astro burn to prove it) Angela Li stepped up to take the penalty. It wasn't meant to be, and was sent wide, but it did provide a much needed boost in enthusiasm. Linking up well down the wing, Chloe Hole, Emma Milton and Kate Cato found the recipe for success. Quick passes up the line and into the circle, for a nice shot round the keeper, 4-0!! Then despite having her contact lenses almost washed out with the rain, Georgie Wilson had a final burst up the centre of the pitch, leaving her one on one with the keeper, and with a tidy finish, the ladies 4s ended with a 5-0 win. Retaining the TOP OF THE LEAGUE spot.

Final score: PHC Chiswick Ladies 4s - 5 BA Hayes Ladies 2s - 0

Man of the Match: Emma Milton for brilliant distribution and quick efficient play

Dick of the Day: Jenni ‘no yellow socks’ Holman