The penultimate week of the hockey season saw some teams secure their division titles, but for others it is going to go down to their final matches of the season to decide both league winners and also those who who will be demoted.
In Ladies Division 2 clash, Ramsey B and Vikings C both fielded squads blending youth with experience. From the opening push-back by Vikings, the play was high-energy and end-to-end.
Ramsey were the first to threaten the goal when Isla R made a brilliant solo run from the halfway line. Her effort was denied, however, by Vikings keeper Debbie S, who expertly cleared the ball.
The half continued with both teams seeing promising passages of play broken down by resolute defending from Jenny L for Ramsey and Morgan B for Vikings. An amazing solo run from Vikings’ Olivia M saw her beat three players to enter the Ramsey D and secure a short corner, though they were unable to convert.
Ramsey eventually broke the deadlock when Isla R drove into the D and found Aurelia H, who tapped in for the opener. Rousseau quickly followed up with a goal of her own, sending Ramsey into the half-time break with a 2-0 lead.
Vikings C, sponsored by Canaccord Wealth and Appleby, started the second half with renewed intent. A great cross-pitch pass from Beatrice A found Jan C, who drove the ball home to narrow the gap to 2-1.
As the match progressed, the physical toll of several players competing in their second games of the day began to show. Ramsey capitalised on this fatigue through strong work in the D by Hannah W and Autumn R setting up Becky W for Ramsey’s third. Hannah W and Becky W both added further goals in a clinical spell for the northern side.
In the final minute, Ramsey thought they had added a sixth from a penalty corner, but the goal was disallowed due to a foul, leaving the final score at 5-1 to Ramsey who will now be looking to secure the Ladies Division 2 title next weekend.
Special mentions to Vikings debutants Mariette VDW and Emily J, and to Ramsey’s Jenny L for her expert defensive play.
PoTM – Olivia M (Vikings Ladies C, sponsored by Canaccord Wealth and Appleby) and Autumn R (Ramsey Ladies B)
Ramsey Mens A secured a deserved 1–0 victory against Harlequins B in their Men’s Division 1 in an entertaining contest played in unusually warm conditions.
The decisive moment came in the first half when Ramsey’s Alfie Melling produced a superb run outside the D, weaving past three defenders before delivering a composed pass to Jordan Parkinson, who calmly slotted home from close range.
Ramsey were able to maintain that advantage through to the final whistle through a strong attacking display but were prevented from adding to their tally. At the back, Ed Field was outstanding, producing a commanding display in central defence while also distributing the ball effectively.
Athena Healthcare Harlequins B showed resilience throughout the match, and their goalkeeper, Caleb Crellin, delivered an impressive performance, making a series of important saves to keep his team in the contest.
A special mention goes to Ramsey’s Toby Bashforth, who made his A team debut and impressed greatly. Playing as a centre-forward pivot, he linked play well and showed maturity beyond his experience.
PoTM – Ed Field (Ramsey Men B) and Zach Barlow (Athena Healthcare Harlequins Mens B)
Thank you to Vikings Ladies c and Ramsey Mens A for supplying the match reports.
