Ladies’ 1s struggle in Storm Babet

The Ladies 1s travelled to Reading for a late pushback just as Storm Babet decided to make itself known in Berkshire. Now everyone knows a bit of rain makes most pitches play better, though equally there’s a line when it’s actually more of a hindrance…and that line was crossed on Saturday!

So as the team stepped out to warm up and saw how waterlogged the pitch was we all knew it was going to me a bit of a grind and balls weren’t going to travel as fast as we’d like.

The first quarter started with the home side having the upper hand and, conditions aside, Hawks struggled to get into any sort of rhythm or get any control on the game. Their usual passing game was escaping them and there was a lot of turnover in the early stages. Reading capitalised on the slightly chaotic start and the visitors soon found themselves two goals down inside the first quarter.

The second quarter followed much of the same vein with Hawks struggling to string passes together and had Emma Page in goal to thank for keeping the score at just two. With a minute to go until half time the home side were reduced to 10 players, due to a green card, but with the suspension split across two quarters it didn’t give Hawks much time to make the most of it.

After a good talking to at half time Hawks had an improved third quarter with a few chances falling for the forwards – but none being converted – and they began to establish some control on the game. Things were looking up until Reading managed to extend their lead via a penalty corner after a nasty deflection in front of the defence game them no chance. Though special mention to Laura Scragg for a superb pick off the line at another corner…well done Scraggle!!

Going into the final quarter Hawks knew that 17.5mins was more than enough to score three goals and set out to do so. Eventually the hard work paid off and a pass into the circle from Eloise Ward set up Helen Karditsas for a first-time reverse shot which beat the keeper low to her right. Game on!!

Momentum was definitely starting to swing Hawks’ way but their defence still had to be on their guard against some quick breakaways. One of these led to a stroke for the home side which, much to Hawks’ relief, was put wide.

In the closing minutes Hawks earned a penalty corner but failed to convert this and the game finished 3-1 to Reading to round off an all-round frustrating afternoon.

Player of the match went to Captain Hibby, on her birthday, for her work rate, tenacity and all-round solid play. Nice work Hibs!!