Women’s hockey team draw with Ipswich

Charlie Banfield commiserates the Blues’ loss of a much-needed victory.

Mel Addy drives along the Ipswich baselineOlivia FitzGerald

by Charlie Banfield

Saturday February 4 2012, 12:45pm

The Women’s Blues only managed a frustrating 0-0 draw against lower league side, Ipswich 2nds, on Saturday.

After an impressive win in the BUCS league on Wednesday, the Blues were full of confidence going into the game. The team started strongly and it wasn’t long before the opposition were feeling the pressure.

The Blues dominated possession throughout the first half; solid defending and driving runs from the half backs captain Mel Addy and Clare Parrish ensured the game was played mostly in Ipswich’s half of the pitch. The forwards created chances in front of the opposition’s goal, but by half time the score was still 0-0.

Georgie Kilbourne carries forwardsOlivia FitzGerald

A rousing halftime talk from coach Chris Marriott saw the Blues return to the pitch with renewed determination, with the second half seeing much of the same relentless bombardment on the Ipswich goal.

The Blues began to win short corners, which caused tension to build as several strikes whistled past the wrong side of the post. Abby Gibb unstuck the opposition with her individual skills but didn’t quite manage to hit the backboard, with her reverse stick shot rebounding off the inside of the post.

Mel Addy clears down the lineOlivia FitzGerald

Despite the Blues best efforts, the Ipswich goal remained untouched when the full time whistle blew leaving the team feeling deflated.

The result leaves the Blues ninth out of fourteen in the East Premier League, just inside the relegation zone. With the competition close, the Blues need to start converting more chances to survive in the league this season.

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