Home: Sprites v Rosemedians

Hitchin ladies kicked off the season with their first league match at home in sunny Hertfordshire today!

They set off at a blistering pace and the goals came thick and fast in the first 20mins of the match, as the Sprites scored 3 goals in quick succession. Rosemedians were heard to comment " Wow! your team are playing really well" Sprites added two more goals before Rosemedians picked themselves up and scored two goals. Both teams then traded goals, with Sprites 6 - 4 up at half time.

Rosemedians came out more determined in the 2nd half, but thanks to some great defensive work and excellent goalkeeping, by Gill, Sprites stayed ahead by one goal. Emily had some impressive turnovers and kept Sprites on the attack, they were ahead at 8 - 7 and still fighting hard for the match when they scored another to put them at 9 - 7. Rosemedians were quick to reply with a goal of their own. Straight from the next draw Rosemedians took a shot, picked up the re-bound and scored to equalise. With only 5 mins to go Sprites went all out,they had a shot, hit the post, Rosemedians picked up the re-bound they raced back down the field to attack. Thanks to some strong defending and Gill's brilliant stick work, Sprites were able to hold Rosemedians off by forcing errors as they took several shots. Both teams were out of time as the final whistle blew, bringing the match to a close at 9 - 9. Sprites were a little disappointed not to gain the win but they were up beat about their strong erformance and team work, which is all down to their new training regime devised by coaches Nicki Leach and Emily Sawyer. Hitchin Sprites look set to be a force to be reckoned with this season!

Team: Gill (GK), Alice, Hazel, Nicola, Clare, Jemma, Cat, Helen, Sandra, Emily-1, Jane-5, Lou-1, Nicki-1, Alison-1, Sam, Olivia, Harriet