1st hockey team unbeaten so far this half term

Since half term the 1st hockey XI have been unbeaten, with a 0-0 draw against Kimbolton, a 2-1 win against Bishop’s Stortford College and a 2-0 win over Bancrofts.

Haileybury had much the better of the game against a hard-working Kimbolton team and their keeper was forced into a number of good saves as Haileybury put on the pressure. Unfortunately, due to Magenta McDougall and Kate Royds being ill and Sophie Shepherd picking up a hand injury, the squad was depleted and were unable to capitalise on the pressure that we exerted. Bettina Otte went close from a couple of short corners and Kat Hall almost scored in open play.

Last Saturday, Haileybury came back from 1-0 down to win an excellent game of hockey away at Bishop’s Stortford. The standard of umpiring was excellent and this allowed a free flowing and high quality game of hockey. The whole team played well but Magenta McDougall was excellent in the centre of midfield and Roz Brennan played exceptionally at left defender to keep a very talented right winger quiet for the whole game. The goals came from Sarah Monk in open play and Emily James who put away a rebound after a short corner strike from Chloe Swaby.

Last Monday night Natalie MacDonald skilfully put away two open play chances in the first half to seal a comfortable win over Bancrofts. The team never quite reached the intensity of the Saturday before but scored twice early on. They say it is the sign of a good team to win playing badly. Perhaps that is an omen for the weeks ahead. We travel to Mill Hill on Saturday with the squad buoyant and hungry for further success.