Ladies over 45's Vs Olton and West Warwick

Tamworth faced Olton in the first round of the England hockey masters championships on Sunday. In an evenly contested match played in great spirit both sides played some lovely hockey throughout the game.

The town side started positively as they passed the ball around with confidence, Paula Cooper on the right flank and Becky Moore down the left worked tirelessly linking defence into attack. Sheena Williams almost gave Tamworth the lead as she deflected Claire Miles pass into the 'D' forcing the GK into a good reaction save. At the other end GK Nicky Youngman was also in fine form marshalling her defense and making some good saves before being beaten by a well executed short corner strike. The town side drew level two minutes before the break, Claire Miles striking home a short corner to go in all square.

With confidence high the home side sensed this game was for the taking and came out positively for the second session again having good spells of possession, Rachel Rowe returned to action following a year out injured and had a super game at right back. A scrappy goal midway through the half gave Olton the lead, but the town side continued to push forward and as players tired gaps opened up for the home side to exploit. A lovely move found Danielle Hill in space and her driving run won a short corner for Tamworth, Miles fired home her second of the game to equalise for the home side with only 5 minutes remaining, Tamworth pushed on looking for the winner but the score remained 2-2 and the tie went to penalty shuffles. 

Nicky Youngman was outstanding in goal as she saved 4 out of 5 shuffles with Miles and Hill sealing the win for the home side.

PoM Rachel Rowe