Old Freemen's Hockey Club Reports

Sat 14 February 09 - Old Freemen's Ladies 6 -Leatherhead Ladies 3rdXI - 1

Old Freemen’s continued their excellent first season with a 6-1 win against Leatherhead Ladies 3rds.

Freemen’s dominated play in the first half but struggled to get past Leatherhead’s keeper. Freemen’s attackers and midfielders put the pressure on Leatherhead’s defenders and after 25 minutes Vicky Law came forward from defence to score the first game of the match.

The second half saw Leatherhead fighting back strong and they equalised the score after a short corner.

Not willing to let a victory slip away form them, Freemen’s picked up the pace and began working together. With some lovely teamwork into their attacking d, Alice Turtle managed to get past the keeper, putting Freemen’s back in the lead.

Freemen’s attack continued strongly and with some lovely passes up the pitch they managed to break through Leatherhead’s defence. Nicki Williams scored twice within minutes, closely followed by a goal form Alexis Jones.

Leatherhead were not giving up without a fight and managed to break into Freemen’s defending d, but a fantastic save by goal keeper Charlotte Fry kept their score as it was.

With just minutes to go, Freemen’s were awarded a short corner allowing Katie Lutley to strike a fantastic shot on goal.

Freemen’s now prepare for their toughest match of the season against top of the table Surbtion who are unbeaten this season.

Team: Aspinall, Williams, Turtle, Lutley, Jones, Vanstone, Law, Crabb, Linsell, Bates, Maclean

Sat 22 November 08 - Old Freemen's Ladies 12 -Byfleet Ramblers Ladies 2

Report by: Sarah Cowley

The Free's girls stepped out on another freezing Saturday afternoon looking for another win and that's certainly what we got!  Playing against the bottom of the league, Byfleet Ramblers, we were confident that we would do enough to favourably boost our goal difference.  Despite missing a number of easy chances early on, we soon got into our stride with the midfielders and forwards linking well to put together some successful attacks. Claire's fantastic stick skills were again one of the highlight's of the game, but by no means took the crown for most memorable moment. 

Having played fantastically well all game, the defence thought they would take a trip up to the opponent's circle to try and gain some well deserved glory.  Scoring her first goal in 10 years, Vicky smashed the ball into the right hand corner from an attacking penalty corner, but what was to follow was even more fantastically brilliant.  Prize for the most excited and enthusiastic goal celebration ever must go to Miss Law.  Challenge is to beat that one girls as well as score 12 goals again!  Old Free's hockey is getting stronger and stronger, playing a strong passing game and everyone improving each week.  Good job girlies!

Sat 9 November 08 - Old Freemen's Ladies 6 - Walton & Weybrige Hawks Ladies 2

Report by: Kelly Vanstone

Despite horrible weather conditions, Old Freemen’s went into the match feeling confident and hungry for a victory. This positive attitude definitely paid off. Karina Pyre set us off with some impressive stick skills, beating numerous defenders and scoring our first goal. With the first score under our belts confidence grew within the team. The second goal was deflected in by Kelly Vanstone, which went in over the goalkeeper’s shoulder. The Hawks scored their first goal shortly after (2-1). Receiving a hit from outside the ‘D’, Eleanor Cross ensured another goal for Old Freemen’s and this took us to half time.

With the rain still pouring down and the score 3-1 in our favour; we took to the second half. A great swing saw, Sarah Vanstone smacking the ball from our half towards the Hawk’s goal, and with a deflection from Kelly Vanstone it shot pass the goalkeeper to make the score 4-1. The Hawks then answered with their second goal. The midfielders orchestrated another attack on the opposition with some impressive teamwork by Sarah Walls, Sarah Vanstone and Heather Jackson. Sarah Walls placed a well-timed shot to Kelly Vanstone who scored the 5th goal. With some efficient defending by the backs, Charlie Smith, Sarah Crabb, Vicky Law, Lisa Joseph, Ailsa MacLean, Kathy and goalkeeper Charlotte Fry, the Hawks were denied any more goals. Sarah Walls scored the final goal with a superb strike, which sent the ball sailing into the back of the goal at great speed (6-2). This sealed our victory and despite being soaked through everyone was ecstatic.

A special mention has to go to Rachel, who despite her lack of hockey experience did a brilliant job in an attacking position. Last but definitely not least; huge thanks must be given to Mrs Deighton for braving the wind and rain to umpire for us. Her presence was greatly appreciated not only as umpire but, as a friendly face giving us some good advice.

Congratulations to everyone who played and best of luck in the forthcoming match.

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