U14 Girls qualify for EH Regional Finals

Sitting 2nd in the league table before the match, Hertford U14 girls knew that a draw would put them through to the England Hockey Regional Championship Finals, but the result was required against Old Loughtonians who sat top of the table having dropped no points this season. It was clear from the start that every Hertford player would give their all, chasing down balls and providing no time for Old Loughts to settle. Within minutes, “player of the match” Niamh Hartnett was consistently pouncing on loose balls and pressurising the opposition’s defence. Whilst the game remained tense, Hertford had the upper hand and after 17minutes, some great inter-play down Hertford’s right hand side found Molly Hobson in the D who crossed for Hartnett to slot home.

With the scoreline 1-0 at half time Hertford knew that Old Loughts would come out fighting and the first ten minutes saw some great end to end hockey only to be broken by an individual piece of skilful counter-attack from Old Loughts who equalised after 42mins, bringing the match to a climax. Pleasingly, Hertford didn’t let their heads drop and Hobson, after powering past her marker, saw some space open up in front of her. Driving down the pitch she cleanly reverse crossed the ball from the base line which found a perfectly timed run from Emily Rollins to the right hand post who deftly slotted home to put the hosts ahead again.

The last ten minutes felt like an eternity for the home supporters as Hertford’s defence were put under increasing pressure. However, the back four remained strong, intercepting and distributing the ball with great skill and calmness to the mid-field, who continued to run their legs into the ground. Amazing teamwork clearly was the success of the day, and it was a delight to watch the girls work so hard for each other….. Regionals, here we come!!