Hockey Superb first-half display sets Clifton up for thrilling win over students
THE game of the weekend in the Vitality Women’s Premier Division came at Coombe Dingle as Clifton Robinsons edged Loughborough Students 5-4 in a thriller.
Clifton Robinsons started impressively and took the lead through Tilly Edwards, who scored her first Premier division goal. This was followed quickly by another first goal in the division, this time from Clemmie Houlden, who deflected a ball into the bottom corner from a beautiful delivery by Holly Munro.
Clifton Robinsons continued to impress and increased their lead with a corker of a finish from a reverse-stick hit into the back of the net from Catherine Macaulay.
After half-time, an early break from Clifton Robinsons resulted in a short corner, which was expertly converted by Abi Porter with a deflection through the legs.
Loughborough then found a spell of momentum and some beautiful build-up plays led to them converting three goals in quick succession from penalty corners and open plays. The home side suddenly became nervous with just a single-goal lead.
Clifton Robinsons regained their focus and responded when Macaulay delivered a peach of a ball to Claire Thomas, who deflected the ball into the goal from in front of the goalie to restore the home side’s two-goal advantage.
With eight minutes to go, Lough
borough scored another goal, and as the tension rose they continued to put pressure on the Clifton defence. The home side managed to hold on to their 5-4 lead, and despite a card managed to seal the win and the three points.
Clifton Robinsons have a blank weekend this week before returning to action next week.
In National Conference West, the derby between Firebrands and Clifton Robinsons 2nds ended in a 0-0 stalemate. University of Bristol went down 2-1 at Witney in the same division.
On Saturday, Clifton Robinsons 2nds travel to face Oxford Hawks, University of Bristol host Team Bath and Firebrands face Exe.
Clifton Robinsons men were unable to find the net in a hard earned 0-0 draw at Fareham. Micah Smithard had a penalty corner cleared off the line for the local side but Fareham could have grabbed the winner when Niall Stott ,the exEast Grinstead star, missed an open goal. He also hit the post.
Andy Hughes gave another fine display in goal for Clifton Robinsons who dropped to fourth following this draw.
On Sunday, Clifton Robinsons host University of Bristol at Clifton College’s water-based pitch 2pm
There was a free week in local women’s league due to the schools’ half-term break. League action resumes on Saturday.