Winning start for hockey ladies

Chichester Ladies 4 Brighton & Hove 3s 1

Chichester entertained Brighton in their first league game of the season under the new captaincy of Lottie Greenlees and Demelza Peake.

Chi chester started strongly and dominated the start of the game, but against the run of play Brighton took the lead early on.

Chi maintained the pressure with be ll af est a and amy Chaplin driving the team forward but the Brighton defence kept them out.

But as half-time approached Mad die Hantrais’ outstanding play set up two quickfire goals for Greenlees and saw the home team go into half time leading 2-1.

Chi chester settled into the second half with the defence of Pien Dokter, Leonie de Lange, Emma bennison, Megan Thomas and Jess Stanley providing a solid barrier.

Their connection with each other and the midfield led by Peake enabled Chichester to play some fantastic hockey, which ultimately led to Chi chester extending their lead when Greenlees scored again, securing a hat-trick.

Brighton tried to fight back and missed a good opportunity when one on one with keeper Jacs Kane, who made a fine save.

With just over ten minutes left bella Festa clinically punished Brighton after a defensive mistake to make it 4-1.

Player of the match was Hantrais.

The ladies travel to South Saxons this week.

■ Chi chester friars won their Hampshire division four opener2-1 away to wimborne Wayfarers.

In pre-season friendlies, the Friars drew 4-4 against Chichester threes and won 8- 0 against Portsmouth threes.

From the start, Wimborne piled on the pressure, and they took the lead with a breakaway goal.

Gradually the Friars got into their stride.

In the second half the Friars weathered the storm and the equaliser came in the 41st minute when Luke Savory used his speed to break through from wide on the right and pass to bryan locke, who slot ted it past the keeper.

Rob Torrance stopped a certain goal and late on, Locke slid in another goal.