Midfielder Bond stars but Ladies miss out

Runcorn Ladies II 1 Oxton Ladies III 5 RUNCORN were faced with daunting prospect of playing host to second in the league Oxton who needed a win to secure promotion to Division Four.

Oxton started the game strongly and their early pressure was rewarded with a goal just five minutes into the game. Threatening to add to their tally, they were thwarted with some great defending by the defensive trio of Shauna Mark, Lisa Snelson and Laura Wade, with the latter in particular making a number of well-timed and crucial tackles when the visitors were looking particularly dangerous.

Runcorn then started to play with confidence as Debbie Smith and Lauren Bond began to take control of the midfield, combining well with their forwards to create a number of goalscoring opportunities for Runcorn.

With both teams playing some very good hockey, there were chances at both ends of the field.

Runcorn’s persistence eventually paid off when Smith netted with a fine solo effort to level the scores midway through the first half. A very evenly contested and entertaining opening period finished with the scoreline 1-1.

Oxton began the second half strongly and scored an early goal to regain their lead. Now in the ascendancy, the visitors kept on pressing.

With Runcorn’s defence tiring, the gaps began to open and Oxton took full advantage, adding a further three goals.

Runcorn continued to battle with their never-saydie attitude typified by Amy Milne, Bond and Smith who all worked hard throughout the second half to keep the home team’s hopes alive.

With eight minutes remaining, Runcorn were dealt a shocking blow when Mark suffered a broken nose after the ball cruelly deflected up from her stick during a tackle.

Runcorn can take heart from this game having given a very good account of themselves against a very strong Oxton team.

The player-of-the-match award went to Lauren Bond after another energetic and influential performance from the young midfielder. Oxton Men’s IV 1 Runcorn Men’s I 2 IN a contest played earlier in the month, Runcorn Hockey Club men’s first-team secured an excellent 2-1 win at Oxton men’s fourths and in doing so ensured their promotion.

After one too many mistakes, Runcorn finally opened the scoring, Ruan Pretoruis setting up Pete Jones in the penalty circle who drew the keeper and shot under his body into the goal on the reserve side.

Runcorn continued to hold the upper hand until 15 minutes from time when the home side levelled with a close-range finish.

The visitors then tried to hit back and in the final few minutes their efforts were rewarded when Pretorius netted following a fine pass powered through by teammate Kevin Mault.

Player-of-the-match honours went to defender Jon Garfield.