Better, but second team are still on losing side
Mid Sussex Ladies 4 Chichester Ladies 2s 1 Sussex Ladies premier div
Chichester had to improve on last week’s form and so they did, but were still beaten.
Although short of players, Chi set up well and defended stoutly. Inevitably Chichester were under pressure for the majority of the game.
The home side spread the ball well but Chi were up to the task and held them at bay for about 20 minutes before the breakthrough.
The Chi defence of Kate Woods, Jackie Baxter, Tracey Austin and keeper Julie Abson were working overtime but Mid Sussex scored again.
Chichester were pushing forward more and throwing everything at the Sussex defence and from a penalty corner Sarah Jessop scored with a lovely reverse-strike past the Mid Sussex defence.
In the second half Chi had more of the ball and possession was 50/50 until the one of the umpires gave Jessop a yellow card for an alleged stick tackle which looked a fair one.
She was off for five minutes, which put more pressure on the visitors. Mid Sussex had the edge with younger and fitter players and they scored twice more. A better display from Chichester, who have only two games left.
Chichester Ladies 2s: Abson, Austin, Parrott, Baxter, Trent, Hurd, Jessop, Hallier, Woods, Mundy, Holdstock, Dilnot-smith.
Hamble Ladies 2s 5 Chi Ladies 4s 1
It was clear from the off that Hamble would be able to dominate the game.
Chi refused to be daunted and although the weather and some questionable umpiring decisions impeded some of the play, Chi matched Hamble in attacking moves.
Hamble used their pace to take the lead but on the stroke of half-time, Kelly Lilywhite drove towards the Hamble goal before being taken to the ground by the keeper’s dive – but Teresa Willway was covering to tap the ball in.
Chi felt debatable decisions cost them the game as Hamble monopolised the short and long corners.
However, Chi continued to press and some amazing saves from star player Jo Dunlop kept Chi looking to get the ball up the other end and score.
Hamble deserved the win although Chi were disappointed with the deficit. Chi Ladies 4s: Dunlop, Cox, Priddle, Cruttenden, HY Johnson, Litchfield,
Ashton, Whittington, Austin, Howarth, Homer, Willway, Lilywhite.