Herne Bay hockey

A late penalty flick earned Herne Bay ladies a draw as a fluctuating Women’s Kent League, Division 1 match against Ashford 2nds ended 3-3. Jemma Edmunds put the Bay ahead but they fell 2-1 behind before Sophy Forwood’s equaliser. Ashford then regained the lead but Bay gave it everything they had for the last few minutes and won a penalty flick converted by Amy Mason. Joint players-of-the-match were Sarah Dengate and Amy Coffey. Bay: Rachel Gentry, Jemma Edmunds, Sophy Forwood, Lucy Marks,sharon Godden, Hannah Hasler, Amy Mason, Sarah Dengate, Christina Nash, Amy Coffey, Abbie Burton, Lucy Barton. The ladies’ 2nds launched their home campaign in Division 3 by coming from behind to beat New Beccehamian 2nds 3-2. Beccs went ahead before their hosts drew level through Joanne Cox. Caroline Dobson produced some excellent work in combination with Amber Malley, Lucy Barton and Holly Barton and Bay ended the half 2-1 in front after a goal from Amber Potter. An equaliser was forced by Beccs in the second half but Bay were not to be denied and claimed victory with a goal from Barton. Malley was player-of-the-match. The 3rds went down 4-3 to King’s & Alleyn’s 3rds in Division 3 despite goals from Sarah Howard, Georgia Taylor-cleary and Ruby Collier, after a great run from Sally Pywell. Amanda Richardson-jess was outstanding in goal. Bay’s men’s first team drew 1-1 in a friendly with Folkestone 2nds who play in the division above. This was a competitive and physical game and after Pete Nash’s effort had rebounded off the bar, Folkestone took a half-time lead through a penalty corner. Despite being forced into a reshuffle when Sammy Watson picked up a knee injury, Bay drew level through James Bray. They might even have stolen the game at the death but the Folkestone keeper produced a superb save. Bay man-of-thematch was Adam Jones. Simon Collins and Lee Gardner both netted hat-tricks as the 2nds beat Cobdown 1sts 7-1 in their first, and only, non-club friendly. Tom White opened the scoring after being teed up by Gardner and Collins then added a near identical second. A great run on the wing by Harry Pout set up Gardner for his first and, after Cobdown had pulled a goal back, Gardner struck again to make it 4-1. Collins increased the lead and, after the same player had completed his treble, Gardner followed suit, delicately undercutting the ball over the prone keeper. Bay’s 3rds went down 3-1 at home to Sutton Valence 2nds, who led 2-0 at half-time. Jay Newell scored the Bay goal while Tom Wood was man-of-the-match. Paul Mcvey hit a hat-trick as the 4ths lost 6-3 to a Canterbury Millers team that will be playing several leagues higher this season. Man-of-the-match Andy Marsh had an excellent game in goal. Debutant Max Reid was man-ofthe-match for the 5ths as they won 3-2 against K Sports 3rds.