CHAMPIONS CRUSHED
Leicester went clear at the top of the Premier League with a comprehensive 4-1 win at last year's near unbeatable champions Bowdon Hightown. Fay Nash put Bowdon into the lead in the 9th minute after what assistant coach Carol Johnson called 'lackadaisical defending' from Leicester. The lead lasted four minutes before Crista Cullen raced from the back to power an unstoppable half volley into the top corner of the net from the circle edge. Cullen was playing her first match back after a year's sabbatical travelling and playing in South Africa.
Leicester's second came from Beckie Herbert and Leicester should have been more than 2-1 up at the break.
It took until the 60th minute for Leicester to add a third, a first Leicester goal for Emma Clarke. The Irish girl, Ireland's Players' Player, was 24 on Sunday so the goal served as an early birthday present. Leicester's fourth was scored 2 minutes later by Lucy Brown.
The win puts Leicester clear after Olton could only draw their game and Leicester's +10 goal difference is 5 better than Olton's. This week they tackle Clifton (12.30 LGS) who are languishing in 9th place after four successive defeats. Clifton look strong on paper and will be fighting hard to get clear of the relegation zone but Leicester should be far too strong.
Leicester progressed in the Cup last Sunday without taking the field. Opponents, Worcester, scratched at the eleventh hour. Leicester will travel to Brooklands Poynton in the next round in November, the only all Premier encounter.
Leicester 2nds emerged from a fast and furious Midlands Premier encounter with a 2-2 away draw at Harborne. The point leaves Leicester 8th in the League ahead of this week's visitors Olton only by alphabetical order. Matches between the two are always competitive affairs and both will be after all three points. Kate Sharland capped a fine performance last weekend with both goals against Harborne and coach Julia Sawkings will be hoping for more of the same from quicksilver Sharland.
Leicester 3rds rose early for a 9am start at Loughborough University but the match against Students' 5ths was called off when the Students had an umpiring crisis. The League will adjudicate as to whether the 3rds are awarded the game.
Leicester 4ths fought out a good 1-1 draw with a very strong Students' 4ths. Steph Mason made some great saves and Abbie MacArthur notched the Leicester goal.
The 5ths, made up largely of newcomers experiencing women's hockey for the first time, lost 2-0 to Charnwood/Sileby but it was a creditable performance from the youngsters. Rachel Mould is making good headway between the sticks and the younger players are adjusting to the extra pace of the game compared to school hockey.
This weekend sees no Leicestershire League action as it is half term.