WINNING RUN CONTINUES
After the previous week's stunning triumph for the 'Outdoor On Tour' team from Leicester in the National Indoor Championships it was back to the chilly outdoor version for the girls plus notable extras like Crista Cullen, Jennie (I could be Sue Barker's successor) Bimson and Hannah MacLeod. And what a challenge! A trip to closest rivals Reading who would be fielding ex Leicester star Helen Richardson, freshly selected as Hockey Writers' Player of the Year.
Those of us unable to travel were nervously checking text messages as on paper this looked a tough one against a team boasting Richardson, Walsh, Ellis, Danson et al but the team made light of the opposition to win 4-1 with two goals from Chloe Rogers (unsung star of Leicester's indoor triumph), one from Katie Long and another from Beckie Herbert, Player of the Match in that Indoor final. Danson pulled one back for Reading but they could not stop the Pukka girls from notching up 11 wins from 11 England Hockey League games. Brilliant!
This week Leicester hosts Bowdon Hightown, last year's runaway title winners but having a much tougher time this season and languishing close to the foot of the table. Leicester had a tough battle against them earlier in the season before pulling away and the players know that Bowdon will fight hard for 70 minutes.
Leicester 2nds looked good in taking a 1-0 lead against a strong Harborne side in Midlands Premier but the Birmingham side fought back to grab an equaliser. Honours ended even as both sides' attacking intent foundered. The side looks comfortable in mid table but will be looking for a good win at Olton 2s on Saturday to begin to feel safe.
The 3rds had no game but the 4ths were hoping for a win against bottom of the table Leicester University. In a tough physical encounter the Leicester youngsters had the edge in skill and took a 1-0 half-time lead with a great goal from Tara Johnson who finished a solo dribble with a deft reverse stick flick. Abbie MacArthur added an equally good second early in the second half and it looked all over bar the shouting. The Students came back though as Leicester wasted several chances and scored what looked like a consolation. With a minute to go the Students' umpire awarded a dubious penalty corner and the ball somehow ended up in the net via Katie Mason's face. Discussion followed with an animated Leicester team and coach about the validity of the goal but it stood and the 2-2 draw means the 4ths are still too close to the relegation zone for comfort.
The pattern of the game was different for a resurgent 5ths who came back from 2-0 down against top of the table South Leicester. South deservedly led but the Leicester fightback in the second half was admirable. Rosie Hampton scored both Leicester goals; the first was a slightly scuffed shot but the second was a cracker from a slipped corner.