UNLUCKY FOR SOME
Leicester made it 13 wins from 13 English Hockey League games at Clifton on Saturday but not without putting the wind up their supporters first. Bristol escaped the worst of the weekend's weather and initially it looked as though Clifton had caught Leicester cold, racing into an 11th minute lead through Carys Hopkins. The first half was a tale of missed opportunities and misplaced Leicester passes and when the half time whistle blew the Leicester players found themselves in the unusual position of being behind.
Carefully chosen words from coach Chris Mayer did the trick at half time with Leicester back on terms just five minutes into the second half, Crista Cullen converting a penalty corner. From then on it was just a question of how many goals as Leicester moved through the gears. Captain Vanessa Hawkins found the net in the 50th minute with Lucy Brown netting just three minutes later to effectively put the game beyond a gallant Clifton side. Hannah MacLeod applied the coup de grace; her 58th minute goal leaves her just one off a tally of 50 EHL goals for Leicester.
Leicester's win sees the side 10 points clear of nearest rivals Reading who were held to a 1-1 draw by Canterbury. Slough, 5-3 winners over University of Birmingham, are also on 29 points alongside Reading.
This weekend Leicester's opponents are the students from Birmingham who ran Leicester close in a 2-3 defeat at their own ground. The match is scheduled for a 12.30 start at Leicester Grammar School, Great Glen. The following day Leicester will face non League Surbiton in the last eight of the England Hockey Cup. This will be the first round in which Leicester has not faced Premier League opponents and it would be a major shock if Leicester's name was not in the semi-final draw on Monday.
Details have been circulated about the new end of season EHL Championship. Should Leicester finish as EHL winners the team will be guaranteed a European Hockey League place next season. Were the side to finish 2nd - 5th there would be another opportunity to be one of England's two women's clubs in Europe. To be England's top side in the European League, Leicester would need to reach the Championship final.
In all likelihood Leicester can expect to be involved in two European campaigns in 2011; one indoor and one outdoor. The need for some serious fund raising will be urgent.
Elsewhere in the club, the snow put paid to all last weekend's games. This Saturday the 2nds face a tough trip to Matlock Baileans while the 3rds continue the quest for promotion with a home match (10.30) against Charnwood-Sileby. The 4ths travel to Loughborough Students 5ths for an early 9am start and the 5ths entertain Melton 2nds at Leicester Grammar School (1.30).
On Saturday night the club is holding a Quiz night, organised by members of the 1st team squad. All money raised will help to offset costs associated with sending a senior and U18 side to Barcelona in January for the Los Reyes tournament.