Christcurch I 0 v Carlton Park I 2

14/03/09

Park knew that a win or a draw today would secure them the league title.

Park with a squad of 13 players and with a few carrying slight injuries Park started the game slightly nervous. Christchurch moved the ball well round the midfield and made it difficult for Park to find their rhythm. Park’s defence was put under pressure but as always they fought well to keep the scores level. Karen Fletcher in goal had her busiest game of the season. Park had numerous penalty corners awarded against them but the defence of Kirsty Marshall, Kerry Whatling, Emma Tuckwell, Mel Rodwell and Mercedes Buckle stood strong and ran out well to block any shot on goal with Kerry Whatling at one point getting a crucial touch to deflect the ball out. Park were quick on the break and nearly caught Christchurch out when Lynn Whittingstall managed to take the ball down the left wing. Her cross into the ‘d’ was just behind Denise Manning who failed to get the touch it needed to guide it into the goal. Park battled well in midfield with Justine Howe, Tori Walton, Wendy Corneby and Roo Mackie moving the ball well and feeding both wings with some excellent balls. Mercedes Buckle pushed forward and had an attempt on goal saved by the Christchurch keeper. Park were then awarded their first penalty corner. Unfortunately or fortunately the ball was sliced and lifted from the hit but Denise Manning managed to stop the ball reverse stick, control it well and her shot on goal beat the keeper and found the left hand corner. So Park found themselves a goal to the good. Park then had to switch a few players around due to an injury to Vicky Le Fanu who fell and was caught on the knee by an opponents stick. Justine Howe took up on the right wing with Mel Rodwell slipping to right midfield. Park then upped their game and finished the half with a slight edge in the play.

In the second half Park again battled well. Vicky Le Fanu came back on and worked tirelessly on the right hand side as did Lynn Whittingstall out on the left. Park were more positive in their play and found the rhythm that they lacked in the first half. Passes were more accurate and Park made sure that they were first to the ball. Christchurch were unlucky not to equalise when a shot on goal beat Fletch but Kerry Whatling was on hand to sweep up behind her and clear the ball. Park were still very dominant in their play and again the defence battled well. Mercedes Buckle was allowed to roam around midfield but also tracked back well if her opponent broke away. Tori Walton also caused problems in the centre of midfield with her skilful stick work. Park then scored their second goal when again some good work on the right by Vicky Le Fanu saw her beat her defender and pull the keeper out she then slipped the ball to an unmarked Denise Manning in the middle who had the simple task of slotting the ball into an empty goal. Park knew they had done enough but again they kept up the pressure and fought well to keep yet another clean sheet. An excellent result with every player giving their all.

Squad: Karen Fletcher, Mercedes Buckle, Emma Tuckwell, Mel Rodwell, Kirsty Marshall, Kerry Whatling, Wendy Corneby, Justine Howe, Roo Mackie, Tori Walton, Vicky Le Fanu, Lynn Whittingstall, Denise Manning

Report by Denise Manning.