The First of two games against Ben Rhydding

Having managed another 15 person team, we met on the sidelines for our match against 3rd in the league Ben Rhydding. These guys have quite a reputation for being a strong team so we were anticipating a great match.

Wanting to continue our great form from last week we planned to spread out, use the space and pass the ball around. We started off with a game plan between Janna and Jodi, that had two back up plans of Newby and Gail. I’d explain it, but you never know, we might use it again. It did lead to quite a strong first attack. We looked good for the first few minutes, then Ben Rhydding started to find their game and had some good counter attacks. They did actually get the ball in the net at one point, but the umpire had already blown for a short corner, so it didn’t count.

The game was close, we were getting attacks and moving the ball around well. We had our chances and so did Ben Rhydding. Helen saved our skin more than once with some great keeping. Jenni also cleared the ball off the line keeping a clean sheet.

As we got the tighter in the press, we were stopping more and more of Ben Rhyddings attacks ever making it in to our half. It was during an intercepted free hit that Newby got the ball, a strong pass through to Gail gave her a shot on goal, which she took, 1-0 to Batley.

Ben Rhydding didn’t give up and kept making strong attacks on our goal. We needed more of a lead to know we were safe.

It was 1-0 at half time we regrouped and were pretty pleased with the first half performance. We knew we could keep this up.

The second half showed that Ben Rhydding were not taking this lying down. their attacks were strong and fast. our defence had their work cut out keeping the ball at bay. Mel was doing a great job moving from bottom of the diamond to defence, she was always available for the pass. Defense worked well, keeping someone back for the attacks so they weren’t outrun. Midfield were also doing a great job in support. When the game became more defensive, we did have to pull in a little to support, which meant we didn’t have as many people forward for the attack, but that didn’t stop us when we got the chance.

Tina was in some great space on the right, when we used this route we were getting some fantastic plays in to the D, eventually we managed to capitalise on this after a ball in the D was deftly tapped in to the GOAL by Jo, 2-0 Batley.

All we needed to do now was keep Ben Rhydding at bay for the rest of the match and we’d be getting 3 fantastic points. The attacks never stopped coming but The defence kept them at bay, subbing the midfield kept us fresh and strong. It makes such a difference when we have lots of subs.

The game ended 2-0 to Batley. MOM went to Mel for her great play in midfield/defence.

Next week we have 2 matches, one against Bradford Uni and the other against Ben Rhydding again. Hopefully we can keep up the good work.

#matchreport #batley #batleyladieshc #hockey