Tunbridge Wells ladies 1st XI 1-4 SevenoaksÂ
By Brandon Begg
A home encounter against top of the table Sevenoaks proved a frustrating challenge for Tunbridge Wells ladies.
The game was one of high intensity from the start, with end-to-end hockey, skill and pace.
Sevenoaks were the first to see one of their attacks come to fruition with a well-worked counter-attack giving them the lead. Wells were not disheartened and worked hard to bring the game back level.
Some superb work saw Ele Cairns break away down the right flank before working the ball out to Jemma Stephenson.
She drove it along the back line and after a slip back to captain Jen Hunt, Wells found themselves right in front of goal. With Sevenoaks blocking a direct shot on goal, Hunt kept her composure to reverse-flick pass to Annie Wilson. She was poised on the far post and slammed the ball into the goal to level the scores before half-time.
Wells were less able to maintain their influence on the game in the second half. More often than not they found themselves on the wrong end of the umpire’s whistle, much to their frustration.
The home side found it hard to repel the counter-attacks and short corners which Sevenoaks continued to build up.
Despite player of the match Ollie Gerrett’s efforts, and some superb keeping from Ali Playle, the end result was decisive. Wells had succeeded in scoring against the league leaders, who hadn’t previously conceded a goal this season, but were disappointed with the final scoreline.
The return fixture between these local rivals will definitely be a game to watch after Christmas.
