Women's hockey 2s cruise towards the Conference Cup final

(26 February 2009)

Competing in the BUCS Cup competition the Durham ladies performed well to produce a deserved win. The Hockey 2nds previous success against local rival teams allowed them to comfortably progress to the semi finals, where they met Leeds.

Arriving in Durham, the well trained Yorkshire opposition believed they would win the match. Enthused by the visitor’s confidence as the match began, the Durham ladies soon proved they were a better side. An early lead was rapidly established after great attacking play and accurate through balls allowed Jayne Yeoman to score the first goal. Encouraged by the small lead held, the palatinate ladies continued to dominate the field and refused to allow Leeds any goal scoring attempts. Before the break of play an additional goal arrived after a penalty corner was tapped in to the goal by the well skilled Ruth Pitts. As the second half began, the palatinate ladies searched for more goals in an attempt to secure the match. Listening to the guidance of team captain Lauren Aspden, Kate Gledhill constantly pressured the Leeds defence and made vital interceptions that resulted in three more Durham goals. Yeoman, Gledhill and Smith increased the Durham advantage before the close of the match. Struggling to pass the Durham defence, the Leeds squad earned a consolation goal during the closing minutes of the game. The final score, Durham 5 – Leeds 1.