M+A Partners Norfolk Hockey League

Division 3

Saturday 7^th November 2009

Herlings vs Dereham IV’s

Result 1-5

The Dereham squad arrived at East Harling to play Herlings with slight trepidation as they have never been successful on grass. The pitch was in very good condition despite the heavy rain the night before. The first half was fairly even with both teams having chances. Herlings had the advantage of having several hard hitters but Dereham countered this by marking closely especially in their defending circle. Dereham may have had a little more of the play than Herlings but it was the home team who scored 10 minutes before half time.

An uplifting team talk at half time saw a determined Dereham return to the field. Herlings found themselves under pressure and after several short corners it was Hannah Dewing who got the first goal for Dereham with a clean shot at goal. This goal galvanised Dereham and for the next 20 minutes it was Dereham who found their feet on the grass and a second goal by Courtney Brown (POM), who thoroughly deserved it through her grit and determination in mid-field.

A third goal followed when Hannah Bebbington shimmied around several defenders to slip the ball behind the keeper. This third goal for Dereham really lifted their spirits and they found even more energy. The next goal came from a short corner when Dewing passed back to the injector Jackie Taylor who found room to slip the ball in for Dereham’s fourth. Neola Bush fought well on the left wing and was rewarded with the fifth goal 5 minutes from time. Herlings responded with several flurries into the Dereham circle, but the young Dereham defence made solid tackles and cleared the ball well.

Squad:

Hannah Bebbington, Sam Colman, Chloe Cushion-Swales, Courtney Brown, Neola Bush, Hannah Dewing, Fran Grapes, Fran Leverett, Emma Milton, Beth Redpath, Carolyn Reid, Jackie Taylor, Zoe Taylor, Rachel Turner.