Emily Crisp reports
Ladies 1s v Loughborough Students Ladies 3s
The team started out strong and fought hard against Loughborough in the first half creating several chances in the attacking D but were unable to get on the scoreboard. In the final minute of the first half, Loughborough scored from a deflection in the D. Newark continued to probe but several missed opportunities meaning a long trip home with nothing to show
Ladies 2s v Beeston 4s
Newark Ladies 2s whipped up a storm on Saturday in a testing game against a strong Beeston side and with the wind battering everyone’s eardrums the usual communication was out the window. The defence were challenged frequently, and Goal keeper Lilly Dean was put under pressure, but with some great defencing and a fantastic slip from Rachel; Sara smashed the ball into the back of the goal to give Newark a 1-0 lead.
But one wasn’t enough for a hungry Sara, the ball was taken into the D and with some beautiful passing she popped it around the goalie to make it 2-0. But now, Beeston had woken up and weren’t going to make it easy, Beeston put some serious pressure on which took Newark by surprise and brought the score to 2-1. With some intense battling Newark managed to get the ball back into the attacking D and with a lovely lay off from Amber Smith, Shanade Bradley slid the ball past the goalie. Minutes before the half time whistle and Beeston had to prove themselves, 30 seconds left and they succeeded. Half time score 3-2 to Newark.
After a strong half time talk from coaches Sally & Paul, Newark ladies charged out and showed Beeston that they weren’t going to have a chance to score this half. The sun finally made an appearance and the wind died down, Newark showed some lovely work up the right and left wings with Shanade and Gabi Lucas hitting home with one goal after another. But now that Shanade and Sara has 2 goals each Gabi knew the pressure was on and with the final 10 seconds left made her mark and scored the final goal taking the score to 6-2.
Ladies 3s v Southwell Brincliffe United Ladies 2s
The ladies 3s faced the windy conditions away at Southwell head on, despite missing a couple of regular key team members, the team gelled well on the pitch and moved the ball well around the pitch. Both teams had several chances in the first half and the game was an even match. Goal keeper Freya Grocock commanded the defence and made some cracking saves from several penalty corners and breaks in the play. Wingers Gabbi Lucas and Mallory Towlson made some great runs down the wing, but some scrappy play in the D and a strong Southwell defence meant the score remained 0-0 at half time.
After a regroup and talk from coach Sally Halfpenny, the team fought hard in the second half and a break of play from Gabbi Lucas led to a well-earned goal for Newark. Southwell responded putting the Newark defence under pressure, Louise Hopper and Hannah Bond worked together to keep Southwell at bay, winning the ball back. Sophie Chambers showed skill and speed, earning an attacking penalty corner which captain Emily Crisp converted with a clean straight strike. Vice-Captain Zoe White soon added to the Newark lead with a lifted strike into the Southwell goal. Player of the match was Zoe White, with votes for Felicity Taylor Peck and Zara Littlewood, both making their debut for the ladies 3s.
Ladies 4’s vs Beeston 7’s
With several regular players absent and a few playing their first match this season, it was always going to be a tough game - not even the weather was on our side! Coach James Barker swapped the squad around again to play to the strengths of the available talent and took Jess Hull from the back to be the target player up front - with great success as she scored Newark’s only goal!
By half time, Newark were down 4-1 and had several penalty corners given against them. Zara Littlewood and Chloe Sloan had some great play between them but we struggled to break through the Beeston defence. The second half went much as the first, with the skills and teamwork from Beeston outrunning Newark time and again. There were flashes of great play from Newark and hopefully this is a sign of things to come.
We were pleased to welcome back Abbie Moisey and Lucy Wade, albeit temporarily but sadly they were to be disappointed on their return and Newark eventually lost 8-1.
Player of the Match was Chloe Sloan.
