Shetland hockey team hoping for strong inter-county support

Shetland will take on Orkney in the annual senior inter-county hockey match on Saturday, with the pass back at the Midway pitch in Brae scheduled for 2pm.

President of the Shetland Ladies Hockey Association Helen Robertson said the team was hoping for a large home support to help reverse a recent run of defeats by their closest rivals.

The results currently stand at Orkney 50 wins, Shetland 17 and nine drawn, with Shetland last victorious in 2003. The squad of 16 has been coached by Kerri Moulder and will be captained by Jill Hibbert who will receive a remarkable 30th cap for Shetland.

Shearer Shield

Zetland 2, Delting 4
On what can only be described as a hot and sticky night in Brae, Zetland took the first pass back and applied instant pressure up the left wing with Lara Jamieson and Hannah Irvine posing a threat to Delting’s defence.

Zetland were awarded a short corner from which Erica Leask pushed the ball into the ever ready hands of Shona Keith who slotted the first goal past the Delting keeper within the first five minutes.

Delting rallied round and pushed their play forward, but tough defence from Ailsa Sinclair, Lisa Johnston and Dawn Anderson prevented Delting equalising until a short corner from Linda Gunn, which was nearly blocked by a Zetland player, deflected past Zetland keeper Debie Kane. Jill Hibbert slotted another one past Kane in the 30th minute.

With Delting taking the pass back to start the second half, Zetland forwards Masie Unsworth and Margaret Johnston tried to keep up the tempo but Rhiannon Inkster stood strong. With the ball breaking loose, a good run from Donna Murray resulted in another goal from Delting.

With some great passing between Suzanne Manson and Aimee Keith, Zetland pushed forward playing the ball wide to Hannah Irvine who pushed it into the circle where Shona Keith hammered another superb goal past the Delting keeper.

Delting kept cool, making threatening runs which resulted in another goal from Linda Gunn which confirmed their win with only seven minutes to go.

Players of the match were Shona Keith for Zetland and Michelle Stark for Delting.

Whalsay 3, Scalloway 3
Whalsay started the game strongly with excellent link up play from midfield. Whalsay’s good use of space allowed Maggie Kay Irvine to pass a strong ball in to the back post allowing Nicola Duthie to sweep the ball home.

Whalsay’s second goal came from Zoe Irvine who controlled the ball well into the circle to sweep past Hannah Burgess, the Scalloway goalkeeper. Maree Simpson then drove down the right wing and sent a great cross into the circle which Megan Jamieson deflected towards goal. On this occasion the keeper made a great save and clearance.

Whalsay maintained pressure and soon added a third goal from Vicky Irvine. Whalsay then appeard to be waiting for the half time whistle and this lack of concentration allowed Scalloway’s Mel Inkster to drive past Shona Moncrieff who was left helpless on the ground.

Scalloway started the second half like they ended the first, applying great pressure on Whalsay’s defence. Georgia Laurenson repeatedly found gaps to send excellent through balls to Mel Inkster. Following a strong period of play Mhairi Moncrieff crossed the ball in to Mel Inkster who scored her second of the night.

Immediately after this Scalloway gained a short corner which was converted by Michaella Johnson who forced the ball over the line.

This equaliser spurred Whalsay back into action. Abby Irvine started the ball moving in defence, feeding through to Whalsay’s midfield and forward line who drove into Scalloway’s circle. Numerous penalty corners were awarded, however, nothing could get past Laurenson’s stick.

Players of the match were Maree Simpson for Whalsay and Georgia Laurenson for Scalloway.

For Lizzie Polson Memorial Trophy reports and tables and fixtures see this Friday’s Shetland Times.