Spurs stretch lead to 12 points at top of hockey league

Whalsay drew against both Zetland and Juniors in the latest round of senior hockey’s Association Rosebowl league matches, while leaders Spurs stretched their lead to 12 points after thrashing Juniors and narrowly outpointing Burra.

Association Rosebowl

Whalsay 1, Zetland 1

Whalsay started well, applying pressure immediately on the Zetland defenders, who communicated well and worked together to clear away any threats on goal. Debbie Kane worked tirelessly in the Zetland goal.

Whalsay’s Shelley Sandison fought hard on the left wing, which paid off when she swept in the first goal of the match just before half time.

The second half saw Zetland come out strong with fast movement in the middle of the pitch. A break in the Whalsay defence saw Maisie Unsworth drive in and score yards from the back post, bring the score level.

The Whalsay forwards were a constant threat but they were unlucky not to convert their efforts into a goal.

Players of the match were Shelley Sandison for Whalsay and Debbie Kane for Zetland.

Spurs 2, Burra 1

Burra started the stronger team with threatening play from the trio of Kristan Robertson, Josie Jamieson and Stacey Laurenson.

Spurs were caught unorganised in defence and a strike from Stacey Laurenson made the back board rattle, giving Burra an early lead after five minutes.

Spurs woke up after this and came into the game. There was a period of end-to-end play with both teams having several chances on goal all being denied by Sarah Cooper and Spurs stand-in goalie Emma Gray.

Spurs were determined to level the score board before half time and managed to link some great passes all the way up from defence. A great through ball in the 25 caught the end of Sarah Grogan’s stick to give Spurs the equaliser they deserved.

The first half continued to be played with a fighting spirit and good hockey was shown from both sides.

It was inevitable that the second half was going to be closely fought with both teams having to work hard trying to minimise errors. Josie Jamieson worked well to feed the ball out wide and made several drives up the middle of the pitch. Spurs closed her down clearing away the danger.

Spurs picked up their game in the last 15 minutes. A period of attacking play from Spurs resulted in an unmarked Fiona Shearer hammering home the winning goal.

The game could have gone either way. Burra had their chances but were unlucky not to score from them. Spurs were lucky on the night and special mention should go to Emma Gray for some spectacular saves in goal.

Players of the match were Emma Gray for Spurs and Josie Jamieson for Burra.

Juniors 2, Whalsay 2

Scorers were Karis Irvine and Rowan Nicolson for Juniors and Maggie Irvine and Victoria Duthie for Whalsay

Players of the match were Karis Irvine for Juniors and Angelina Jamieson for Whalsay.

Zetland 1, Spurs 7

Spurs started well, switching the ball across the pitch and making full use of the width. Sarah Grogan made the first goal of the night, followed by Kristen Jeromson.

Zetland fought back, receiving a goal from a deflection. With good play around the circle Lara Thomason brought the score to 3-1 at half time.

In the second half Spurs came on strong and gained another four goals. Kristen Jeromson’s great positioning and clean strike gave her a well-deserved hat trick while Margaret Johnston played well in defence with some great clearing of the ball and Debbie Kane made some great run-outs to clear the ball.

Spurs kept the pressure on until the final whistle, when Zetland unfortunately lost their goalie within the last four minutes at a Spurs short corner. Lara Jamieson stood in, with the defence working well together to keepthe ball away from the goals.

Best on the night were Kristen Jeromson Spurs and Aimee Keith for Zetland.