Delting and Whalsay lead the way in hockey league

The latest hockey matches in the Association Rosebowl competition saw wins for Delting, Burra and Whalsay while Spurs picked up the points after Burra failed to field a team.

Association Rosebowl

Juniors 0, Delting 4

Delting started off the stronger team showing their experience through their slick passing up the field. Pressure was soon applied to the Juniors defence but the team of Lara Kay and Linsey Morrison thwarted any dangers early on in the game.

As the Juniors settled, some accurate passes between Karis Irvine and Abbey Irvine threatened the Delting defence. However, Nicola Blance was on fine form and kept the Juniors at bay. After a spell of link-up play the Delts produced their first goal of the night with Donna Murray slotting home a rebound.

During the second half Delting continued to press on in the Juniors half and a goal came through Jillian Copland. The Juniors became more confident and on several occasions challenged the Delting goalie to pull off some fine saves. At the other end of the field though, Lorriane Johnston got the third for Delting with a drive into the corner of the goals.

Brenda Leask made it four just before the full-time whistle after a confident run up the field. Credit must be given to the Juniors for their determination and up-beat attitude throughout although Delting walked away with the three points.

Nicola Blance stood out for Delting while Megan Nicholson was the Juniors player of the match after producing some cracking saves.

Burra 4, Juniors 1

Burra got off to a great start with great interlinking play between Kristan Robertson and Stacy Laurenson, leading to a penalty corner. A strong push out from Robertson and a superb strike from Laurenson secured the first goal of the night.

Burra were quick on the attack again with strong play through the midfield with Maria Duncan threading balls through to the forwards. Stacy Laurenson had a solo run and was faced with the Juniors goalie who conceded a penalty, which led to another goal by Laurenson.

Juniors battled hard throughout with Lara and Abby playing well in defence, but were unable to stop Robertson who scored the third for Burra.

Undeterred, Juniors started the second half with determination and it paid off with a goal from Lorrie Robertson.

Lorrie and Jade Manson were strong in midfield for Juniors, but were unable to break Kirsty Halcrow in defence who fought hard to thwart any more goal attempts.

Burra scored the final goal of the night, Laurenson completing her hat trick. Mention must go to both goalkeepers who made some terrific saves.

Players of the match were Kristan Robertson for Burra and Lorrie Robertson for Juniors.

Spurs 1, Whalsay 3

Spurs took to the field against a strong and confident Whalsay side who convincingly won their first match against Zetland last week.

Spurs started well with Morag Fox and Sarah Grogan driving up either side of the field and giving midfielders Rona Simpson and Fiona Shearer the option to open up play. They drove the ball wide and in towards goal, but Whalsay’s defence showed their strength and denied any attempt at a shot on goal.

The ball was quickly picked up by Maree Simpson who slickly swept the ball out of the attacking area and down towards her midfield players who passed and carried the ball towards goal and straight into the feet of a Spurs defender.

Whalsay were awarded the first penalty corner of the game and the ball was strongly pushed out towards the top the circle. It fell into the line of Victoria Duthie who sweetly struck the ball down into the left hand corner of the goal to make it 1-0.

Louise Moar was replaced by Kara Thomson in defence, making her debut for Spurs. Immediately Spurs found themselves under pressure but Thomson remained calm and effectively cleared the ball off the line to deny Whalsay a second goal.

Whalsay continued to apply pressure and deservedly netted their second when Eileen Robertson made a solo run in towards goal and struck the ball into the backboard.

Spurs reacted well with some good runs up front from Grogan and Karen Mackay, but were quickly closed down by Whalsay’s Maggie and Zoe Irvine who were showing great skill in midfield.

Spurs remained determined with some good defensive play and excellent saves by Elaine Smith. Emma Inkster was working hard in defence to clear the ball out towards Shearer who was linking well with Grogan who netted the first Spurs goal of the season.

This gave Spurs the incentive to step up a gear and they were unfortunate not to score a few more. A series of mistakes in the Whalsay circle saw Spurs awarded a series of penalty corners. Fox, Simpson, Shearer and Grogan had opportunities but were unfortunate not to convert them into goals. Spurs did find the backboard at last but the goal was disallowed, as it was deemed to have been lifted illegally.

Whalsay pushed on again with Eileen Robertson netting her second goal of the night. Spurs showed great determination for their first game of the season but Whalsay proved to be the stronger on the night.

Players of the match were Emma Inkster for Spurs and Maggie Irvine for Whalsay.

Burra v Spurs

Burra failed to field a team and the points were awarded to Spurs.