Scalloway, Delting and Spurs latest winners in hockey league

The latest matches in senior hockey’s Association Rosebowl competition resulted in wins for Scalloway, Delting and Spurs.

Association Rosebowl

Scalloway 4, Burra 0

With an inspirational team talk prior to pass back Scalloway were determined to get something from the game. There was early pressure as forwards Meg Laurenson and Lynne Scollay immediately went to work hassling the Burra defence, proving that Scalloway meant business.

Burra’s Sarah Young and Karen McKelvie worked tirelessly in midfield to feed balls through to the ever-threatening Kristan Robertson and Stacey Laurenson but the Scalloway back line were determined to thwart any scoring opportunity.

Kate Moncrieff on Scalloway’s left side linked up well with central players Naomi Johnson and Mhairi Moncrieff to create a strong attack to spread the ball across to Nicola Smith to cross in for Laurenson who managed to maintain possession. But there was fierce defending by Julia Halcrow, Vicky Anderson and Melanie Cooper.

Laurenson was successful in playing the ball across keeper Sarah Couper to find Scollay lurking on the back post ready to slot the ball into the back of the net, giving Scalloway a 1-0 lead.

Having had a tough season to date, Scalloway were taking nothing for granted and continued to work tirelessly to create further scoring chances. Constant communication from Rhiannon Inkster and Kerri Redfern allowed Scalloway to press forward which they were quick to capitalise on with a number of short corners.

The Burra defence held their own and after three corners in quick succession they managed to keep the ball clear of the goal.

Scalloway grew in confidence, however, and started to fill the Burra circle. With a great cross from Nicola Smith on the right, Mhairi Moncrieff drove the ball into the far post and Kate Moncrieff scored to make it 2-0.

The second half started with Scalloway determined to maintain their focus and control. With numerous positional changes made on both sides there was no sign of fatigue.

Burra’s Lori Robertson continued with a fantastically high work rate and was a constant threat both on and off the ball.

Scalloway were caught off guard by a Karen MacKelvie break down the right. She linked well with Laurenson and Robertson to create a chance for Burra but Scalloway’s Lara Kay stood strong and held up the attack, allowing her players to get behind the ball.

More changes from Scalloway saw Kirsten Flett move from right defence to left midfield, her more preferred role, where she created and secured goal three for Scalloway and Meg Laurenson.

With the Burra heads starting to fall, a final push from Michaela Johnson saw the ball cover every area of the pitch and allowed her to finish what she started to secure the victory with a final score of 4-0.

Sarah Young was player of the match for Burra and for Scalloway Rhiannon Inkster and Kerri Redfern stood out.

Delting 3, Zetland 2

The game started well with both teams pressing and Delting were awarded a short corner after just 10 minutes. Toni Sidgwick, playing outfield for the first time this season, hit the ball just wide.

Delting had some good link-up play and some great passing between Ashely Burgess and Lorraine Johnson. The link-up play resulted in a goal by Sidgwick.

Delting continued to play well and press Zetland, but good defending by Dawn Anderson and Lara Jamieson kept the score line at 1-0. Zetland were rewarded for this good play when Stacey Gardner struck the ball well in the circle and Erika Leask deflected the ball into the back of the net.

The second half started well for both teams. Delting pushed on and had a number of short corners in quick succession. They worked the short corner well and eventually a great strike from Donna Murray resulted in Ashley Burgess defecting the ball into the net.

Delting were ahead once again and were hungry for more goals. However, the pressure on Zetland was continuously cleared.

Some great play by Maisie Unsworth and Gardner meant the Delting defence had to be on their toes. Zetland pushed on and with some good running by the young Lynsey Morrison they managed to get their second goal.

With the game at 2-2 both teams were looking for a win. But it was Delting who were victorious with Sidgwick rattling the ball into the goal.

Both teams continued to play well and it was an evenly-fought game with Delting just managing to score the vital goal.

Dawn Anderson was player of the match for Zetland. She controlled her defence well and showed her determination to win. Donna Murray was the player of the match for Delting with her tireless running and great link-up play.

Zetland 1, Spurs 4

Zetland made a very positive start, with a lot of the pressure, but Spurs soon regained their composure and started to press further into the Zetland half.

Spurs started putting a lot of pressure on the Zetland defence, with some great linked passing between Fiona Shearer and Morag Fox through to Emma Gray. Gray was first to get on the score sheet.

After a lot of end-to-end play Spurs took the upper hand, scoring a further two goals through Fiona Shearer and Emma Inkster before half time.

In the second half Zetland came out more determined and only conceded one goal, with Ava Sim getting her name on the score sheet following a well-taken short corner.

Some great play between Eilidh Coule, Maisie Unsworth and Helen Robertson ended in the latter scoring Zetland’s only goal of the evening.

Best for Spurs was Susan Morrison and while Joanne Stewart stood out for Zetland with her great defending.