Whalsay hockey girls remain in pole position after wins

WHALSAY’S senior hockey team claimed victories over Zetland and Juniors while Spurs had home wins against Burra and Zetland, meaning the battle for the Rosebowl title remains extremely close. Meanwhile, the Lizzie Polson Knockout semi-finals will take place on Thursday, where Delting play Scalloway and Burra face Spurs.

Rosebowl League

Whalsay 1, Zetland 0

Whalsay won the pass back and a quick through pass to Marie Irvine who was well positioned on the left wing allowed her to slot in a sneaky goal in the opening minute.

Zetland were quick to retaliate and made some strong runs through Jessica Bradley and Alison Bain. However, Whalsay defenders Fiona Dally and Sonya Shearer were on form and quick to tackle and sweep the ball away from danger.

Action went from end to end for the remainder of the first half, with excellent work from Helen Robertson for Zetland and Maggie Kay Irvine for Whalsay to channel passes into the forward ranks.

But neither team were able to convert any of the chances into goals.

In the second half Zetland came out early with renewed vigour and Whalsay’s defence was busy closing down advances from Helen Robertson and Zoe Irvine. On the counter attack Whalsay’s Eileen Robertson and Caroline Shearer linked well on the left wing to produce some fine shots on goal that were saved by keeper Debbie Kane.

Spurs 3, Burra 1

Spurs quickly applied pressure on Burra’s defence and despite great defending from Kayti Jeromson, Ava Sim, Julia Halcrow and Debbie Robertson they were unable to stop Kristen Jeromson’s reverse stick strike which lifted up into the top corner of the goal.

Burra responded with an excellent run by Josie Jamieson which resulted in an equaliser.

Ten minutes before half time Emma Gray put Spurs into the lead again.

The start of the second half saw some threatening attacks from both teams, Stacey Laurenson and Gail Donahue working well together for Spurs and Kristan Robertson and Josie Jamieson driving up the wings. Burra’s defence worked tirelessly to clear the loose balls coming into their circle, but then Spurs’ Emma Gray got on to the end of a cross into the circle before the defence to score her second of the night and seal the points.

Most valuable players of the night was Irene Gray for Spurs and Ava Sim for Burra.

Juniors 1, Whalsay 2

Juniors won the toss and decided to play with the wind on their backs for the first half. Both teams had to work hard to communicate with weather conditions extremely challenging.

Juniors started well with good link up play throughout the pitch but as usual Whalsay were fighting for every ball, forcing Juniors to move the ball around the pitch quickly.

After 15 minutes into the first half Emma Inkster, with a lovely reverse stick sweep, swept the ball past the Whalsay keeper’s weak side to give Juniors the lead.

Determined play from Zoe Irvine and Aimee Keith in centre midfield gave both Margaret Johnston and Kristen Jeromson plenty of scope to rule the right side of the pitch. Great interceptions from Fiona Dally and Maggie Kay Irvine stopped Juniors in their tracks on a number of occasions. The half ended with the Juniors happy with the play and their slender lead.

The second half started with Whalsay determined to get a result with Maree Simpson driving at Rhiannon Inkster, Ava Sim and Corrine Dalziel in the Juniors defence.

Ten minutes into the half Juniors keeper Victoria Duthie pulled off a fantastic save from a great strike from Deborah Jamieson, and with Fiona Dally quick to pounce on the rebound, Victoria was extremely unlucky to see the ball go under her foot.

With the game now level both teams fought against the weather to build up numerous attacks. Whalsay’s player of the match Elaine Smith made sure that Juniors Emma Inkster and Sarah Groat were not going to get past her easily.

With the final whistle closing in Juniors made numerous rolling substitutions with Debbie Robertson and Shelley Sandison having a positive impact on morale.

It was from a 16-yard hit out from Lynne Johnson that started the crucial Whalsay attack, with Eileen Robertson on the right of midfield linking well with Maggie Kay and Maree Simpson in the central roles. After numerous clearances from the Juniors defence they were unlucky once more to see Whalsay score their second.

Players of the match were Rhiannon Inkster for Juniors and Elaine Smith for Whalsay.

Zetland 1, Spurs 4

No report was received.