Chadwick’s fabulous Ladies 2’s prove themselves in Sussex HA Vase Final

With the two sides previously meeting in Division two this year and coming away with draws from both fixtures a close game was expected.

A pre match brief from team coach Paul Merison, followed by a rally to arms from captain Alice Chadwick set the tone for Saxons Ladies who were determined to start strong and push for an early lead.

Saxons put Midis under pressure from the outset. Saxons using the full width of the pitch and pressing the opposition in their own half. The pressure took its toll when Saxons broke down a midis free hit at the top of the D for Molly Gransden to collect the ball and find Hollie Pooke who calmly found the back board. Making the score 0-1 to Saxons.

Saxons continued their onslaught winning two penalty corners but failing to secure a further goal. On 23 minutes a drive down the right wing by Lucy Bate saw a link up with Nel Gransden allowing her to play a lifted ball across the goal which Betty Taylor skilfully volleyed into the waiting net.

Saxons looked to be controlling the game and after Chadwick broke down another Midis free hit, a Saxons shot on goal was stopped on the line by a Midis foot. Unfortunately goal number three was not to come as the subsequent penalty flick from Molly Gransden went just wide of the post.

Saxons disappointment was brief after Gransden redeemed herself just before the half time whistle finding an unmarked Pooke who slotted the ball through the oncoming keepers legs to make it 0-3 to Saxons on the half time whistle.

After a half time team talk Saxons returned to the pitch with instructions to keep formation, maintain the pressure on Midi’s, and to keep a clean sheet.

Midis returned with a changed formation and renewed vigour. Play was end-to-end with Saxons maintaining the lions share of chances. Goal scoring opportunities for Abi Merison and both the Gransden’s going wide of the post.

Midis took their chances on the break and won a penalty corner opportunity on 52 minutes. Midis slipped right, Saxons Keeper Millie Taylor protecting her post could only look on, as Midis pulled the ball back to the top of the D for a senior midi’s player to send a well struck ball goal bound. Defender Layla Whiteman valiantly made contact with the ball on the line, but unfortunately for Saxons the momentum carried the ball into the goal.

With 18 minutes remaining Saxons pressed Midis high in their own half. Saxons continued to demonstrate some great hockey switching the ball across to the opposite side of the pitch, with a constant barrage of attacks that kept the opposition under pressure. Saxons again coming close to scoring.

As the full time whistle sounded a cheer came from the Saxons players and supporters alike. Saxons emerging 1-3 winners. The Vase was presented by the president of the Sussex Hockey Association Michael Acott.

Captain Chadwick said ‘I am extremely proud of our fabulous team work and the resilience that the girls have shown. The team played so well that it was difficult to select a player of the match, the accolade goes to both Molly Gransden and Holly Pooke. Saxons would like to thank East Grinstead Hockey Club for the use of their venue and Sussex Hockey Association for making the event so memorable.’

Saxons: M. Taylor (GK), A. Chadwick (C), E. Jacobs, A. Merison, E. Wright, B. Taylor, M. Gransden, N. Gransden, H. Pooke, L. Bate, L. Whiteman, E. Studholme.