RAF Ladies’ Hockey Match Reports

RAF Ladies at Hockey Inter-Services Mar 10

Confidence was high as the RAF Ladies’ arrived at the Inter-Services at Aldershot. The Army had beaten the Navy 5-0 the previous day so the RAF knew a good start was imperative if they were to regain the title.

The game against the Navy started at a frenetic pace. The RAF Ladies’ pressurised the Navy defence and were soon rewarded when Sqn Ldr Carole McCullough drilled the ball from the top of the circle to open the scoring for the RAF. A second soon followed from a well-worked penalty corner routine - an excellent injection from Sqn Ldr Vicky Williams enabled Flt Lt Joelle Weston to score from a straight strike. The pressure continued with SAC Fee Chandler and Cpl Jess Webb working well up front to claim a goal each. At 4-0, the RAF were in total control of the game and a final shot by Cpl Jess Webb took the score to 5-0 as the half time whistle blew.

The second half saw the Navy change tactics and play a half-court press. This put all of their players in the defensive half of the pitch, crowding the area and limiting attacking opportunities for the RAF. It took the RAF some time to adjust but experienced defenders Flt Lt Claire Collis (Capt) and Joelle Weston patiently played the ball around until a gap appeared in the Navy set up. However, RAF attacking play on the right hand side of the pitch left a huge gap in the defensive line-up; the Navy got a quick break and played a 2v1 with GK Cpl Tara Pile, narrowly beating her to take the score to 5-1. This unsettled the RAF and gave the Navy a much needed confidence boost. The Navy attacked again and within 3 minutes had pulled back another goal to take the score to 5-2. After some substitutions, the RAF again settled, with Flt Lts Vicky Williams and Lucy Shepard dominating the play in the centre of the pitch. A period of sustained pressure on the Navy goal saw Fg Off Bryony Robinson score after a goal-mouth scramble to take the score to 6-2. The RAF totally dominated the latter part of the match and was unlucky not to score from a number of penalty corners. SAC Fee Chandler worked tirelessly in attack and put awy another excellent goal to take the score to 7-2. Only excellent work by the Navy GK denied the RAF more goals.

This set the scene for the tournament decider, Army v RAF. The Army were tournament holders but after an excellent display against the Navy, the RAF Ladies’ were tournament favourites. The Army won the first push back but a mistake on the second pass of the game enabled Sqn Ldr McCullough to intercept and put immediate pressure on the Army defence. Skillful play by Flt Lt Lucy Sheppard set up SAC Fee Chandler who scored the opening goal in the first minute of the game. The RAF couldn’t have asked for a better start! Confidence was high as the RAF continued to put pressure on the Army – Flt Lt Mel Carrier did some excellent work on the left-hand side of the pitch to deny the Army’s strongest attacking players any freedom of movement on the ball. Flt Lt Jane Lewis won a number of penalty corners for the RAF but they were unable to capitalise on the opportunities and the score remained 1-0 at half time.

At the start of the second half, there were signs that the Army were beginning to settle and finds gaps in the RAF defence. A scrappy period of defence saw the Army bring the score-line level with a deflection into the lower corner of the goal. Both teams were playing at a frenetic pace and frequent substitutions were required to maintain the momentum. The Army then scored against the run of play to take the lead for the first time in the match. The RAF regrouped and put a concerted period of pressure on the Army defence. An impressive piece of individual skill by Cpl Jess Webb was finally rewarded with a goal to bring the score level. With only 10 minutes to go, the RAF needed another goal – excellent work by Cpls Sam Hodges and Lizzie Jaines kept the pressure on the Army defence. The RAF knew another goal would secure the title and continued to pressurise the Army defence – however, as in the Navy game, this left a defender missing from the back line and a quick break from the Army enabled them to set up another 2v1 against the GK to take the lead 3-2. The RAF didn’t give up and were unlucky not to score with Cpl Jess Webb making yet another excellent strike only to be denied by the crossbar. More shots went over and wide of the post and with the final minutes counting down, it was too late for the RAF to draw level. The match ended 2-3, giving the Army the title for the third year.

Despite such a major disappointment, the RAF coach Sqn Ldr Lucy Newcombe was immensely proud of all the players for the fight they showed and the excellent team spirit throughout the season. It wasn’t all bad news though – Flt Lt Mel Carrier was awarded Player of the Tournament for her solid defending, a particular honour when not a member of the winning team. Flt Lt Carrier said that she was very proud to have won but that it was a total team effort and everyone should be extremely proud of what they have achieved. It will be the RAF’s title next year! RAF Inter-Services Squad 2010: Sqn Ldrs Carole McCullough, Vicky Williams, Flt Lts Mel Carrier, Claire Collis (Capt), Ruth Glodkowski, Jane Lewis, Lucy Sheppard (V Capt) Joelle Weston, Fg Offs Helen Davies, Sarah Rainey, Bryony Robinson, Cpls Lizzie Jaines, Sam Hodges, Tara Pile, Jess Webb, SAC Fee Chandler

Sqn Ldr C L McCullough

9360 55730

RAF Ladies’ Team Manager