Pucklechurch Hockey Team
Did you know that Pucklechurch still has a hockey team? We have one team that plays in the Wessex 11 Hockey League, with home games played on Saturdays at Yate outdoor sports complex.
If you would like to join us -- whatever your age, ability, or fitness -- we would be very pleased to see you. We will be holding a quiz night in February -- more details will be posted on the hockey page or by ringing Claire after Christmas. For further details of our team and training times, please telephone Claire Drummond on 956 5402.
Ladies’ Hockey Fortunes Revived with 2-1 Win over Chippenham
The Pucklechurch Ladies’ Hockey team travelled up the A420 to Chippenham on a cold but sunny morning for a league match against the Chippenham III team on 8th November.
Pucklechurch gave an inspired performance, showing some of last season’s form against a younger Chippenham ladies’ side and finally breaking a very disappointing run of defeats with a 2-1 win!
The opening period started positively for Pucklechurch yellow shirts as they attacked convincingly and found a morale-boosting goal from left half Maggie O’Mahoney. Pucklechurch substitute Rebecca Dale played her debut game for the team on the forward line. Before the game, Rebecca had said she was a little nervous because she had only played about two hours of hockey in the last 15 years. Once on the pitch, any inhibitions were soon forgotten and Rebecca proved to be very impressive as a team player.
Ruth Newman placed a short corner to left half Maggie, who, on receiving the cross, struck the ball with enough force and accuracy to beat the Chippenham defence and goalie, giving Pucklechurch the opening goal of the game.
The second period found Chippenham holding their own, looking the more dangerous side as they started to create scoring chances. However, a break from the Pucklechurch defence allowed forwards Nadine Pittam and Laura Britton into the Chippenham goal area, where Maggie O’Mahoney once again struck it home for Pucklechurch’s second goal. A galvanized Chippenham side came back ten minutes later with a goal from a short corner struck superbly by defender Sue Elliot. The tempo of the game then increased, with Chippenham fighting to save or even win the game. In the closing five minutes, Chippenham were back on the attack and a shot on goal beat Pucklechurch goalie Angela Norman, only to be saved off the line by defending back Claire Drummond. The whistle ended the match for a relieved and jubilant Pucklechurch side.
It was an impressive victory for Pucklechurch and certainly raised our spirits. Thanks to Anne Weatherhead for umpiring.
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