The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
All three Spalding Poachers sides were on winning form in East Women’s Hockey League on what was a super Saturday for the Glen Park club.
The in-form Poachers 1st led by example in Division 2NW with a dazzling 8-1 victory at Bourne/Deeping ladies’ 1st.
Kelly Slater’s back-post finish put them ahead inside two minutes, before an own goal doubled their advantage.
A trademark reverse stick finish by captain Kelly Tuplin then saw the Poachers storm 3-0 ahead, with Katie Gray and Jacqui Hunter also getting in on the act to put the Spalding girls into dreamland at 5-0.
Roz Dennis added number six early in the second period following a mazy dribble, before Bourne/Deeping hit back.
That only spurred Spalding on and further efforts from Tuplin and Slater rounded off the rout.
In Division 3NW (N), Spalding Poachers 2nd were handed a 5-0 walkover win after Woodhall Spa were unable to raise a team. It was far from ideal for the girls, but they’ll take the win nonetheless.
Spalding Poachers 3rd then completed the hat-trick of wins with their maiden win of the 3NW (N) campaign.
They were 2-0 victors at Lincoln ladies’ 3rd thanks to goals in each half from Sam Foston.
Player of the match was a joint affair with Foston and Frances Dalton sharing the honour, while Ali Wild’s awesome save on the line from a short corner ensured that the finish wasn’t as nervy as it could have been.
Back in Division 2NW, Long Sutton ladies’ 1st were on fantastic form with a 7-2 success over Alford and District ladies’ 1st.
Robyn Gribble’s hat-trick was key for Sutton, who were 5-1 ahead inside the first 35 minutes.
Leanne Woodhead (2), Louise Southgate and Lisa Baker bagged the other goals for a Sutton side that are sitting third in the table.
Sutton’s player of the match went to Leah Goodley, who gave the most consistent all-round performance and defending well.
It was a day to forget for Long Sutton ladies’ 2nd in Division 3NW, though, as they went down 9-1 against Spilsby ladies’ 1st.
Emma Howell’s fine run and finish was the only consolation for mid-table Sutton.
Saturday’s fixtures
East Women: D2NW – Spalding Poachers v St Neots (2pm); Cambridge Nomads v Long Sutton (11am).
Division 3NW (N) – Long Sutton 2nd v Lincoln 3rd (2.30pm); Spalding Poachers 3rd v Alford & District 2nd (11am); Horncastle v Spalding Poachers 2nd (11am).
