Kendal 2

Sheffield Hallam 2

North Hockey Women’s League

Premier Division

KENDAL’S reign at the top of the table came to an end this week in a tight match against a well-drilled Sheffield team.

Kendal started brightly, putting lots of pressure on the opposition in their own half which resulted in a number of goal-scoring chances.

The first to be put away was a powerful drag flick from Vicky Jones into the top left hand corner, while a cross-fire in from the right was skilfully deflected by Nicola Conway into Sally Scott, who slotted home to put Kendal 2-0 to the good.

The Cumbrians looked set to dominate but they sat back a little and allowed Sheffield to get back into the game.

Some excellent tackling from Emma Taggart, Laura Morris and Mel Whalley protected the lead but a short corner was conceded and Sheffield scored just before half time.

The quality of the game remained high from both teams in the second half, although Kendal created more of the chances.

Conway, Scott and Carole Quill all played well up front and were only thwarted by some fantastic saves from Hallam’s keeper.

With 10 minutes to play Sheffield won another short corner and used a slip pass to the right to create their equaliser.

Kendal continued to press for the rest of the game but they couldn’t find a way to get back in front and they were forced to accept the draw.

Ulverston 4

Clitheroe 5

Division Two North West

IN A keenly contested, physical encounter it was Clitheroe who opened the scoring and then pressed ahead with a second before Ulverston got a hold of their game.

They pulled back level just before half time.

Ulverston were a little slow to adapt to life in this league but are finding their feet now and were unlucky to run out of time in this game to get a much deserved point as they were edged out in an entertaining affair 5-4.

Clitheroe scorers were Emma Litton (2) Anna Leigh (2) and Steph Beford, with Ulverston’s Becks Woodhouse bagging a hat trick and Heather Randell proving once again she’s lethal from an inch with a goalline scramble.

Cumbria Women’s League

KIRKBY Lonsdale remain neck and neck with Carlisle at the summit of Cumbria Division One as they strolled to a 7-0 success at home to Carlisle 2nds.

Their main rivals Carlisle had an even easier task as they thumped Wigton 2nds 17-1.

Ambleside played some of their best hockey of the season on Saturday to beat Kendal 2nds in an enthralling match.

An early goal from Donna Robinson settled Ambleside and they continued to press the opposition’s defence, deservedly adding a second before half time from Lucy Downham.

Ambleside were a potent force in attack and added two more goals from Dayna Cannon and Jess Young before Kendal got a consolation goal minutes from the end.

Kirkby Stephen 2nds and South Lakes remain level on 17 points in joint-third after they cancelled each other out in a 1-1 draw, meaning both sides lost ground on the two league leaders.

Keswick and Dalston also shared the spoils with a 1-1 tie, while Penrith picked up a 4-0 victory at Kirkby Stephen 3rds.