This week’s match was an important one for both Clifton Robinsons and Loughborough, with both teams looking to win 3 points at Coombe Dingle. The game started with Clifton on the front foot and a smashing debut Premier League goal from Tilly Edwards put the home side in front. This was followed quickly by another first goal in the Prem, this time scored by Clemmie Houlden who perfectly deflected a ball into the bottom corner from a beautiful delivery by Holly Munro. With momentum on their side Clifton had a very fluid run of play, ending with a corker of a finish from a reverse stick hit into the back of the net from Catherine Macaulay to put the home side up 3-0 at half-time.
After half time an early break from Clifton Robinsons resulted in a short corner, which was converted by Abi Porter with a deflection through the legs. Loughborough then found a spell of momentum and some beautiful build up plays lead to them converting 3 goals in quick succession from some tidy penalty corners and a field goal. Clifton responded when Macaulay delivered a peach of a ball to Claire Thomas who deflected the ball into the goal from in front of the goalie to restore a 2 goal cushion.
As the tension rose with 8 minutes to go, Loughborough scored another goal and continued to put pressure on the Clifton defence. However they held onto their 5-4 lead and despite a card in the final quarter managed to seal the win and take the 3 points. A well earned rest follows this weekend, and time to refresh before making a big push in the final 4 fixtures.
Kitty Chapple
