Clifton Robinson’s Women’s 1s v Holcombe Women’s 1s
This was a must win game for CRHC W1s in the penultimate match of Phase 1 of the England Hockey Premier League. Holcombe lay just a point below Clifton R in 11th place and Clifton knew that a win would propel them up towards the top 6 of the league.
Clifton started with intent, dominated the first quarter and deservedly took the lead after 7 minutes when Welsh international Phoebe Richards scored from close range at the far post, tapping in an overhead cross. The home sides dominance continued in the first half but they could not add to the scoreline, so at half time it was a fragile 1-0 lead.
Holcombe started the better in Quarter 3 and had a number of short corner well defended by the Clifton women. Some breathing space for Clifton was given when Evie Grindal rifled home a short corner in the 46th minute.. Overall, Clifton were well deserved winners going into the final game before Christmas at East Grinstead. The win takes them to 11 points from 10 games, in 8th place but only a point away from a top 6 place – as the league splits into a Phase 2 to Top 6 and Bottom 6 league.
Clifton Robinsons: A de Visser, Z Cullum, K Gierak, T Edwards, R Daniel, J Lea, C Ansley, A Mainwaring, P Richards. L Lane, S Davies, SJ Thorburn, J Vardon-Cardy, E Grindal, D Shields, C Witham.