Match Report – 25/03/2023: Chertsey Thames Valley I - 3 Leatherhead Ladies I - 2
South East Region: Oaks League – Division 2

GK Emma Bows Out In End of Season Thriller

Leatherhead Ladies 1st XI travelled to top of the table Chertsey on Saturday for the their last match of the campaign, and the final game for GK Emma Warren-Brown who after thirty years involvement with team sports, the last eight at Leatherhead Hockey Club was hanging up her stick/kickers. As the only team to beat Chertsey in the first half of the season, Leatherhead expected a tough encounter against the table-toppers who have dominated the league and were keen to avenge their loss when the two sides last met in December.

Fielding a much-changed side as a result of illness/injuries, Leatherhead took the game to Chertsey from the whistle. Showing no fear, the visitors had the best of the early exchanges and dominated in attack, with opportunities on target denied by an alert keeper. Frustrated to be pinned into their defensive D, after ten minutes, Chertsey broke free. From a swift counter-attack the hosts outnumbered Leatherhead and were clinical in putting away their first chance of the game to go 1-0 up against the run of play.

Chertsey worked to build possession and get a foothold in the game, applying increasing pressure as they sought to extend their lead. Leatherhead held firm in defence with keeper Emma Warren-Brown called upon to tip one effort over the cross bar and block one strike at close range, to keep the visitors in the contest. Leatherhead continued to carve out attacks but were unable to breach Chertsey’s defence. Whilst frustrated to reach the break without finding the equaliser, Leatherhead remained in contact and were positive they could challenge their hosts in the second half.

After the break it was Chertsey who made a flying start. Pushing forward, and moving with speed on and off the ball, Chertsey moved further ahead inside two minutes. A swiftly taken free hit was moved into the D and deftly struck with power into the far corner of the goal. At 2-0 up the hosts sought to run riot and there was a risk Leatherhead may capitulate. However team spirit prevailed and the visitors made an almost immediate reply to pull one back. Building from the back, Megan Smith carried the ball down the right wing before sending the ball into the danger zone. Connecting with the powerful cross, Cathy Laslett used one touch to guide the ball beyond the keeper’s reach to make it 2-1 after eight minutes of the half.

With end to end play ensuing, Leatherhead soaked up Chertsey’s pressure and went forward looking to pull level. With fourteen minutes left on the clock, Leatherhead’s determination was rewarded from a penalty corner routine. By-passing the receiver, the ball travelled beyond the D to Heather Kincaid backing up who drove the ball back into the D. With an initial strike deflected by the keeper, Leatherhead were alert for the rebound. As the ball ricocheted around the D, it was Molly Marshall who took control to slot home, levelling the score at 2-2 and setting up an exciting climax to the game. As Chertsey poured forward, Leatherhead showed heroics in defence with goal-line clearances from Megan Smith and Julia Woollatt and a crucial save from Emma Warren-Brown. Chertsey intensified their approach, and snuck back into the lead from a crisply converted penalty corner routine, making it 3-2. With eight minutes left on the clock Leatherhead continued to take the game to their hosts hoping to get a share of the league points. Leatherhead were in the ascendancy as the final whistle called an end to proceedings and Chertsey were relieved to celebrate a final victory that confirmed their place as league champions. Leatherhead can take pride in pushing their hosts to the end of their campaign.

Guard of Honour for Emma Warren-Brown As She End Her Playing Career: Supported by family and friends, celebrating her every touch, GK Emma Warren-Brown was kept busy and put in a fine performance to end her playing career, and at the final whistle, team-mates escorted her off the pitch with a guard of honour.

New players (especially female goal-keepers) are welcome at Leatherhead Hockey Club. Whilst we take a break from the winter league and regular training during May-August, there is some summer hockey activity with monthly club open evenings and summer friendly leagues. If you’re interested in playing hockey or want to find out more, please visit our website at www.leatherheadhockeyclub.co.uk or get in touch via info@leatherheadhockeyclub.co.uk