New Forest hold heads high despite Brighton loss

South Clubs’ Women’s Hockey League Div 3B

Brighton & Hove HC II 4

New Forest HC I 3

NEW Forest Hockey Club first team kicked off their league campaign and showed they belong at this level despite losing 4-3 in their Division 3B debut against Brighton & Hove HC.

This is the highest level New Forest Hockey Club women’s team has played at throughout its near-100-year history.

Despite Forest starting brightly and having the majority of the attacking play, Brighton scored first after a quick attack caught out the visitors.

Forest did not have long to wait for the equaliser when a well-taken short corner allowed Lynn Jones to deflect the ball past the talented Brighton keeper. Forest went close to increasing the lead on multiple occasions but time and time again the Brighton keeper kept them at bay.

With the break approaching, both sides exchanged penalties, with Rachel Lloyd coolly converting for Forest, making it 2-2 with the visitors unlucky not to be ahead.

The second half was played at a frenetic pace with the Forest midfield of Carrie Allston, Sarah Biddlecombe, Ruby Noble, Jones and debutante Ella Adams performing excellently providing a platform for their side to play.

Brighton found another gear, and their pacey attackers left the Forest defence with plenty of work to do as Snook made some excellent saves in goal. However, they eventually broke down the visitors to score twice.

With the match coming to an end, Forest altered their shape which led to captain Lia Waine scoring her side’s third goal after some decent build-up play.

New Forest Hockey Club Women’s first team continue their league campaign at home against Oxted Ladies tomorrow (Saturday).

New Forest HC: B. Snook, E. Adams, C. Allston, S. Biddlecombe, M. Brewis, B. Cammegh, L. Gavin, L. Jones, R. Lloyd, J. Lock, R. Noble, I. Troup, L. Waine.