TWO OUT OF THREE AIN'T BAD
25.9.04

Harpenden 1st XI - 1
Shefford & Sandy 1st XI - 0

A better overall performance from a more organized Harps team saw the second match of the season get off to a positive start.
The first half saw the score remain at 0-0 with a possession battle taking place from both sides.

A clear break saw Jac Smith storm down the middle of the pitch to take a strike on goal but was denied first goal glory by a deflection off the post.

Two minutes into the second half saw the heavens open which created a much slipper surface with players from both sides struggling to stay on their feet and the ball becoming difficult to control, however both teams maintained the fight resulting in numerous short corners opportunities which neither side able to capitalize on.

A later Claire Gardiner ‘special’ free hit just outside the D found Jac Smith on the right post who successfully steered the ball into the back of the net. S & S retaliated and won 7 successive short corners but the Harps defence stood their ground to hold on to a slim victory.

Player of the Match - Jac Smith

Injury of the match - Sir John Lawes teacher Julia Bradley (who joins the ever increasing Harps HC injury list – that must be it now – surely!) who in a dramatic sideline sliding tackle and will be out of action for at least 6 weeks with a broken right wrist. Best wishes go to Julia from all the girls, supporters, Tone and Baz!

Harpenden 2nd XI – 4
DMU 2nd XI – 1

Eager to prove themselves, and stand a chance in the race for promotion this year, a new-look Harpenden Ladies 2’s squad gave a good performance in their first league game of the season and made their mark on the scoreboard.

As DMU 2’s had been demoted to Div 4 this season, Harps ladies were ready for a challenging game. Encouragingly, with the strength and drive of the whole squad, they were able to defeat the relegated side.

Sally Gilbert contributed to the score line with a hat trick and is clearly enjoying playing up front again this season. One goal scored off a short corner routine, the other two during open play. Rachel Lodge scored her first goal of the season too and with sights set on Carly Watson’s record as top goal scorer of the year she’s off to a good start!

Next week’s game is against Hertford away at Balls Park at 11.10am Let’s hope for a similar result.

Harpenden 3rd XI – 0
Hertford 4th XI - 2

One player short, with captain Mandy in goal and a one handed Nat umpiring, the 3’s fought especially hard to keep the score at 2 – 0. With their first league game this weekend coming vs Stevenage 5’s, a full squad turn out is to be hoped for!

Reports by Jules Rees