Royston Hockey Club round-up

ROYSTON LADIES Is produced an improved second half display to run out 3-1 winners against Bishop’s Stortford IIs on Saturday.

After a motivating team talk Royston came out in the second half and took control of the game, upping the tempo and causing Stortford problems. Player of the Match Sarah Buckerfield helped Royston to break the deadlock when she picked up a great ball from Kirsty McKenzie, took it round the last defender and beat the ‘keeper. Moments later Buckerfield also converted Royston’s second with a great wide angled shot from a penalty corner.

Royston were then unlucky to concede a penalty flick which Stortford converted to bring the score to 2-1. Vicki Bidwell helped to secure the win for Royston when she picked up a rebound in Stortford’s D and put it past the ‘keeper. A great result for Royston and it was good to see the return of Denise Underwood and Ruth Askham after long term injuries.

The Ladies IIs got their first points on the board since the beginning of October with a 1-1 draw against Harpenden IIs.

After a three week break due to the bad weather, Royston again started tentatively, allowing Harpenden to apply the pressure which they made tell by going ahead within the first 10 minutes. Royston fought back with great runs down the wings from Ali Carroll on the right and Lucy Richardson on the left wing. The fight back culminated in a short corner, which was converted by Lucy Davidson.

The second half was a cagy affair with Royston starting the stronger and Ali hitting the post and Lucy Richardson forcing the goalkeeper to make a series of saves. Royston, however, had Player of the Match ‘keeper Eloise Linnett to thank for going home with a draw with an excellent double save towards the end.

The Men’s Is produced their best display of the year so far but still found themselves on the wrong end of a 5-2 scoreline against Potters Bar Is.

Royston conceded within the first minute, but then had a 15 minute period of dominance but unfortunately did not score. Potters Bar continued to attack and went 3-0 up before half time. Royston had at least nine short corners but were unable to convert any of them.

Graham Mac got one back in the second half before Royston went 4-1 down. Later on Mike Welding got the second but Potters bar scored in the last two minutes to seal the win.

The Men’s IIs lost 4-1 to a strong Stevenage side who looked lively from the start. Darren Hicks scored Royston’s goal with a sloppy goal and that was as good as it got.

Meanwhile, the Men’s IVs drew 1-1 with West Herts Vs.

Royston were unlucky not to win this match after Stephen Gourd put them ahead but it wasn’t to be as their opponents leveled after a defensive slip.