Hockey
Badsey are on the march

Pershore Ladies 0 Badsey Ladies 8

Worcestershire League Division One

BADSEY resumed their league campaign with a bang on Saturday as they defeated local rivals Pershore with a terrific team performance.

The initial phase of the match saw some tense play as both teams tried to find each other's strengths and weaknesses, but Badsey burst into life when Sarah Rickey intercepted a wayward pass, sprinted into the home circle and slipped the ball in for Lynne Ellarby to beat the keeper.

From then on the first half was virtually one-way traffic as Pershore found it difficult to clear their lines at the back as the visitors piled on the pressure.

The speed and awareness of Badsey captain Karen Robinson in the circle enabled her to score two goals in quick succession, both coming again from good build-up play down the right.

Fiona Jordan was next on the scoresheet as she scored with a sharp shot at the second attempt from a Badsey short corner.

The visitors went five up before half time when another great run and cross from Laura Moore enabled birthday girl Shelly Banner to poach a goal at the far post.

In the second half, Badsey again tried to press high with Nicky Beasley and Kay Amphlett putting in some great runs and distributing the ball well down the left, but Pershore then had their best period of the game as they were awarded a series of short corners which the Badsey defence could not clear properly.

Zoe Hodgkins made another fine goalline clearance and keeper Rachel Leeming some crucial saves as the home side searched for their elusive goal.

This pressure left them fairly open at the back and another Badsey breakaway saw Banner finish with a simple tap-in to an empty goal.

Robinson completed her hat-trick following another good cross from Rickey on the right and Badsey completed their goal spree when Rickey forced the ball home from close range.

Nicky Beasley was voted as player of the match, with Hodgkins awarded the 'Turkey' for getting her stick caught in the fence!

Many thanks to umpire Graham Shenton and also to SPAR of Badsey for sponsoring the match balls this season.

Tomorrow (noon) third placed Badsey entertain Stourport 3rds at Evesham High School.