HOCKEY: Chrsitchurch IIs 4 Ipswich Vs 0: This match started and ended with Margaret Gray making powerful runs into the heart of the Ipswich defence, in between Christchurch took some time to make their mark on the game.

HOCKEY

Christchurch IIs 4 Ipswich Vs 0

This match started and ended with Margaret Gray making powerful runs into the heart of the Ipswich defence, in between Christchurch took some time to make their mark on the game.

Both Cat Edwards and Lenore Devenish-Meares came close to scoring in the first 15 minutes, and after intense pressure on the Ipswich goal Becky Redbond had a shot saved by the keeper at point-blank range.

An expansive sweeping move from Christchurch saw the ball moved from Carrie Kelly in defence, to Trudy Sharman and finally Margaret Gray who saw her shot blocked by the Ipswich sweeper at the expense of a bruised foot and a short corner.

On 26 minutes Ipswich finally conceded after a major tussle on the goal line, and as the ball was cleared it fell to Cathy McInerney to strike the ball home.

With the defence finally breached a second goal followed just four minutes later, when an unchecked Lenore Devenish-Meares hit a ferocious shot from the very top of the D which left the keeper with no chance.

As the half came to an end Trudy Sharman made a run down the wing and cut into the goalmouth where the ball finally crossed the line despite some frantic defence.

Having built a lead in the latter stages of the first half, the second period saw Ipswich come close to getting back into the match as Lisa James threatened down the wing and Christchurch's keeper Julie Spice was forced to make a number of important saves.

At the other end Margaret Gray continued to haunt the Ipswich defence with her movement, but the chances came but were not converted.

With 59 minutes gone another Christchurch attack was broken up by Nikki Wilcox, but she was powerless to prevent the fourth goal scored by Cat Edwards.

With the match almost over a superb ball out of defence by Sapphire Cutting, and another run by Trudy Sharman just failed to be capped with a goal.

With Margaret Gray bearing down on the Ipswich goal on a solo run, the umpires whistle brought the match to a close at 4-0.