Hockey: Christchurch 2 IES II 1DUE to unavailability and injury Christchurch made two changes to their squad, bringing in the experienced duo of Joyce Jay and Julie Spice respectively.

Christchurch 2 IES II 1

DUE to unavailability and injury Christchurch made two changes to their squad, bringing in the experienced duo of Joyce Jay and Julie Spice respectively.

Playing their third home match of the season Christchurch had trouble finding their feet in the first 20 minutes. Playing in drizzly rain the home side found it difficult to adapt to the conditions and did not look as composed as their opposition on the ball. The visitors went a goal ahead which seemed to wake Christchurch up knowing they had to come from behind to win the match. The home side stepped up the pressure in the last 10 minutes of the first half and were unlucky to connect on two fine razor-sharp crosses at the far post.

Christchurch came out fired up for the second half knowing they could play better and the players certainly worked harder as a team. From an excellent ball in from set play from Val Coote, Becky Hudson volleyed home from close range to bring the game level. IES continued to battle well but player of the match Joyce Jay rocketed a stunning shot in the net to ensure Christchurch came off the pitch with another three precious points to consolidate their position in the top half of the table.