There is a continuing theme for the Ladies 1s of ‘too hot for hockey’ weather during our pre-season friendlies. Having played away in scorching conditions at Ashford last weekend, the Ladies played in similar conditions at home against Havant 2s.

Sitting a league above YHC, Havant were set to be a strong opposition, but YHC were not going to be intimidated by the one league difference.

With a slightly different defensive line-up the ladies settled quickly, playing the ball confidently around the back. It was end to end stuff from the start with experience showing on both sides. Lizzie played a blinder at right midfield constantly thwarting the Havant forwards and Emma showed strength in midfield with an incredible work-rate (which deservedly saw her win MOM).

Yateley piled on the pressure during the first half and finally this paid off and Ruth beat a couple of players in midfield to play the ball wide to Rappers. Rappers used her pace to drive along the baseline and fire the ball across the face of goal onto Nat’s waiting stick. This possibly could have been Nat’s goal but Lynn, “Just wanted to make sure it went in,” so claimed the final touch.

Yateley continued to play some great hockey from defence into midfield and the forward line constantly threatened the Havant D. YHC had several corners that they were, unfortunately, unable to convert.

Just before half-time Havant managed to battle through the defence to score, meaning we went into half-time level at 1-1.

The test for Yateley now was to hold Havant at bay as the tiredness and heat started to take its toll. YHC continued to battle hard but some misplaced passes meant that Havant had significantly more time in Yateley’s half in the second half. Unfortunately, a stray pass was picked up by Havant and their player took a good strike just inside the D putting Havant 2-1 up.

Yateley carried on winning corners and penetrating the Havant D but could not find the net again before the final whistle.

It has been a great build-up for the Ladies with some challenging friendlies and great preparation for the start of the league.