Ladies 1s Match Report 5th October

HWHC: 4 vs Holcombe: 1

Hampstead Ladies 1s returned to Pad Rec for another thrilling Super Saturday clash, this time against Holcombe. With a speaker finally brought to the changing rooms and the sun shining down, spirits were high from the start.

Hampstead began with intent, pressing hard on Holcombe's defensive outlets. Though Holcombe threatened with their own attacks, a timely intercept by Phoebe shifted the momentum. A swift transfer to the right found Rose, who made a brilliant run and finished clinically from the P spot to open the scoring.

The game was end-to-end, with both sides earning penalty corners and pushing for goals. Holcombe eventually capitalised, levelling the match 1-1 with a deflected strike from a well-executed penalty corner.

Entering the second quarter, Hampstead came out determined, dominating possession and forcing a series of penalty corners. While Holcombe’s defence held firm, Madi finally broke through with a superb forehand shot from open play, restoring Hampstead’s lead at 2-1.

Despite Hampstead’s control, Holcombe’s half-court press led to the occasional counterattack, and in the dying moments of the first half, they came close to equalising, only for the ball to skim over the bar. Hampstead went into halftime with a well-earned 2-1 lead.

The third quarter saw Hampstead come out flying. Two early penalty corners were won, including a standout run from player of the match Loz, who skillfully navigated past defenders to draw a foul. Holcombe’s defence held strong during penalty corners, but Hampstead broke through again in open play, as Loz finished a back-post deflection to extend the lead to 3-1.

The final quarter kept Holcombe pinned in their own defensive third as Hampstead continued to press. More penalty corners came their way, but Holcombe’s goalkeeper, Tilly Woodhead, stood tall, making save after save. Just when it seemed the game was over, Sofia pounced on a rebound, striking a half-volley to make it 4-1, sealing the victory.

Hampstead secured another crucial three points, and with confidence riding high, all eyes now turn to their next fixture away against Loughborough.