Women's U21 Match Reports

On Sunday Shropshire Ladies Under 21's had their first outing of the season with a squad formed with players from many Shropshire clubs. Playing in the Midlands Under 21's Championships at Lilleshall the squad acquitted themselves well playing against some strong opposition. 

In their opening encounter with Staffordshire the majority of the play was in the centre of the park with Staffs breaking twice and capitalising on the break. Shropshire defended well with Anwen Pugh playing a captains match - constantly closing down the opposition and encouraging the Shropshire players. In their next match against Northamptonshire the ladies grew in confidence but were unfortunate to concede an early goal. The match then went Shropshire's way with several penalty corners that they were just unable to convert - just going wide. 

In their final game Shropshire put all their effort into it, as Donna Reynolds worked hard and Claire Pearson constantly teased the Leicestershire defence. Jenny Thompson played a gritty game on the right sending the ball forward for Anna Irvine to feed upon. Shropshire had the upper hand in this match but could just not find the net despite coming very close, leaving the match as a 0-0 draw. Manager Sarah Gaskill said "Considering some of the opposition had England or National League Players, Shropshire did themselves proud with a great team spirit and with further match practice there is great potential within the squad." 

The tournament was hosted by the Shropshire Hockey Association and full credit to Myra Downes and the committee for making the day run like clockwork. Also thanks to Hatcher Rogerson Solicitors and Coaching Solutions for sponsorship of shirts and match balls respectively.  

Full squad:-
Anwen Pugh (Captain - Oswestry), Donna Reynolds (vice Captain), Emma Harper, Lisa Davey, Claire Pearson, Caroline Wynn (all Whitchurch), Rhea Evans, Emma Drury, Nicola Hinton (all Bridgnorth), Emily Davies, Leahanna Parry (Ludlow), Jenny Thompson, Anna Irvine (Shrewsbury), Emma Weaver (Bishops Castle), Natasha Cooper and Catherine Rogers (Wrekin).

Picture of full squad - Roger Furniss (Shropshire Hockey Association County Chairman), Sarah Gaskill (Manager) - absent Mark Groves (Coach). And some team discussions...