Women's U21 Match Reports

After a series of poorly attended training sessions, mainly due to lack of availability through club commitments, the squad of just 13 journeyed to Northamptonshire to take part in what became a depleted Midlands County tournament with Worcestershire's last minute withdrawal. Derbyshire beat Northants 7-1 in the first game and having witnessed this match the Shropshire Ladies took to the pitch but have the worst possible start as they concede a goal immediately. Unfazed they play an excellent half in which they match a strong Derbyshire side containing some very good players and are rewarded with an equaliser by Sarah Kent.

Derbys really press hard preventing Shropshire playing down the right hand side and mainly thro' Welsh international Leah Wilkinson's strong solo runs into the Shrops D, several short corners are conceded of which Derbys clinically finish 2. Still in the game Shropshire win short corners but haven't the expertise to convert them, highlighting the importance of good routines at this level. Derbyshire add a final fourth late on but the gutsy Shropshire side gave their all eventually losing 4-1. Derbys add a 4th late on.

In their second game against Northants, Shrops quickly start to control proceedings but inexplicably allow Northants 2 breakaways; one a well-taken goal smashed past the isolated GK Leah Sumner, and the other leading to a pen. flick which was converted. 2-0 down at HT and Shrops could have thrown in the towel. But not this young side. They were determined to do themselves justice and with a mature control they mixed aggression with skill and virtually steamrollered Northants for the full 25 min. of the 2nd half. Captain Emma Harper expertly drag-flicked from a short corner and then good work from Donna Reynolds set up Nicky Brookes for a well deserved equaliser. Shrops pressed and pressed again but the winner eluded them.

Coach Mark Groves said, "All 13 squad members can be proud of their performance in this tournament. There was an excellent balance to the side that was almost uncanny because this team had never played together before. Some of these players will go on to become very good players."

Sarah Gaskill, team manager added, "The commitment from the players that attended was great and the team played better than last year going to prove the general rise in standard of hockey in Shropshire."

SQUAD MEMBERS. Nicky Brooks, Sarah Kent, Katie Siese, Clare Hunt, Emily Plant, Nic Phillips, (SHREWSBURY), Emma Harper (Captain), Leah Sumner, Donna Renolds (WHITCHURCH), Nic Hinton, Mel Hill (BRIDGNORTH), Emma Weaver (Bishops Castle) and Cat Jones (OSWESTRY)

Picture of the squad