Girls Secure Medal Pool Games
Posted by Iain Strachan on 25 February 2011
Knowing that this was a 2 stage competition phase 1 was to secure a berth in the medal pool meaning we would have a shot at a medal and promotion to the top flight. We managed that this evening with a 3 - 0 win over the French. Because of the rules in this type of competition we are guaranteed a place in the promotion pool irrespective of what happens against the Russians in the morning. Coach Iain Strachan sees this as a real positive and a chance to play the younger members of the squad who are experiencing their first hockey on foreign soil. It is also a chance to rest those who have played long spells to get to this position and set us up for a massive game tomorrow night. In the other pool Arminen from Austria are through courtesy of 2 wins and if Leicester can beat the Czech's then they will also be there. Both these teams look very good.
This evening’s game was tight and although we looked most likely winners it was never really dead until the last minute or so. Only 1 - 0 up at the half was not enough and Heathers goal on the 28th minute eased the pressure her second on the 32nd minute pretty much secured the match. Her first goal was a belter; a flowing fast break finished with a reverse deflection had the crowd off their seats and when she was squared a ball wide of the keeper 4 minutes later she kept a cool head to finish. They threw on a kicking back but we held out for a clean sheet and a huge win for the club not only in this competition but also for the development of this team for the future.
Delighted and tired we thanked the support from home who only about 16 or so strong could be heard above the din of the French.
Tomorrow is another day and with nothing at stake in the morning game all eyes will become focussed on the Pool A games to determine who we play in the evening game.
Well as soon as we can we will let you know how it all went.
Merci Buckets
