Bromley & Beckenham 5th XI vs Maidstone 4th XI

Maidstone travelled to Brom Becks for this re-arranged league game after last week’s waterlogged pitch. With many of the team having made plans for what was supposed to be a week off, only a bare 11 were available. However, team spirit was high and the game was even throughout the first half. Brom Becks were the first on the score sheet but Maidstone soon retaliated with Michelle Garrett putting a well-paced ball through to Nicky Bourne whose strike beat the keeper. Brom Becks managed a second to go ahead 2-1 but again Maidstone battled on and were awarded a penalty corner which Bourne cleanly struck to equalise again. Just before half time, Maidstone found themselves with a chance to go ahead when they were awarded another penalty corner. Bourne was on a mission and claimed a hat-trick and the team were in the unfamiliar situation of being ahead at half time.
The second half saw some equally even hockey and the game could have gone either way. Unfortunately in the last quarter, without any subs, Maidstone’s legs tired and Brom Becks capitalised, managing to overload the attack and score three more goals to win the game 5-3. Obviously disappointed by the final result, Maidstone players should commend themselves for a gutsy performance – for many their first full game. Player of the match was Olivia Reeves, dynamic in midfield with Jack Williamson, influential upfront, only half a vote behind.