Tynedale hockey's tenacity key to third win

The team’s bruising opening day defeat has long been put behind them after another close and competitive contest.

But it was Tynedale’s fitness and determination that made the difference.

In torrid conditions, there were plenty of chances for both sides in the first half. The Tynedale defence made up of May Thomas, Katy Brown, Marianne Murphy and led by captain Sue Crawford were as solid as ever - neutralising several Newcastle attacks and frustrating the opposition’s forwards.

Young midfielders Fran Dent and Jessie Combe were in equally impressive form, supported by the cool and calm experience of newcomer Elaine Donohoe and Tynedale stalwart Alison Westworth. Their link roles between defence and attack were influential throughout the entire game.

With no goals at half time, Newcastle started strongly in the second half creating a series of dangerous attacks resulting in a number of penalty corners.

However Nicky Baguely kept Tynedale in the game with a series of crucial saves and Alison Westworth made an important clearance on the line.

Having survived the early pressure, Tynedale created piled on the pressure with attacks involving Tasha Berkley, Lizzie Scott, Hattie Brown and the skilful youngster Cara Lee.

The deadlock was finally broken after a goalmouth scramble where Hattie Brown pounced swiftly onto the loose ball and calmly pushed it home. Newcastle equalised after a piece of individual skill at a penalty corner and with time running out, it looked as though the teams would share the points.

Tynedale never gave up, however, and with two minutes to go, Lizzie Scott broke free from the halfway line. Pursued by three Newcastle defenders, she outpaced them all and neatly placed the ball past a bemused goalkeeper to make it 2-1.

Scott was awarded player of the match by the opposition, but this was yet another impressive team performance consolidating Tynedale’s second place in the league.