Hockey: Fjordhus Reivers round-up

Playing in National Division Two the 1st XI just couldn’t get the results in the first half of the season, but came out fighting after the winter break and have put in some very determined performances to move from 11th position and potential relegation to seventh in the league.

Grim determination and magnificent effort by every player on the pitch on Sunday was necessary in a very tough match against Inverleith in Edinburgh.

A few changes in personnel saw a number of the 2nd XI step up and take the places of some of the younger players who were away on junior International duty. And it was the cool heads of the more experienced players, combined with some younger energetic legs, that saw the side pull off a 2-2 draw against a team who earlier in the season had pummelled them 4 goals to 1. Iona Kellett and Maris Cawthorn were the goal scorers.

The previous day the top flight ladies had travelled to Haddington where they pulled off an impressive 5-1 victory over their hosts. Janet Jack, Laura McLean, Sarah Mathers and Maris Cawthorn were the strike force in this one.

Having already notched up 13 wins and two draws in their East of Scotland Premier Division campaign Fjordhus 2nd XI kept up their undefeated record with a 3-0 victory over Boroughmuir, also on Saturday.

Playing in the capital the Borders outfit started well and launched a run of flowing attacks. However, an organised looking home defence stood firm.

The first Fjordhus goal came after some fine play up the right hand side through Emma Grieve and Chloe Richardson who sent Leia McKinnon on a strong run into the circle to fire a fantastic reverse hit into the corner of the net. A second goal from McKinnon followed after another mazy run.

With a 2-0 lead, Fjordhus now looked in control with Jenny Sharp and Claire Townsend putting in solid performances in defence to stop the hosts from creating any clear cut chances. Reivers got their third goal from a well worked penalty corner with Clare Townsend making a precision pass to Tara Aitchison who sealed a well deserved win against a strong Edinburgh team.

More Reivers news on page 80.