Spalding Poachers 2nd produced a devastating display to wallop Wisbech 3rd 11-0 in East Women’s Hockey League Division 3NW on Saturday.
Knowing that winless Wisbech were rooted to the foot of the table, Spalding knew that the Glen Park clash would be a good game to try out new positions and formations.
It was a very slow game from start to finish, but Poachers held most of the possession throughout.
Alanna “AJ” Bunyan starred with a four-goal haul, while Sam Foston (2), Eva Keyes (2), Ellie Holland, Imogen Elmer and Jessica Ball also bagged to ensure that Spalding brought up double figures.
Wisbech did not test the home defence and keeper Gabrielle Taylor even managed 20 minutes outfield at the end for a run out.
The player of the match award went to Elmer, while Ball took the plaudits after netting her first-ever league goal.
With four games to go, Spalding 2nd are looking good for a top five finish.
Up in Division 2NW, Spalding Poachers 1st saw their four-game running streak halted by a 2-2 draw at promotion rivals Alford.
With both teams having an eye on the promotion spot, this had all the makings of a tough battle and so it turned out.
Evie Maltby and Lottie Boreham bagged the all-important goals for Spalding.
Just three games, two of which are at Glen Park, remain for the team as they set their sights on returning to Division One.
Also eyeing promotion in the same division are Long Sutton ladies’ 1st – and they kept their hopes alive with a 2-0 victory over basement side Cambs Uni 3rd.
Lyn Tancred and Leanne Woodhead got the Sutton goals at the Peele Leisure Centre.
With Lorraine Wallis player of the match, Sutton ran out comfortable winners and continue to maintain pressure on the other teams around them as they seek a top two finish in the table.
Down in Division 4NW, Spalding Poachers 3rd picked up a fine 1-1 draw at leaders Leadenham.
Helen Jex gave Spalding a surprise lead, but the table-toppers broke away to clinch a share of the spoils.
In the same division, Long Sutton ladies’ 2nd slipped to a 2-0 loss at City of Peterborough 4th.
Rebecca Hales was their player of the match in the derby defeat.
