Buckingham 3 Bowdon 2

Following last weeks abandoned game and given their relative positions in the league, Buckingham’s fixture against Bowdon was of huge significance to both sides. Buckingham began well and were ahead inside two minutes. A superb run down the left hand side from Eloise Laity resulted in a spectacular volley finish at the far post, from player of the match Lucy Wood. With both sides needing the win, it was a fast paced, open game with the home side having slightly the better of the opening quarter.
Buckingham began the second quarter well and earned a penalty corner from their first attack and Tash James’s smart reactions on the rebound, doubled their lead with nineteen minutes gone. With the momentum now firmly with the homes side, Buckingham extended their lead further, when James again reacted fastest to slot home from Buckingham next penalty corner, making the score 3-0 after twenty-five minutes. Despite Buckingham seemingly being in control, the visitors fought back and after a short period of pressure reduced the deficit to 3-1 just before half time.
Buckingham started the second half slowly but relatively quickly regained the upper hand, and created a number of good chances. However, they were thwarted by the visitors defence and the score remained 3-1 at three-quarter time.
Playing well, Buckingham dominated both possession and territory but could not extend their lead. Bowdon were awarded a penalty corner mid way through the period but this was well defended and the home side looked like they were heading for a comfortable win. However, with eight minutes remaining, on one of their rare entries into Buckingham’s defensive twenty-three, the home side were very unfortunate to concede a penalty corner. With a slick routine, Bowdon took full advantage to make the score 3-2. In a nervy last few minutes the visitors had a final penalty corner opportunity with three minutes remaining but this was again well defended and Buckingham saw out the final few minutes to record a vital victory.

I was really proud of the girls and their performance. The last few weeks have been pretty tough as although we have been playing well, we were just not getting the results. Despite probably not playing quite as well as we have been, we started superbly, were clinical and played some quality hockey at times, especially when we played with tempo and intensity. It got a bit messy towards the end but we showed real grit, determination and resilience to see the game out and come away with a massively important three points.