SUDBURY II 0

HARWICH AND D 5

Suffolk Hockey Women's Association

premier division

HARWICH opened their campaign with a late start away to a strong young Sudbury side.

The home side started the stronger, with a good passing game.

The Harwich defence, with returning Karen Nichol playing at sweeper, alongside backs Tracey Eagle and Lucy Henshall, were kept busy but held firm.

A break from Harwich saw Gabrielle Williams beat the defender to the ball and sweep home.

A second followed when a short corner move allowed Shirley Sampson to lift the ball into the corner of the net. Harwich's midfield of Caz Greenall, Emma Joslin, Sophie Berriman, Josie Brosnan and Abby Henhall began to fire and chances increased.

Before half-time, Sophie Southgate broke clear and rounded the keeper for the third.

The second half started with Sudbury pressing and young keeper Miah Reynolds was kept busy and made several good saves from close range.

However, the home side could not cope with the running of Berryman and Joslin in midfield and Rachel Griffen's work-rate up front.

It was no surprise when Berryman deservedly got her name on the scoresheet with a well-taken shot.

It was left to Southgate to round off the scoring with a reverse-stick shot.

This was a harder game than the score suggests.

However, with this work ethic, the team should hold their own this season.

Next week sees Harwich travel to Ipswich and East Suffolk seconds.