Bishop’s Stortford knocked off East Women’s Hockey League summit after 7-1 defeat to Cambridge University

Bishop’s Stortford were unceremoniously knocked off the East Women’s League, Premier Division summit as they lost 7-1 at title rivals Cambridge University on Saturday (November 18).

The visitors went into the match at the top of the table with a 100% record from their eight matches, but they now trail the students, who remain unbeaten, by one point.

Lou Davies’ second-half goal proved to be no more than a consolation for the away side, although things could have been different had leading scorer Abbie Barrett converted an early chance when they were in the ascendancy.

“We were second best in every department and Cambridge were technically sound, secure in possession and quick to capitalise on our mistakes,” said coach Nick Prowse, whose side had conceded only 11 goals in their previous eight matches.

“We were very much in the game in the first half, but lost our way in the second.”

The second team let in three second-half goals as they lost 3-0 at their Old Loughtonians counterparts in Division 1S.

The first half was a cagey affair, but the hosts found their rhythm after the interval to take the points.

The third team were denied victory at the death as they drew 1-1 at home to Harpenden in 2SW.

Charlotte Range had a goal disallowed before Pilar Montu put the hosts ahead from a rebound at a short corner.

Stortford continued to apply pressure in attack, but, in the last minute, the visitors equalised from a set piece.

Grace Grindrod was named player of the match for her display in the defensive unit.

In the same division, the fourth team suffered a 4-0 defeat at Bedford III.

They trailed by only a goal at the break, but their opponents increased the pressure after the restart and ran away with it.

The fifth team went home with a point after a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Shefford & Sandy II in 4SW.

Hannah Reynolds made some crucial saves before Yolanda Notley deftly deflected in Alice Lowe’s shot to put the visitors ahead.

The hosts equalised before half time and attacked relentlessly after the interval, but Stortford held firm. Catherine Clune was player of the match.

Amelia Leach bagged a brace as the sixth team thrashed Southend & Benfleet II 6-0 to return to the top of 4SE.

The player of the match was joined on the score sheet by Lois Wright, Jo Sullivan, Mary Sanders and Jo Newman.

There was also a big win for the seventh team as player-of-the-match Emma Cox struck five times in their 6-1 home triumph over Stevenage IV in 5SW.

Charlie Woodrow also netted as all of the goals came in the first half.

The eighth team’s home match against Harpenden III in 6SW ended in a 3-2 defeat.

The ninth team (development) were unlucky to lose 1-0 at Chiltern II in 7SW after producing their best performance of the season.

There were great displays by Wanatsa Dumbura, Imogen Sharman, Nyla Smith, Miley Copland, Lily Dodd and Lucy Ayodele as the team enjoyed 80% possession.