Leadenham Hockey Club Second XI crowned champions

Leadenham Hockey Club’s Second XI clinched the title and promotion with victory in their final league match of the season on Saturday.
The Leadenham HC Ladies who finished third in Division Four NWN. Fron left, back - Lucy Walker, Majella Wright, Sally Darling, Megan Campbell, Sophie Gretton, Rosie Campbell, Sophie Walker; front - Steph Amess, Llinos Jones, Ciara Wright, Ellie Talton, Siobhan Croft, Susan Garrick (GK) EMN-200316-171901002The Leadenham HC Ladies who finished third in Division Four NWN. Fron left, back - Lucy Walker, Majella Wright, Sally Darling, Megan Campbell, Sophie Gretton, Rosie Campbell, Sophie Walker; front - Steph Amess, Llinos Jones, Ciara Wright, Ellie Talton, Siobhan Croft, Susan Garrick (GK) EMN-200316-171901002
The Leadenham HC Ladies who finished third in Division Four NWN. Fron left, back - Lucy Walker, Majella Wright, Sally Darling, Megan Campbell, Sophie Gretton, Rosie Campbell, Sophie Walker; front - Steph Amess, Llinos Jones, Ciara Wright, Ellie Talton, Siobhan Croft, Susan Garrick (GK) EMN-200316-171901002

Gaz Kirton’s third team conceded their match so they could provide players for the mens top two senior sides who were depleted by injuries and work commitments.

Hosting Peterborough’s Eighth XI, Stan Mountain and dad Nick were particularly impressive, with Stan adding another goal to his strong run of form, while Nick was named man-of-the-match.

Gaz Kirton and James Ireland completed the scoring in the 3-0 win as Leadenham picked the three points which clinched the East League Division 6NW(N) title.

Chambers tees up a set piece EMN-200316-171911002Chambers tees up a set piece EMN-200316-171911002
Chambers tees up a set piece EMN-200316-171911002

Team: S. Chambers, G. Kirton (co-captain), O. Down, S. Brown, J. Pearson, P. Case, J. Kay, M. Pearce, S. Mountain, N. Mountain, C. Gretton, D. Case, S. Darling (co-captain), S. Gretton, F. Naylor, N. Playford, J. Ireland.

* Leadenham’s men’s first team moved tantalisingly close to safety despite a 4-0 defeat at Spalding.

With just one match left to play, Leadenham are three points clear of Bourne Deeping, but with a superior goal difference of 28 goals.

They travelled with some fresh faces on Saturday, but came under persistent pressure from well-drilled and in-form opponents.

Sam MacAllister escapes the attentions of two opponents EMN-200316-171921002Sam MacAllister escapes the attentions of two opponents EMN-200316-171921002
Sam MacAllister escapes the attentions of two opponents EMN-200316-171921002

In the first half, some basic mistakes and a moments of miscommunication allowed Spalding players to go unmarked as Leadenham, still adapting to the new line-up, shipped three early goals.

Keeper Thomas Pinchbeck made some superb acrobatic saves and kept the scoreline respectable in the first half.

Oli Philips, on his first team debut, playing on the left wing, showed many sparks of creativity and some threatening long balls through to the forwards.

After some stern words at half-time, Leadenham’s concentration improved and they started to create chances, with Neil Ireland and Oli Philips both going close.

Thomas Pinchbeck in the goalmouth action EMN-200316-171829002Thomas Pinchbeck in the goalmouth action EMN-200316-171829002
Thomas Pinchbeck in the goalmouth action EMN-200316-171829002

But Spalding converted a penalty corner to seal a 4-0 win.

Team: T. Pinchbeck, N. Baldwin, I. Gray, C. Cade, J. Beedril, B. Huggins, T. Corbett, O. Philips, S. MacAllister, N. Ireland, N. Chambers (c), M. Bevis.

* Leadenham Ladies finished the season in third as they came up short against a very tough Horncastle side despite a brilliant performance.

Llinos Jones and Ciara Wright sliced through the home defence with one-twos before Jones finished the move with a goal.

Tom Corbett EMN-200316-171840002Tom Corbett EMN-200316-171840002
Tom Corbett EMN-200316-171840002

The pair linked up again and nearly doubled the lead, with the ball taken round the keeper, but a rare fumble from the usually clinical Sally Darling stopped the ball crossing the line cleanly.

At the back Susan Garrick kept out a flurry of shots, but one of the rebounds fell to a Horncastle player who levelled.

Siobhan Croft rallied the defence and the game continued in a stalemate until 15 minutes from time when Horncastle went ahead.

A final chance was created for Leadenham when captain Sophie Walker won a penalty flick, but the effort was missed and the hosts won 2-1.

The club would like to thank all of the volunteers throughout the season who have helped to keep the club running, and sponsors Mountains Skip Hire for their support.

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