BATTLE lines were drawn at Bromsgrove Hockey Club as their Firsts and Seconds went head-to-head in the opening game of the new league season.
And it was the Firsts who claimed the bragging rights as they won 2-0, with second half goals coming from Lily Alsop and Heather Nunnerley.
Despite being the coach of both sides, Alan Gormley said he enjoyed what he described as a ‘frantic’, ‘feisty’, ‘intense’ and ‘passionate’ game.
“This was never going to be a display of open free-flowing hockey.” he said.
“Both sides know each other so well there really wasn’t much to choose between them.
“I was happy with the way the first team kept chasing the game and with how the Seconds battled throughout.
“They set their stall out to be solid in defence and they certainly were.
“From a coach’s perspective I’m really happy with the strength of depth the club now has and look forward to a great season.”
The Firsts started strongly but lost defender Kirsty Gormley due to injury after two minutes, which upset their balance with debutant Lisi Cottam called into action.
The Seconds gave as good as they got in the first half with Lisa Smiley and Erica Reeves creating plenty of problems, but neither side could break the deadlock.
Despite the Firsts’ best efforts, resolute defending and a huge work rate meant the Seconds kept them at bay.
But the pressure finally told on the hour mark when Alsop turned the ball home from close range. This was then followed by a second as newly-appointed captain Nunnerley hammered home a penalty corner to clinch victory.
