Ladies 1's off to a flying start

Swindon enjoyed a winning return to life in Premier 1 as they outlasted a talented Cheltenham side at home.

Swindon began their first competitive fixture since claiming the Premier 2A championship last April with a new look side following the loss of several key players to University hockey across the country. However, debutants Emily Arrell and Megan Poole (Justin Poole )looked far from overawed with the step up in level, sliding seamlessly into the close-knit side.

Cheltenham, picked by many observers as title contenders, seemed startled by the confident start the newcomers produced. There would be no intimidation with Swindon giving as good as they got throughout.

Veteran Linda Brouwers bossed the middle of the park, combining superbly with starlet Shona O'Dwyer . The youngster in particular, continued to catch the eye throughout the contest with some outstanding incisive runs constantly challenging the Chetlenham defensive wall. The game fell into an early rhythm, based on solid defense and dangerous counter-attack with many of the best chances coming from penalty corners. In these, Swindon keeper Sarah Anstey dominated however, even she was grateful to Lynsey Wall who saved off the line with the goal beckoning for the Cheltenham forward.

Cheltenham finished the half on the ascendency although it was Swindon that came out on the front foot in the second producing some good half-chances and threatening to get behind the Cheltenham defense on more than one occasion. Momentum again swung the other way with Swindon forced to cope with nine players as, out of character, Gemma Scrase and Chloe Lewis received green cards at the same time.

Rekindling memories of the resilience shown by the GB hockey stars in Rio this summer, the Swindon break came against the run of play; Chloe Lewis expertly controlling the short corner to slip the ball right to Shona O'Dwyer who smashed the ball towards the goal at pace. The shot took a cruel deflection in the crowed box, flying off a Cheltenham stick and past their helpless goalie.

Swindon were in front as the match entered its last rites. The final ten minutes was a tense affair as Swindon retreated deeper and deeper, inviting more Cheltenham pressure. Tensions among the strong Swindon crowd of spectators was palpable as the clock ticked down and the Swindon’s defence continued to show Cheltenham no clear sight on goal. As time marched on Cheltenham’s lack of composure was showing as frustration built and attacks fell apart with increasing frequency. With seconds left on the clock, right-back Charlie Watson showed great composure in keeping possession for Swindon and ensuring the three points were secured.
Swindon’s first win of the young Premier 1 season was well deserved. Man of the Match, Shona O'Dwyer, 18, summed up the team performance perfectly “we all knew today instinctively what each other were doing today, we had each other’s backs and were always giving an option. It’s a fantastic start to the season and I can’t wait to be involved in many more victories this year.”