Lucky Imperial Reach BUCS Final

Imperial Women’s Firsts 2-1 UCL Women’s Firsts

With a place in the BUCS final up for grabs, this match was always going to be a fiercely fought affair. And it seems that UCL Hockey Women’s Firsts did more than enough to warrant a win, but for the heroics of the Imperial goalkeeper.

It seemed to be the perfect start for UCL, who went 1-0 up midway through the first half. As Imperial found themselves camped in the UCL half, the away side quickly broke, rounding off the move with a clever finish by Hannah Wright.

But UCL’s lead did not last long as Imperial equalised in controversial circumstances just before the interval. A poor refereeing decision led to a penalty corner, which was ultimately converted by the Imperial striker.

After the break, UCL continued their sustained pressure as the ladies saw shot after shot saved. And as the goalkeeper continued to perform such heroics, you may have been forgiven for thinking that this was not UCL’s day.

As the end of normal time drew near, tired legs set in, and a great stick save by UCL’s Holly Cleasby from a lifted shot meant the match went to extra time. In spite of these tired legs, however, UCL were still able to dominate large periods of extra time, with the Imperial keeper again earning her chicken dinner.

But UCL’s continued extra-time assault upon the opposition’s goal lead came to nothing as Imperial left it late. Catching the away side on the break, the scrappy goal came less than two minutes from full time.

With only a few matches to go, it is vital that the girls bounce back immediately with a perfect opportunity to do so in their next game against the University of Essex on Wednesday.