Chippenham Ladies clinch promotion

11:22am Tuesday 4th March 2008

Chippenham Ladies 3rds 7, Devizes Ladies 3rds 0

CHIPPENHAM bounced back from last Saturday's defeat at Mendip to secure promotion for next season with three more league games remaining.

They took an early lead when a free hit was given to Chippenham just outside the 25 and Cara Smith was able to pass into the D to the Sharon Thomas, who took a clear strike to score.

Chippenham continued to apply the pressure, with some strong midfield play from Leigh Page, Amy Kick and Laura Kelly, who passed the ball well between them and broke through the Devizes defence. Chippenham scored their second goal when Ann Tweedale slipped the ball round the post from a short corner.

In the second half Sarah Hamilton scored the third goal from a pass by Sharon Thomas.

Chippenham's defence had to work hard, with Claire Bennett, Savneet Lochab and Angie Whiteside pushing up high to support the midfield and create difficulties for Devizes, as well as track back at pace to put in some solid tackles to ensure that the Chippenham stand-in goalkeeper Tiffany Lay had little to do.

Kay Tucker followed up the next short corner for Chippenham with a great shot on target to make the score 4-0 and then Tweedale picked up a cross a foot off the ground to slot the ball past the goalkeeper for her second goal.

In the final minutes Thomas put in a thundering strike from a short corner and finished off the game by completing her hat-trick.

A great game of hockey played by all and this has been a great season for Chippenham Ladies thirds.

Player-of-the-match was Sharon Thomas.