The 1st XI played in the first round of the National Cup against a strong Worth side. It was a beautiful afternoon to have the first senior match taking place on the new water-based pitch.
The spectators were treated to a free-flowing match, with the side playing fast counter-attacking hockey. Izzy Evans (R) was superb in goal, keeping out a number of Worth attacks. At the other end, Hannah Palmer (M) and Emily Cashman (R) were sharp in front of goal, taking their chances well, to give Epsom a 3 goal cushion at half time.
The second half started much like the first, with Worth applying pressure. Relentless work from the midfield group of Jennifer Phizackerley (Cr), Ella Pilkington (Wh), Natascha Penwarden (Cr) and Tassy Williams (R), allowed Epsom to play on the break to grab a fourth. In the final ten minutes, Worth scored two goals, but the side held on to move into round two.
Epsom will play the winners of Sutton Valence or Kent College. This was, for many, the first appearance for the 1st XI and it will provide the wider squad with valuable experience of higher-level hockey.
Goal Scorers: Cashman (R) x2, Palmer (M) x2
Player of the Match: Izzy Evans (R), Hannah Palmer (M)
WON 4-2
Also in Hockey: the U12As finished 3rd in the Cranleigh tournament, winning three matches including against Cranleigh in the 3rd placed play off.
On Saturday the girls won or drew 15 out of their 18 matches against King Edward VI, Southampton, KCS, Sevenoaks and Reed’s. Emily Vandrau (R) scored 4 goals for the 3rd XI in their 9-0 win, while 3rd former Erin Speed (Hu) scored 5 goals for the U12As, and Ella Stephens (R) scored her second consecutive hat-trick for the U14As in their 10-0 win.
