Isca Dragons 1st team sponsored by Stephens and Scown travelled to Bath the slow route with a much changed team as two were on Welsh duty and there was a long sick list including just before departure. Our thanks to Fran Dennehy who stepped up from playing in the 3rd team the week before to slot in and do a good job.
Isca felt they would be under pressure but in fact took the game well to Bath and certainly created many chances. Bath showed composure in passing across the back, had good ball pace and attacking out letting was effective but Isca intercepted well in midfield and were able to counter well. Player for player Isca had the greater skill and put the Bath defence under great pressure but circle penetration although better than previous weeks did not produce the goals.
Bath scored first in the first half against the run of play by a breakaway goal and Isca quickly equalised with an excellent quick pass from Alex Bulleid for Jan Hamilton to strike a very hard shot that rocketed in the goal. Isca came close on a number of occasions but failed to convert penalty corners. The youngest player Emmie Giles, voted player of the match, had a great game playing with maturity and distributing the ball effectively. The whole team played with passion and determination and worked as a unit; particular mentions to captain Alex Bulleid for her composed defending and the work rate from Izzy Smith and Jan Hamilton who helped out in defence and then were up shooting at goal the next minute, they covered much ground. The score at half time was one all.
Isca dominated the first 15 minutes of the second half and had a number of chances that they just could not convert. Bath then pressured for the next 15 minutes with Kate Sheppard producing some great saves and then 10 minutes from time managed to squeeze the ball into goal from the left. Isca attempted to equalise with a few more attacks but could not score. Isca deserved a draw but Bath have to be congratulated for taking their chances.
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