HOCKEY: LUCY McEvoy bagged a brace as Warwick ladies thumped Tamworth ladies 4-1 to make a welcome return to winning ways.
Warwick took the game to Tamworth using their pace all over the pitch, moving the ball well to their forwards who worked extremely hard making great runs and creating many chances.
Early into the game Helen Barron took the ball into the D, her reverse stick shot went up into the air but McEvoy was able to pick it and skilfully direct it into the goal for Warwick’s first.
The visitors maintained their pace and movement up front and were able to win several short corners. It was from one of these that Warwick were able to increase their lead when Lyss Mildenstein poked the ball over the goal line.
Having relinquished a 2-0 lead the week, before Warwick were aware the scoreline did not mean the victory had been secured and so continued to work hard.
This work rate was rewarded just before the half ended when Katie Rankin found Helen Simpson at the far post, who casually slotted it past the keeper to make it 3-0 at the half-time.
Warwick were fairly confident going into the second half, but they were also aware that Tamworth would come out fighting – and they did.
Keeper Ali Williams made some fantastic saves but with 15 minutes to go Tamworth scored on the break to cut the deficit to two goals.
Not deterred by this, Warwick reacted quickly and shortly after Helen Barron won a short corner, a strike from Kirstin Bryce was saved by the keeper but fell perfectly for McEvoy who was in acres of space to fire home her second and Warwick’s fourth.
Warwick men’s third team now have promotion firmly set in their sights after beating leaders Warwick University by a single goal.
Simon Shepherd scored the only goal of the game when he reacted quickest to pounce in front of goal after Nick Baker’s original shot had been parried by the keeper with 15 minutes played.
Warwick did well to soak up plenty of Warwick University pressure and Nick Baker was outstanding in defence, while Mike Howard produced a string of fine saved to keep his clean sheet intact.
The wins puts Warwick third in the table and they are now just one point behind Warwick University with a game in hand and with two games remaining.
