1sts v Dundee 1sts Report by Caitlin Mackenzie

 

Stirling 1sts were playing against Dundee 1sts on Wednesday and despite the horrible weather, Stirling started strong, putting pressure on Dundee from the start. Having previously been defeated by the same team Stirling knew it was going to be a tough game. Within the first 5 minutes Stirling got a penalty corner resulting in a goal. This goal, however, was disallowed and the game continued as 0-0. Another 5 minutes had gone and as a result of some great link up play Stirling scored another goal which was also, unfortunately, disallowed.

For the rest of the first half Stirling heads went down which lead to Dundee taking the lead; The first half ended 2-0. After a serious team talk at half time Stirling started the second half strong again, passing it round the opposition resulting in some good hockey and finally a goal, scored by Sarah McKay, making the score 2-1.

This, however, didn’t last long and as the second half progressed both teams were getting more and more physical as Stirling were determined to bring it back and Dundee were wanting to score more goals. The game ended 4-1, which, although Stirling didn’t deserve to win, doesn’t reflect the game and the effort that Stirling put in.

Although Stirling didn’t get the result they were hoping for, an end of game discussion left Stirling to think about their performance and how each individual could improve to ensure that next time the two teams meet Stirling can achieve the result they know they can get.


2nds v SAC Report by Rony McGown

This week the Stirling Ladies 2nds team travelled to Ayr to play against the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC).

It started with Stirling maintaining the most possession of the ball, and also managing to keep pressure on SAC’s defensive line. Not long into the game, Lynsey Waddell scored an impressive goal putting Stirling 1 point ahead with only more good play to follow.

Throughout the game Stirling maintained a strong defensive line that SAC rarely managed to penetrate and with strong sweeps from Lauren Hills and Katy Lister insuring that Stirling kept possession of the ball, we were in control. With several penalty corners awarded in our favour and a goal from vice-captain Rachael Addison, Stirling had a comfortable 6-0 lead by half time.

After a quick team talk and some very nice oranges, courtesy of Katy Lister, Stirling were ready to get back into the game and play well. Although it was very technical second half with the whistle being called very regularly for advantages, Stirling still managed to score another point with a quick flick into the goal by Rony Mcgown and a deflection by Lucy Patrick leaving Stirling sitting at a 7 point difference. 

When the final whistle blew Stirling were happy with our 8-0 win, however there was clear tension amongst the SAC team who were not fortunate enough to score. 

3rds v Abertay 3rds Report by Robyn Blair

 

The second BUCS game of the season for Stirling Uni 3rds was against Abertay 3rds at home. The start of the match was eventful to say the least. Due to uni commitments, many of the girls couldn’t make the first half, so with a team of only 11 they scrambled together to play a full team. However with goalie kit issues had to play the first 15 minutes with 11 outfield players.

The girls put in a massive effort defensively and even when faced with a short corner, managed to keep the score sheet at 0-0 for the goalie coming on to the pitch. Shortly after a lucky break from the Abertay attacker gave them a 1-0 lead. Stirling fought back fiercely and within a matter of minutes equalized with an impressive goal from Laura Gordon.

The second half Stirling stayed strong fighting off many attempts on goal from Abertay. However in a short corner given, a quick strike by the attack brought the score to 2-1. Stirling kept their heads up and tried to come back with another goal but the away defence seemed too strong. Two minutes before the end Abertay got a break and after a one v one with the keeper managed to get a third goal.

Overall it was a fairly even match and Stirling walked away, although slightly disappointed with the final score, very proud of their efforts.