Old Bristolians 3 Burnham 1

BURNHAM began the New Year with an eventful late afternoon friendly fixture in torrential rain.

Despite this and the lack of any hockey played over the last four weeks, the team put in a good solid performance.

They were even without their regular goalkeeper, but Tracey Dunn did an outstanding job deputising and kept them in the match, especially during a busy first half.

Imogen Wright and Nicky Glanville carried their good form over from last year in defence, as they helped keep Old B's at arm’s length.

Sarah Johnson and Ali Evely worked really hard, supporting them from midfield and trying to drive the attack on as well.

Caroline Hunt went close up front on occasions, but Burnham spent most of the half defending.

They were eventually beaten by two accurate penalty corner strikes - one in each corner that no one could do a lot about - and went into half time two down.

The second half was much better offensively - Carly Bush and June England got into the game far more and both went close to grabbing a goal.

Maddie Christison and Louise Peace linked well with them and Hunt, and Burnham began to cause problems for the home team.

Their goalkeeper was much the busier and made several very good saves from Hunt.

Johnson almost connected with a Bush run and pull back and England just failed to connect with a Peace fizzer on the back post.

Naturally they were caught on the break for Old B's 3rd, as they tried to push up looking for the goal that they deserved, but otherwise Dunn had less to do in this half.

She still made an excellent double save though as the ball bounced around in the D and was helped out more than once by her defence.

Burnham finally got on the score sheet towards the end of the match from a penalty corner of their own.

Johnson fed out to Hunt who struck it accurately towards the post and Johnson threw herself at the ball to deflect it expertly in.

It was nothing less than they deserved and they can feel positive about the start of the second half of the league season next week.

Burnham travel White Eagles II at Tiverton on Saturday.

POM: Tracey Dunn