Another crushing win for UAL's women's hockey

by Neil Stacey

University of the Arts London women’s hockey team continued their unbeaten league, with a 9-0 demolition of the previously unbeaten Queen Mary’s, University of London, in a one-sided top of the table clash.

In a game that should have provided UAL with their sternest test to date, they were simply unstoppable and turned on the style in a fine team performance.

UAL scored almost at will – with only some wasteful finishing preventing a double figure score.

UAL were led by a fine hat-trick by Georgie Edwards, with Kate Beesley scoring two, captain Rachel Mandley, Dani Wilmot and Hannah Gee all contributing to the final score and an own goal bringing the total to 9.

Admittedly Queen Mary’s were a player short, but such was the near total dominance across the pitch by UAL, an extra player for Mary’s wouldn’t have made too much difference on the overall outcome of the game.

Georgie Edwards opened the scoring within 10 minutes with a fine individual effort. Five further goals followed before half time as UAL terrorised Mary’s with their slick passing and constant movement.

Second half

Into the second half, and despite holding a big lead, UAL continued with the same levels of intensity and enthusiasm in the first half despite the cold, blustery conditions. They dominated possession and produced some easy-on-the-eye free-flowing hockey.

Yet despite all their possession they were kept at bay by some resolute Mary’s defending, before finally cutting lose again with three goals in quick succession before the final whistle.

Reflecting on the victory, a thrilled captain Mandley said: “Everyone of my girls played really well. We showed some great passing and scored some good goals.

I’m obviously delighted with the overall score, but especially with not conceding a goal, although we did get a bit sloppy in the second half.”

With this victory, UAL have cemented their place at the top of the league. They now boast a 100 per cent record after four games, having scored an impressive 30 goals and conceded only four.