Hockey: Rochdale Ladies Hockey

Roisin Pickering driving another Rochdale attack for Rochdale Ladies Hockey in Saturdays top of the table clash

What a difference a day makes.

This weekend saw Rochdale ladies playing both Saturday in the league and Sunday in the cup.

On Saturday they took on Urmston Ladies Seconds in a top of the table clash and dominating from start to finish Rochdale showed what a class act they have become this season.

Despite the relentless pressure Urmston proved a stubborn team to break down. A solid back line repeatedly quashed Rochdale’s attack and at half time both teams were still level at 0-0.

The second half was more of the same and it was clear a single goal could win the game for either side as Rochdale repeatedly came forward and Urmston were now completely reliant on few and far between counter attacks.

With only 5 minutes left on the clock it was looking increasingly like a hard fought point for Urmston, but Rochdale did not give up and Banks broke through and scored, giving Rochdale the win and taking them to the top of table with a game in hand.

Player-of-the-match went to Roisin Pickering.

Sunday saw The University of Manchester Women’s Fourths visit Older Hill in the cup and Rochdale picked up where they had left off the previous day. The difference being that Manchester were no match at all. Within minutes Banks had scored and flood gates then opened, by half time Rochdale led 5-0. Banks adding another three to her tally and Becky Knowles getting on the score sheet.

Working tirelessly all game the midfield set up of Hoyle, McDonald, Pickering and Burrell kept the tempo too high for Manchester, with every option and every pass either cut off or out.

Manchester were left with no option other than defending too deep and with Banks in her current form that wasn’t a good omen. The game finished 11-0 to Rochdale with Banks netting nine in total and Debbie Cope adding the 11th.

The player-of-the-match went Jenny Banks.

Rochdale captain Kie Leech: “It’s been a tough weekend for the girls, with two contrasting games. We showed determination on Saturday and ground out a result whereas Sunday gave us an opportunity to play some great hockey. With that result, not many teams will want to drawn away at Rochdale in the next round.”