Commitment not enough as Edinburgh women miss out

Edinburgh vs. Durham

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A tenacious performance from Edinburgh University, typified by Siobhan Prise's decision to play despite wearing a cast on her broken arm, couldn't prevent the team falling at the first hurdle in their fight for the BUSA Championship. Durham University’s goal eighteen minutes into the second half of this knockout match ensured that they remained in the championship running for another week.

The 4-1 result, however, does not reflect the balance of a match that, during the first 30 minutes, looked set to go either way. A lacklustre first half hour brought on by both teams’ determined defending seemed promising for Edinburgh as they fended off a team who had beaten them 3-1 earlier in the season.

Durham’s first goal came in the 31st minute courtesy of Horn who eventually found the back of the net on her third attempt, doggedly beating Edinburgh University goalkeeper Anna Kelner. Durham, clearly spurred on by their success, capitalised on a clear path to the goal with Horn powering the ball in for a second time just three minutes later giving Durham a 2-0 lead going into half time.

Durham’s dominance continued in the second half of the match as after just three minutes Gordon snuck the ball into the bottom left-hand corner, expanding their lead to 3-0. Edinburgh played hard for an equaliser and a couple of short corners provided ideal opportunities to score but unfortunately neither of the goal attempts were successful.

Edinburgh fought on despite the fast diminishing sight of a well-earned win after a clean sweep last season. Their resolve was embodied in Siobhan Prise who opted to play despite her broken arm, a cast on which clearly wasn’t a hindrance.

Disaster struck in the 52nd minute, however, as a stray ball hit Prise’s left shoulder leaving her with a second play-induced break, this time her collar bone. Durham capitalised on the flustered Edinburgh side and a minute later Gordon secured their success over Edinburgh with her second goal of the match.

The Edinburgh players pushed on undeterred and their persistence was rewarded with a stunning goal courtesy of Rona Stewart in the closing seconds of the match leaving the score at the end of the clash at a respectable 4-1.

Despite their loss Edinburgh University Women’s 1st XI’s brilliant form throughout the season secures their status as a highly skilled Hockey team and finishing in the last 16 of the BUSA championship is a result to be proud of. The team may have had their reputation as ‘unbeatable’ tarnished by this match but they have certainly earned themselves a standing as an ‘unwavering’ squad.

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