COLCHESTER 3

NORWICH DRAGONS II 0

East Women's League division one north

COLCHESTER Hockey Club's ladies maintained their winning form with victory over Norwich Dragons.

Colchester with a high tempo but made hard work of the game from the first whistle.

Defenders Beth Probert, Ana-Marie and Lorraine Fitch were under pressure straight away.

But they managed to keep the visitors out, with the help of goalkeeper Emma Painter.

And midway through the first half, their efforts were rewarded when joint player of the match Sarah Rose fired high into the goal, after Probert had driven into the D and picked her out.

Midfielders Karen Harris, who was joint player of the match, Ellie Benfield, Kate Bagley and Pippa Garbutt fought hard to build the pressure on the Dragons.

And captain Natalie Davis, Frankie Harley and Kelly Burnell covered much of the pitch, making lead runs ready to attack.

Dragons continued to press with a physical game in a bid to force an equaliser.

However, Painter pulled off a couple of incredible saves to ensure her side kept a clean sheet.

Colchester doubled their lead in the second half when Harley calmly slotted the ball passed the visiting keeper, after they had made a succession of saves.

And they wrapped up their win through Katie Irwin, who expertly received the ball and hit it beyond the keeper to nail the home team's victory.

Colchester captain Davis said: "What a game - I'm continually impress with the effort the ladies put in each week.

"We're looking forward to this weekend's game at Bedford."