Bradford Hockey Club

A warm sunny day welcomed Bradford Ladies 1st XI to the first league match of the 2012/13 season away to Horsforth Ladies 1st XI. Bradford turned out a full team with two subs, this time Radha arrived at the right place and at the right time.

Bradford Ladies were excited but a little anxious as team captain Philippa Jones provided reassurance and encouragement in the pre-match briefing. Any nerves quickly faded as the talk of team formation and strategy got the team into the right frame of mind.

Bradford started a little unsure allowing Horsforth to dominate the first few minutes. A short corner to Horsforth provided a powerful shot from just inside the D - the ball whizzing past the Bradford goalie Sam Wood within the first 3 minutes. Horsforth Ladies 1-0 Bradford Ladies.

Bradford, determined to come back strong, found force and energy as India Shaw demonstrated her pace and skill on the right wing, producing accurate deliveries into the Horsforth D allowing Bradford several attempts on goal that were just wide of target. The centre of the playing field was dominated by incredible forceful attacking and stalwart determined defence by both sides for a good 20 minutes. The ball zipping and flying from player to player, which was a little too quick for the Horsforth coach/umpire, who suddenly found himself in a game of dodge ball, narrowly avoiding a severe blow to the face.

Horsforth managed to get a break and played a through-ball into the Bradford D, but the resilient defence by Lesley and Philippa was watertight. Superb teamwork from Steph's clearance to Megan out-wide produced a fantastic counter-attack resulting in a long-corner, which Horsforth knocked out of play. Four successive short corners to Bradford resembled a déjà vu - Horsforth were under pressure and the heat was rising - the fifth short-corner was accurately punched into play by India - Horsforth thinking they could read the game were thrown into confusion as Philippa changed tact, knocking the ball sideways for a direct strike on goal by Michelle. Horsforth 1-1 Bradford Ladies.

Bradford, determined to hold on to the 1-1 draw for half time showed great skill as Nayesha and Katy played some fantastic one-twos and a great through-ball to Amanda hit the back of the net with frightful force providing Bradford with a 1-2 lead 8 minutes before half-time.


Bradford came out into the second half full of confidence and poise, taking up their field positions and pursued man-on-man marking whilst taking advantage of fantastic interceptions by Radha Kaushal-Bolland who played a great through-ball to Katy that was shot just wide of target.

With 15 minutes of the second half remaining, Bradford continued to increase the pressure but Horsforth came back strong and had repeated attempts on goal however some amazing saves by Sam Wood managed to keep Bradford in the lead. Cathy Hull played a great game, using her technique to maintain possession and controlled the pace of the game in graceful style.

With 10 minutes of the game remaining, Bradford Ladies took advantage of a short corner, the opposition keeper finding herself out of position left an open goal for a tap-in by Amanda. Horsforth 1-3 Bradford Ladies.

Horsforth threw everything they had at the Bradford defence and it was only a matter of time before they managed to penetrate the Bradford back-line and smash a direct strike on goal. Horsforth 2-3 Bradford Ladies.

With only 3 minutes remaining, Horsforth battled with gritted teeth as the Bradford defence encountered clash after clash but all was to no avail as each attack was broken down time after time as Bradford kept their composure and safely cleared their lines.



A great victory and fantastic start to the 2012/13 season.

Match report by Radha Kaushal-Bolland