Putney storm to victory against Hatch End

Playing at the Hatch End home ground in Berkhamstead, a popular venue on a Sunday morning as junior lacrosse players, dog-trainers and footballers shared the surrounding fields, Putney's strength and depth so far this season came to fruition as a group of different faces made their debut for the blues and yellows.

England internationals Annie Hillier and the green shorts of Leah Templeman were the backbone of a midfield that ran the Hatch End team ragged, ably complemented by Putney stalwarts Michelle Goulty, the purple boots of Rusty Cashman, Rachel Sheridan and captain Libby Finch.

Hillier, who scored three times with a slingshot from nowhere, was a particularly welcome addition to the Putney side, offloading the ball to newcomers Amelia Pemberton (fuzzy head aside), Rachel Parrott and Steph Gibson as practically every member of the attack, and even some of the defence (Sarah Dawson) found the back of the net as Putney accelerated into an 11-2 lead at half time.

The defence, coordinated from the back by the always calm and collected presence of goalie Alex Carnegie Brown and Club President Justine Hunt, not to mention long-standing member Elspeth Talbot Rice, limited the Hatch End attack to just one goal in the second half. Although mildly frazzled at times, one particular highlight was a superb combination between newcomer Jane Dougherty and Hunt, who held off a three v two attack midway through the second half.

With Hatch End's captain sent to the sidelines for overly aggressive checking, Putney all but doubled their score in the second half, finishing with a pleasing 20-3 margin.

They head into this week's South Clubs and Colleges full of confidence at a shot at re-claiming the title they won in 2010.