HAVANT II 3, HASLEMERE 3

HASLEMERE gained a notable draw away to second-placed Havant II and, indeed, came close to winning an eventful match.

It was another early start for Haslemere after their drive to the coast and their hockey was both patient and determined as they passed the ball fluently between defence, midfield and attack.

Havant, also composed, took an early lead, but Haslemere were quick to reply and Heidi Wells found the back of the net with a well-struck shot from the top of the circle.

Both teams moved the ball swiftly in turning defence into attack. Havant regained the lead from a short corner, but the visitors stayed positive, with smart link-up play between Rebecca Mitchell, Sarah Elworthy and Isobel Breen in defence and Mel Knight, Donna Read and Hannah Enticknap in midfield.

Eventually, Jules Bernays hassled the Havant keeper and Enticknap took advantage with a superb airborne deflection for the second equaliser.

Haslemere opened the second half with a salvo of shots, but Havant were relentless and were soon bringing the best out of keeper Eleanor Abrahams who made some cracking saves.

However, defender Mitchell received a green card for kicking the ball and Havant promptly scored from a short corner; 3-2 to the home side.

Far from being disheartened, Haslemere piled on the pressure and a great run down the line by Alex Hardy, supported by Ashley Davies, allowed Elworthy to play a reverse pass across the goal for Claire Powell to tap in.

Haslemere pushed hard, but a winner proved elusive for both sides. Even so, Haslemere were delighted with a point against the mighty Havant club.