North harried by hot-shot Hannah
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Hockey
Natalie Hannah, Sutton Canada Life's 17-year-old striker, scored four times as Midlands overran North 6-1 on the second day of the Under-21 Territorial Championship at the Aurora Sports Club, Rotherham, yesterday.
As the high scoring of the first day's play continued, Midlands and the defending champions, East, the only two Territories to have won this championship in its 10-year history, remained dominant. Their encounter this afternoon is certain to decide the destiny of this year's title.
Incredibly, play started on time as the Aurora groundstaff created a green oasis in the midst of arctic, snow-clad Rotherham. East were the first to show their paces with a classy 5-0 win against the North, Canterbury's Melanie Clewlow collecting a hat-trick and Purdey Miller scoring twice.
East, in their second game, met a resolute West and had to be satisfied with a 2-0 win. Goals from Gail Mitchell followed good work down the right wing by Kirsten Bowden and a penalty corner strike from Clewlow.
Midlands' progress had been the more spectacular with the fast-moving Sarah Blanks, Hannah and Louisa Turney, who scored three times against the South, posing all the problems - ably supported by the all-action performance from the captain, Lucy Newcombe.
Newcombe and Jennie Bimson completed the scoring in the 5-1 rout of South, for whom Charlotte Manchester claimed a consolation.
In the last game of the day the performance of Hannah must have warmed the heart of the Great Britain coach, Sue Slocombe, in the appreciative crowd. With Hannah and Blanks taking intelligent advantage of the experimental no-offside rule, it was nearly one-way traffic and Midlands never looked back, following Hannah's first-minute goal.
The only disappointment for Midlands was the loss of Newcombe in the second half with a facial injury, but she is expected to be fit for today's Midlands v East decider.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments