COLCHESTER 1

CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY II 1

East Women's League division one north

NEW Colchester Hockey Club ladies first-team captain Natalie Davis is targeting a top-three finish for her side this season.

Davis, who has taken over from last year's skipper Angela Roberts, was pleased with her side's performance in their opening-game draw with Cambridge University II.

Davis said: "What an excellent game - I'm really pleased the result and the team played really well.

"We were unfortunate not to take all three points but there were many positives and great team spirit."

Colchester, who welcomed new players Pippa Garbutt, Kellie Burnell, Jemma Rix and Liz Pope to the squad, started well.

They quickly spread the ball around the back and through to the midfield and their defence of Pope, Lorraine Fitch, Ana Marie Bradley and Frankie Harley kept Cambridge University's attackers at bay with some fantastic low tackles.

In addition, some brilliant pressing from the Colchester forwards saw them win numerous penalty corners.

Rix's fine strike was saved by the outstanding Cambridge University keeper, as Colchester pressed.

But Cambridge University took the lead against the run of play when they got into the D and found an unmarked player at the back post.

Colchester trailed at half-time but Davis started the second half in determined fashion, straight on the attack and a reverse shot on goal.

And Garbutt, Ellie Benfield and Beth Probert drove at the Cambridge defence putting some lovely balls into the forwards.

Colchester levelled when Rix struck a penalty corner low to the left of the keeper to equalise.

The hosts pushed for a winner after that and Garbutt's shot hit the crossbar and post and Davis also went close with a great reverse strike.

Bradley had an effort stopped on the line by a Cambridge University player's neck, following a well-worked penalty corner and Rix saw the ball stopped on the line while Davis was only stopped by an amazing tackle, but Colchester had to settle for a draw.

Colchester travel to play Lowestoft, on Saturday.

Colchester Ladies first team squad left to right, back: Jacqui Crombie (Coach), Jemma Ann Rix, Liz Pope, Emma Painter, Kelly Burnell, Pippa Garrett, Natalie Davis, Frankie Harley, Wayne Masters (Head Coach/Manager).

Front: Lorraine Fitch, Anna Marie Bradley, Bethan Probert, Karen Harris, Ellie Benfield, Sarah Rose.