Fare play sees Melton Hockey Club defeat Ashby 4-1

They took control of this week’s game from the first pushback and were able to spread the game with strong, determined and confident play from the midfield of Lizzie Hewitt, Bec Cramphorn and Charlie Fryday - who were able to link well with the forwards of Gemma Fare and Georgie Hewitt.

Melton soon opened the scoring with a well taken goal from Fare.

Melton continued to press hard with 100 per cent effort from everyone and were rewarded with a 3-0 lead at half time thanks to Fare completing her hat-trick.

The second half continued in much the same vein with Melton continuing to pressure the Ashby defence and having several attempts to increase the goal tally.

Melton were awarded several penalty corners and it was from one of these that Lizzie Hewitt was the quickest to react to a loose ball and slot home her shot to put Melton 4-0 up.

A rare lapse in judgement from the defensive pairing of Bertie Hay and Alex Jeffries lead to Ashby being awarded a penalty stroke and them scoring a well taken goal.

The game finished 4-1 with Melton the well deserved victors.

The previous weekend Melton drew 2-2 at Loughborough.

The team coped well with the damp conditions and a water-based pitch and settled into the changed formation.

The play was fairly even throughout the first half with both sides creating chances.

Loughborough took the lead but Melton fought back well to level things before Loughborough scored again to go into the interval 2-1 ahead.

The second half began in the same vein with Melton beginning to control the midfield and linking well.

Attacks came down both wings.

The forwards saw more of the ball in the second half and were able to put Loughborough under pressure.

Melton continued to build in the second half and strong performances from everyone eventually led to a well taken penalty corner just before the final whistle giving Melton a well deserved 2 -2 draw and a share of the spoils.