Hockey: Ladies Masters reach England Hockey Semi-Finals

Over 45s side progress past Sheffield 

Report by Ben Cunningham:

The Isle of Man Ladies Masters (Over 45s) travelled to Liverpool University on Sunday to take on a determined Sheffield side in the England Hockey Championships.

It was a competitive encounter which began at a hectic pace, as both teams were eager to settle into a rhythm. 

Early pressure came from the Manx side, whose forward pairing of Donna Harrison and Kerry Cowley showed excellent running and movement, immediately tested the Sheffield defence.

It quickly became clear that Sheffield’s goalkeeper was a formidable shot stopper.

Recognising this, the Masters team worked hard to move the ball around the goalkeeper, looking to create better angles in the circle. 

Harrison came agonisingly close on three occasions in the opening half but was denied each time.

Sheffield responded with strong attacking pressure of their own, repeatedly driving into the D and winning several short corners. 

However, excellent goalkeeping from Jo Hicks, supported by the defensive short-corner unit of Lynne Valerga, San Moore, and Kirsty Guy, kept Sheffield at bay with a series of well-organised defensive efforts.

The breakthrough finally came in the 27th minute. Harrison worked skilfully around the goalkeeper’s feet and calmly slotted the ball home to give the Isle of Man a deserved 1–0 lead.

In the second half, the Isle of Man made good use of their width, with wide halves Elaine Wiseman, Jo Quine, and Niamh Goddard creating several promising attacking moves down the flanks. 

Harrison and Cowley again came close to extending the lead, both narrowly missing the target by inches.

As Sheffield pushed hard in search of an equaliser, the Isle of Man midfield triangle of Sharon Pope, Sam Franklin, and Ros Lynch held firm, working tirelessly to disrupt Sheffield’s build-up play and maintain control in the centre of the pitch.

Further defensive resilience came from Jan Lewis and LeeAnne McNaught, who collected numerous loose balls and absorbed sustained pressure as Sheffield pressed forward late in the match.

Through disciplined defending and determined teamwork, the Isle of Man Ladies Masters held on to secure a well-earned 1–0 victory after a spirited and competitive performance from both sides.