Fylde Hockey Club round-up: Firsts finish with a flourish for victory

They dominated from the start, taking the lead when Vicky Rukin netted with a penalty corner strike.

Durham weaved their way through to equalise from the restart, only for Fylde to score again within seconds as Jessica Wharton converted a penalty corner.

Another well-worked set piece brought Rukin’s second before Durham pulled one back to trail 3-2.

They managed an equaliser with three minutes left but Fylde had other ideas in winning another penalty corner.

This time, it was Flor Zappulla who stepped up to convert and give Fylde victory.

Fylde 2 were beaten, however, losing 3-0 at their Alderley Edge counterparts in North West Women’s Division One.

In North West Women’s Division Two North, Fylde 3 were awarded a 5-0 walkover victory after Lancaster and Morecambe 1 had conceded the game in advance.

There was a first victory of the North West Women’s Division Three North (Central) season for Fylde 4, as they won 1-0 at Garstang 3.

The only goal arrived with 10 minutes left when Kelly Wiseman scored after a number of shots and rebounds.

Fylde 5 were 2-0 winners when they met previously unbeaten league leaders Pendle Forest 3 in North West Women’s Division Four North (Central).

After strong play from both sides, Fylde took the lead with a neat goal from Aimee Jennings.

A second followed when, after three penalty corners in quick succession, Gabriella Hopley-Sherratt scored after her initial effort rebounded off the keeper.

North West Women’s Division Five North (Central) saw a young Fylde 6 Development team lose 5-0 against a Longridge side made up of experienced adults and talented youngsters.

There was a North West Men’s Division Four North victory for Fylde 1, as they were 3-1 winners at Garstang 2.

Fylde opened the scoring when Ollie Holmes’ short corner strike deflected off a defender’s stick and went into the goal.

Garstang levelled in the second half, after which Fylde retook the lead through Martin Hayes.

Victory was secured when Oli van Rijn went one-on-one with the keeper and lifted the ball over him with a reverse strike.

Fylde’s mixed team played on Sunday, beating Keswick 2-1 in the England Hockey Mixed Tier One KO Championships.