Bath run out of steam at Hillcroft
Hillcroft A v Bath
22 February 2025
SEMLA Division 2
Final Score Hillcroft 17:6 Bath
Bath continues to struggle for numbers this season and were only able to field a team thanks to Oliver Dawson and Mark Lane from Bristol LC and Rosie Bathurst from Cheltenham LC
It still meant a small squad of 11, making it a long day for those in the middle of the field.
At face throughout the game Sam Kettle wasn’t going to let his opposite number (s) get anything clean and concentrated on stopping the fast break; by making every face a scrap it allowed the Bath Midfield to either come up with some possession or the defence to get set.
For three quarters of the game Bath competed well, it was only towards the end of the game that fatigue started to kick in, the miles put in by the midfield string of Tyrone Berkley, Mark Lane and Mark Lane was impressive to say the least.
At half time, the captains made a slight tactical change, using Oliver Dawson up front in the offence as a long stick shooter, the first attempt resulted in a goal, and achieved the desired effect of pulling the Hillcroft defence out, thereby leaving more space close in behind the front line of the defence.
Bath did have some luck when an attempt at kicking the ball back to the keeper by the Hillcroft D pole went between the pipes, although, on the card, a goal is shown for Captain Mike Carey.
Rosie Bathhurst was, on the other hand unlucky, not scoring after a good dodge in front of goal resulted in the ball hitting the bottom of the upright. If the goals had been square the ball would certainly have gone in.
At three quarters the score was 11:6, Bath felt they were in the game, but the bigger Hillcroft squad still had plenty in the tank, Bath couldn’t keep up, and didn’t capitalise on the little offensive ball they did get.
Overall Bath were competitive in all areas, and should they ever get a full squad onto the field will be a tough proposition for anybody, roll on the Minor Flags.
Quarter Scores
1st quarter Hillcroft 5:1 Bath
Roberts
2nd quarter Hillcroft 2:2 Bath
Lane, Own Goal
3rd quarter Hillcroft 4:3 Bath
Dawson, Dawson, Roberts
4th quarter Hillcroft 6:0 Bath
Final Score Hillcroft 17:6 Bath
Scorers (Assists)
Nik Roberts 2
Mark Lane 1 (1)
Oliver Dawson 2
Mike Carey (2)
Referees Panel