By Isle of Wight Observer
The IW Ladies’ 1st XI hockey team reached the final of the 1XI Cup in Basingstoke, facing Hamble, having overcome Southampton University in a semi-final shoot-out.
In a highly competitive game, forwards, Evie Fairhurst and Katy Ednay, were repeatedly denied by the vigilant keeper. In midfield, the quartet of Pip Spibey, Georgia Whittle, Matilda Wroath-Hickley, and Saffron Hart created regular opportunities, but the first half finished 0-0. Defensive play from Daniela Devenish, Jaimie Payne, and Claire Caddick, in front of keeper, Tia Shutler, kept Hamble at bay and Emily Lord deflected a shot for the Islanders to take the lead. However Hamble scored a late goal to force a shuffle showdown. The IW side lost 3-2 to finish runners-up, ended a frustrating season.