Ladies earn a point

Newark Hockey Club ladies 1st XI re-started their league campaign with a gutsy 2-2 draw at home to second-placed Derby Asterdale.

The Newark side had lost all four of their games since the turn of the year, and the Midlands League Feeder East Division encounter looked to be heading the same way when the visitors led 2-0 early in the second half.

But player of the match Megan Beard had other ideas, as she scored a contender for goal of the season. Picking up the ball in her own half, she dribbled at pace through the visitors’ defence and unleashed an unstoppable reverse stick shot into the top right-hand corner.

Newark were now on top, and deservedly pulled level when a fierce penalty corner shot was only half stopped by the visiting keeper, with Nic Jenner on hand to steer the ball home.

Injured captain Sarah Pask, who was coach for the day in the absence of the ill Paul Halfpenny, said: “It was a fantastic comeback from the girls, and full credit to them for bossing the second half.

“Let’s hope we can continue that performance on Saturday against league leaders Barton.”

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