English Hockey 

Super Cup

30th April, 1st and 2nd may 2005

Ipswich v Canterbury, Chelmsford, Leicester

Lost 2-0, Lost 2-1, Lost 2-1

Ipswich's hopes for a place in Europe were dashed at the weekend as they failed to win a game and finished in 4th position.

The opening game saw the Suffolk team take on Canterbury and the game while not dynamic was evenly matched at 0-0 at half time. The 2nd half saw Canterbury start much the brighter and  a quick free hit found Susan Webber who's reverse stick shot squeezed through the pads of Becky Duggan to make it 1-0. Ipswich tried to lift themselves and were unlucky not to be awarded a stroke when Vanessa Roberts was fouled in the circle but Canterbury took a 2-0 lead, through Natalie Seymour, to kill off any Ipswich hopes of a comeback.

Sunday saw Ipswich face local rivals Chelmsford and with both sides determined to take the points the game was a tense affair. Chelmsford started the brighter forcing a run of short corners but they could not find a way through the resolute Ipswich defence led by Becky Duggan and Kirsten Spencer. Ipswich's cause though was not helped as Leisa King was sent off for dissent. Despite the extra play Chelmsford could not work an opening and it was Ipswich that took the lead as Jo Ellis's pass found Cathy Gilliat-Smith in front of goal and her neat touch beat Katy Roberts to make it 1-0. Unfortunately for Ipswich the umpiring then played a huge part in the match. Firstly King was sent off again for an innocuous foot on the half way line and then a penalty stroke was awarded after a Chelmsford player had kicked the ball.  Lisa Wooding duly converted to make it 1-1 and then Ipswich were put under some serious pressure. Chelmsford took advantage and Tracy Wilmore scored the winner with a mis-hit that crept under the diving Ipswich keeper. Ipswich battled hard to get back into the game but with the umpiring consistently going against them they team could not break through.

Monday saw Ipswich play their last game against a Leicester and with both sides knowing that the title had already been won by Canterbury all that was left to pay for was pride.  Ipswich started the brighter forcing the league champions onto the back foot and Vic Sandall scored from a short corner on the 17th minute to give Ipswich the lead.

The second half saw both teams tiring after 3 games in as many days but the passion and commitment shown by both was commendable. Leicester began to create more chances and for the first time in the weekend Ipswich conceded at short corners. The first goal from Crista Cullen blasting past Duggan in goal. 5 minutes later and the midlands team had scored again this time a neat deflection by Hannah Macleaod. Ipswich worked hard to get back into the game but despite a run of short corners could not find a way through.

A tough weekend for the team but when they look back on their achievements this season they have a lot to be proud of. Outdoor League runners up, Indoor league runners up and Indoor Play-offs runners up. This time last season the team were lying bottom of the league this season they were challenging fro honours. No other side in the league has made such an improvement as this Ipswich team and if they can keep improving next season should see them fulfill their potential with National titles.