Hockey: Smith inspires Slough to indoor title hat-trick
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Slough produced a workmanlike display to win their third successive Indoor Championship in the Higgins Group finals at Crystal Palace last night. In the men's event, Guildford play Loughborough Students today in a repeat of last year's final.
Jane Smith gave Slough the early lead against Canterbury and made it 3-2 at the interval with her second goal after a cat-and-mouse first half. After repelling an early Canterbury corner in the second half, Slough went further ahead through Sarah Kelleher and Sue Chandler inside three minutes. Chandler claimed a second with Louise Bevan completing Slough's 7-2 win.
In the semi-finals Smith gave Slough another good start against Chelmsford with a third-minute goal. Chelmsford's captain Lisa Wooding was quick to equalise with the Berkshire side scoring on the whistle to go into the interval with a 2-1 lead. Chelmsford levelled but Slough then streaked away for a comfortable 5-2 victory in a game dominated by their captain Kate Walsh.
It was much the same in the second semi-final with the scores locked at 2-2 a minute into the second half before Canterbury got into their stride to beat Clifton 7-2 with their captain Mel Clewlow claiming a hat-trick.
The men's semi finals were much more one-sided although Loughborough Students came from behind in the first game to beat Canterbury 6-1, while St Albans were no match for a well-drilled Guildford side going down 7-4 with Ian Jennings scoring four times.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments