Masterful from the 035 Masters!

It didn’t take long for Bedford to set the tone for the match with a trademark turn and finish from Becca Budd from the maroon’s first penalty corner. Bedford played some superb hockey at times with Katherine Winger bossing proceedings from the middle of the park. Bedford soon doubled their lead from another penalty corner after Yvette Van Yperen weaved inside the Colchester circle with some amazing skills. The left slip corner to Hannah Scott was deflected in by Connie Mason then a similar move saw Harri Kinnear finish with a nice lift over the keeper for 3-0. Bedford’s passing game was a joy to watch with Cheryl Harding and Tracy Lawrence adding all their flair and confidence from their 100% win record in the 4's to the tie.

At the back, Sarah Bentley was a colossus and nothing got past her, whilst her distribution was first class ably supported by Steph Young who made some vital interceptions.

In the second half it was more of the same from Bedford with some glorious attacking moves and great team work. Budd grabbed her brace from another Bedford PC called by genius tactician Hannah Shanahan and well executed by Van Yperen who found Budd at the back post for the tap in. Man of the Match Heidi Langley was increasingly influential as the game went on and made some lung busting runs on the right and one such drive round the baseline and centre found Mason on hand for her second. Another fine team goal soon followed after great work on the left from Kinnear and Sue Phillips set up “world class” Hannah Scott who was on hand to score a goal, to cap her imperious display.

There was still time for more drama. Mason grabbed two more goals, a classy high deflection from Langley’s strike and a close range finish after Van Yperen’s short corner skills proved too hot to handle for the Essex sides defence however all that good work was forgotten when she dwelt on a ball, a yard out from the goal-line, and a covering defender ensured Mason had to settle for 4 goals (and all of the DOTD votes).

With 10 minutes to go, Kerri Surman in goal, decided to play herself into the match and made a fine stick save after kicking the ball straight to their centre forward! As Colchester pushed forward with nothing to lose, they forced another fine slide from Surman then moments later the home side were through on goal again and this time with the partisan crowd cheering her on, the Colchester captain struck the post, leaving Bedford with a clean sheet and 8-0 win to make the last 8 of the cup competition. Big thanks to Colchester for the great game and wonderful hospitality.