Whalsay secure hockey’s Lizzie Poleson Trophy with penalty flicks victory over Burra

Whalsay defeated isles rivals Burra on penalty flicks after a 2-2 draw in the final to claim senior hockey’s Lizzie Poleson Trophy. The matches in the Shearer Shield saw victories for Delting and Spurs over Burra and Scalloway respectively.

Lizzie Poleson Trophy

Whalsay 2, Burra 2
(Whalsay won on penalty flicks)

With silverware at stake there was nervous anticipation in the air before the pass back but as soon as the whistle blew both teams settled down into what was to be an exciting end-to-end game.

Whalsay dominated the early exchanges and settled into a good pattern of play. Maree Simpson and Victoria Duthie combined well on the right wing to set up a number of goal-scoring opportunities but Whalsay were unable to break down the Burra defence with Melanie Couper making some crucial clearances.

Josie Jamieson had a fantastic run which almost took her one-on-one with the Whalsay keeper but an unfortunate poor touch enabled the Whalsay defence to clear their lines.

Nicola Duthie had a great chance to put Whalsay in the lead when she almost latched on to a through ball at the back post but there was too much pace on it.

It was Burra who finally broke the deadlock deep into the first half when Stacey Laurenson’s shot on goal was not dealt with by the Whalsay defence and it resulted in Dianne Shearer guiding the ball past her own keeper.

Burra aimed to capitalise on their lead but Elsbeth Clark in the Whalsay goal made a series of fantastic saves to keep the score to 1-0 at half time.

The second half began at the same tempo as the first half with Whalsay chasing the game and Burra looking to add to the score sheet.

Whalsay levelled the match eight minutes into the second half when Victoria Duthie’s cross from the right was met by Shelley Sandison who sent it past the Burra keeper.

The momentum was now with Whalsay and they added another goal four minutes later when they were awarded a short corner from which Dianne Shearer was able to take advantage of the rebound to fire the ball into the back of the Burra goal.

Burra, undeterred, worked tirelessly to draw things level again. Excellent linking play between Karen MacKelvie, Kristen Robertson and Stacey Laurenson had Whalsay on the back foot in the latter stages of the game. Sonya Shearer in the Whalsay defence had a solid game, constantly breaking up Burra’s attacks. Burra’s persistence finally paid off through a superb piece of individual play from Stacey Laurenson who found the right corner of the Whalsay goal with a wonderful reverse sweep.

With only four minutes remaining the game was evenly poised for either team to snatch a last gasp winner. It was not to be though and at the end of an enthralling match the outcome was to be decided by penalty flicks. As nervous team mates watched on it was Whalsay who came out on top winning by 3-1.

Player of the match for Whalsay was Maree Simpson and for Burra it was Melanie Couper.

Peter Sharp, great grandson of the late Lizzie Poleson, presented the trophy on behalf of the family to the delighted Whalsay captain Natalie Polson. A special thanks to Simon Skinner and Janice Johnston for umpiring the match.

Shearer Shield

Delting 3, Burra 2

The first match of the Shearer Shield saw Delting taking to the field understrength again with only 10 players. This has been a pattern this year but they were determined to show a nothing to lose attitude.

Jill Hibbert poached high for Delting, looking for the through ball, and within six minutes this paid off with Hibbert scoring after a one-on-one with the Burra keeper.

This shook Burra, who seemed to be taking longer than normal to settle, and three minutes later Julie Kirkness slotted home Delting’s second from close range.

The game was very fast with both teams playing attacking hockey. The Delting defence of Robertson, Blance and Williamson were worked hard by the Burra forwards. Josie Jamieson and Stacey Laurenson in particular made some great runs but were stopped time after time by Toni Sidgwick in the Delting goal.

It was Bethany Laurenson who managed to beat Sidgwick in goals and score for Burra in the 15th minute. The teams continued to work hard and Delting were managing to control the midfield with Lorraine Johnson, Brenda Leask and Kirkness mirroring the runs of Laurenson and Jamieson, channelling them wide and out of the danger area.

The second half saw Stacey Laurenson hammer a goal past the outstretched Sidgwick just after the start of play to make it 2-2.

Burra rallied and tried to push again but Delting were determined not to be defeated. Once again the goal-scoring skills of Hibbert were deployed as she smashed a shot which found its way through the players in the circle and deflected into the goal.

Burra continued to push for an equaliser but Delting were able to maintain good possession play. Delting were winners after a hard game which tested the fitness of all the players.

Players of the match were Toni Sidgwick in the Delting goals and Bethany Laurenson for Burra.

Spurs 8, Scalloway 3

Spurs won the pass back and were soon to put pressure on Scalloway’s defence. However it wasn’t until the 24th minute that Spurs got the first goal in what was to be a high-scoring match. Sarah Grogan struck home much to the relief of her team mates who had been working tirelessly.

Scalloway were quick on the counter attack with some great play through the midfield from Lynne Scollay, Kate Moncrieff and Michaela Johnson up to forwards Meg Laurenson and Karis Irvine. However, the Spurs defence of Louise Moar, Gayle Johnson and Irene Gray dealt well under their pressure.

Just before half time Spurs were awarded a series of short corners, one of which Rona Simpson scored from a deflected flick.

One minute into the second half Spurs were caught off guard when Scalloway’s Mhari Moncrieff made the most of some confusion in the circle and struck home the first goal for Scalloway.

This did not deter Spurs and two minutes later they were on the attack and replied with a fine goal from Fiona Shearer. After the flurry of the first few minutes of the half, Spurs seemed to settle and play was often held around the Scalloway circle.

Errors in the Scalloway defence allowed for a succession of short corners being awarded to Spurs, and they capitalised on these chances – with goals from Kristen Jeromsen, Karen MacKay, Emma Gray and Grogan with two to complete her hat trick.

To Scalloway’s credit they never lost heart. Spurs waned at the end of the game and Scollay took advantage, scoring two more for Scalloway before the full-time whistle blew.

Players of the match were Gayle Johnson for Spurs and Michaela Johnson for Scalloway.