QUACKERS Ladies Hockey continued their Channel Island dominance, with a comprehensive 5-1 victory over Guernsey’s Indies in the Upton Trophy.
The win at Les Quennevais marked the Islanders’ third successive Upton crown, following on from wins against Panthers in 2022 and Colombian Puffins in 2019.
Quackers, who had a healthy mix of experience, along with some new faces, did not have it all their own way in the opening stages of the contest.
The Sarnian side saw more of the ball and had the greater chances inside the first ten minutes.
Eventual player of the match, Eve Taylor-Cox, anchored the Caesareans’ defence, with countless crucial interventions to keep the contest level.
Meanwhile Lily Cotillard in goal was forced into a couple of smart blocks as Quackers weathered the early storm from the visitors.
The defending champions gradually grew into the match, and gained the lion’s share of possession, while regularly threatening the Indies ‘D’.
Pressure told, as Taylor-Cox converted from a penalty corner, with a slap-shot beyond ‘keeper Genevieve Swainston.
Just five minutes later, Quackers doubled their lead, through Hannah Scriven.
The Jersey player found herself in space, just inside the top of the D and wrong-footed Swainston with a reverse stick sweep to find the corner.
The hosts grabbed another to head into the break 3-0 up, as midfielder Jamey Henderson latched onto a brilliant rolled pass through the defence from Analise Merritt.
The former pulled the ‘keeper wide before calmly slotting home.
Henderson sealed a brace early in the second period, with a shot from the right, before she turned provider for Quackers’ fifth and final goal.
Hannah Bolton was the beneficiary; rewarded for some hardworking runs throughout the final.
Her close-range effort from Henderson’s cross left the Indies shot-stopper with little chance.
There was something to cheer about late on for the visitors, as Tasha Symes put away a cross from the right-hand side, to give Indies a well-deserved consolation goal.
Quackers: Lily Cotillard (GK), Eve Taylor Cox, Gemma Minty, May Brennand, Bridget Le Brocq, Katie Doyle, Natacha Kay, Jamey Henderson, Hannah Scriven, Hannah Bolton, Analise Merritt, Olivia Labesse, Clara Ginnis, Zoe Higgins.
Coach: Shelagh Herbert.
