Hockey Steph on target to earn Robbies a point against students

Clifton Robinsons battled hard to earn a 1-1 draw against a strong Loughborough side in an evenly-matched encounter at Clifton College to earn their second point of the season.

- David PARRY-JONES

The home team started brightly, showing real intent and energy from the first whistle to cause the visiting defence some anxious moments, though the elusive first goal didn’t come.

Clifton Robinsons continued to put pressure on the visitors defence after the break to win a short corner nine minutes into the second half. A slick routine saw Steph Botha fire home clinically to give the home side a deserved lead.

Loughborough responded with determination, growing into the game and testing the Clifton defence. Despite some resilient defending, the visitors eventually found their equaliser following a penalty corner 20 minutes into the second half.

Both teams pushed for a winner in the closing stages, but neither side could break the deadlock, and the game finished level. Player of the match was Botha for a commanding performance, capped off with her well-taken goal.