Ladies hockey round-up STEVENAGE Ladies are safe from the drop. They finished a respectable third from bottom and out of the relegation zone in Division Two South following a tough opening season in the East League. Stevenage needed a draw or better to m

Ladies' hockey round-up

STEVENAGE Ladies are safe from the drop.

They finished a respectable third from bottom and out of the relegation zone in Division Two South following a tough opening season in the East League.

Stevenage needed a draw or better to move out of danger in their final league match of the season and duly shared the points from a 2-2 home draw against local rivals Broxbourne.

The game got off to a sluggish start with both teams struggling to pick up the pace.

It was Stevenage who took the early advantage when numerous penalty corner awards finally paid off.

Kath Phoenix was on hand to force home the rebound from skipper Carly Seaton's strike to see the home side ahead at half time.

In the second half, Broxbourne looked lively and got an early equaliser that prompted Stevenage to respond.

Stevenage dominated play and possession and won a succession of penalty corners. It was from one of these that they again moved into the lead as Kate Chapman pounced on a rebounded Seaton strike.

A dubious penalty corner decision at the other end allowed another equaliser minutes later with the striker driving home from a tight angle.

Stevenage continued to battle for the winner but it proved elusive.

Letchworth Ladies' home season in the East Premier League came to a disappointing end with a 1-0 defeat by Tunbridge Wells.

With both teams comfortably settled in mid-table, the match took on a dreary end of season air with neither team producing much in the way of quality hockey.

The match looked to be heading towards half time scoreless when the visitors took the lead after 25 minutes from a rather scrappy attack.

Letchworth raised their game a little in the second half and had the better of the possession though neither side created many clear chances.

They play their final game away on Saturday against a Harleston Magpies team still scrapping to avoid relegation.

Other scores: Saffron Walden 4 Letchworth II 0; Letchworth III 3 (Deborah Wren two, Zoe Nicholls) Luton II 6; Letchworth IV 0 Broxbourne V 4.

Blueharts Ladies finished in a comfortable eighth place in the Five Counties Premier League.

Missing a few regular players, they lost 3-1 away at Shefford and Sandy in their last game of the season.

Jay Livermore's goal and outstanding display resulted in her player of the match award and she linked well with Philippa Wiseman and Jo O'Flaherty.

Spectacular saves from keeper Rho Keen assisted excellent defending by Becky Gardner, Sally Mack and Kirsten Barnett.

The central defence and midfield fought hard to gain possession with solid performances by Erin O'Boyle, Sam Vaughan and Heather Abbiss

Captain Nikki Baxter did not let the heads go down but they were unable to score again.

The seconds secured promotion by beating Stevenage 5ths 3-0.

Hannah Ross opened the scoring followed by a great goal from Helen Sadler. Teresa Donald also scored a brilliant goal from the top of the D, her first of the season.