Bunch of tough tests still ahead

It seemed to be with relative ease that Haverhill picked up their first points of the season in the East Women's League Division Two NE. Though it was still early in the season, the number of games remaining got less each weak, and with it no doubt morale and belief. Captain Tina Bunch had spoken about how they were in an easier division than last year - when they narrowly avoided relegation with a last gasp winner at Lincoln Roses - but results seemed to tell a different story.

Having struggled to find the net all season, with just three goals in the entire campaign, Bunch was unsurprisingly happy to see her side cruise to victory with a 5-3 home win over Loddon. She had remarked that they had played all of the top sides in the division to date in a difficult opening fixture, and they had played well in some and were unlucky that results went against them - but points are awarded for winning games, not playing well or showing spirit.

Saturday's win will reinforce the belief that they can compete at this level, and will give them confidence leading into a series of crucial games. On Saturday they face University of East Anglia Women (UEA), who are now a place below them at the foot on the table as they still have zero points, and following on from that they travel to Christchurch, who are a place and a point above them. Bunch was right that they have had a tough opening and perhaps not likely to get any points, but if that is the case then these are the games they must take points from.

They are obviously already off to a winning start, but that momentum must be maintained. Bunch has said the division is likely to be split in half in terms of quality, and the test is for Haverhill to stay at the top of the bottom pack. No doubt they will all be keen to avoid a repeat of last year's struggles and ensure hockey at this level for at least another campaign, but consistently struggling at the bottom of any league is never a pleasant experience.

UEA will be a 'different challenge' according to Bunch, and no doubt that despite their unenviable position as the basement club they should not be underestimated. University teams will always fluctuate with players coming and going depending on availability, and it remains to be seen if they will field a strong or weak squad - as it is in Haverhill though it is liekly to be the latter. Bunch said: “We’ll have more players available and are definitely buoyant going into the game – the coach wanted seven points from our next three games and we’ve already got three."

Haverhill will face the opposite problem against Chirstchurch, who are likely to have a strong squad available. It should also be noted that these games will be just as crucial for both of Haverhill's opponants as they look for a way to pull clear of the bottom too. The skipper added: "The pressure is on for these games and it will be good to get a run of wins together and we’re looking forward to the game now. The tension has eased a little and the win restored confidence that we were right to be optimistic."

Back to back wins could propel Haverhill to mid table, but the opposite would leave them rock bottom with a number of tough games to come. That is why they must win their next two fixtures, and hopefully carry that form on to take some points from games they may not be expecting to. Then perhaps their optimism will be truly proven.