©Mark Beaumont

Following a heart-breaking 8-7 loss to AM Polo CT in the British Ladies High Goal Championship for the Cowdray Rosebowl, Semper Anticus faced a quick turnaround as they competed for their second title opportunity of the day in the British Ladies Open Championship. 

Featuring a nearly identical line-up from the Rosebowl, Semper Anticus returned Clarinda Tija-Dharmadi in the number 1 position, Lucy Coddington in the number 3 position and 10-goaler Nina Clarkin at Back, while newcomer Chloe Horswell inserted into the number 2 position. For Coombe Place, Sophie Kenna donned the number 1 shirt, followed by Kayley Smith at number 2, Lucy Bowman (4 goals) at number 3 and Lottie Lamacraft at Back. 

Setting the tone in the defensive affair, Semper Anticus’ Lucy Coddington converted a Penalty 2 in the early stages of the match, while Coombe Place were held scoreless throughout the entire first half. Outshooting Coombe Place from both the field and the penalty line, Semper Anticus’ ability to keep Coombe Place from attempting a single shot in the half while adding a second goal from Horswell allowed Semper Anticus to take a 2-0 advantage into halftime. 

Regrouping in the tent, Coombe Place’s Lottie Lamacraft found the posts from the 30-yard line to score Coombe Place’s first goal of the match and trail by just one. Held scoreless for the first time in the match, Semper Anticus was unable to restore their two-goal lead as the two teams entered the final chukka separated by just one goal. Following a blocked Penalty 4, a drive by Nina Clarkin increased Semper Anticus’ lead back to two at 3-1, leaving Coombe Place with little time for a comeback. Unable to capitalize on Semper Anticus’ late foul troubles, Lamacraft could only convert once in the chukka on three attempts as time began to expire. Semper Anticus were able to hold Coombe Place to just two shots from the field throughout the contest, which ultimately proved to be the difference in the low-scoring affair to deliver Semper Anticus the 3-2 victory and the British Ladies Open Championship. 

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