Bailey hits hat-trick in Puffins goal romp

Friday 2nd October 2009, 2:29PM BST.

Puffins’ Alex Hanna, left, is urging caution, despite a 6-0 opening day win. (Picture by Adrian Miller, 0675176)

THE Ship & Crown Puffins got their defence of their Investec Women’s Division One title off to a rousing start with a 6-0 defeat of AP Group Panthers.

Last season was the first time in nearly 20 years that Puffins had won the league and to start the new campaign they beat the team who had pipped them to the title the year before.

Puffins’ convincing win came courtesy of goals from Helen Bailey with a hat-trick, Micky de Vial, Gabi Gervaise-Brazier and Debbie Wilson.

‘I’m really pleased. We had a great game and we had some really good attacking play,’ said Alex Hanna, who is Puffins’ joint captain with Gemma Duport.

‘We worked really well together and I think everyone enjoyed our first league game.’

Puffins have lost just one player during the summer, but they have also gained one.

Michelle Boddy has returned to the UK while new arrival to the island, Laura Sharrott, has signed up.

The defender was the captain of Whitchurch Saints, who turned out in the South Wales Hockey League.