SEVEN sponsored Ipswich may have lost their last Investec East Conference game but the second half performance showed that they have real potential to bounce straight back next season.

Missing coach Sandie Lister and with a few players carrying injuries this was going to be a tough ask for Ipswich but stand in player coach Mariette Rix prepared the team well in her pre-match brief and Ipswich were determined to end the season well.

Things did not go to plan when they fell behind in the opening 5 minutes from a well worked short corner and despite creating some great chances, the away side looked to timid on the ball and the hosts capitalised on their chances to go into half time 3-0 up.

Rix reminded the team at half time of what was needed and a tactical switch was made with 16 year old Mary Sacker coming on at right back and Hermione Hatfield being moved up front.

From the start Ipswich looked a different side, with Sacker playing a fantastic game and all over the pitch Ipswich stepped up the quality. Sophie Sexton and Kristine Ayling in particular taking the game to Sevenoaks. It was all Ipswich now and the away side won a run of corners but the shots were well saved. Then on a break away move and against the run of play Sevenoaks extended thier lead. Ipswich though refused to give up and Lucy Dunnett fired in a super shot to give them a thoroughly deserved goal.

The final whistle went leaving Ipswich with the feeling that if they had played the whole game at the second half level then the scoreline would have been different.

A special mention must go to stand in coach and Ipswich's GK Mariette Rix who is retiring from playing in goal. She has been at Ipswich since 2008 and is a true World class player and will be sorely missed by the team. She is now concentrating on her coaching and playing some outfield hockey. Thank you for all the amazing saves.