Forge announce drafted women’s players

Forge are blazing a trail to the top with the addition of three powerful players to their Women’s squad ahead of this summer’s The Fly 2022.

Anna Saunter, Bella Bowater and Ella Cohen will be helping Forge power through this year’s competition after being selected in the Women’s team draft.

Head Coach, Conor Dockery has returned to Forge for The Fly 2022 and has certainly sent a strong message to the other teams with the calibre of players he has selected. He said: “I am fortunate to have adaptive players to which they can all play in any position, and our hope is that they are going to come with a goal in mind and play with some creative tactics.”

Forge are looking to blast their way to victory, pushing for nothing less than to go one further than last year. To be crowned The Fly champions. Let’s take a look at how they line up.

Anna Saunter: 

Dockery’s first selection certainly signifies Forge’s ambitions with the inclusion of Anna Saunter. The right-handed two-way midfielder plays at the top of the game wherever she goes, currently representing England National Senior squad as well as playing in the regional premiership for both club and university. 

Athletic in speed and highly adaptable to game situations certainly provides her with a powerful advantage whether in attack or defence. 

Having already featured in the U19 World Championships (field) and U20 European Championships (field) as well as having a taste of The Fly 2021 action, Saunter is certainly embracing this year’s tournament. She said: “I had an incredible learning experience at The Fly 2021, as it tested my 10-a-side lacrosse skills in a different tactical format. I feel that the six-a-side game suited my athletic style of play, so would be excited about the opportunity to play more high level sixes lacrosse.”

As Saunter and Dockery reunite, he added: “I had the pleasure of coaching Anna last season and her decision making, the way she adapted and became more creative, I thought it was a priority to make her my first pick. 

“I’m delighted to be able to bring her home.”

Bella Bowater:

Dockery’s second pick is debutant Bella Bowater who will be joining Saunter in the midfield. The two-way midfielder represents England U23s and the University of Nottingham in the Premiership North A team. 

Pressure doesn’t faze Bowater and instead she relishes the challenge to make her mark on the game. Strong transitions and quick reactions were just two of her strengths which earned her selection for the U19 World Championships (field) and U20 European Championships (field). 

Getting on board with the sixes format is something which the right hander is savouring. She said: “I want to take part in the Fly in order to better my standard of play by playing with some of the best players across the home nations. After witnessing the tournament last year, I want to be more of a part of the journey to improving the sixes game within Great Britain, to help get lacrosse recognised in the Olympics.

“It is an extremely exciting tournament and opportunity that I would be honoured to be a part of!”

Ella Cohen:

Dockery’s third signing looks to bolster Forge’s attacking threat with the arrival of experienced attacker, Ella Cohen. Representing England at U19/U23 and currently Senior level, the right hander is certainly a threat to the opposition. 

Her athleticism gives her the best opportunity to possess a strong dodge in front of goal as well as to step up in an unsettled attack. 

Pressure is of no concern to Cohen who alongside Bowater will remain cool, calm and collected in any situation. “I want to take part in The Fly 2022 as I really enjoy the sixes game and playing amongst so many amazing players. Having seen the tournament last year, it looks like an incredibly high standard and a great way to get more experience within sixes.” she said. 

Heading into the competition the Head Coach wants to build on his sides 16-21 defeat to Swift in last year’s final. Dockery said: “Preparation between games and scouting some teams a bit more than what we did last season will be key. This will hopefully allow us to keep on fighting until the end and keep our grace and creativity that Forgers have.”