As the L3s headed to St Ives the sun was starting to shine and the team were eager to get a good result under our belts and start the season as we intended, building on last season’s performances. With Tabby (our LoM) and Zara running late due to bus-related issues and photo shoots, there were a few changing rooms nerves as captain Rhi announced that we only had two defenders in the team, one sub, and would be playing a slightly modified formation to our normal one, but the whole team took it on the chin and headed out for warm up.

The L3s started the first half strongly, making lots of attacking plays and having several attempts on goal, all narrowly saved by the St Ives keeper. With some lovely play through the midfield involving Jas, Tabby, Erin, Tuffers and Kath, the L3s managed to score our first goal through Jess F. A second goal quickly followed, again from Jess F, after strong play from the forward trio of Jess F, Emily and Zara. As the half time whistle blew the team were more than ready for a five minute breather and a much needed drink.

St Ives started the second half with their first real attack of the game. Our defensive three of Rhi, Hannah and Jess B were able to show their cool and calm composure, smoothly winning the ball back and allowing the L3s to score our third goal from Jess F. The L3s’ fourth goal quickly followed, again through Jess F. As the L3s battled the fatigue and heat, St Ives started to press forward more. But as a team the L3s managed to keep them at bay, Bryony only having to touch the ball once. As the L3s were keen to get another goal, the teams commitment was demonstrated through Tuffers’ dive at goal, narrowly missing the ball and the back of the net. This was shortly followed by another L3s attack that resulted in one of many short corners. As Rhi took the ball down with her head and slotted it in the back of the goal, the umpire had already blown his whistle for a second short corner. The L3s eventually managed our fifth and final goal from Emily after some great team play with runs from the defence forward.

As the final whistle blew the L3s left the pitch happy with our solid, positive start to the season, keeping a clean sheet and scoring some lovely team goals.

MoM - Jas, due to her super defensive support and strong runs forward.

LoM - Tabby, for being late due to bus errors, making friends with the bus driver and being a man’s personal photographer despite already running late.