Written in the eyes of Jenny. 

As I woke in the morning, I looked over at my swimming costume, did I have time for a quick dip in the hot tub before the match, maybe not, but I knew it would be bubbling away ready for me when I came back. With the short journey from the Air B’n’B I headed to the pitch whilst the rest of the team trekked their way up North.

Arriving at the pitch the girls were ready for a win after the disappointment of last week - in the words of Feline ‘I am not leaving without a point’. A little bit more of an incentive for Niamh who wanted to get home with Feline as her ride home.  

With the team talk completed and a reminder TO HAVE FUN, we were ready. We settled into the game quickly with some great attacking balls driven by some short passes, great supportive play and maintaining possession. Pelicans showed their strength working the ball out of their 16’s with some nice short pass working their way around the press (the first topic to discuss at half time). With strong defensive work, Pelicans’ attacks were stopped giving our forward some great opportunities to get us in the lead and it wasn’t long until we were. From open play, Rhi found the ball her feet with a little shot through her legs, Dani was ready to add speed to the ball 1-0 South. 

The second goal follow with a little bit of a scrappy play in the D, but Jess was ready on the penalty spot to double the score line. South determination continued with some very close shots and several short corners but with some good save from the opposition keeper it was 2-0 at half time, getting closer to getting into the hot tub- yay! 

The second half began well with the team heading straight for their opposition’s D, setting the press a little further back putt more pressure on the 23’s. This led to the opposition trying other skills unfortunately for Rhi she found herself headbutting the ball from an aerial- ouch! With Rhi safely sat on the bench the game restarted and the strong passes and short corners continuing to put pressure on the defence, it was Sam to get the next South goal after some lovely, linked passes. As the game began to run in to the last few minute, Jess added another goal to the score sheet 4-0.  Charlotte and Jenny’s aerial were very handy with opening space and successfully not being headed by anyone else.  Unfortunately, seconds before the final whistle went Pelican’s were able to slip a ball to the back post and into the goal, leaving the final score at 4-1. 

A well fought game and some lovely sausage rolls at teas, it was definitely worth booking the work holiday to align with the game. During teas, Jess flipping a plate was a strong contender for LOM, however, the team’s own bitterness of the hot tub led to myself getting Lemon. Nic got POM for some fantastic defensive work and even found herself into the D.