It was a very chilly start to the midday match – so chilly that Louise had to scrape frost from the pitch. Long Sutton won first pushback and away we were. Bex ran in early to intercept the ball, swiftly taking it up the left wing with a nice 1-2 with Charlotte. Long Sutton blocked entry to the D, and the ball was quickly travelling back down the pitch. Meg’s keen eye picked up the ball, and she sent it Elaine, who crossed it over to Hattie. Hattie drove up the right wing, battling her way through what seemed to be every Long Sutton player on the pitch. Louise ran up to the corner to support Hattie, whilst Nicky positioned herself top D. Again Long Sutton’s defence were impenetrable, and the ball was quickly finding its way back down the pitch. This time it was May who snatched the ball, making a strong pass to Georgia who seemingly danced through the midfield opposition. Further down was Harry connecting defence and midfield with some great tackles. On ran Lizzie, who managed to pick up the ball as she was still running on, and Ruth, who made sure no one was getting past our 23. The first half was over quickly (!) with neither team conceding a goal.

The second half switch certainly put the Sixes at a disadvantage with the sun so low in the sky. The Sixes kept the energy up and it wasn’t long until we were back in the opposition D. Nicky made two separate attempts on their goal, only for one to be deflected off the post, and the other narrowly saved by Long Sutton’s formidable goalkeeper. A quick turnover brought the ball back down our end, and after a bit of a scuffle, sadly the ball crossed the line. Another reset and we were on the offensive again, this time Hattie taking the shot, only for the ball to be returned to her by the GK, twice. Back down the pitch again (seems to be the theme...) and Long Sutton made another attempt on our goal from the very edge of the D which hit the back of the net. Some deliberation between the umpires occurred, and unfortunately the goal was allowed. This however did not discourage the Sixes, with Harry driving the ball up the pitch, crossing it over to charlotte on the left wing who delivered the ball to Bex. Bex made a clever pass to Elaine who switched the ball over to Hattie. Hattie took her opportunity and finally, goal! Long Sutton’s knew this wasn’t going to be an easy match for them so they threw everything they had at our D. Claire made some spectacular saves, even one that sent the ball into Ruth’s shoulder (but Ruth didn’t mind, as she explained to the umpires). Long Sutton kept coming on the attack, but luckily Elly was mopping up balls in the D. Full time, and a game that the L6s knew they played really well.

Player of the match votes went to Charlotte, Lou, Meg and ultimately Harry was the winner for being a key connection between defence and midfield.

Lemon of the match votes went to Lou, Claire, Meg and Charlotte but it was awarded to Nicky for not sharing the halftime sweets with goalkeeper Claire.