This was an important match this week. Beginning with some excellent team building playing hand ball (with our non-dominant hands, good thing we are more coordinated on the pitch!). With a disco warm up courtesy of Jenny’s playlist we shook off the cobwebs (thanks T-Swift) and prepared to face Kettering. 

We had first push back against the relentless wind, which made breathing and running a challenge.   First goal by Jess later followed by a goal from Hayley saw us storm into 2-0 lead at half time, Although we were feeling confident, we were not complacent. 

Second half saw some excellent teamwork, passing around Kettering and transferring the ball across the back as well as supporting each other. The work rate of our midfielders with Lucy dominating possession and winning the ball back at every turn. Despite the wind we saw some beautifully placed ariels from Charlotte and Jenny. The majority of the half was spent in Kettering’s half consistently pushing and applying pressure in the D as we bombarded Kettering shots from the D and some close deflections. 

Kettering made a break on one occasion, which was swiftlyclosed down in the D by Niamh and Cassie. Nipping in the bud any chance for Kettering to take a shot on goal. Defence worked rapidly to remove the threat and feed the ball back up the pitch into Kettering’s 25. 

We really showed Kettering how dangerous we are in the second half as we continued to work as a team and feed the ball from the back and into the D. Liandi taking 2 goals in the second half and one from our captain Dani, a sensational reverse flick that sailed into the goal. 

Consistency and patience throughout the game and most importantly we had Fun!

POM went to Lucy for “THAT pass and great work rate”, an honourable mention to Lucy’s bruised big toe, the nail is sure to fall off soon and I am sure she will keep us all updated. I took lemon this week due to hitting two teammates with the ball causing a free hit to the opposition (only in the foot so no lasting injuries!). 

A big thank you to Neil and Guy for umpiring in these extremely windy conditions (Guy losing his hat at one point).