Went up for a hockey match. More sand on the pitch than the beach, pretty wet, couple of puddles developing and also a hole in the pitch. Directions from the locals weren’t great, round the left of the building was rather vague - there were many buildings. Got soaked. Pretty good changing room, felt like I was a school kid, lots of ping pong paddles and footballs. 

BUT focus we have hockey to play. 

Did part of Dave’s warm up. Did not complete Dave’s warm up. Began the game (not quite at match pace). 

Hockey was played. We were dominate possession wise but still like to give them a chance so into sticks we occasionally passed & they had some good forwards running at us. 

Very concise, direct, clear and decisive umpire. Monosyllabic words were shouted such as “LONG” & “SHORT”. No more no less, one word is enough. 

First goal came from a SHORT corner. Not quite sure which number this was when we practised but it worked. A very clear “WHEN YOU’RE READY?” from the umpire. (Were we in gladiator or playing hockey?) Then Lucia injected to Robyn who slapped it in. Oh Yeah! 

Second goal, pass from Izzy in the D to Tamsin and in. Chaotic but effective. When we support each other and drive hard we can score. 

Cpt Kim half time team talk. Good one. 

Second half. We were friendly enough to let them have the ball and out run us and do some very snazzy skills, get one into the next. Little bit of hope for them. However we pulled through, got the 3 points we went for. Teas and home I think. 

Post game showers a bit too hot. Couldn’t change the temp so got scalded. Be careful, middle of nowhere so no a&e. Match teas, hosted in the village hall were divided opinion wise, felt like a kids party, cakes, sandwiches, tea, cheese puffs and chip sticks. Hot teas are preferable and if you’re Annie it wasn’t posh enough. Would have preferred a 3 course meal by a fire. 

All in all 3/5 star review. Make sure weather is good when you go.