First league match... I suppose it only feels appropriate for something to go wrong before the match even starts, as Juliette leaves her astros beautifully next to her front door. But as the astros are retrieved, and the warm-up jog looms, the 2s feel good and fresh. Jenny’s ankle warm-up ensures no ankle-related injuries, as the 2s unsuspectingly run into what seems to be a wall of warmth and sweat.

Running, occasional falling, and short corners bring us through our first half as Jenny shows off her aerial skills to get the ball over rather than into the opponent’s largely intercepting sticks, as well as around their big hits. A challenging first half – bringing us to a 2-0 defeat – although we worked hard: Feline with beautiful down-the-line passes, Hayley and Sophie with their good skills, and lastly Tabs as she debuted as a defender – a POM-worthy performance – decided by the majority of votes, as well as a compliment on “looking cute in the short corner mask xxxx”. With a few near misses to a goal, (honorary mention to Saz who launched a ball so that it went behind the keeper but bounced off the post), and a beautiful through the legs shot from Emma, the 2s kept their ground and had some jelly babies.

Second half in and we’re still fighting hard, with a lot of shorts and running. Running so hard down the line that Juliette faceplants into the fence “with commitment” – earning yet another LOM reason, but we’re keeping it together now. The opposition are really having trouble getting a goal in while on the other hand the 2s are creating more space for opportunity. And finally, the goal comes. A run down the pitch followed by a little turning manoeuvre sends the ball from Juliette’s stick to a little tap from Jess. Teamwork makes the dream work.

So in conclusion a 2-1 loss but a step forward in team formation and coming together. LOM and POM votes come in with a completely unanimous vote for Juliette as LOM – “we still love you”. POM votes went to Feline, Sophie, and Juliette but ultimately Tabs earned POM for her stellar defending debut, although her cake cutting skills were questionable.