Great game played by the L6 against Pelicans 4. Last week’s training was all about positioning, and focused on getting everyone up the pitch when attacking, and coming back when defending. It was a beautiful day for hockey, despite a slightly stressful start to the game (Lou struggling to open the multitude of security locks and disable the alarm to get into the pitch; and one carload of Pelicans delayed by traffic jams). But once we got underway, it seemed that everyone took Chris’s tips on board, using some amazing teamwork and great positional play by the whole team to create space and make excellent runs and passes. South took an early lead, as some excellent movement up front led to Pedzi scoring the first goal. Strong defence by Elly, Ruth, Laura and Mia kept Pelicans’ breaks at bay. On a rare occasion when the midfield didn’t quite get back in time, Pelicans managed to slightly overload our D to equalise. South stepped up to the challenge and soon we had another short corner. Nicky hit a powerful strike which the goalie couldn’t stop despite getting a touch on it. 2-1 up at half time, all looking good.

Early in the second half, Pelicans pulled ahead with two goals. South fought back, continuing to pass and play well as a team. We won another short corner, and Pedzi scored again during the follow-up. South’s midfielders kept the ball on our side, allowing forwards to take the ball home. Eleanor M had a fantastic game, and her high and wide positioning helped us create lots of chances as a passing option or pulling a defender away, so it was well deserved when eventually her chance came to receive a pass and score, putting us back into the lead. Finally, Charlotte G, who had also worked hard with some great runs, sealed our victory with her first South goal (in her second match for the club).

Highlights from the game included:

• Some awesome block tackling from Charlotte F, especially in the second half
• Excellent clearances and passes out from all the defenders
• Fabulous pace and tenacious tackling from Fliss
• Continuous great movement and team play from the forward line, along with some strong pressing that trapped a good number of the opposition hit-outs

The final whistle blew and the happy team headed off to the pub to celebrate our win and Elly’s birthday with pizza and cake.