Well this was an unusual game. A grudge match where the two teams had never met but who were our rivals for the top spot in the league last year. We pipped them to the post then; this was their chance for revenge.

We could match March in enthusiasm and commitment. What was lacking was players. An unfortunate wave of sickness (get well soon everyone!) left us lining up with Captain Louisa heroically stepping into goal and 9 outfield players. (We were very relieved when player 10 arrived and made an immediate difference to the play).

Not to be deterred, we started strongly and dominated the play. We expected a defensive game but were able to push up with several chances and some lovely spells of play. Against the run of play, March got a break and took the lead. Disappointed, we determined to equalise, which Sarah did with a strike from a great ball in from Nicky. We pressed well and tried to take on board all Tim’s advice on posting up. Unfortunately, March managed another goal before the half time whistle, but we went into the break confident and happy with our performance so far.

Oranges and sweets pepped us up further and we went into the second half determined to get ahead. As time went on, we were flagging through lack of subs, but there were some great spells of play, particularly from POM Camille with awesome tackles and 1-2s on the left. Despite several chances and a couple of short corners in the second half we couldn’t find the back of the net. March, unfortunately, could, assisted by Louisa who was rather unfairly awarded LOM for trying to stop the ball with her stick and inadvertently helping it into the goal.

Other POM votes went to Daisy for all round awesome play, Becky, Louisa for stepping up / into the goal, Sarah and Nicky. LOM votes to Nicky (for bantering with the umpire – she wasn’t the only one to have a couple of chats with the umpire – a couple of others came close to a card…) And Daisy for playing on her knees. But the team all deserve credit for an amazing effort.

Right at the end we were encouraged by the arrival of South men to cheer us on before their next match, but we were unable to convert the final short corner and we finished 3-1 down, against the grain of play and feeling like victims of circumstances. March were jubilant with their home advantage, many subs and even more supporters, but they were sporting and honest opponents (drawing the umpire’s attention to a short corner they conceded). We look forward to the re-run at Long Road with a couple of subs, and hope the circumstances favour us next time!