Derby day at Long Road - the second game of the season between the L2s and L3s. Or, to quote Lucy Vries, squeaky bum time for the l2s.

With Nichola and Jenny having disappeared off to warmer climates (Nichola to Tanzania and Jenny to the slightly less tropical location of Norwich) the l2s were at sea without our captains this week. However, spirits were up in the changing rooms and everyone was keen to go out, have fun and play the game our way.

It was squeaky bum time indeed for the first 5 minutes when South 3s started attacking strong from their starting push-back, but Anna and Hannah M mopped up like pros and soon we were playing fluid hockey and attacking strong. A quick first goal in the first 10 minutes from a team effort put everyone’s spirits up and the game started going our way.

Soon we were 3-0 up. Sorry I don’t remember all of the goals perfectly but this is what I do remember (apologies in advance for fake news):

- every goal was a team goal coming from fantastic work as a unit

- first goal was scored by Joules after some great 5 metre passing up the pitch by basically the entire team

- the second goal started from some fab retention hockey at the back when cool cucumber Hannah S passed backwards to the defence. Anna and Hayley kept their cool pants on and calmy passed around the back then fed the ball back up the pitch. (Keeping possession works, who knew?!) I think Lucy then passed to Maddy and then Maddy went for her stonkin’ run up the pitch with some silky-skills to then give the ball to Jess on the P spot who slotted it home

- the third goal came from a short corner. Straight strike from Jess, great save by Zoe, a few rebounds, some heart stopping moments, and then Joules struck gold

After this we conceded (fantastic hit from top D by Steph) but kept working hard and everyone ran their socks off.

At some point Lemon Hannah S accidentally tripped up Lucy  - if you want Lucy to fall for you Hannah, try taking her on a date first?

And of course we can’t talk about the first half without recalling Joules’ fabulous reverse stick shot from top D. Just as Neil blew his whistle to end the half. A great save from Zoe kept the ball from going in so at least we didn’t have to worry about the what-ifs.

3-1 at half-time.

To quote Paul the second half was a bit messier but “generally good enough hockey”. :D We’ll take it. Efficiency. The job got done.

I think everyone was feeling the lack of subs but there was some beautiful moments of hockey (and some carnage). Highlights:

·       a brilliant pass into the D from Emily followed by a first touch sweep up over the cross bar by an enthusiastic Joules

·       amazing switching round the back from Hannah M, Anna, Hayley and Louisa

·       Safe hands Lydia earned some POM votes for a sly back heel save

·       Keen Bean Maddy getting told off for not stopping the ball

·       Keen Bean Maddy retaking the hit-out by dribbling through the defence to give the ball to Jess.

·       Jess scoring to bring us up to 4-1

·       The ice-skates also definitely came out:

o   Bambi Maddy fell over multiple people, utter carnage. Can’t wait to see the footage of you skiing next week lol <3

o   I fell over in a short corner. Sometimes your own feet just get in the way okay!

o   Slip and slide Lucy had a flat-pack collapse

Overall a great game which showed from the spread of POM votes (votes for Hayley, Hannah S, Lydia, Emily and Lucy).

Thank you so much to our umpires Kevin and Neil.

Can’t wait for next week. (Nichola and Jenny please come back!)