To be or too frosty? That is the L4s question

L4s were all on the edge of their bed this morning wondering if the game would be cancelled for them to all have an extra hour lie in. But alas, Captain-for-the-Day Nicole gave us the 3 words go ahead that we would be able to play the near top of the league Ely.

Once we all downed our cuppas and got over the confusion of meeting in the changing rooms (warm option) or the pitch (cold option), we collected ourselves and warmed up.

The first half started off well, with the play being relatively equal. We all quickly remembered familiar players that were pretty decent with their sticks from last time, but that didn’t stop Hannah persistently tracking them down. Naomi and Cath did some lovely runs down the wings with daisy, shree and Katy helping facilitate. Unfortunately on a break, Ely accessed our D and managed to slip one in despite the tireless efforts of all the defence in clearing lots of shots.

So we were 1:0 down, but our spirits were undeterred as we had so much of the play ourselves. Charlotte had some lovely runs around multiple defenders which ensured we would give the Ely defenders and the goalie some action. This led to a short which Hannah was an A* student listening and manifesting Izzy’s wise words about creating those angles, where a pass to Mo nearly led to a back of the net goal but alas, a defenders stick got in the way. Ah well.

Half time was upon us and we were all very happy with how we were playing and fuelled up on blue sweets. Didn’t realise blue sweets were allowed in the UK. I digress. 

The second half continued to be as solid as the first, where the team worked really hard in passing around the Ely players and keeping our cool. The defending skills of Nicole, Ellie, Laurie and Vicky as well as Zoe’s cracking saves and not being afraid to dive meant Ely were very much struggling to get any shot past the line. 

Likewise, they ensured any shorts didn’t allow Ely to convert. Unfortunately, a goal by Ely did occur making it 2:0, but if I’m honest it was not pretty (if goals have beauty standards). This didn’t stop us playing some excellent hockey as a team and all coming off smiling at the end result (not just because it’s finally sunny and not snowy), especially considering these guys are top of the league. 

All in all a solid effort by South keeping their cool and playing some really nice team hockey. We all agreed how much we have grown in playing together, and I think it is reflected in only a 2:0 loss as opposed to 5:1 last time. 

Our lovely Vicky got a landslide POM this week for her outstanding tackles and clearing the D which certainly kept the score down. Mo and Naomi also got a vote for their runs. As they say, suns out runs out.

LOM went to our lovely el capatino Nicole for wondering why no one had 3 cheersed Ely, only to realise it’s her role. Well done Nicole. 

Onwards to the next game!