We left for Newmarket on a dreary Saturday - tipping it down with rain, it was a sign of what was to come unfortunately, stopping the 2s winning streak of no defeats in the last 7 games, since our away game at Pelicans in January. 

We all arrived in good time (just about…) to do a fab warm up, including some practice trotting and saddling up. Thankfully, the weather turned and kept us dry.

Coming out of the Gates hot we went out hard, albeit a bit chaotic, as did the Newmarket side. From then on it was clear it was going to be a tough game for both sides. There were some early chances for us, one of those being yet another flying South 2s player, Juliette this time, being taken out by the keeper resulting in a penalty flick. Unfortunately it wasn’t to be and those pesky keeper legs got in the way of Jules’ flick. Unfortunately despite creating quite a few more chances, none converted. What happened next can be described in many ways, I’ve chosen to go with “a series of unfortunate umpiring decisions” (or lack of)... A scrabble in our D resulted in the first Newmarket goal. The second came shortly after, from a counter attack during open play. As the game went on, Newmarket were getting more agitated with their own umpires than we were (despite the advantage) and were therefore mis-directing their frustration on the best of us L2s, who were quite literally running circles around their best players. We all agreed to Rein it in, enjoy ourselves and play our own game. 

We all came away somewhat battered and bruised, but stronger than ever in our team spirit, shown in the 2nd half, calling out every fab pass, move and run, despite the third and final goal. Superb workrate and commitment throughout from everyone! Despite the loss, we held our own and played some of our best hockey. Our support for one another made us the real winners of the day.

LOM votes went to Jules for flying, Rebecca for her attempt to Stirrup trouble with the umpire and slippy floors and Rhi for mathematical errors, but ultimately went to Cait for tidying up the pitch and leaving our captain Nic, like a Jockey without her horse, without her hockey stick.

Special mentions to Anna for continuing to play despite a hard ball to the hand and also to Rebecca, Lucy L, Cait, Nic and Boo for POM votes but the resulting POM was our whizzing Soph who repeatedly made easy work of the Newmarket midfields. Also, big shout out to Lucy L, Tiff and Steph for joining us for the weekend - no one should have to play Newmarket 3 times in a season, we apprecaite your help!!! 

Rosettes all round to fab team!