First game of the season 2022, Norwich away in 30 degrees, 2-1 loss.
First game of the season 2023, Norwich away in 30 degrees, 2-0 win. 

We had new players, new shirts and a new Mrs Beadman. Players were arriving hours before the meet time, with caffeine in their step. Everything seemed to be in our favour, everything but the heat. 

We started off well, in our new formation finding gaps between the sluggish Norwich defence. Shot after shot on goal, save after save from the Norwich keeper. Even a very rare volley from myself couldn’t find the back of the net.  The heat crept up on us and cries to slow down were heard. Time tactically wasted and no goals let in, we eventually made it to half time. 

Refuelled and somewhat rehydrated the second half was upon us, with even more heat than the first. Short corners finally came our way, and Macdonald-Parry kept getting closer and closer to putting us ahead. One more penalty corner, an early break into the circle led to a switch in injectors, followed by the umpire explaining how it would put us at a disadvantage. Cooil would prove him wrong, sending it out left to Wright to fire into the bottom left hand corner. 1-0. Classic Alice Wright. 

Norwich had succumbed to the sun and gave the opportunity to play a long ball through to Snow, waiting to make her mark on the season ahead. A neat first touch, followed by a silky turn that even her Dad would have been proud of, opening up a chance to shoot from the top of the circle. 2-0. Classic Hannah Snow.

 
With energy levels dwindling, three gingers burning, a half court press was needed. And it was all that was needed to see us through to the final whistle. A glowing start to the season, and a glowing tan to show for it.