This game took place on Saturday 21st October, 2023 AD. Did you know the date for the founding of Rome is April 21st 753 BC. 

Unlike Rome, the capital of the Roman Empire, (which was a sunny 23 degrees), Cambridge was a miserable 12 degrees in constant rain. 

Before we started, captain Jenny set out the laws that we should follow going into the game, our main aim being ‘keep the ball’. Did you know the twelve tables were a set of laws that formed the foundation of Roman law.  

The first 200 years of Augustus’ rule of the Roman Empire was regarded as the Pax Romana, the Roman Peace. I’m not sure you can call the start of our game as Roman Peace, however we were trying to do some good linking play between the defence, screens and inners. 

Unfortunately our  pre-game plan did not quite materialise and Ipswich were the first to score with a young player doing a lot of dribbling through the middle. I-0. 
We did well to keep our heads up, and did not let this lead to immediate defeat, which is an improvement. 

We continued to fight, and took inspiration from the many roman battles. 
Gladiatorial combat was a popular form of entertainment in Ancient Rome, and unfortunately one south player accidentally knocked over an Ipswich player (and got herself LOM), in true gladiator style. 

Our solid defensive line kept Ipswich out, with some awesome tackles, notably from Kim, winning her MOM. 

There was some slick passing between forwards and our time to level up had come - a lovely cross from Maddy found Hannah who put it past the keeper! Score I-I. 

With 5 minutes to go, our empire fell and they scored a second goal by again dribbling through us, much like in 476 AD.
Final score II-I. 

How often do you think about the Roman Empire? 

I never think about the Roman Empire.