Figures

12 players on the team sheet

11.5 players at the pitch for the start - player showing up as the game started

11 players at half time talk 

1 player needing to spend a penny at half time and not being there for the beginning of the second half

11 players at the end of the game

The game

Started the day with 11. Ginny came back to save us so we had 1 sub.

The game started prompt. So prompt, someone (definitely not myself) had only just made it onto the side of the pitch, having driven into the car park at 12:23. Starting line-up went out the window for our 12 man team.

It was a strong start for Pelicans, however, we soon found our feet and started to play as a team, passing from our defence, through the midfield to our forwards. It was rather beautiful, if I do say so myself. So beautiful, that our fans were in awe - yes our fans travelled to Pelicans to see us play as we are just that wonderful (nothing to do with giving their daughters a lift).  

Clearances left right and centre, play broken down in the middle and counter attacks happening from both teams, the game started to give supporters whiplash. But our hockey stayed strong. We had SO many breaks but their defence clocked on and started leaving themselves behind in numbers to stop Daisy, Charlotte and Mo getting through, even with the support of Tess and Tiff. 

At some point in the first half Peli’s scored. I personally don’t recall how it came about, but I do recall everyone being in awe, as it hit the top corner of the net. Even Lyds was in awe. 

Anne, Immy, Luisa, Katy and Ginny continued to stop their counter attacks at our 23 - it was beautiful.

Both teams had final warnings for stick tackles. Jokes were had with the umpire after a warning of a fair (but awfully executed) attempt at tackling a very talented Peli’s player.

Half time came. Indi dissapeared from the team talk to spend a penny. Katy informed the team she had to pop off early and tactics were discussed. Do I know what those tactics are? Nope. As I was the absent one.

Second half started the exact same as the first. I was no where in sight. For a 12 man team, I think Tess’s life was made rather difficult with my dissapearing act.

Second half underway and South had a lot of control. Working the ball back and round and utilising everyone on the pitch we had possession (apart from the odd counter, but that was soon sorted) by our defence *dusts hands off*. We worked as a unit but sadly we just couldn’t break the wall of the pelicans defence in the D. Pelicans soon clocked on that rolling subs in their midfield was the way to go which is wonderful but not possible for us with 12 men. Music to our ears was the full-time whistle as Pelicans had a strong final 10 minutes, with Lydia diving here there and everywhere to stop that second goal. A loss yes, but we left chipper having held it with 11/12 players vs the 15/16 of Peli’s. I know the midfield were happy for it to end.

Parting memories: 

Ginny saving a shot with her bottom

Anne getting a ball to the face and no one noticing (not a fond memory)

The team not realising we had lost Katy, so thinking calling Tess onto the pitch meant we had 12 on the pitch, nope 11 as we lost the one sub.

Mo nearly getting a ball to the face (along with the rest of the team)

MOM votes spread for many showing just how wonderful everyone played - Indi, Katy, Immy, Luisa and Mo. 

LOM votes spread again for Anne, Katy, Luisa, Ginny and Indi.