Up in the Fens, to the back of beyond, in weather that inspired a number of us to suggest we all revert to indoor hockey…yes, you guessed it -  Spalding away in November…

On arrival…

Kendra to Spalding-type “Hello, are you about to play?” 

Reply: “No, I’m the manager”.

(Kendra to self: crickey, they’ve got a manager?)

Kendra: ”How about we just call it 1-1 and stay inside and drink tea?”

The manager: “Good idea”

(Manager goes back to copious notes and strategy documents)

Job done, 1-1, let’s go home…

Ok, we did actually have to play the match and we definitely earned that 1-1 scoreline and cup of tea. 70 minutes of hard battling in fairly miserable conditions. The defensive line were extraordinary - Rosie “the wall” (POM) and Julie “save on the line”, both had incredible matches and showed tremendous bravery against some fast, strong Spalding ladies. Zehra in goal faced down a number of attacks, slipping and sliding to keep the ball out of the net - it’s no wonder I heard Spalding comment “their goalie was running around all over the place!” It’s impossible to mention all the superb players or passages of play - some great runs by Katie, Frankie and Esther stood out, as well as great batting for possession from the screens and inners in the middle of the pitch. Just before half time, a South run down the right wing and cross by Lily, heading towards Naomi, was picked up by a Spalding defender and deflected into the goal - own goal - inevitable tears and slightly awkward celebrations, we were 1-0 up.

Hattie and Nics kept up the skipper cries - the half time throbbing encouragement earnt Nics LOM and 2 packs of Tangfastics were obviously what we needed to press on into the second half. As the light faded, spirits were still high. As were the number of stick tackles…but we persevered and stalled relentless Spalding attacks with Shree seeming to be everywhere and always in their way -  until they finally broke through to level the match. When the final whistle went it was such a relief, not least to Becky who had avoided a hatrick of green cards (would that be a first?!) and we happily retreated to the clubhouse for that promised cuppa. A throbbing win - well done L4s…onwards…