Mamma mia, what a partita, what a mattina, what a diluvio! We arrived for our game against Kettering 2s at an hour that should be illegal. It was very early, molto early, and very, very wet. First game back after Christmas, bellies still dreaming of panettone, legs confused, eyes only half open. Everyone sleepy. Everyone questioning life choices.

But! Despite this tragedy of timing, we begin con grande energia. Coach Luisa, elegant and powerful even while sidelined with her rebellious calf, took charge from the sidelines, barking wisdom and encouragement like Giuseppe Garibaldi.

And subito! An early short corner - Gemma steps up, strikes the ball with such beauty, such passion, una poesia. The post says ciao, and Marissa is there, tap-tap, grazie very much — 1–0! Bellissimo! 

Ten minutes later, another short corner. The pressure, mamma mia! Rach unleashes the shot… but Hannah, furba, steals it right on the line. A goal robbery, but legal! 2–0!

Ah—but just before the whistle, tragedia (a small one, not opera-level). Kettering sneak forward, a little chaos, a little panic, and they manage a sneaky tap in. 2–1. Che peccato.

Half time arrives. Oranges are consumed with seriousness. Coach Luisa delivers wise words, motivation, and possibly a spell. We nod. We believe. We return to the pitch ready to soffrire if needed.

Second half: we hold. We defend. We play molto bello hockey. Passing, teamwork, effort everywhere — una vera squadra. Kettering try, but no! We say no grazie. We cling to our 2–1 lead with soggy socks and stubborn hearts until the final whistle. Vittoria! 

POM votes fly everywhere like confetti, because everyone was fabulous. But emerging like a highlighter in the rain is Tilly, shining brighter than the sun (which we did not have) with her electric, neon orange new shoes. Impossible to miss. Impossible to ignore. Deserved winner!

LOM… ahhh… how do we say… patetico. A tragic spread of votes. But El seals her fate by proudly showing off her nails in an enthusiastic Italian gesture, earning herself two votes and, therefore, this report. Ciao!