Ladies 3rd XI Vs Derby 2

Eh Up.

Sorry it's late.Had a busy afternoon.

DERBY 2NDS 1 - DERBY 3RDS 1

No rain, floods, wimp shirts or frost. Brilliant.

This is always a difficult fixture for both teams. The 2nds have the expectation and pressure of winning. We have the expectation of being embarrassed. This game took on that format. Within the first 5 mins Roz scored a brilliant goal from the edge of the D going in high off the far post. Odders, standing in, in goal again, saw a busy afternoon ahead, as did the rest of the defence. However, our new confidence took over, and we matched them all around the park. Admittedly Ellie had little to do in their goal, but I found it fairly quiet at the back our end. The game was played by quick, skillful players in midfield with little end product. Thank goodness for our newly found lower age group players. Kate, Becky and Lisa pushed us forwards whilst Theresa, Rach, Jackie and Katharine (average not so young) took most of the defensive duties. Emily was immersed into her first inter club game and came out of bruised but satisfied.

The match saw us competing as well as we've done all season. Late in the first half a great team moved ended with Lisa crossing the ball into the D for Becky's reverse stick finish.The last 5 minutes were a bit hairy with the 2nds winning several penalty corners, but happily they were unable to convert them.

Ruth as discussed hopefully nothing controversial in there and a good summary.

However, not wishing to be soft, I was aware of at least 4 players today suffering from bereavements or bad news on health issues. Perhaps this puts the game into perspective. It's great that we feel we can immerse ourselves in it and hopefully gain some respite for a short time from personal problems, as we enjoy hockey in the company of good friends.

Thanks to Biff and Sue for umpiring.

MOM : 1 vote each for Rach and Theresa. 2 each for Becky and Katharine but won by Kate with 4.

During refreshments each team selected a MOM from the opposition team.

The 2nds voted Becky as MOM, the 3rds voted Jess as MOM for 2nds.

Val