Well, what a great start to the season!

For a first game, and with some changes in the squad, I thought we played some lovely hockey. In fact, everybody played so well that we decided just to award a team Man of the Match and no DoD.

Maldon were a nice team and had some talented forwards and mids, plus an exceptionally good keeper, so we did well to beat them. We had endless attacks on goal, especially in the first half, which would have resulted in a lot more goals had the keeper not been so solid.

Of course we had the occasional moments of confusion, where we tackled each other, but these were few and far between. For the most part we played excellent linking hockey, with everyone supporting each other well.

Despite having the majority of possession and attacks in the first half, it was Maldon who scored first. This had come from a penalty flick, awarded because the umpire decided our goalie, Priya, had ‘floored’ an attacker. The attacker’s stick had actually caught on Priya’s clothing, pulling her forwards, but unfortunately the umpire was not in a position to see this.

Maldon scored again in the second half before we eventually got into scoring mode with a fine shot from Holly, ably assisted by Helena. Although we went on to score another two goals - one from Sienna (who joined us at half time) and one from Jen – the second half was actually the more closely contested one and Priya was pressed into making a clutch of fine saves.

Well played everyone. Let’s hope we can keep up the good work at Chelmsford next week.
Jane