The matches that have been and gone... 2nd XI

GPII v Blackheath win 2-1

 

This was always going to be a tough game especially only having ten players but we managed to play a brilliant game, with excellent passing which paid off in the first half with Hazel scoring the first goal. For the first part of the second half found we found ourselves defending a lot more and unfortunately Blackheath equalized. This seemed to spur us on and for the last ten minutes we attacked hard and after about three short corners, Lisa managed to whip one past the goalie allowing us to finish 2-1!!!

Well done girls, great game and here’s to our promotion!!!

Kerry

GPII v Tunbridge Wells - Win 3-0 (Caroline, Sue, Alexia)

 

A great game worthy of the early start. The first 20 minutes the pressure was on us, but we held on, then pulled up our game, passing more and got more chances on goal. Near half time a great break from Alexia, a hard hit in front of Sue which required her speed to catch up with the ball, which she did, drew the goalie, and a great pass to the free Caroline in front of the open goal, text book goal. Excellent, best team goal of the season.

 

Second half our confidence was up and our team game improved, helped by some changes in positional play up front by swopping right and left and all over the place to lose our markers, got them quite confused. There was some very good passing, good interceptions and crucially closing them down. 2nd goal, Babs brought the ball from defence knocked through and Sue scored. The third goal, I think, was a short from me to Sue and onto Alexia.

 

One of the best near misses was an off the ground hit from Caroline near the half way line which Sue volleyed towards goal just missing.

 

Sarah made an unusual save whilst sitting spread eagled some 10 yards in front of goal with the ball between her legs (but not under) so the ball was in play, the opposition tried to retrieve the ball, but in the end Babs managed to clear it.

 

Some of us went back to watch the 1st team play and then on to the Club House. It seems to me the Club House is proving a great help to the enjoyment of the day, much better than sitting in reception at Priory.

 

Mary

Greenwich Polygons 2nd XI v Folkestone 3.1 win ( Kerry 1 Sue 2)

A lovely trip out to sunny Folkestone and Hazel making the most of if and staying over.

We welcome Kerry to our team and she even scored the first goal! What took you so long in joining us!

An exciting game had by all. Folkestone were young and fast but that was about all. We were the better side with skill and ‘relaxed with each other’ (as put by their enthusiastic and annoying coach on the side line).

Thank you to Sarah for bombing it down the M20 to make us up to a full team.

Unfortunately, Sue suffered another injury to her arm. Hope it isn’t broken.

We remain 2nd, with only a couple of possible hard games.

Thank you, my team!

Jakki

19th Jan 08

GPII Vs Burnt Ash 4 2-2 (Sue)

With only 10 players against a squad of 15 it was always going to be a difficult game. Then it got even more difficult with there being a serious accident on the A2 resulting in our umpire, Guru, arriving for the last 10 minutes of the game. But thanks Guru for your determination to get to us. Mary, just recovering from her recent op, had to step in to be our umpire. Let’s hope your knee isn’t too painful on Sunday. It did mean we would lose a point for not fielding a registered umpire but we decided to give it a go. We battled valiantly throughout the first half and they were never able to get their game going. Half way through Sue had a cracking shot at goal from a pass from Hazel.

We had most of the play but unfortunately near the end of the half they managed to get a break and were able to get a player free to get a shot on goal and score.

The second half saw us determined to keep control of the game and saw us again keeping firm and prevent open play. Another pass from Hazel saw Sue strike and get another goal. We had about 3 or 4 “almost goals” and were really unlucky going just wide.

With ten minutes to go Guru arrived to the relief of Mary and took over the umpiring. Thanks Guru. They changed their team with their spare players and they had a big charge to the end and had several shots on goal. Tracy managed to save two good shots on target. Unfortunately on their third attempt they scored. It was gutting not to win as we deserved the game as we had most of the play. However, it was a determined game and there was some excellent passing and tackling.

They were top of the division but we stopped them getting full points. Let’s take the positive out of the game.

TM

GP II Vs Blackheath V 1st Dec 07

Win 9-0

(Alex 2, Sue 4, Babs 1, Karen 1, Caroline 1)

It was a cold and frosty afternoon in Orpington. Having speeded round the M25 from Erith we arrived to find only 7 players for poly 2nd II. The Police had closed several roads in the local area and traffic was terrible. Alex, Karen and a couple of others were stuck in traffic and poor Mary was in a cab as her car had broken down on route. Luckily half of the opposition were in the same boat, including their Umpire who was the last to arrive. I think we finally got underway at about 1340.

Poly dominated the game from the start and with us all driving forwards I was able to score from a great cross from Hazel and we were 1 up before the first minute. A second great cross to the left post found Karen’s stick shortly after followed by a reverse stick between the Goalies legs for me. Next came an unstoppable strike by Alex and a skillful manoeuvre by Babs and at half time we were 5-0 up.

At half time the Blackheath Umpire finally put her dog, which had barked through the entire 1st half, in the car. I think it nearly drove Sarah mad, as she had not much else to concentrate on.

The second half continued as the first had ended. Poly continued to push hard even though all hands were frozen to sticks. Our defense was solid and gave Sarah not much to do while the midfield recycled every ball that came their way. I managed a third not far into the second half followed by another from Alex superbly crossed in front of the keeper and inside the left post. Caroline’s rocket of a shot from the top right of the circle was so powerful the goalie had no chance and my last was just icing on the cake. The opposition did get in our D once or twice in the second half but Sarah and her defenders dealt easily.

A fine, confidence building result, which puts Poly II in 4th position with 2 home games to play before the turnaround over Christmas.

HOO HA!!

SM

24th November 2007 2nd XI v. Wellcome Won 2 – 0

This game had originally been scheduled for 10.30 a.m. and was then changed to a 2.30 start, as it got close to the date of the match. The reason for this became clear when we established that Wellcome 1st team were due to play their away match at half ten also. Still – were we bothered? Not really

Fielding a basic eleven (thank goodness), we settled quickly and soon dominated play. We proved that we were the more capable side and maintained a much higher work rate than the opposition. Our attacking moves resulted in endless corners and, after about 20 minutes practice, we finally managed to score when Alex struck a good shot from the top of the circle.

It was way into the second half before we were able to increase our lead, again following numerous short corners. Textbook stuff – a push out from Mary to Haze, back to Mary (still on the back line) accurate cross to Babs, who calmly scored – beautiful! Further goals were not forthcoming and, as John (our Umpire) said, we really did make very hard work of this victory. For me though, after the debacle of the previous week, any win was worth having.

There was a lot of pretty play and some good constructive moves. A few sloppy moments allowed Wellcome more of the game than they deserved. Mention must be made of Tracy and her back 3, Jakki, Sandra and Di, who, despite being almost frozen to the bone, dealt adequately with the Wellcome attacks and kept a clean sheet for us. We warmly welcome Faye, who was finally persuaded to don the shirt and had a storming debut. Thanks to John Sinfield for umpiring and to Sam for his pitchside support. Just one little sneak indoors to thaw out slightly – that’s allowed.

Haze

GPII v Dartford away win 8-0 (Caroline 2, Barbara 2, Mary 1, Martina 1, Karen 1, Jakki 1)

I thought we only had 9 players for this game and on my way prepared myself for a loss. However, we had 11 so that boosted my morale.

Caroline scored first on 2 mins 30 seconds with a cracking shot from the top D into goal. A few minutes later Barbara skilfully dribbled the ball from the side into the D and nicely into the goal. We had practised short corners before the game and Caroline’s 2nd goal was from one of these. I hit out to Hazel who knocked the ball to Caroline who whacked it into the goal. My goal came from a shot on goal from Alex which I whacked into the goal from the goal post (I’ve learnt from a recent game, when I didn’t hit it hard enough and a defender saved it off the line). Barbara scored another half a minute before half time. 5-0

To be fair Dartford (previously Crackenford) weren’t the side we usually play and we were far stronger. Their marking was poor and they bunched together too much, we played more open, passing and playing well.

In the 2nd half Jakki and Sandra wanted to get on the score sheet so went up front, I dropped to back.

 

Martina got a goal off a defender, Karen from the post and Jakki off a short, Hazel to Jakki.

Tracey only touched the ball once, a strike across goal which was going in, but she saved it with her stick, so a clean sheet.

You would think that it would be an enjoyable game which it was from a scoring perspective but a rather disappointing game as it lacked pace and challenge (will I live to regret that remark).

Well done all, personally I enjoyed last weeks game far more as we had to work so hard.

MN

GPII V Holcs win 2-1 Alex, Sue

A lovely day in autumn saw us at Priory for a 1pm start which clashed with the Arsenal v MU game. I’m not sure if that is the reason we only had 10 players, but it was certainly frustrating as there was only one game on Saturday.

The game started a bit moody. With aggressive tackles, body tangles and battles. Hazel seemed to suffer the most with an opposition player, who looked remarkably like a rather unpleasant woman from my work, which didn’t help my opinion of her.

After about 10 or 15 minutes both teams settled down and played some good hockey. Sarah had to umpire, and I thought did an excellent job. Their umpire seemed to be a bit upset with some of our players, although I’m not sure why.

Alex and Sue had been asked to play in midfield and ran their socks off, playing both midfield and attacking and trying to run back to defend as well. It worked well and Alex scored an excellent strike to get us in the lead. Holcs came back strongly and scored to equalise. .

The 2nd half we were the stronger side, with more commitment and had quite a few chances to score, both from open play and corners. Alex and Sue went up front and Barbara’s cousin and I dropped back into midfield. She had a very good game. Sue put into practice her newly learnt skill from training of taking sweeping shorts. Our 2nd goal came from a cross from Hazel strongly struck into the goal by Sue, our celebrations were loud! At times Holcs tried to penetrate our defence, but our defence worked so hard, running up and down, chasing really fast, back tracking, an excellent performance by Barbara, Sandra (I didn’t know you could run so fast and so much) and Jakki. Whenever there was danger our defence upped the tempo and chased. An overall amazing performance by all players, made us all proud. So thanks to Sarah for umpiring, Tracey in goal, some great saves, Barbara, Sandra and Jakki in defence, Hazel in midfield, 1st half with Alex and Sue, 2nd half with Barbara’s cousin and me. Up front Karen (with Sue Alex, Barbara’s cousin and me in a variation). Thanks to Phillipa and John for supporting, an overall excellent performance and highly enjoyable. A huge effort and commitment from all 10 players.

MN

29th September GP II v Meopham 2-2

We had a good first half, playing our game with space, good passing, lots of running and 1-0 up with a goal set up by Caroline and scored by Sue. We should have been 3-0 up by I missed 2 easy goals, both on target but not hit hard enough, hopefully I'll learn.

Second half saw the opposition with another 3 or 4 players, who I suspect were from a higher league. This changed the game and upped the tempo. They scored 2 goals and thought they had won it. But we didn't give up and with only 2 minutes to go, Alex had a good strike at goal, which Sue popped in.

2-2 was a fair result, with a friendly atmosphere. They could easily have not admitted that a goal in the first half was off one of their players.

Well played to everyone Sarah (had some very good saves) Tracy, Jakki, Barbara, Hazel, Caroline, Martina, Sue, Alex and Sandra.

Mary

22nd September 2007

2nds v brombec 1-0 win (Alexia)

After an initial shock of only 8 players available mid week, we did manage to get out a strong team of 11 players, with supporters as well! Unfortunately, Alexia was delayed by 5 minutes due to a burst waterpipe in farnborough, (otherwise she would have been early), so we started quite disorganised and played their game rather than ours. Just before the end of first half, a good ball in from Barbara to Alexia who sent it round the other side of the goalie.The first of many for this season i hope!

At half time, we talked about our positioning and to slow the game down abit. We had more chances at scoring and a couple of short corners, but didnt quite end up in the goal. There was a bit of conflict between the umpires, and at one point I thought Geoff was going to send him off!

Brombec did not even give us oranges at halftime, no three cheers at the end of the game and a miserley tea of a few cakes on the sideline!

Everyone played well and I am very happy with a 1.0 win, although Tunbridge wells have beat blackheath 10.0!

Thank you very much to Clare A, D and K for playing for us before their afternoon game, and Sue and Sarah after landing in the early hours.

Training is on Tuesday at Swanley school, 19.30. I expect to see you all there! ( yes i will be going this time!) JK

17th March 2007. Greenwich Polygons 2nd XI vs Cliftonville- L 5-1 (Karen Sidell)

I am not going to comment on the score line only on Poly’s performance.

Sadly we were missing Hazel due to injury and a couple of other players but we had 11 players all ready and raring to go. We all knew it would be a tough game and we didn’t get into our stride until after a few goals had passed us by. But despite this rocky start we didn’t let our heads drop and we carried on pushing forward and trying to break through the defence.

Karen scored Poly’s goal from an attempt from Sue, which went across the goal for Karen to slip it in behind the keeper. Her first of the season but scored in the Sidell way.

Lorraine played in a totally new position as left back and proved to be like a feisty little Yorkshire terrier who put in some great defensive tackles and didn’t crack under the pressure when she was required to clear it out of our area.

Di and Tracey supported Lorraine and Phil at the back and as always prevented the score-line being higher than it was. Cliftonville had a very strong short corner routine worked out and managed to get a couple past us by using this but we soon saw through this!

Across the halfway line the sister duo of Jackie and Sandra proved a team to be reckoned with and I supported them as well.

As usual Strings and Sue ran their little behinds off but Poly found it difficult to get through the youth of Cliftonville. Alex supported everyone on the pitch as usual I think all at the same time at one point! And Karen was running the left wing and picking her player up well as needed.

Not a lot more to say about the match except we never gave up and we kept trying to break through which showed real determination on our part.

Lets keep our heads up for this week’s game and play how we did in the 2nd half of last week’s game where the score was only 1-0! (Forget about the 1st half)

Come back Hazel and Lisa all is forgiven. Karen and Sarah we will look forward to seeing you both fit and healthy for next season.

Thanks to Geoff as always for umpiring and telling off their forward nos 9 for using her body to try and put us off!

Thanks to the supporters- although shouting out just another half a dozen goals to go doesn’t really help- (sorry won’t bring my mother again!)

See you all Sat- Caroline

2nd XI v Tunbridge Wells Away 3rd March Lost 2 – 5

Clearly resting on our laurels following a huge win the previous week, we expected an easy few points in this game just as much as bottom of the table Tunbridge Wells probably expected a complete trouncing.

How wrong can you be?

The score doesn’t entirely reflect the game but it is a fair indication that we had some seriously sloppy lapses. We started the match with only 9 players and Wells were very quick to take advantage of this and start their run of goals. Even with a full team eventually on the pitch, we never did take complete control, let alone the lead.

There was some good marking, accurate passing, constructive attack and Sue certainly scored two very good goals but overall we failed to maintain our concentration for the 70 minutes and basically handed Wells their win on a plate.

Next season K.H.A. will probably rearrange the divisions to accommodate 12 teams in each. Consequently we need to finish towards the top in league games this year to avoid playing bottom division hockey in 07/08. Let’s use the remaining games to get the points that we deserve and show the opposition just what we can really achieve.

H.H.Friendly Crackenford Away. Won 7-1

(Kirsten 2, Sue 2, Caroline 2, Alex 1)

Well, well, what a fab match! The score line itself reflects the effort that the team put in, made even more impressive when you know that we only had 9 players, versus their 11!!

The opening 5 minutes of the match were actually played with 9 players each, as Crackenford waited for a couple of late stragglers. During this time our first came from Kirsten and Crackenford managed to score their goal quite soon after. Crackenford were however quick to get their extra players on when they arrived and we thought this might be a close game!

We maintained the pressure and had scoring chances a plenty, with Sue opening up her score sheet, as did Caroline. Sue scored a second, with a fantastic finish to a great pass in from Hazel.

Short corners appeared to working particularly well and Kirsten managed to get the ball in the net again, however it was disallowed for being too high. Sue just missed a hat trick, having a goal disallowed for being too high (apparently if we had been playing a league game then it would have been ok, but as it was a friendly they erred on the side of caution!)

The second half was nearly as eventful, with a fantastic goal from Caroline off a short and Alex slotting one into the back of the net too. Kirsten got her second, with help from one of their defenders. Kirsten was denied her hat trick from a defender doing a goal line clearance off a short.

Crackenford did make breaks in the game, however they were rapidly shut down by our very efficient defence, with everybody making great efforts to come back and help.

Sarah refereed as Crackenfords ref was playing and did a grand job!!! Thanks, as always, to Geoff.

All in all it was a great game and the team worked really well together, especially considering we lacked numbers and I have to say that training is definitely paying off!!!

(KL)

10th Feb 2nd XI v Burnt Ash won 2-1 (Caroline, Sue)

Excellent! Excellent! Excellent! We played like how we started the season. Lots of passing between players, everybody marking their player, anticipating the next moves and good team spirit. Back to winning ways. Don’t let me down now!

Everybody arrived on time, even myself and Alexia! We were all willing to get this match on its way.

Burnt ash got the first goal but not for long. Sue made a fantastic back pass to Caroline who struck it into the goal. She said it was a “hit and hope” shot but it looked good. There was an almighty cheer from players and spectators and a real boost for everyone. We had some short corners, and I must admit that I defend short corners better than I do attacking! We needed to win this match with at least a second goal and we did just that, thanks to Sue. I kept misting up so not sure about details of the second goal!

A great game had by all, well done girls. See you all next week. (JK)

Greenwich Polygons 2nd XI Vs Gore Court 3

3rd Feb 2007

Lost 2-0

The scoreline for this game does not reflect the pure grit and determination of the TEN players that played so valiantly against our Nemesis, Gore Court. This was probably the most important game of the season and its loss has probably cost us our chance of promotion this year. This is such a shame not only for the team but also the Club as a whole, considering the ongoing effort and improvement players are showing so far this season.

All ten players put in 110% but our one man missing in midfield meant the opposition was able to stem our attacks more easily. We held them to only 2 goals and should all be very proud of our performance. Special mention to Lorraine who played her 1st whole match (and only her 2nd game) we hope you enjoyed it and we'll see you on Wednesday at training. Hopefully next week players will not become incommunicado mid week and we will not have a player tug-of-war between teams.

SM

Saturday 27th Jan. Home Match vs Old Bordenians.

Drew 0-0

The opposition’s secret weapon of a middle aged heckler was an annoyance, but we managed to not let him affect our morale too much. It was also clear that besides being taught to stay in formation and pass the ball well to each other the opposition had been schooled to a high standard in the well known skill of sticking their elbows into the sides of their opposing team’s ribs.

Our forward line had some good chances to score and never gave up trying, but the bit of luck that was really needed didn’t materialise Our midfield didn’t stop running for the whole match and were always battling to get the ball up to our forward line and coming back to help our defence when needed. Somehow we managed to keep the predominantly young team from scoring, despite what seemed like a never ending stream of short corners (with Jakki running out first each time a short was taken to make some fantastic stops). As usual, Sarah made some excellent saves, especially when the pressure was stepped up by the opposition towards the end of the second half.

 

In the end this was a fair result to a hard fought game.

DH

RESULT FOR SATURDAY, 6TH JANUARY Lost 0 - 2 to Holcs

What with the rain, the 3 week gap since the previous game and the mince pie excess, it took us about 45 minutes to really settle and start to dominate this match. The results paints a less than accurate picture of play. Holcs certainly scored 2 very good goals and I certainly scored 1 very good goal, although their umpire thought differently (telling me the shot was outside the 'D'!)

 

The team played a very attacking style (indeed I was overtaken by Rose and Heather a couple of times as they set off for the Holcs' goal) and we were unlucky that our efforts did not finish more positively. It was good to have Martina back and she played her usual speedy, skilful game, as though she had never been away. All the players worked extremely hard, so hard in fact that Alex never did realise that we only had 10 (Get well soon Lisa - we need you.) Player of the match was the (slightly) boob bouncing, injured Phil whose dramatic style saved us repeatedly and entertained throughout. (Not a word to her Mum though....)

 

Haze

(I wasn't sure if there had been an allocated report, so I jotted this one down too!!)

Friendly vs Holcombe

Lost 2-0 :-(

Well, with one 'man' down what do you expect??!!!!

It was lovely to see a return to playing fitness for Sandra, now that her broken hand has healed up, and she played a blinder, covering all of the pitch! Not quite as much of a blinder as Phillipa though, who (even without a bra) was quite literally diving and sliding all over the place (eek! and ouch!) and the score line would have been much, much worse if not for her!

We held out admirably and tried to force through their defence, but were hindered by their one man overlap which meant that we were uber-marked and hence goalless. With a valiant defensive effort, they only managed to slip two passed us and given the circumstances, I think we played really quite well! Well done to us all!!!

KL

Cliftonville Away 1-1 (Strings)

With only 9 players (the directions weren't the most accurate to follow) we got off to a flying start and surprised clifftonville with some quick breaks. it wasn't long before we won a short corner and a well worked penalty, could training be paying off?, saw Kirsten produce a fantastic strike and a fine finishing touch from Strings meant we went 1-0 up. With a full team now on the pitch we again had some good moves up front and the ball hit their back board again but only to be disallowed as it came off a poly foot. Cliftonville showed us some good breaks and the second half saw them equalise. We continued battling with some good passes and pressurising our hosts in their D meant an own goal, but again the goal was disallowed as Kirsten's strike game from just outside the D. The game finished 1-1 but a win would have been well deserved.

Lisa

Versus Tunbridge Wells –Won 5.2 Sue -3, Strings- 1, Alexia-1

Well done everyone, another excellent game. We take a few minutes to settle into our game and then we’re away. We wanted to win this with lots of goals and we did just that. A superb hat trick from Sue with lots of reverse stick play, one goal from Strings but she deserved lots more and one goal from Alexia, after rebounding of the big defender (I mean Alexia, not the ball)! Training is definately paying off. I will make it soon, if only to get on the score sheet. A few gaps in the mid field but Sarah made some fantastic saves, well covered. They scored their goals from short corners using their player with the strong hit.

We have a crucial game to win next week to remain second. Lets go fighting fit, hopefully in our new away kit!

JK

4th November 2ndXI Vs Sevenoaks 5 Won 1 - 0

Poly started strong and within 10 minutes a great pass from Jakki found Caroline at the top of the D and a great shot put Poly 1 up. The remainder of the 1st half was tight with Poly bunching up a bit causing some overcrowding as Sevenoaks were tightly man marking.

Poly came out into the second half and played their socks off and with lightening reflexes and aerial acrobatics Sarah made sure Sevenoaks did not get an equaliser. No more goals came our way despite some fast breaks and a lot of running by all. The passing and use of space made for an exciting game which both teams agreed was great to play and enjoyed by the watching supporters.

Man of the match goes to……….all 13 players.

Hoo-hah!!!!! S.M.

Sat 21st October Greenwich Polygons V New Beccs

Won 4-0 (Debbie x2, Jess and Sue)

Well done everyone for a right rollicking game. A fantastic performance put in by a mixture of the first and second teams.

We started off quite slowly – as Geoff said we looked like 11 individual players playing our own game- but that can be put down to the fact we were not used to playing with each other but with no subs to swap in and out we soon got used to where everyone was.

At half time we were surprising 0-0 but not for long as the goals came pouring in.

Debbie scored the first “Sword of Justice” goal from a brilliant pass from Jess. Shortly after the roles were reversed with Debbie passing to Jess who cheekily reversed sticked the ball through the goalie’s legs. The third goal came from well taken free hit from Liz. She saw a gap and passed the ball to Debs who swiped it in.

Not to be left out Sue had her first effort disallowed by a scoring with the back of her stick. Her second attempt was amazing. After being taken out by the goalie, she still managed to get a stick to the ball and get it around the corner and over the line even leaving a bit of knee skin as memento.

This really was a team effort. Jakki , Phil and I were tested a little at the back in the first half but Carolyn, Kirsty and Liz were great in midfield racing back to help us when required and linking well with the fwds so keep an attacking formation for most of the second half. Sandra put in some great tackles and Alexia was un lucky not to get a goal herself. Bring on the next league games…….

(CA)

7th October 2nd XI against Old Bordenians Won 2-1

It was a sunny Saturday down in Sittingbourne. It started with a power circle and a loud Hoohah. The first ten minutes were slightly messy as Poly followed the ball and not the players but we soon settled and dominated the midfield. Before half time a great ball in from Babs allowed Sue to strike for goal and we finished the first half one up. The second half began after a rousing talk but the opposition had also upped their game. A lucky deflection in the D and they had equalised. A fraught period followed as they were awarded several penalty corners but our defence held their nerve with some great play and Sarah made some blinding saves. Continued pressure pushed a break down the left wing, which found Alex who took on the keeper, passed her and scored the winner.

 A fine performance by all with lots of passing, communication and use of space. All very promising for the next game at home against Gore Court. A call goes out to all supporters for that game!!!

BRING IT ON…….Hoohah

Sat 30th Sept 2006 Meopham 2 v Greenwich 2nd Final score 2 – 2 draw

 

Yet another warm, sunny September day and a full squad with some spares thrown in. All of us on time too!

Sandra had done her usual detective work and found out that the opposition h ad finished low in the league last season. This set us up for a positive frame of mind and with subs on hand we were all confident (I think).

We put the pressure on from the off and were unlucky not to score early on. Then Meopham got a break which did catch us out and they scored. Did we let that get us down? Oh no we didn’t. With grit and determination we were back up there in the D giving our all for the equaliser. A cracker of a hit in from Hazel and a deflection from Strings and we were back on track 1 – 1.

The game was a fair match and each team had their moments of possession however, Meopham managed a second goal out of theirs. This was partly due to some of us being out of our usual positions due to the subbing. We will have to try out some routine with the substitutions Jakki. It is difficult though, so if anyone has any ideas, forward them to Jakki. We are just not used to it!

Towards the end of the second half a great burst of determination led to Strings scoring our (and her) second goal of the game, and what a fan dabby dozy goal it was too! We kept up the pressure and not only did we manage to prevent them scoring again but were unlucky not to score our third on a good few occasions.

The game finished in a draw and was a fair reflection on the day. Well done to us all for yet another great team effort, let’s keep up the PMA (Positive Mental Attitude) it seems to be working.

Thanks to Ron Clench for umpiring for us, before rushing off to his family lunch celebration.

Babs.

23rd September 2nd XI v Folkestone Away Won 4 – 2

Well, first game of the season and there we were excitedly looking forward to a long trek to Folkestone and also very aware that we only had ten players. Well. Did that put us off? No sirree ! We’d done our research courtesy of Sandra saying that they had lost quite a few of their previous games last season, quite heavily. So we all went out with a positive mental attitude saying that we were going to win. That’s what we did ! And, quite comprehensively.

The game started a bit scrappy with players swapping positions and some miss hits but once we got going we began to attack and eventually managed to get a good goal, scored by Sandra. (By the way, she wanted me to highlight that she got the opener for the start of the season!!) Folkestone then managed a quick break and I kindda misjudged where my goal post was and hence they scored, as I thought they were going wide. Well, we got back to attacking again and after several attempts Barbara got our second goal. The best move of the first half was when Hazel did an excellent pass to Alexia nr the half way line and, with sounds of us all shouting “All the way !!!, Alexia did just that and scored into the far right of the goal. So at half time we were 3 -1 up.

The second half started with Folkestone attacking quite hard and they managed to get a goal from a rebounded shot. They were fast on their breaks and we had to work hard to prevent this and stop them shooting. We continued to press forward whenever we could and also when assisted by the umpires who gave yardage to us for Folkestone’s time-wasting. Yes – we weren’t expecting it at our level. We managed a fourth goal by Strings, who had valiantly tried to score single-handedly a lot of the time, when we got the breaks. She was also quite battered and bruised after being used as a target for Folkestone’s free hits (Hope the bruises are less painful now!)

When Strings scored just before the end, we knew that we had won and were on our way to a hopefully successful season. Well done to our new players, who supported the team well in their first league game (Karen S., Strings and Kirsten) and to the old faithfulls who are coming back for yet another season !! Many thanks to Mike Macey who kindly umpired for us before playing his own game at the Polo Ground – hope you beat Ashford, Mike.

T.M.