Women’s 1s 4 – 1 Hampstead and Westminster
The ladies 1s arrived at Paddington Rec energised from their strong performance against top of the league Spencer last week and determined to continue to turn the screw on the teams at the end top end of the table. This was a must win game against a team at the bottom of the table to keep the points rolling in, but we know the perils of complacency all too well. We started solidly but HW immediately showed they were there to try to make an impact with an incursion into our 25 in the opening minute of the game. The defence set themselves, dispatching the attack clinically and professionally, and moving the ball up the right wing on the counter.
At the 7 min mark, we set things in motion finding Ruth at RH who sent a lovely, weighted pass to Lolly up front. Some lovely 1-2 work from the forwards, Ruth making a beautifully timed run into the D to receive the ball on the move and flicking it past the keeper into the goal. 1-0!
The team exhaled; having made our mark on the game and successfully maintained possession for the next 7-10mins. An interception at the back gave Sylvie the chance to thread the ball up to Ruth, through to Noddy, finding Lily making a beautiful against the grain run. Lilly weighted the ball through to a gloriously timed run from Ruth, number 2 on the board from her, first time straight through the keeper’s legs!
HW showed good grit and didn’t capitulate. Their determination paid off 5 mins before half time as an effective counterattack allowed them to slot a goal past us. Undaunted, OCs showed the spirit that has defined our season, so far. We immediately rallied through a solid team response, Gabby transferring to Emma, pivoting through Serena in the middle, Alex and Lolly causing the defence to scatter and Dani emerging victorious amongst the chaos of their defence as she slammed a decisive 3rd goal past the bemused goalie.
The half time whistle and a rallying talk from Lauren, reminding us not to be complacent, now is the time to prove our mettle and only 7 goals will do. So out we went, immediately peppering their goalie with attempt after attempt on goal. Some sterling work from Saskia in the midfield, the defence impenetrable this half, creativity in abundance from Easy, Ruth, Lilly, Serena, Noddy and Alina. Our workhorses Alex and Lolly up front and the flair we’ve come to expect from Dani in all her various positions, meant that HW never really stood a chance in the second half. We sealed the deal with another strong team goal, deftly finished by Serena to make it 4-1.
We were thrilled to welcome back Texy from injury, showing no sign of rustiness and ruthlessly sacrificing her body in service of stopping an early HW attack on goal (don’t put your head in the oppo’s armpit next week though please). Thank you to Amy and Alina for stepping in as well, we loved having you!
3rd in the table, promotion in our sights…we go again!
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Women’s 5s 5 – 0 Surbiton Pumas
A brilliant team performance from the Ladies 5s resulted in a 5–0 win against Surbiton Pumas. The defence was outstanding throughout, keeping things solid at the back.
The opening goal came just 3½ minutes in after great build-up play, with assists from Hildegard and Jenny, finished well by Bernie. Bernie added her second at 13 minutes, assisted by Karen with a great pass from Meg.
In the second half, Karen scored twice—first from a pass by Hildegard, then with a powerful straight strike. The final goal was finished by Jenny, assisted by Hildegard.
Orla was deservedly Player of the Match, making some excellent runs and passes, and Lola also had a strong performance. Everyone’s energy and teamwork were fantastic throughout.
Written By: Hildegard Davies
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Puricrans 8 – 0 Chelmsford
An emphatic win to keep our league title hopes alive. We totally dominated the game with another excellent squad performance. Goals at regular intervals kept the scoreboard moving with the pick of the goals Leachy’s reverse hit half volley high into the goal.
A tough away match v Hampstead nextup with a few injuries with which to contend.
Goals Knapp 5, Macleod 2 and Leach
Golden Glove Simon Shelly
MoM David Garforth-Bles.