Result – won 5-3

Match Report : Jo Price

After the disappointment of the previous week we really wanted to finish the season with a home win. With no availability issues things were looking good on Friday night but on Saturday morning GK Elise tested positive for Covid and with no other keeper available we were faced with a tricky situation. Step forward newbie Jos, new to hockey this year but fearless in her approach and willing to give it a go as she put on the pads for the very first time.

It was therefore with some relief that H & W turned out with ten and no goalkeeper but we were made aware from the whistle that we were still up against a formidable opposition.

H & W hit the ground running initially putting our defence under pressure and Jos was called in to action early doors.
Weathering the onslaught our midfield began clicking into gear and some slick passing up the right set up our first chance when a hard cross was picked up but put just wide of the post. I’m going to focus on the 8 goals but have to admit that my memory of them is a little hazy so apologies if I get any details wrong.

We opened the scoring when a cross from Lynn to Freya was neatly slotted home. The order of the next goal is hazy. I think two goals for the opposition came in quick succession, one from an acute angle and the second from a goalmouth scramble. There is some debate as to who scored next but the consensus says it was Emma L. but no agreement on how it happened. With a quick re-shuffle of positions before half time we were back on the charge with Lynn picking up a cross from Sally and making no mistake with a close range shot.

Within minutes of the restart we had gained a PC and with Kim and Freya stepping up to the D it was the youngster who took the injection and rattled home her second goal. Now requiring two goals to level, our opposition began pressing high and were rewarded when a break down their right side saw a ball struck hard from the top of the D to hit the target. With the score a little close for comfort Izzy began hanging high up the pitch and did well to keep her feet as she put away goal number 5. With around ten minuted to go Hampstead upped their pace fully testing our defence and gaining several PCs but we used our experience to hold firm to the final whistle. A hard-fought 5-3 win, reversing the score from our precious encounter. A unanimous vote for WOW went to Jos for stepping into the most difficult of positions and doing a sterling job.

So we end the season in a likely second position – our highest placing in recent years. A big shout out to our captain Kim who has juggled the position alongside her joint COS role and has spent endless hours ensuring that we had at least 11 players available each week ,which proved no mean feat. A well done to the 40 or so players who have turned out for the 5’s this year and all the parents/ supporters who watched each week whatever the weather our success this season belongs to everyone.!