(Report by Jim Sherring)

The U18 Girls began their defence of the National Championship with a comprehensive victory over Old Loughtonians. This was the team’s first game in over 6 months so it wasn’t the smooth performance the scoreline suggests but gradually the fluidity returned as the match wore on. Grace O’Malley Kumar was particularly punishing on her former team mates netting 4 times often with brutal power. The game was over by half time as the team raced into a 5-0 lead with Hannah, Holly, Anna and Clara adding to Grace’s early goal. Far from resting on their laurels the team played better and quicker in the second half with Grace getting 3 more, Hannah and Anna getting another one each, whilst Freya and Scarlett rounded out the goalscorers. Grant’s insistence at half time that the girls were not moving the ball quickly enough was adhered to in general and but for an excellent performance by the home keeper the score could have been much higher.

Tougher assignments await if the team are to replicate the glories of last season but this win was a good start.