Southgate Ladies vs East London D

W12-1

Report by Kathy Hammond

Big Blue begins with a bang

Southgate started their campaign in a new summer Saturday league in awesome form on June 19 dispatching a goalkeeper-less East London D side 12-1.

The Big Blue League – so called as it is played on the cobalt-coloured pitches of Olympic Park and Old Loughtonians – gives local county-standard teams the chance for some friendly, social hockey in the off-season.

“There are only six matches and all have been arranged so that we play either before or after the men’s Southgate teams so we can watch one another’s games,” said Kathy Hammond who co-captains the team with Caitlin Haberlin-Chambers. “It’s another super opportunity for us as a club to mix things up and play on a team with a wide range of age and experience.”  

On this first outing, ‘gate were glad to welcome former national league star Magda Charalambous back into the fray after a two-year break. This time playing between the posts, Magda was also able to deliver her vital coaching message – Defend Narrow, Attack Wide – once the women in red and black went 9-0 up and she made herself comfy on the sideline instead.

Other highlights of the fixture were taking to the pitch with two sets of sisters – Caitlin & Ellie Haberlin-Chambers, and Ella & Rhianna Duthie – who between them accounted for seven of the goals scored. Also on the scoresheet were midfield-maestras Charlotte Rogers (1) and Zoe Griffiths (2) and Kathy pocketed a brace too.  

Congratulations go to youngster Dora Clapham for her solid performance in right midfield and defence, which earned her the squad’s first Star of the Week award. 

The team is also grateful to Mark Langley for umpiring both the men’s and the women’s game as well as to Jo Price who somehow managed to anchor the midfield and defence as well as take the photos.