28.7.21
Result: Hotshots won 2-1
The return match between HS & MG was set to be another cracker and did not disappoint. Both teams struggled to get out full squads on the night. There was a minor drama 15 minutes before PB when HS lost their GK and MG had only 10 players ,forcing a quick rearrangement to 11 outfield players and MG back to full strength at the last minute. MG were quickest out of the blocks attacking through the middle putting the HS mids and defence on the back foot and were rewarded when Hilary H was on hand to ensure the ball crossed the line. 1-0 to MG within the first 10 minutes.
This seemed to galvanise HS who were keen to hang onto their winning streak. Zoe and Megs began taking control of the middle and HS tightened up on their marking transferring well around the back, opening the midfield and enabling some good runs down the wings from Lottie, Freya and Edie. The game was now very open with the MG defence of Captain Mandy F, Alice B and Cob proving impenetrable along the backline until Lottie R, scoring her 9th goal of the season, made it 1-1 just before half time.
The second half proved a great contest with plenty of ebbs and flows and some lovely hockey from both teams. HS had a number of chances – VBL just missing out on a deflection – but could not get round Hells A in goal. There was some excellent defence from Alice, Mandy and Cob clearing their lines well to set up a counter-attack with Jess H and Millie P surging down the centre. The HS defence proved equal to it with Zoe and Jenny H unflappable in the middle ably flanked by Imo, Ellie and Captain Jo P.
The game looked like it would finish on a stalemate when a cross from Edie W deflected off an MG defender to give HS an unlikely goal and they were now in the lead with less than 10 minutes to go. Everyone was playing at full throttle with MG throwing everything into at least securing a draw. Their chance came in the dying minutes but the shot went wide.
This was a great club game, very even and hard-fought throughout with some lovely moves and played in good spirit.
We all made our way to the marquee appropriately capping off the evening with drinks and cake and a bit of social.
Report from Jo Price