Match Report by Bethan Hodges

A thriller of a game awaited Southgate as the sun set over Surbiton’s astro last Saturday, featuring two-top-teams going head-to-head for the first time this season. A fast paced start for both teams saw opportunities at both ends.

We saw some excellent defensive-duties on show from our own Jess B, sweeping up at the back. Despite some class deep-defence, Surbiton found a way to win a short corner. Although the ball was struck with intent from the top of the D, it was no match for the superstar Miriam D between the sticks, keeping the ball out of the net. In response, Southgate worked the ball out nicely from a 16 yard hit out, finding their way into Surbiton’s D and winning a short corner, their own goal-scoring opportunity. Faced with an organised PCD from the ‘Super-Surbs’, the score remained 0:0 taking us to the half-time whistle.

A back and forth game of hockey began to look more like a game of table-tennis, with attacks at both ends of the pitch. Surbiton cleared up well in their defensive third and Southgate’s fierceful-force in Olivia R stepped up to the challenge, pushing through the lines and making some clever challenges, our MOM. Our captains continued to lead by example, Jess H darting up the line, driving her team forwards – supported by Susie F delivering as usual. A breakthrough for Surbiton. With Southgate’s defensive line under immense pressure, Surbiton won the ball in an attacking position and with a showcase of slick skills, the ball was drilled into the side-netting leaving Southgate one goal behind. With the intention to bounce-back, Southgate never gave up, fighting right until the last whistle which just came too soon.

This frustrating 1:0 loss for the girls can now be used as fuel for a massive home game against Wapping on Saturday, looking to add to their win tally once again.