Ladies' 3s
Captain: Nikki Robertson
Match Reports 09/10
Saturday 28th November
Edinburgh Uni 6s (A) Won 2-1
Leaving the changing rooms, donning shorts and our little maroon tops, didn’t seem the brightest idea, with the temperature confirmed to be a whole 3 degrees last Saturday. Fortunately for us, there was plenty of fog around to keep us well insulated during our game! Helen’s warm-up soon got us feeling toasty and we were ready to go out, like greyhounds out the trap (- I think that phrase is going to haunt you forever Darren!).
As usual on the Peffermill pitches, we needed to adapt our game to the water-based surface. But this didn’t deter us. Having a good proportion of our team being former Uni players, we were out to win. We battled on through the first half, with several opportunities to score. Eventually our efforts were rewarded, when Samantha Stewart scored the only goal of the first half.
Half-time came and the ball was becoming less visible due to the foggy weather conditions. A change of ball colour improved things slightly, but we knew we still had a lot of hard work to put in, to secure the win that we wanted. This proved truer than we wanted to belief, when the opposition scored a goal back, bringing the score to 1-1. Our defence was tested time and time again with Lynsey and Fiona clearing the ball well out of the 25 on many occasions and with CJ’s pace managing to clear the ball from the D at short corners. With both teams refusing to give up, we managed to take advantage of an opportunity for with Lorna Laird managing to sneak in another goal in the last quarter of the game, leaving us 2-1 up.
Special mention must be made to Nikki Robertson, our woman of the match for this week, for some cracking saves and for keeping the defence so well organised.
Thanks go to the our umpire, Alida and our supporters for putting up with the wintery weather and of course thanks go to Darren, who’s words of wisdom gave us the strength to secure another win.
So well done girls, 2-1, another well-deserved win.
Woman of the Match – Nikki Robertson
Hannah Burton
Saturday 21st November
Preston Lodge (H) Won 2-0
The hideous weather (yet again) did little to dampen the excitement possessed by the Ladies 3s ahead of the Annual WHC Ball. But following the previous Saturday's defeat it was vital that the girls concentrated on the game ahead. Captain CJ did well to bring the team to a focus in the changing room before the team headed out into the wind and rain. The Ladies 3s were spurred on after watching the Ladies 2s victory.
The game started well Watsonians back to their 'greyhound out of the trap' form. However silly mistakes in the defence threatened the form when several short corners were awarded against us. CJ's supersonic speed and solid defending ensured that Preston Lodge had no chance of scoring. The score was 1-0 at half time following a great goal from Nic Allum and the Ladies 3s weren't about to let it slip. A great half time chat from coach Cavaroli had the team buzzing again and ready to take on the second half.
Time was stopped several times following several injuries - CJ was lucky not to have seriously damaged her ankle (she was very concerned about her heels for the ball!) and a Preston Lodge high player took a pretty sore one to the elbow and was whisked off to A&E (we hope she has recovered). But with the team focussing on the game in hand a second goal was awarded after a cracking set piece. When the final whistle was blown the girls let out a huge cheer and quickly hit the road to get the glad rags on for the evenings festivities!!
Great goals from Nic Allum and Samantha Stewart. Although nobody was able to claim the drink that CJ had promised for a hatrick, a very refreshing vodka and lemonade was enjoyed by VC and keeper Nikki for a clean sheet!
Women of the match - Sarah Mitchell for a fantastic performance in her temporary sweeping position.
Nikki Robertson
Saturday 14th Nocember
Fjordhus Borders 2s (A) Lost 5-1
Yet another miserable weekend with a trip to the Borders for the 3's. With little time for a proper warm up the team were not their usual "greyhounds out of the trap" and as a result were slightly disjointed during the first half.
Despite 3 goals being conceded the 3's did not give up. The usual good team cohesion started to show through and the hard work eventually paid off when Hannah Burton scored. Ending at half time 3-1.
With constructive feedback and a change of formation by Coach Cavaroli, the team were fired up for the 2nd half.....the game was not lost yet.
Despite better play in the second half with several shots on goal from Nic, Fi and Michelle, and great play up the right hand side from Helen, no further goals were scored. Unfortunately another 2 goals were conceded making the final score 5-1.
Thanks to coach Cavaroli, supporters and photographer for making the journey to Hawick. Also to Fjordhus Borders 2s for providing both umpires. Roll on the 21 Nov where a win isdefinitely required to aid with the Ball festivities.
Woman of the Match: Hannah Burton
Saturday 31st October
Civil Service (A) Won 5-1
The dawn of Halloween found the ladies 3s fired up and ready for the first match of their double-header Halloween weekend. CJ's inspirational team talk coupled with Coach Cavaroli's tactical words of wisdom helped us further as we psyched ourselves up for what is usually a very exciting and challenging match against Civil Service Ladies. Hell Raiser Helen warmed our blood to a productive temperature so we were ready from the start.
From the whistle, we were off, like bats of the night running circles around the Civil Service Ladies, creating havoc in their D and scoring goals by the minute, reflecting our cohesion as a team. Fresh blood to our team this season scored the first two goals - welcome and well done Nic - Firesome Fi scored the third and Sinister Sam scored the final two - well done and whoop whoop to us!! Our promising play proved how strong we are as a team and that our set play practice on Wednesday paid off - cheers to the ladies 1s for our Peffermill slot! Our ghoulish goalie was particularly athletic, making diving saves and being supported by our deathly defence.
A half-time team talk helped us remain focused and keep our high standards of play. In the second half, despite keeping our structure, we began to lose our heads and after a momentary lapse of concentration (Zombiness), Civil Service capitalised with a goal. However we battled on and a fantastic effort brought home our final goal scored by Sam.
End result of 5-1 to Watsonians! Special thanks to Coach Cavaroli, Umpire Alida and supporters.
Woman Of The Match: Elaine McCann
Saturday 17th October
ESM FPs (H) Won 3-2
By Elaine McCann
With two defeats under their belts the 3’s were fired up for their first home game of the season against local rivals – Erskine Stewart Melville FPs.
Club President, Darren Cavaroli kindly offered his services to coach which made a huge difference to the game play with a squad of 15, rolling substitution kept the legs fresh.
A strong pre match team talk from captain, CJ Fordyce made sure everyone gave 200% right from the first whistle. Watsonians dominated the first half with a number of goal scoring opportunities; the opposition’s goal keeper certainly had her work cut out! Perseverance finally paid off with a goal from Fiona Winter.
Domination continued through the second half, with the midfield running their socks off. Special mention has to go to Yvette Greig at central midfield who marked one of the oppositions best players out of the game. A number of short corners were awarded to Watsonians - four in a row in fact just before the end of the first half. With the whistle about to blow everyone moved up to the attacking circle - a fantastic set piece finally saw a very well deserved goal from Lorna Robinson.
The half time team talk by Darren, started with the team being referred to as ‘greyhounds out of the traps’, we don’t really think he meant to refer to us as dogs, we took it as a compliment on our fitness (you can let us know if we are wrong Darren!). The second half started well but slowly ESM found their way through to convert a goal. Watsonians hit back with a goal from our captain CJ. Unfortunately a second messy goal was conceded from the opposition making the final score 3-2. Special thanks to Helen’s sister, Kat for umpiring.
The team certainly deserved the win and is now looking forward to their double header in two weeks time. Sunday’s match is a cup tie in Aberdeen against Robert Gordon University, with the majority of the team travelling up the night before – watch this space for details of theadventure and hopefully another win!
Woman of the Match - Lorna Robinson
Saturday 10th October
Eskvale (A) Lost 3-0
An unfortunate start to the mighty three’s season. Saturday’s game against Eskvale 1s was a jolly trip to Dalkeith to be beaten 3-0.
The 3’s have a lot to take away from the game though, with me (their captain) on the sideline due to illness, a new subbing format was trialed. With team members only subbed due to exhaustion or drop in form (they usually perform a rotation in subs). The team responded well to this and enjoyed having a fuller experience on the pitch - not having to worry about timing their sessions etc. The three’s were playing with a positive spirit and for the whole of the first half of the game were controlling and commanding it. Yvette Grieg was nominated WOTM and she certainly deserved it - running around like a trooper!
As they say, sadly, this was a ‘game of 2 half’s’ and the second half was marred by a few dodgy moments such as a p-flick for a dual head-butt between Sarah Mitchell and the opposing forward which resulted in a goal, which left our Nikki (Vice Captain and GK) rather deflated.
Going forward the three’s can address the problems, which were mostly down to playing the opposition’s game and not making the most of our chances. A result of this fixture was a great post match discussion about future coaching and the teams ambitions. We are a keen and hopeful team and will be looking to recruit a coach! All of this will all be brought to training and here’s to the return fixture!
Woman of the Match - Yvette Greig
Pre Season Tournament Report - by Karrie Gillett
A committed ladies third team kick-started their pre-season preparations with an all-day hockey tournament hosted by the Preston Lodge ladies at Meadowmill. Extra commitment was definitely needed as an already rain-soaked few assembled at Tipperlinn for a 9am meet – on a Saturday, in August.
After peeling off waterproofs and leaving the protective shelter of a crowded marquee, the ladies 3s took to the pitch for their first match against Eskvale. A new season inevitably brings some new faces as Erin, Kyle and Lucy made their debuts. The first game was a somewhat family affair with Alida convincing sister Lucy it was a brilliant idea to play some summer hockey (what summer?) and Fiona bringing along younger cousin Erin for a run-around in the rain.
The first game was slow and slightly uncomfortable, due mostly to the unforgiving rain. Although, Tammy probably found the lingering effects of her Friday night festivities to be the most uncomfortable aspect of the game. Special mention to Tammy for playing through the pain.
The girls were happy enough with a 0-0 draw and the opportunity to try out the new self-pass free hit rule. The rule, which came into force during the summer, brought some mixed results with Karen the first to give it a go only to miss and pass it to an unsuspecting cone out on the wing. Lindsay made full use of the rule at the back with some great clearances to Michelle (all the way from Oz) and Jen (back from injury) in midfield. A committed Sammy even showed up for the first game despite other sporting commitments meaning she had to make a quick exit to Fife for the rest of the day.
The second game saw the rain disappear along with our clean score sheet, suffering a two nil defeat to Dunfermline. Without any winning points, we went in to the third game facing so-far undefeated Kelso, it was a must-win game to stay in the running in Section A. And win we did, with attacking Alida putting in a great display and picking up a goal from a superbly taken short corner. After taking the lead, a spirited Kelso put all players up front and battered the Watsons defence but goalkeeper Nikki showed a fierce determination and sought off their attack with some expert stretching.
Leader for the day Fiona changed tactics for the game against Civil Service in honour of absent captain C-J. Despite some impressive man-marking from Kyle and hard-fought defending from Lucy and Karen, Watsons were unlucky to lose the game two-nil. A long break saw the still-soaked team take refuge in the marquee for some sandwiches and a game of balloon keepy-uppies. Post-lunch, the table saw Haddington take the lead – our next opponents. The game brought the best performance of the day with Kyle and Fiona connecting up front with some well-placed short passing to see them both pick up a goal and take the team from one-nil down to eventual 2-1 winners.
With nine points clocked up, the team went into their final game knowing qualification to the semi-finals was out of reach. But with characteristic commitment and a supporters club courtesy of Lindsay, the girls went out looking for a win and were unlucky to settle for a no-score draw after Fiona, Kyle and Michelle had their efforts narrowly miss the Preston Lodge goal.
It was a day of mixed weather and mixed fortunes with the team recording personal victories over group winners and eventual runners-up Haddington. Team nurse Jen, whose chest had suffered an unfortunate clash with the ball in an earlier game, was called into action during the semi-finals when a Kelso player suffered an injury. As always, Jen was on hand with first aid kit and bandaging skills. We wish the Kelso girl a full recovery.
True to the spirit of the day, the girls stayed to watch the final and support Alida in her role as tournament umpire as Edinburgh Cala took the trophy.
Overall, it was an enjoyable and encouraging start to the new season in a well-planned tournament which will hopefully become a permanent fixture on the summer hockey calendar.
Karrie Gillett
