Ladies 2s: The beginning

And thus it begins…

As Faceyb and the wondrous world of Pitchero (also commonly, and somewhat mistakenly, referred to as Pitch-eroo), may have informed you, the Ladies 2s had a rather glorious season last year. Goals and victories a plenty, the team danced into a promotion to Championship A, and have been nothing but excited for the challenges this season will bring.

Milne Craig Clydesdale Western Ladies 3s
August had barely departed, when the Ladies 2s gathered for the first match of the season. First challenge: survive the warm up. With conditions akin to that of Louisiana swampland mid heat wave, and the opposition finding themselves in something of hostage situation on the M8, us Celtic souls near perished in the 45 minute tropical endurance test that was the warm up. However, with participants having to push aside dreams of sunbathing and poolside cocktails, the match began.

The first half seemed an even match, with opportunities for both sides to take the lead. However, it was Clydesdale who managed to achieve this, scoring from a series of (defensive and attacking) volleys that would have brought a tear to a shinty player’s eye. They then scored again, as happens sometimes - the details are hazy.

The second half however, saw the Ladies 2s rise like a majestic phoenix from the ashes (or certain members of the team after their post party time expresso), and dominate possession of the second half; scoring 3 well executed goals. However, a quick paced and goal hungry Clydesdale were rather unforgiving on the break. Final score 3-4 to Clydesdale, but my, what a promising start.

Stirling University Ladies 1s
Tipperlin was once again the destination of choice for the Ladies 2s, in match el numero dos. An impressive and relentless press by the Ladies 2s, put Stirling under pressure for most of the game, with Watsonians putting in a wave after wave of attacking play. Unfortunate not to convert many a short corner, the L2s led 2-0.

Then came the last 10 minutes. Paying the piper for the relentless attack (insert strong emoji) demonstrated for most of the game, the last ten was something of a tense affair, as the L2s summoned all remaining energy and battled to keep the D free of any goal scoring opportunities for the opposition. Mission accomplished (mainly) the ladies skipped off the pitch to their first, and well deserved, victory (and into a Tuesday night of short corner practice). 2-1 to Watsonians.

George Heriots Ladies 1s
The first unexpected challenge of the day came from some rather fanciful Google directions to Goldenacre; with Coach Nikki having to step in to prevent a team camp out at Heriots Castle HQ. Disaster averted, the team gathered to participate in the old Edinburgh derby. It is fair to say tensions were high. The first half saw strong play from Heriots, with the L2s seeming rather alarmed to find a team so adamant on scoring against them. However, ruthless in attack as always, the Watsonains side pulled ahead just before half time.

Half time instructions were to BREATHE. Wise and necessary words. And thus with a new reggae vibe, a much calmer and clinical Watsonians took to the pitch, playing some wonderful textbook hockey and putting another two goals on the scoresheet. A well- executed short corner saw a rather passionate Heriot side draw one back, however it was Watsonians who were to be the victors in this round. 3-1 Watsonians.

Scottish Cup: Milne Craig Clydesdale Western Ladies 3s

The highs:
• The great return of Nikki from Goalkeeper retirement
• Scrumptious match teas
• Sunshine

The lows:
• Changing rooms that had an aroma so potent it would have stunned a Rhino, let alone the poor L2s recovering from Gael’s birthday celebrations the night before
• We lost

There was momentary hope at the end of the match, that perhaps the plate would offer us more of an opportunity for advancement, only to find out from the very delighted CWL3s, that their first team had entered the plate earlier that morning. Chuckles. Challenge on.

Next Stop: Tippers again- v Haddington. See ya there.