The Last Hurrah

By Jenny Hughes

We won the league! We won the league! Tee hee hee, did I mention that we won the league?

With the important business of the season long since decided, there was little to play for but pride in Watsonians 4s last game of 2015-16. However with all subsequent matches won or drawn, Captain Dunz and her Maroon Marauders™ were determined not to lose.

Despite missing some key players: Julia (Julias!), Becca, Angela and Carly - that’s a winning midfield, right there - the 4s were up for the challenge. And we were happy to welcome ‘young Holly’ and Fiona in goal to help us.

Credit must go to Grange who were quick off the blocks and immediately set a high playing tempo. It felt like a grueling first few minutes for some of the old, tired, season-spent legs of the 4s (er, I imagine…) But it wasn’t long before the smooth playing style we’ve been perfecting since September returned. Opening an excellent midfield performance (3 assists and no fights, Ladies and Gentlemen!), Judith crossed the ball for Holly W to finish. It wasn’t long before Holly W produced a great feed of her own for Olivia to run onto and effortlessly slot the ball past the keeper.

Just as we were getting into our groove, Grange got a short corner and a fine strike went clean in. Then Olivia took a ball to the ankle and limped off. They say bad things happen in threes; shortly afterwards Holly S won a penalty flick, yet pushed the ball just wide of the post - although she scored soon afterwards. But we weren’t quite firing on all cylinders as we broke for half time.

El Capitano gave her final rousing team talk; notable for both its lack of tears and this well-worn phrase: “let me finish”. She reminded us that we were playing against 10 players, which definitely seemed to bolster our confidence.

The second half felt like a different game as we spent almost the full 35 minutes camped in Grange’s half, winning penalty corner after penalty corner. (Props must go to Holly S and her lightening injections.) Demonstrating her trademark ‘do as I do’ attitude, which has taken us so far this season, Captain Jodie caught goal fever and grabbed a brace. There were two more well-deserved goals from Holly W and Alida too. I think even Lynsey had a shot! (I might be making that up though… it’s been a long season.)

The record crowd of Carly & Richard, Ali & unnamed woman, Ma Wilson & grandson, Rob & Mr. Donaldson, Fiona & tweed jacket, Team Sweetman & Katie, Young Anna’s young Dad and our wonderful groupies; Alan & Fran, had endured unseasonal hail but had seen a vintage 4s performance. As the final whistle blew we cheered not just for the game, but for the whole season. Eighteen played, unbeaten throughout. Job. Done.

Prosecco and photos followed. That’s just how we roll.

DOD: Anna O for not turning up!

MOM: Holly Wilson and Jenny Hughes (as chosen by Alan & Fran).

Goalscorers - Olivia Jones, Alida Dow, Holly Stanton, Jodie Dunz (x2), Holly Wilson (x2)

Thanks to Michelle Littlejohn for umpiring.