Ladies 4s v Civil Service - certificate 18 'some scenes viewers may find disturbing'

The ladies 4s were keen to get started after snow abandoned play last week and with 10 wins from 10 behind us the nerves were high. Added pressure came in the form of a slick looking Civil Service (CS) squad. The sight of CS in matching shellsuits performing well-oiled drills, that Fraser and David could only dream of seeing on a Wednesday, did nothing to quash the butterflies. The ladies 4s observed and planned tactics from the shelter of the home dugout.

Rain was pouring down at passback and straight away the physical nature of the bout became apparent. CS were out for blood and taking no prisoners. 'Sonians were slow to get started adapting to the conditions and missing some regular faces. Jenny controlled the engine room with her usual calming presence and Becca 'The Terrier' Parker was looking hungry up front.
Unfortunately CS took the first goal of the game with some well rehearsed set piece play defeating the Watsonians defence. The injury rate steadily increased throughout the game with particular mention to Mrs Sweetman's devil may care attitude to her ever growing hand. Perseverance and determination paid off with an equaliser from Anna O to level the playing field. Continued pressure from Carly and Julia in midfield meant that a second goal was inevitable, The Terrier snared the second goal having been nipping at the heels of the CS defence from the off.

At half time the magnetic properties of Holly's stick were queried by our fired up captain but the ginger dribbler has assured us that it's pure skill rather than a physical phenomenon. Going into the second half slightly battered and bruised we were determined not to let the physical nature of the CS game get the better of us and maintain our lead.

A spectacular sliding tackle from Jenny 'Engine Room' Hughes stopped their playmaker in her tracks which surely deserves nomination for move of the season. Unfortunately, CS spotted the importance of Jenny and decided to take her out of the action. With Jenny sidelined and unsure which day or indeed decade it was Watsonians had to knuckle down and hold our nerve to get the win. Captain Dunz deserves a special mention for her one-handed control of the ball away from the danger zone to save the defence again.

The Maroon defence held their shape well, assisted by Alida's ever calming influence, against multiple penalty corners. Unfortunately a dubious penalty flick decision offered CS the opportunity to pull the score back to a perilous 3-2. Emotions running high on the sideline the 4s managed to dig in and their trademark determination saw them through to the final whistle. Particular mention to the young Catriona Hilton playing left back who maintained brilliant composure to play a vital role in breaking down the opposition's numerous advances. A win for Watsonians coupled with a loss for Linlithgow has cemented the 4s place at the top of the league. Bring on Uni next week after a week for recuperation and repair...

Man of the Match - Julia Patience and Catriona Hilton
DoD - Jodie Dunz - for her overzealous knees to chest jump at the final whistle (unconfirmed)