Penalties Aplenty In Penultimate Match

By Rebecca Parker

The penultimate game of the season against Uni 8s saw huge crowds pulling up to Peffermill on a sunny Sunday afternoon. They could have been there for the Ladies 1s play offs on Pitch 1, hard to say really. After an unsually coordinated warm up and a 'circle of friendship' the team were ready to go.

The game started slow with some of us feeling slightly less fresh than others. Thankfully we don't all follow by the captain's example.... Some good pressing by the midfield and forwards meant we were quickly looking threatening in the opposition's D. It wasn't long before a pass by Carly was safely put away in the goal by Anna O and 4s were 1-0 up. Uni were not giving up that easily though, making several speedy advances down the wings. Nothing too testing for the strong Watsonians defence steered by Alida and accompanied by showstopping performances from Anna B and Tammy.

Hard work in the engine room by Jenny and Holly paid off and the ball was sent into the D by Holly who found the end of Anna O's stick and goal number 2 was in. Ladies 4s were back in their normal rhythm and took control of the game from here. Some scruples near the goal lead to a short corner and after a season of careful honing the Killer K was again executed to perfection. The crowd went wild as Olivia and Jenny's beautiful effort resulted in goal number 3. We aim to please. Clearly Uni were feeling the pressure giving away a succession of short corners towards the end of the first half. Had Julia been here she might have recognised one of the defenders from her uni football days as they kicked the ball clear of goal and a penalty flick was awarded to Watsonians. Olivia stepped up to the mark but her shot was saved by the Uni keeper. A minute later and it was half time. What a thriller.

Second half saw Uni 8s up their momentum as they started to look more dangerous on the attack and a couple of short corners were well defended by Watsonians. A break away by Holly resulted in another short at the opposite end and a defensive error by Uni lead to them giving away another penalty flick. Two flicks in one game - unheard of! The crowd were on tenterhooks as this time Holly, cool as a cucumber, stepped up to the ball and dinked it over the keepers stick into the goal. Not long after, a solo run by Olivia was converted into another goal as she reminded everyone (especially Tammy) why she's the top choice striker. As the game went on, Uni's persistence grew as they desperately tried to get a goal out of the game. Tensions were rising on both sides as Richard had to step in to diffuse a heated situation involving Judith. No surprises there then! A final push from Watsonians lead to the 6th and final goal as a pass from Olivia to Anna went wide and was picked up by Becca who sent it in to the far bottom corner of the goal.

At the final whistle the score was 6-0 to Watsonians 4s. Goals: Anna O (assist Carly), Anna O (assist Holly), Jenny (assist Olivia), Holly, Olivia, Becca (assist Olivia).

MoM: Olivia and Becca.

Thanks to Richard Waugh for umpiring and to the Jones', the Sweetmans and Stuart for the support.