The first game doesn't count.

With our East One debut looming and some of our key players enjoying an extended summer break, numbers were short and nerves were high as we took to the field at Goldenacre on Saturday.

Cat and Katie stepped up to the challenge of holding the team in the centre of the field and worked hard to bring the ball upfield to apply early pressure on the home team. Having must have borrowed Holly’s stick, Liz held on to the ball like a magnet down the right hand side of the pitch applying pressure again to Heriots and with Cat in the middle for support who grew frustrated.

We tired early having and Heriots began to press but cool as a cucumber, Catie held as strong as ever in defence blocking their play.

After a number of attempts, George Heriots eventually found our goal and scored the first goal of the match. Similar play continued and after a lot of winding up, a big hit from Heriots found the ball in our D and then - after a scramble - in the back of our goal once more.

Now our turn for a scrap in their D, we eventually won a short. Taking the place of Suze, Liz stepped up to the mark with the straight strike. With this being the first real challenge for the Heriot’s keeper, the ball was booted away and the first half ended 2-0 to the home team.

With pass-back, ‘sonians drove towards goal but an interception from the home team saw the ball make its way back to the wrong end of the pitch and eventually a one on one situation with our keeper ended with the ball at the far back left of our goal, bringing the score to 3-0.

Determined not to give up, the fight continued and from linking pass to linking pass down the left hand side of the pitch, we made our way forward. That was until Heriots retaliated and a good whack of the ball saw Watsonians defending again and letting in a final goal.

Penalty corner after penalty corner, our old gaffer, Becca, was not for messing with and blocked their attacks - notably with her chest. Not one corner was scored.

As our legs tired, we turned to longer passes forcing the ball to do the work and putting pressure on the home team. A few long corners and free hits provided the 4s with the promise of getting on the scoresheet and a beautifully executed strike into the D from Angela saw us with one of our best chances of the game.

The whistle blew bringing the game to an end with a score of 4-0 to George Heriots. A tough first game but a promising season ahead as we defend our place in East One.

Player of the match: Catie Craig

Thanks to Rob for umpiring.