So close.

After a mixed start to the beginning of the season for mighty Watsonians 4s, the return of young gun LizCat (so good, they named it once) was just what we needed. Our gang headed to sunny Peffermill with high hopes and a strong squad, confident that we could bat away the challenge from those pesky Edinburgh Uni 6s like Jenny swats away chest-high balls in the D. (Wait.. what?)

Our warm-up was customarily light, but there was no mistaking the hunger in our eyes. Particularly evident was the hungry glow in Aoife’s peepers when she ran past someone cooking a barbeque.

A couple of injuries meant we were a bit light in defence, so master tactician Captain Julia(s) did a bit of shuffling. We started with age at the back, youth at the front. Boom. What could possibly go wrong?

Absolutely nothing. We started the match in style with great runs up the flanks from LizCat and Heidi. Holly marauded through the centre of the park as only Holly can, and we created chance upon chance before Heidi swept a cross into the back of the net. 1-0.

Our ‘new’ old defence was still getting used to one another, and in some confusion we conceded almost immediately – boo! However, our young guns were on the case and Liz swept another one in before the break - assisted by Heidi.

Alida had been cementing her legendary status throughout the first half with the sort of tackles you usually see in YouTube compilations, but sadly she had to leave at halftime. We battled (wo)manfully on, with outstanding defensive performances from Rozy and Judith in particular, but more and more pressure was mounting. Edinburgh Uni could sniff blood...

Saskia shouted encouragement and Nic provided a strong defensive-midfield cushion, but it wasn’t enough. Uni 6s bagged two goals as the second half wore on, leaving us heartbroken. So near and yet so far. Even the support from Pippa and our favourite groupies, Alan and Fran (oh yeah, and their daughter..) wasn’t quite enough. Next time…

MOM: Rozy for stepping into defence and leaving it all on the pitch.

Thanks to Pete for umpiring and acting as first aid responder.