This is the Greatest Show (sort of..)

Saturday saw the Ladies 4s host Dunfermline at a rather saturated Tipperlinn. The earlier meeting this season saw a narrow 2-1 defeat for the maroons, having played the majority of the match with 10 players. What would be in store this time.

Watsonians were pumped for the match, each player putting their all into the 25 metre warm up jog and 2 hip flexor stretches. Eggs in a basket (classic) was certainly not a scrambled affair today.

Julia decided today was the day to bring back the stick cheer which was outlawed in the K-J reign of 2015-2016, there were sceptics in the ranks, stick cheers are a curse, be warned.

After a minute's silence for the people of Rwanda as the team learned Holly had arrived safely, it was game on.

Captain Julia's game plan was complex yet technically sound 'right, I want a goal in the first 10 minutes'. Well Julia, your wish is Rebecca's command. Within seconds Rebecca found herself in a 1 on 1 with the Dunfermline Keeper. Keeping her composure Rebecca waited for the Keeper to commit before casually slotting the ball home (at least this is what the author was reliably informed happened, I was too busy fishing out a gumshield for Ladyjen after the whistle, that is how quickly the goal was scored.)

Dunfermline were unnerved and created their own chances early on. Watsonian's defence remained solid against an early short corner, bolstered by Tammy's recent return from Washington DC where she was a guest speaker at the International Goat Convention. The first half continued with end to end hockey. Watsonian's were passing the ball well in midfield with Katie G, Julia and Nicole working well together to make the ball do the work round the Dunfermline players. The visitors eventually earned a goal back mid way through the half. Shortly after, Rebecca's knee found itself on the losing end of a Dunfermline stick, winces from the sidelines said it all (don't mention the bully off...ever).

Half time and the Ladies 4s re-grouped. The message was clear, be hungry for the ball and use the wide channels.

The second half was underway and unsurprisingly it was still raining. Neve and Heather worked tirelessly on the wings supported by Jenny in the middle, two words. Engine. Room. Olivia put in a great shift up front regularly finding herself in space to drive at the Dunfermline defence. A beautiful line ball pass from Neve was picked up by Jodie who drove to the baseline and crossed to Julia poised and ready on the P spot. Julia's strike found a Dunfermline foot in front of the goal and the maroons won a short corner. Heather stepped up for the straight strike and cool as a cucumber found the back of the goal. 2:1.

Dunfermline had the bit between their teeth now and were testing Watsonians' defence. Some crucial saves by Saskia and a sublime clearance off the line from Rozy kept Watsonian's noses in front. As expected from any centre-mid worth their salt Nicole was tracking back to help out her defence. Nicole's chin won't thank her for her team spirit on this occasion as it was struck by a lofty clearance. Time out, this was serious.

Never underestimate the importance of wearing a gumshield. As Nicole disappeared over the horizon in her turkey foil blanket, Rozy, Jude, Ellie, Tammy and Saskia found themselves defending the 37th short corner of the game. Dunfermline managed to pull a goal back to level the scores. Could the 4's hold on to take a point from this match? This called for composure from everyone on the field and A. Jones on the sideline.

Final Score 2-2. Lessons learned: always wear your gumshield and stick cheers are dangerous and should be avoided at all costs.

POM: Jenny and Rozy

Thanks to Iain for umpiring his second game of the weekend, especially in that weather.