George Heriots 2s v L4s Match Report

WOW! "Where did that summer go?" "Where did my fitness go?" "Why did I not do more summer hockey?" and "Where IS Goldenacre?!" These were just a few of the questions on the Ladies 4s' minds yesterday as we approached our 2pm PB.

It's fair to say we were a little nervous as we watched George Heriot's 2s perform their well mastered warm up routine. It was also on this day last year that we opened our East One debut against them with a 4-0 loss. But then Heather, Neve and Rowan walked in (those of us < 25), we reminded ourselves of our last meeting where we came back to win the game and got on with business - yes, eggs in a B.

The first half of the game was soon underway and was pretty even, with both teams charging forward but just not getting anywhere. Our defence was solid - even with Alida playing up front - and was a good mixture of new and old blood. Anything that did get past them was forcefully booted away by Saskia in goal. Run after run and link up after link up between Ashley on the wing and Neve and Heather in mid, we were unlucky not to find the goal in the first 35 minutes.

Half time was eventually called and new Captain Catie instilled further oomf in the tiring L4s.

Watsonians pressured early in the second half and with countless attacks and short corners won, a goal was looking likely for the maroons. Heriots retaliated and were close to scoring a few times but were unsuccessful. The game then grew a little rougher with Neve ending up on the ground and Alida being rugby tackled into the D winning us another short.

In true Ladies 4s style, our goal came from a counter attack and a hit into the D by Heather, allowing a scramble. Like hungry chickens, Alida, Julia and the Heriots' defenders pecked at the ball hoping for the best. Alida then slapped it into the left hand corner, bringing the score to 1-0.

Further chances followed for the Ladies 4s but the score remained at 1-0 for the remaining 10 or so minutes left on the clock.

Heriots then won an unlucky short corner and the whistle blew signalling full-time. We HAD to save this. Boom! Judith headed the ball out of the D. We'd won! Oh wait... After some deliberation amongst the umpires, Heriots were awarded another short corner and with 10 (wo)men past the half way line, Heriots were hungry for the draw. Luckily for L4s, their short was disqualified which meant we really had won!

A great sense of relief was felt by all as we headed to Myreside to celebrate.

Thanks to Ian for umpiring as always!

MoM - Ashley Shanley

Match report by Julia Patience