A Game of Two Halves

With 16 players by Monday lunch time the 4s were feeling confident for what was sure to be a tricky game, with Preston lodge only one point above us in the league. Unfortunately, as the week progressed, we lost a few players but ended up starting strong with 3 subs and even some sideline support. The game started off tough with the opposition keeping the Sonian’s defence busy, relieved to have Ellie back on the pitch after a long absence. As the light began to drop there started to be some confusion about who we should be passing too. Black (with maroon) surprisingly similar to maroon.

After what seemed like a relentless attack with some fabulous saves by the wonderful Saskia, one of the Watsonians defence saved a goal on the line……with her foot. Penalty flick to Preston lodge, the opposition lined up but Saskia made another wonderful save. The crowd went wild (more on that later). The defence held up, but after what felt like the 100th penalty corner Preston lodge scored with a great strike on goal.

The ladies 4s came off at half time frustrated but ready to fight for the win. After a rousing team talk from captain Catie and a quick change into white (or inside out strips for some) the team took back to the pitch and attacked from the start (fuelled with half time Haribo’s). School kids Neve and Rowan played brilliantly as always with Neve making some amazing runs up the pitch, she was unlucky not to get the goal. Spirits were high despite the rain and we could feel the goal was coming. The 4s continued to push and challenged the oppositions defence, giving our own defence a small amount of rest. Finally, Jenny had a wonderful shot at goal, Michelle jumped out the way and it went in the net, the crowd went wild before looking on confused as the goal was disallowed. It was never obstruction the crowd (*Alan*) cried!

Determined to make up from the disappointment of a disallowed goal, Neve made another fantastic run and sent the ball soaring into the top of the net with a cool, calm and collected hit. After wild ‘Sonians celebrations, both teams looked on bewildered as the captains were called in to speak to the umpire. Surely not another disallowed goal? Captain Catie received her instructions from the umpire and headed to the side line…. green card? No, it was to speak to regular supporter Alan (on his return to the side-lines) who had made a “colourful” comment in protest at the previously disallowed goal, to the amusement of the bench he was asked to leave the pitch. Embarrassed by the antics of her Dad, Oliva focused on the game and took a wonderful strike at goal, lots of cheering from the crowd (although no comments this time). A penalty flick and nearly a red card… certainly not a usual day for the 4s.

Preston lodge kept up the attack but Catie, Ellie, Rozy and Kate T manged to keep them at bay. Midfield worked hard and got some nice passes up to Neve. After another wonderful pass, the ball made it onto the end of Oliva’s stick and into the goal. With only a few minutes of the game left the opposition kept up their attack but the defence held strong. The game ended 3-1, a dramatic day for the ladies 4s but pleased to have another win under their belt. Alan you are more than welcome to come back support us, but no upsetting the umpires!

Thanks to Fi Flynn for umpiring.