Defiance despite defeat

Relentless rain had descended upon our prestigious southern suburb for most of the day. Not letting this dampen our spirits the formidable fours were ready to try and right the wrongs of last week’s purgatory in Peebles.

A taste of things to come, Melissa encouraged PMA by hitting the dancefloor early in the changing room. The entrance of the opposition, baby faced millennials (Edinburgh Uni 7s) with their accompanying mandatory sick beats, meant that our warm up had a soundtrack and that sound track was generally well received. Much to the delight of some ‘sonians one of the opposition seemed as if they were intending to play despite requiring a crutch. Sadly, moments later said opposition had changed out of tracksuit and into jeans and the prospect of an easy target was lost.

With Saskia warmed up and the basket emptied of eggs (to the sound of Shakira) players were match ready, into position and ready for the whistle. Despite a good start, not too long after, an unfathomable goal was conceded. Some might say that it was this event which suddenly transformed Melissa into a fiery, frenzied and fearsome version of Princess Merida from Brave. Pass and pass again they tried to play down the middle but the possessed Disney Princess was having none of it, intercepting like a daemon who’s soul depended on it. She wasn’t quiet on calling for balls either and really got into character. Judith, Kirstin, Catie and Rozy ensured that the ball was cleared out swiftly if it did make it through. Jenny and Julia receiving and sending in midfield meant that we kept possession and took the ball up into their 25. And then the junior millennials started to get more physical, maybe starting to stray from their stereotype now? The game was starting to intensify not only with quick play but also in volume. Some said that the on pitch vocals at Tipperlin were heard above the concurrent Murrayfield crowd so the Umpires stepped in. We will never know, there wasn’t a decibel meter present. All 22 hysterical heckling players were told to calm down and stop shouting at each other. There was a competitive atmosphere and the game was getting hotter. Despite pressure from a matching turquoise stick/trainer combo and a Merida’s little sister, ‘sonains held back further advances. Despite several shorts in their favour they could not penetrate. Sadly, try as we might, the score line did not reflect the effort and players were thin up in the other end of the pitch when Heather and Michelle did get the ball.

After some good feedback during half time and the standard gelatin based refuelling we were ready to try and win the game back. Thanks to the support of Katie and Imogen who advised on what to work on the second half (also thanks to the 4 legged fluffy friend and her charges for boosting moral from the side lines)The next 20minutes were hard fought and the sound of their back board still unheard. Our defenders were committed to clearing out with Julia, Jenny and Kate linking the play well. Jodie and Michelle were hungry to set the score line straight. Then clang, we conceded again. But no, heads didn’t drop and Jenny was up at their goal with an almighty hit. Sadly the ball went inches to the side of the post against our favour.
Could we do this? Could we bring this back? We sure were still fighting but alas, it wasn’t our day. Before the final whistle there was another clang in their favour. Everyone had worked hard and put in their all. We walked off the pitch disappointed in the score but finding solace in how much our performance had improved compared to last week. Fear not, we will be armed and ready to make amends next week….. and you never know, more alter egos may appear on the pitch.

Sorrows were drowned and shared later with the Men’s 4s over curry and drinks.

Thank you to Sarah for umpiring.