Ladies 6s vs Spencer Sapphires - "A Game of 3s"
By Frances Crompton Brook
Surbiton L6s 3 – 2 Spencer Sapphires
"The game of 3’s"
Player of the Match: Alex – ‘You shall not pass’
DOD: Frances – ‘Gumshieldgate’
Writing this on my way to work, brought cheer to my gloomy Monday morning commute. The warmup was a little manic with Fi forgetting her socks, Emma having three hockey sticks – but not the one she uses and Nina working out how to use our five subs without disrupting the game.
We started the game well, we had all the possession and continually pressured the defence and goalie, we were just missing that final touch. Then disaster stuck, a quick break from the opposition up the wing gave them a 1-0 lead. Not to worry and just carry on how we’re playing was the message – clearly Sapphires got the same one as they got another goal just before half time.
Half time team talk from Nina - we’re a much better team than they are, let’s get some goals back, please sub at a sensible time and Fi gave us some great tips on how to stop the opposition getting the ball through on their 16’s.
We all took that advice and some beautiful passing from defence to midfield, to Jen at the top of the D, we got a goal back! Not happy with just the one goal, Jen struck again after a beautiful run down the wing from Liv – game on!
We wanted the win, we kept the pressure on, and Evie made a fantastic run into the D, first shot – save, second shot – save, third shot – goal! It was now 3-2 to Surbiton (they do say everything comes in 3’s).
The Sapphires angry at themselves for throwing away a 2-0 lead, threw everything they had at us, including five consecutive short corners in the last five minutes, but with some fantastic saves from Marlijn and amazing defending from Lindsey, Alex, Sinead and Giselle the score stayed 3-2.
After the game we were treated to a delicious red velvet cake lovingly baked by Marlijn to celebrate Lindsey’s, Ellie’s and Emma’s birthdays. I had heard about Marlijn’s cake baking and I can confirm the rumours are true – they are delicious!
Thank you to our fantastic support team – Ruth, Oliver and Emma. Bring on next weekend.