GU14 Eagles Storm to Victory
By Mark Rogers
GU14 Eagles 8 – 1 Wimbledon GU14 Stormers (H)
As the cleanup from Hurricane Milton began, and in a match that can only be described as a meteorological phenomenon, the Eagles faced the aptly named Wimbledon Stormers in Round 2 of the London GU14 Tier 1 League.
Coach Katie reigned over proceedings, facing the unusual position of almost all 15 outfielders announcing themselves as defenders. But, quickly deciding against a 1-10-0-0 formation, she bribed some reluctant forwards with promises of Surbiton white and green cupcakes and raspberry flapjacks if they could secure the win.
The teams had arrived at Sugden Road to find that the 15,510 mile per hour winds predicted by the BBC Weather App had been somewhat overestimated, but that did not stop the Stormers taking to the field like a Category 5 cyclone. They swirled around the Eagles with gusts of speed and skill - testing the (admittedly many) Eagles defenders, but finding their way through ably blocked at every turn. Slowly the winds began to shift and, with Rebecca at the eye of the storm, the Eagles started to take control of the match.
After a tense 10 minutes, a deft cross from Gemma found Ebba’s stick and the back of the Wimbledon goal. Charlie added a hat-trick, with Captain Seren and Sofia also getting their names on the score card.
The Stormers remained dangerous on the counter-attack, huddling like storm clouds readying to unleash a downpour of goals. They kept Emily busy as she spun like a weathervane, contorting to execute some impressive saves. She was assisted by a blistering shoulder-high cricket shot from Leia, saving a lightning hard hit from the Stormers on the goal line. But nothing could keep out the eventual Wimbledon goal, their supporters erupting like thunder in response.
The Eagles rallied, with Sylvie, Cesca and Maya sending a hailstorm of balls into the Wimbledon D, and with Saffron, Lyla, Boo and Taylor creating the perfect front to repel each counter-attack. A deadly combination that enabled the Eagles to soar further into the lead before the final whistle blew.
Next week’s match promises to be another whirlwind as the Eagles face Spencer HC in the first cup match of the season, and Eagles fans will hope another win is in the forecast.