Sloths 5 - 1 THD Vintage (H)

What a difference a year makes! This time last year, we were basking in glorious sunshine; this year, I needed a snorkel to navigate the torrential rain that hit us midway through the game.

Both teams started brightly, with the Sloths soaking up early pressure as THD moved the ball around confidently, creating a couple of chances. One of those attempts was brilliantly saved by Laura’s tricep, leaving a lasting impression—both physically and as a reminder of her unwavering commitment to the Sloth cause. The pressure eventually led to a short corner, which was fired toward the goal, only to be deflected into the roof of Annie’s net—unfortunately, off a Sloth stick.

That was the wake-up call we needed. In the second quarter, we started to spread the ball, using Herbie as a pivot, earning our own short corner. While THD expected a rocket from the top, they were caught off guard by a Sloth-speed shot from Val on the left, fooling everyone. Game on!

With growing confidence, the Sloths pushed up the right side, where Pia fired a cross that Nikki expertly tucked in at the far post. Now in the lead, we were guilty of easing off, but in the second half, another ball from the right found Ruth, who made no mistake in slamming it home.

After some tactical words of wisdom from Herbie, the final quarter was time to step on the gas. Val wasted no time, scoring her second within the first minute, this time with a little more power. Like buses, the next goal arrived just minutes later, courtesy of a short corner. No Sloth game would be complete without a straight strike from the top, sealing the score at 5-1.

More important than the scoreline, though, was a lovely roast at the Limping Fox with the opposition, starting the season as we mean to go on.