Sages 3 - 0 Ashford (Middx) WO45s
By Philippa Lynch
Top, top, top, top, top of the league!!
A sunny Sunday morning in Ashford saw the Sages clinch the London Masters Women’s O45 Premier in our first season as a squad. Not bad at all ladies – surely a contender for Team of the Season (committee to note!).
It was a fairly early start which could have been messy given that most teams concluded their season on the Saturday with some drinks in the sun on the SHC terrace. It started with an essential retrieval of kit from the locked club car park, but thankfully no injuries ensued from the athletic entry (i.e. over the gates!).
All arrived promptly (ahem!) for a gentle warm up with some interesting exercises to say the least. Thankfully we were all able to get back up off the floor. And then we were off! A mixed-up team this week with Ruth and Val pulled into the midfield – and doing a great job of it to say the least. We also welcomed back Jenny (glory seeker turning up for the final victorious game!) and Jane after missing a few games.
A spirited first half proceeded with some great connections using the whole pitch, and some lovely clearances across the back. Fee seemed to have a force field around her in the middle, left in loads of space to clear us through to head goalwards. Ellie was on fire with some blistering runs up the right mid, spending more time beyond the halfway line than behind during the first half.
Despite the energetic action it remained at 0-0 at half time. But Ruth’s ‘mum bag’ of wine gums and other sweet treats had a positive effect, and we were raring to go in the second half. Three goals materialised – straight strike from Jo, reverse strike from Anne following a lovely assist from Ruth, and a lovely little volley from Jo saw the Sages clinch the title. But Ashford were no walkover, and there were heroics at the other end with an aerial heading into the top corner saved by Ellie (how did she reach that!!), a save by Sinead off the line, and several great clearances by Annie in goal.
Our win concluded a great first season for the Sages. Thank you and well done to Sinead for organising the squad so admirably to get a fighting force out for all our league, cup and plate matches. It has been a great fun addition to the season, and a great group of ladies showing that we’re still up for a double header on a weekend!
Defending the POM for another week was Ellie! Star performances all round for Anna D, Jo, Jenny, Anne M, Fee, Val, Ruth F, Philippa, Sinead, Ellie, Ruth B, Jane and of course Annie.
And a special mention to the rest of the squad that have helped us on our way to the top of the table – Silke, Sophie R, Louise, Debs, Kirsteen, Mandy, Clairee, Claire J, Emma D, Monica, Becks, Jen R, Nao, Taryn. Onwards and upwards ladies – maybe we’ll contend for the cup next season!