SHC Wolves 5 - 1 Old Cranleighan 7s (A)
By Debs Ogun
Pleased that the game had not been frozen off, the Wolves ventured out into the wind and rain to take on local neighbours Old Cranleighans.
Sophie broke the news that due to train issues we would be without Lauren and down to 13. Offers of future sofas and spare beds abounded so that we’re not without her again. A poorly Debs opted to stay off the back line first and then fully demonstrated why she should have stayed in bed when she did come on, clearly not being aware of which side of the pitch she was playing on as she repeatedly sent balls off the sideline.
Luckily the rest of the defence had had their Weetabix and were strong. Louise doing her now customary runs up the wing and even venturing into the attacking D. Ruth providing excellent support play and linking superbly with Sophie whilst still holding firm in defence. Ellie assumed her usual stronghold as sweeper, letting nothing past, not even those pesky, speedy colts from OCs. Luckily when she did fire one towards our goal she hit the post and was saved from own goal embarrassment! Caitlin produced another sterling performance saving balls that the rest of us didn’t even see.
The midfield put in a quality shift and never stopped running. A big thank you to Phillippa from the Pumas for joining us and slotting into the team perfectly. You are welcome any time!
Lia provided support to both the defence and the forward line whilst also repeatedly taking the ball off the oppo and launching wave after wave of advances up the pitch.
Joanna sought out space and called for the ball before mounting her own attacking moves from her side of the pitch.
Meanwhile, Sophie produced a POM-worthy performance in the centre, getting onto crosses from both sides of the pitch, appearing out of nowhere to disarm the oppo of the ball and providing excellent distribution to all areas and players.
Fuelled by the excitement of last week’s 9-1 goal fest, the forwards were once again keen to get on the scoresheet.
First up stepped Taryne, playing to the whistle and slotting home the first goal despite the foot of the OC’s defence.
Goal no. 2 came from a strong cross from Sophie and a superb deflection from Anne. You can’t teach skill like that! Can’t defend against it either!
Not to be outdone, Chengai was keen to get herself on the scoreboard again. Unfortunately since this was near half time we’re all a bit sketchy on the details (even Chengai herself!)
3-0 half time.
Second half OCs came out strong and were well structured. They had some high runners who were looking to pick up the ball and try to score.
Chengai received the ball just over the halfway line and drove it to the top right corner, staying strong on the ball she continued along the back line before slotting it neatly into the goal.
Round about now or maybe a bit later, OCs scored a goal making it 4-1.
Goal no. 5 came from a short corner, sent out to Ellie who fired it towards the goal for Taryne to get a stick to it only to be saved by the goalie, another shot was fired off only to be saved again before Taryne sent in the next rebound to make it 5-1!
Great attacking play up front with players following in shots and always keen to pick up the rebound.
DOD nominations go to:
*Lauren for not making it (harsh)
*Blythe for emergency call out for a black baselayer for a rowing competition that she didn’t realise was happening (well done on winning a race!)
*Phil for throwing her stick after the ball (valiant effort)
*Debs for severe brownie scarcity this season (will be remedied…)
Well played Wolves. The march continues on!