SHC Snails WO45s 4 - 1 Windsor WO45s (A)

We got very excited to be at the foothills of Windsor Castle (we actually couldn’t see anything due to the fog) and playing on the hallowed grounds of Eton College. Our captain Sinead had been given some new advice to follow by her trainer and the nerves were showing when at 12.45 the meet time arrived and various Snails were still MIA. We are a reliable bunch (well not when it comes to outfit instructions…more on that later). After some rousing warm ups and new moves (not always wise when dealing with the O45s) we had our line up and subs at the ready.

When instructions are given, verbal is perfect… a small folded piece of A5 into A2.5 was more than we could cope with and some slightly visually impaired members were seen squinting at the plan. Well, it wasn’t Ruthie Fraser…she was straight off the blocks fresh from her birthday celebrations and new slim line look into the D with an absolute belter into the top right… 1-0 to us.

The Windsor team had some lovely players and some nifty moves and so there was a little adjusting in defence to ensure we took on one each. The mids have worked so hard this season and a big shout out today to Val, Anna, Sinead, Fiona Fitch, Jane (all of whom played other positions too); we are always strong in defence as they track back and mark so well.

The one-two passes were fabulous and it was a pleasure to watch this happen multiple times. This was Spuggie’s brilliant advice – there is a lot of space, stick together and move up the pitch and don’t leave big gaps. Well that’s what I heard anyway.

The forwards were on fire today and we had some very inventive shots on goal from Anne McC; Jo F; Dawn (picking up those balls on the right) and a great goal from Anna D. The oppo still gave us a few hairy moments particularly when one snuck very unusually past Silke. Ruthie scored again and we were now 3-1.

Our defenders Debs (known to all my non-hockey friends as Debs the Defender), Ellie, Phillipa (who I swear was playing mid too!), Jane, Sinead (if you are counting you can see many played multiple positions!) and moi all continued to mark those Windsor gazelles and ensure we didn’t let any more into the D. Our last pop at a full on attack resulted in another late goal, a super pass in from Val; on target and then a little bit of the Jo Firth magic as she always manages; a stick in the right place at the right time… 4-1 to the Snails.

There is nothing Snail-like about these games, many players are trialling for England O-something (40s/50s) and my watch clocked up 7km of sprints. We had a lovely match tea in a pub in Windsor – no Prince William but some delicious pasta; good banter and rugs on those cold leggies whilst we ate outside with our oppo. Top day.

Reason for me writing the match report – only one to turn up in green away top and white socks (I was so proud of myself).

We have to also give a big Snaily shout out to Chrissie our touring umpire who held the game together magnificently (as did their lovely umpire). Let's hope she likes foreign climes and will come to the next round.

We were very proud to have our usual supporters. This time a new musical instrument has been introduced; Wendy on the horn; Annie on the maracas… applications are open for a full orchestra if we get to go to the Isle of Man or Sheffield or Norfolk….to win the Vase (yes a Vase!!). Big thanks to Charlotte for coming too.

ALL HAIL THE SNAIL