COWHC Ladies 1s vs Gamblers - 09th September 2017

Baia do Sancho (Brazil), Grace Bay (Turks and Caicos), Eagle Beach (Aruba) - Trip Advisor's top 3 most beautiful beaches in the world.
Making its own bid for a place on the list was the setting for the lady COW's first pre=season friendly - Playa del Gamblers (Crystal Palace).

Just a short walk from the nearest car park, this isolated beach is hard to find but boasts knee-shredding levels of sand, and an extremely slow ball pace.

Early season group trips are advised to maximise opportunities to introduce new players, gel as a team, and try new formations (...the rumours are true, Lena started in midfield).

The relaxed atmosphere of this (questionably) idyllic beach may make you forget how to play hockey. Recent visitor, and captain Nicky Wilson said 'it may even appear as though you have not held a hockey stick for 10 years'. Conceding 3 early goals and having a stern talking to at half-time will go some way to dampening this atmosphere. However promises of great second-half hockey and post-match pub visits can quickly lift spirits.

The half-time hospitality at this venue can not be faulted with free orange segments available to all. Whilst there are no drinks on offer, you are free to bring your own, and may use your foam roller as a drinks holder should you so wish.

Promises of great second-half hockey do often deliver, and with better hockey comes goals. A trip to Playa del Gamblers and 2 goals still may not be enough to lighten the mood of the more grumpy visitors, however stress-busting activities such as attempting to rugby tackle opposition players can help.

Be sure to make a trip to the visitor shop before leaving. Popular souvenirs include impressive multi-coloured bruises and ruined tans.

Overall rating: ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️
3 out of 5 - half-time oranges a highlight, though won't be breaking into the top 3 anytime soon.

The team: Andrea, Becca, Bryony, Claire, Hannah H, Santy, Dicko, Lena, LBell, Lizzie, Lydia, Nicky W, Rachel, Mrs B, and Vicky (congrats to Bryony, Becca and Lizzy who made their COWHC debuts)

POM votes: Nicky - 0.5, Becca - 1, Claire - 1, LBell - 2, Sharon - 2, Rachel - 2.5, Lizzie - 8! (Well done!)

Thanks to Roachie for coaching, AJ for umpiring and to Martin, Dotty & Benji for their support.