COWHC Ladies 1s vs Surrey Spartans Ladies 1s - 03rd December 2016

Lucy here, the stick stealing, card losing player actually named Sally, reporting to you on the game from a very slippery Trinity College.

A late start due to traffic and the oppo turning up in black shirts didn't dampen the enthusiasm of the COWs, we went out hard and put pressure on the Spartans from the beginning. Lisa P just made it into the goal in time for the whistle, having travelled at the speed of light from her previous game, like the superhero she is. Her heroic stops and continuous guidance from the back earned her this week's POM.

The first half saw us working the ball with military precision, Lena and Dicko using the recently practiced hit out routines, demolishing their press. Emer, Alex and Nicky working hard, winning 50-50s down the middle of the pitch, and showing the Spartans how to play as a team. With continued pressure upfront, we managed to breakdown their free hits and hit outs from the back, giving us some great chances on goal. Rachel tried to take out their right back with her stick, but without any subs and a swollen eye the player cautiously returned to the pitch. A couple of more high balls here and there and the oppo were certainly feeling battered.

Then came the pressure from the Spartans, with short corner after short corner we defended solidly and they were unable to capitalise. Santy managed to stop many dribblers in their tracks and we ended the half 0-0.

After a inspirational half time talk, we hit them hard and used the counterattack effectively, LBell, Emma and Chloe kept pushing the ball upfront providing Hannah and Rachel with some brilliant passes and allowing them to make some great runs. It wasn't long before Rachel managed to slot one in from close range, after a long battle in the D. As advised by Lisa, they came back with everything they had and before long they had managed to sweep one in to equalise.

With some confusion over how long was left, everyone went out hard for the 'final ten minutes' only to find then another 9 minutes on the clock. The pitch was draining but we worked hard until the end but the scored remained at 1-1. Overall a great performance and some brilliant hockey played.

Special thanks to Matt, Toby and Zara for supporting and also to Matt for finding some bibs after complaints from the oppo! Thanks to all 3 umpires and of course, Alex for hosting lovely teas.

Happy Christmas everyone! See you all in Jan, Sally