COWHC Ladies 2s vs Surbiton Ladies 5s - 12th March 2017

"Champions aren't made in gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them -- a desire, a dream, a vision. They have to have the skill, and the will. But the will must be stronger than the skill."
-- Muhammad Ali

Sunday 12th March - there was desire, dream, vision, skill and there was more will than ever before.

After the uplifting and heroic performance of Saturday, getting a draw against the 3rd placed team in the league the Mighty COWs arrived less than 24 hours later, pumped up and ready to take on the 2nd placed team in the league.
The game got off to a less than perfect start with a fail at the start of the gauntlet run but from then on Surbiton didn't know what had hit them. They weren't expecting this metamorphosis of the Mighty COWs since that early season game. We played as a team, for each other. We battled, we stepped in front, we passed, we pressed and most importantly we had belief. We created passing moves enabling us to move effortlessly up the pitch and we won early short corners putting huge pressure on the Surbiton defence. When Surbiton broke back, displaying speed and skills our calm defensive line stepped up taking the ball every time. The defensive play was fantastic including great saves from our awesome keeper..
The half time score of 0-0 was a fair reflection of the game but the Mighty Cows knew it was there for the taking.
We came out hard in the second half ruffling feathers of the Surbiton team. We were pulled up for enthusiastic tackles, sworn at for rugby tackles, many of us got battered and bruised but still we continued with fire inside us.
Surbiton won more short corners but they were thwarted every time by the fabulously solid defence. Our committed, marvelous midfield ran tirelessly up and down the pitch breaking down the Surbiton moves and then distributing the ball to the forward line. The forwards created opportunities getting closer and closer to that all so elusive goal.
And then there were 2 minutes to go. We all went back to defend but then we got the ball and moved forwards. We will all relive that last minute - what could have been. Somehow and somewhere we lost possession and Surbiton whipped the ball down to the other end. Within a flash they had crossed it in to the D and a jab secured them a goal in the 69th minute. They knew they didn't really deserve it and we knew they definitely didn't deserve it.
A sad and frustrating end to the game but there were so many positives. We passed, we moved, we called, we fought, we battled but most of all we had spirit. To use another quote:
“The individual great spirit and great efforts create a great team.”
Today the spirit and the effort did indeed create a great team.
We know now we have the ability and the spirit. With 2 games left to go, Spencer and Spartans should be very worried indeed.

Thanks to coachy Rochie, Adam for umpiring and supporters Matt, Kirsty, Henry, Rochie's friend, Chalkie, Callum and Eddie. Sorry if I've forgotten anyone else.
POM votes were 0.5 Dicko & Lena, 1 Mrs B, Santy, Emer, 1.5 Chloe, 3 Chels and 4.5 for Nicky. Well played El Capitano with no sleep and sweating pure gin.
The Mighty COWs. A team above all. Above all a team.