COWHC Ladies 1s vs Wimbledon Ladies Dev - 25th February 2016

Meeting at 3.30 for a 4.30 pushback was a delight, allowing us to watch the men’s 1 match which was taking place at the royal Russell school pitch just before ours. The high level of skill and abundance of young men dressed in shorts was surely going to be both a source of inspiration and excitement. A quick tour of the Royal Russell grounds led by wife of head/school lodger/cows member Alex was the basis of our warm up with the usual stretches led by Nicky.

A late start to the already late start time of 4.30 and the cold, rainy weather did not deter the mighty cows and battling began right from the beginning. It became quite evident from the start that the average age of Wimbledon was around 13 and so what we lacked in energy levels we made up in skill and maturity. Skilful midfield passing came from Lbell with both Chloe and later Emma pushing up the pitch to add to the persistent attacks. Rachael managed to avoid a card this game but did succeed in falling over (or was she pushed?.....!!) Luckily this was not a sustained injury and only moments later she was driving towards the D.

An early goal from Hannah was met with no reaction at all. From the side line a definite bang was heard (noise of ball hitting back board) and umpires seemed to be conferring. Suddenly cheers came as the goal was allowed and cows managed to finish the first half ahead.

The second half started well with cows fielding a 12 a side team until coach Roachie pointed out to me (Andrea) that I was supposed to be on the sideline. I had hoped no one would notice thus sneaking in a slight advantage on the forward line. Once the whistle was blown there was admirable defending from Dicko and Helen (aka Sante) intercepting countless passes from the oppo, earning her the well deserved title of POM for today’s match. Alex worked her socks off (as usual) in the middle supported solidly by Emer and Nicky darted left and right throughout the match, stopping practically any ball that came within a 5 metre radius. A short corner awarded to cows allowed Nicky to score on the rebound giving cows a 2-0 lead. Maybe it was at this point the teenagers decided to up the pace and quite quickly they managed to get a goal with a direct shot (which was only marginally slower than a speeding bullet). Sharon had managed some spectacular saves but this one even foiled her. Lena had played her usual game of always beating the oppo’s attackers but her nifty ‘one two’ moves were marred by an ankle injury from the previous week’s match. After a rather long dribble up the pitch Lena had to call it a day and was replaced with a sub- Kath who equally defended like a trooper. Sadly a second goal from the oppo which also was super fast and strong meant the game ended 2-2. Not bad but it felt like cows so nearly were heading for a win and so a draw was a small disappointment.

Thanks to Roachie for supporting us and organising subs.

Team was Alex, Andrea, Chloe, Emer, Emma, Hannah, Helen, Dicko, Lena, Nicky, Rachel, Sharon and Cath.

Votes for POM 0.5 Lbell, 2.5 Nicky, 3,5 Emer, 4.5 Cath and today’s POM with 5 votes was Santy!! Well done.