We arrived promptly at our home pitch for a sweaty warm up led by our fabulous Nic, and some helpful passing drills from Emma.

We started slow with some poor decisions and lack of speed which Leopold took advantage on, getting their first goal from open play. We kept our heads up and Jodie up front made some great movements along side Abi L and Esme; getting decent breakthroughs with a lovely ball for Nic to run onto but unfortunately just missed. Abi G was trying to help us set up the press with some good coaching from behind. Leopold managed to bag another goal from a very well rehearsed short (thankfully not from one of their silly attempts of what we like to call a ‘pancake scoop’ - that is not skill). We proceeded to have some good breakthroughs from our big hitters in defence, Emma, Holly and Abi G. Good interceptions from Astrid in mid and passing with Jen. Anna was taken out by a hit of the ball straight on the foot (took this like a champ) and was assisted by Jodie, Sam and Matilda (Anna’s daughter) to get some ice and RICE!

Team talk at half time with some of the chewiest (vegan) fruit pastels I’ve ever had in my life meant I started the second half with my teeth stuck together and unable to get my mouth guard in. Luckily Sam’s hockey was a lot better than her sweet choosing skills with some great runs throughout.

We worked a lot better as a team in the second half with a few injuries from Nic and Astrid (you’re welcome for the deep heat ?). Nehir had a cracking stint at left back, making it challenging for the opposition to get a chance in our D. I managed to get a slip in their D which Esme just narrowly missed on the post. We had plenty of opportunities to get a goal from many short corners, particularly Kara but just missing the ball. Loz made some good saves in our own goal but they bagged another which ended the match on a 3-0.

POM: (most of the team got a vote but our 4-way-tie went to): Jodie, Sam, Alex & Nehir ?