Match Report: YHC L3’s vs South Berkshire 5’s

Our return home match against South Berkshire 5’s had a bit of a foggy start. When we arrived, the far end of the pitch was nearly invisible, but thankfully, the fog cleared up quickly and was replaced by bright spring sunshine – perfect hockey weather!

Given how our last match against South Berkshire caught us off guard with their pace and determination, we were focused and ready from the get-go...determined not to let that happen again.

We usually start home games at the cage end, but today we began at the car park end and it suited us well.

The first half was fantastically beautiful hockey! Player/coach Nicki was probably the happiest person on the pitch, watching the ball glide up and down the field with such ease. It was clear our teamwork was really clicking.

The opening goal came from a brilliant assist by Flippa, sending the ball down the line to Charlotte, who battled hard across the baseline and forced the deflection for an own goal.

We weren’t done yet, though. Sarah followed up with a powerful ball into the D, for a feather-like touch from birthday girl Caroline to take us to half time at 2-0.

The game wasn't without injuries; Rosie narrowly escaped DoD by forgetting to jump a through-ball and getting injured in the process, and Niamh breaking her watch (but thankfully not any bones!) after a committed tackle with the oppo.

The second half showed flashes of the first, but South Berks came out fighting. We were rocked after conceding a goal and soaked up a barrage of attacks. The defence held strong, but was breached once more to make an exciting finish. Our hearts were in our mouths in the dying seconds when the oppo striker had a 1 on 1 with Helen, who put on enough pressure to force the strike wide!

Both teams walked off feeling a draw was a fair result, and we have lots of positives to take into next week!

MoM: Charlotte for her driving attacks
DoD: Sarah for arguing with the oppo that she wasn't arguing!