Looking on paper at our oppositions scores from previous weeks, we did not know what to think. From having beaten the top of the league to losing 10-0, there was no way to work out which way this could go! Having secured a substitute late in the week, we thought that we would be able to have a bit of a breather throughout the game, however the Gods were not on our side, when due to last minute cancellations we went back to 11 players. Once again with multiple options for keeper on pitch, which seems to fast be becoming the Ladies 6 team signature. With the rain coming in, we decided that 11 players was a good thing, and no one had to stand in the rain on the sideline (sorry parents!)
With positive attitude, and some players in slightly different position from normal, having decided to play 4 across the middle rather than the back, we took the first push back. We made it to their 23, before the youth and speed of the Blackheath opposition took control of the game early. They were relentless with attack upon attack on our defence. We played well and fought hard before the first defensive short corner came. Our girls ran out hard, however the ball found the back board and we thought that we were 1-0 down within the first 10 minutes. However, fortunately for us, the umpires saw that the ball had not exited the circle and the goal was disallowed.
Playing on hard and determined to keep our heads up, the game was paused when the umpire became concerned that one of our players was dizzy on the pitch and requested her to get some liquid and rest. With 10 on the pitch we continued and by half time despite our best efforts, positive attitude, belting it up the pitch and brilliant saves we were 3-0 down, having not got to their goal.
The second half began in much the same way and shortly into it on another defensive short, the game was stopped again. This time following a lifted ball smacked straight into our defender running 1’s wrist. We were back down to 10 players. However we were determined and something changed within our team. We made more attacks and held off stronger, knowing that they had un intentionally taken one of ours out of the rest of the game. When they made their attacks, we held strong, unfortunately, the feet they found in the circle in the second half seemed to be on the line and within 5 mins, we had not one but two penalty strokes against us. Our young keeper looked confident as we gathered on one side of the pitch to watch. However she did not have to save either stroke, as our opposition didn’t understand the rules and attempted to dibble the first and hit the second one wide!
Following some play towards our opposition’s circle and many changes of possession in the two centre quarters, Blackheath got a final attack that lead to the final score line of 4-0.
We had some fantastic play this week and amazing positive attitudes throughout a difficult game, to which everyone should be commended. Our player of the match this week our fantastic keeper Aisha.