I am more chuffed than I should be in saying that it was a game of four halves for our under14 girls at the first traingular fixture of the season.
Following a couple of drop outs and a spectacular finger injury we were a team of 14 who made the trip to Failand. Of these 9 girls were from the junior year of the age bracket.
Half 1 - Firebrands 3 Wotton 0
A calm passive and gentle Wotton team are taken to task by a skilful firebrands team. Cue some stern words from yours truly and assistant coach Poppy.
Half 2 - Firebrands 1 Wotton 0
Aah yes work rate, tackling, possession. A much better performance all round with some good chances on the break for our forward line of Josie and Katie. #effortiseverything
Not a bad showing for the first game - the scoreline flattered 'brands a bit but no complaints - the girl's upbeat mood slightly spoiled by the realisation that they were straight back on to face Dauntsey's school, I mean Devizes HC - yes we only played them last week.
Half 3 - Devizes 4 Wotton 1
Tricky half this one, Devizes were clearly stung by last week's match and came out meaning business - they played some very good hockey to be fair - moving the ball very well from side to side. Wotton's spirits raised by a Katie W goal late in the half.
Half 4 - Devizes 6 Wotton 2
Devizes just kept coming - playing annoyingly good hockey and putting away their chances well. The Wotton girls were looking tired in this half after 75 minutes of solid hockey.
The fighting spirit of the girls was rewarded by a strange Amelia goal (I don't think she really knows how it crept in) and another Katie goal where she turned the centre half in, out and shake it all about before slotting home for a cool finish.
Overall a tough but worthwhile afternoon for the Wotton girls. Despite their lack of experience at this level they handled themselves very well and kept on keeping on. It was great to see the girls visibly improving throughout the afternoon and despite the scoreline this afternoon's investment will reap benefits later on in their hockey journeys.
Players of the Match:
Match one
Attack - Dottie R
Defence - Winnie R (We are family!)
Match two:
Attack - Katie W
Defence - Amelia R
Coaches picks
Tara F - for work rate and improvement throughout the afternoon
Elsie L - calmness on the ball and willingness to attack her opposite number.
Girl of Steel nomination
Lucy B for taking a full blooded hit on the side whilst running one on a short corner. The dull thwack made the 30 odd people watching wince. After taking a few minutes to get her Mojo back she was straight back in the fray - #doublehard
Thanks again to Cathy York for umpiring, Lee Ricciardi and Poppy S for helping me coach and Kate Bashford and Samantha Lewis for the parental admin support.
Finally thanks to all the Wotton Ultras who came and cheered on the girls, it was great to hear the huge cheers which greeted the girls efforts. I thought the blue flare was a bit much for Failand on a Sunday afternoon though!!
#matchreport