There was an international flavour to the first girl’s match of the season. Two English teams during an Indian summer playing an American game – and it wasn’t beach volley ball, as the sandy conditions may have fooled some supporters into thinking.

The game wasn’t tight, although one might have thought it was going to be, watching Brooklands score the opening goal. In fact having gone ahead, Mellor were soon sailing into a 4 -1 lead with goals from Amy, Katie (s), Emily and Ether who has also developed a serene 1 handed pick up where others were still using the bucket and spade approach.

Brooklands, though behind, never gave up and if it wasn’t for a few good saves from Aimee, our sand castle could have been breached more often – and it could have been closer at half time than 7 – 3.

There was some good interchanges and passing, and whilst some players were scoring goals, there were many more covering and cajoling and it was noticeable that rarely did players of either side breach harbour defences easily. Emily M is like a rock in defence and Sophie, has developed further into an outstanding mid field player.

Occasionally, passes from both sides were sloppy and on other days, Brooklands, who have fantastic players amongst others in their numbers 35 and 37 will have more success. However, the tide was mostly in our favour today and the match finished Mellor 16, Brooklands 4

Match statistics
Mellor Shots 21 Goals 16
Brooklands 7 4

Nevil Tideswell reporting from Mellor Beach LX club