The opening match of the season was always going to bring with it some first match nerves, however Ruby soon calmed these slightly with her opening goal after approximately 30 seconds! The girls showed a promising first quarter: Martha showing that all her practise over the summer months had not gone to waste with some clever defensive moves. The team was raring to go and finished the first quarter 3-1 up.

The 2nd quarter saw excellent passing and team play. These girls were really looking out for each other, communicating and showing the strong team ethos they have perfected in training. Alice and Beany showed relentless pressure on the Brooklands girls who found it difficult to get through a tight Mellor defence. Lucy showed grit and determination in order to drive the ball into her own half, where Ruby, Eve, Milly and Katie took full advantage with their around goal teamwork. The half time score was Mellor 5 – Brooklands 2.

During the 3rd quarter the Brooklands girls really upped their game. Despite some fast runs from Amelie and pressure from the D team, Brooklands managed to even the score to a 6-6 draw at the end of the 3rd quarter.

Motivational words from coach Lydia at quarter time brought the fighting side we had seen earlier in the match. Vocal pressure from Lara, a timely and accurate interception from Annabel and poise and concentration from Liv meant that Brooklands just couldn’t get the ball past her. The midfield team pounded the pitch to ensure the attacking team could fire away a few more goals to finish the match with a 10-6 win.

The was beyond doubt a team effort with all girls giving their all.

Player of the match : Lucy Mayer

Goals: Ruby-5, Annabel-3, Katie-2.

Saves: Liv-4 (but there may have been more!)

Thanks to Lydia for super team coaching, to Mark stepping up to managerial office, and Richard and Ged for their umpiring genius. Also thanks to vocal and positive support from parents and to Brooklands for hosting and giving us a brilliant opening match for the 2018-19 season.