After a mid season break due to hikes the team were eager get their shin pads back on and get on the pitch. With a few key team members missing this week due to illness and the Thailand Round Square conference, a new team set up was adopted with some players trying out new playing positions.
Tactics were discussed and objectives directed to the team prior to the bus ride to Uttoxeter. Penalty corners were practiced with precision and the girls were confident to get a win against the local side. Abbotsholme started with the first centre pass. Kristy progressed the ball forwards, being supported on both wings by Harriet and Annabel, weaving through the defense to begin our attacking onslaught. Unfortunately the movement of the ball inside the D was a little immature at times however, determination continued and our defensive back 3 of Kinsey, Chloe and Charlotte were pressing the team forwards.
After some continued resolve, possession was maintained with 75% of the play being in the oppositions half a breakthrough was had by Kristy punching the ball with purpose into the back of the goal. 1-0 up the girls were elated and enthusiastic to get another one. They didn’t have to wait long after some strong crosses in from Sam, Annabel fired a powerful hit from the right hand side of the D to make it 2-0 just before the half time whistle.
A smiling Miss Bebbington came to the half time talk with bucket loads of positive feedback to give and some reinforcement of the original objectives, along with a new goal which was to double our score! A difficult aim you might say, but not for this strong willed gaggle of ladies.
The second half began with more fluid passing however, a counter-attack from the opposition pushed them into our D, they tried to penetrate the goal but not with Emily Harris in the GK kit. She kicked away two very good attempts on goal, however, the third attempt managed to sneak past our defenders, leaving the score at 2-1.
This was not to continue for too long however, as many players were keen to get on the score card. A strong hit from the top of the D made Kristy’s second goal of the afternoon. Then Harriet was not content with being missed out and scored a brilliant goal from the left side of the D, sweeping the ball powerfully against the back board. Leaving the final score at 4-1 to Abbotsholme. A significant victory which may be the first victory the team has had for long time.
An excellent game was had by all, especially our ever improving Year 11’s. The opposition voted for Kristy Leitner as player of the match, congratulations go to her and the whole team for a cohesive performance that bodes well for future games. Next week we travel to battle it out against Ratcliffe College, to hopefully continue the success and mirror the England team playing at the Commonwealth Games this week.