Physical. Tough. Dirty.
Strong words usually reserved for the Dutch team but not on this occasion – more on this later though! J
This was the Ladies 2nd XI's third outing of the season and they have now played (arguably) the 3 toughest teams in the division in the THC Ladies 1's, SCC and now the Dutch. In all three games the girls have applied themselves admirably gaining invaluable experience and improving with every minute played. This game was to be no different.
Once again the sun was shining for the pushback and both teams came out with the intention of playing some sexy attacking hockey. The Dutch, playing without a keeper, had the extra man in the hotly contested midfield area and the Dutch number 8 was pulling all of the strings in the opening exchanges. A short period of sustained pressure produced a goal for the Dutch and it was definitely their reward for some slick passing and movement.
The goal seemed to knock the Tornados up a gear and the girls started to pass the ball around nicely, building up from the back, through to the midfield and up to the front line. Chloe was an ever present menace running at the Dutch defence, turning them at every possible opportunity. At this point the game was finely balanced and THC had the opportunity to capitalise with a short corner routine but alas it was not meant to be. Unfortunately for the girls the Dutch put together another tidy move together which resulted in a composed finish from the Dutch centre forward – 2-0.
Some teams would have got their heads down after this but not the THC 2nd XI – they battled on and really mixed it with the much bigger Dutch team. Joran had asked the girls to be more physical before the game and they did not disappoint....
The first incident of note occurred after a short corner for the Dutch – the details were sketchy but after a little bit of verbal with our skipper Jane, the Dutch left forward was next seen crumpled into a heap on the far side of the pitch. We still don't know what happened (and probably never will!) but the Dutch gave Jane a wide berth after that!
At 2-0 the girls continued to push and we're almost rewarded with their first SHF goal of the season. Chloe broke free, skinning the Dutch defence for pace and advancing into the D but was cruelly denied her goal as the umpire had already blown for the short corner. I think the most disappointed person at SK was Joran who spent the next 5 mins rolling around on the floor like he had been shot in the chest. Don't worry Joran – we'll score this season! Tough on the girls too but ultimately a fair decision – at this point it is worth noting that both umpires were excellent on Saturday.
The second half did not go according to plan unfortunately and some tired legs under the hot sun resulted in more goals for the Dutch ladies but we don't need to dwell on that. Suzanne kept up her superb form with some great stops and the back line again put in credible performances.
Now for a special mention to Shirley Lee. As you know, Shirley is no giant and was easily the smallest player on a pitch full of Dutch girls who are bigger than most of THC's men! Despite this physical disadvantage she still managed to almost KO one of the Dutch defenders with a head butt worthy of an MMA fighter. Shirley tells me it wasn't deliberate but I could see the glint in her eye. SHF beware – she may look like butter wouldn't melt but under that exterior is a vicious beast. Top skills Shirl.
On this showing the girls will absolutely pick up points this term providing the effort and commitment remains high. Both myself and Joran were impressed with the level of aggression too – something that has been missing from previous games.
As I started writing this report on Monday and it's now Thursday I have completely forgotten who got MVP! From a coaches perspective it could have gone to any number of individuals. I promise that I will mention the recipient in next week's report!
Have a great Easter and don't eat too much chocolate over the break J
Coach Kris.
No comments:
Post a Comment