Ladies 1st XI Vs North Notts 3

Elizabeth (They shall not pass) Turner was first on to the pitch to race to the goal mouth to have some refresher in keeping-practice after a short lay-off. It did not take her long to show who is boss in her D!

Captain Eleanor (Rock of Gibraltar) Wallace welcomed Katrina Franklin  to the  team, new member, and who has already been to several weeks of Thursday training. It seems that Katrina lives close to Sophie (Swift to Pounce) Atkinson, so it is evident that there must be something in the local water   to inspire skill and effort! Because of rolling subs, not everyone below was on the pitch at the same time.

 South Notts quickly went on to the attack  with Sophie (Tiger) Runciman and Ruby (Rocket) Ryan on the wings showing devastating turns of speed  but were repeatedly foiled by  superb defensive play by North Notts.  Gemma (Jet-Propelled) Robinson, Evie (Shooting Star) Bates and Becky (Comet)  Humphris kept creating havoc in the North Notts defence  but it stayed rock solid.

Caroline (the Incomparable) Brackenbury decided to regroup her midfield of  Liz (Fleet-Footed) Foster, Katrina (the Shrewd) Franklin, Sophie (Swift to Pounce) Atkinson, and Rose (the Crafty) Cartwright,  to create punches through the centre.

North Notts  shut down  that ploy too   and set up their own frequent attacks. Hoping to get past Jo (Barrier of the Pyrenees) Shaw and Eleanor (they shall not pass) Wallace, forgetting perhaps that if they staggered past these heroines, they still had Elizabeth (They shall not pass) Turner  to deal with. But South Notts’ midfield, channelling back to collect and re-distribute, were equally resistant and kept up insistent pressure. 

The tactical plan was to do as in the preceding week against the men and to create “possession hockey”. Clickety-click, short, accurate passes, keeping possession.

This plan and the insistent pressure paid off and by half-time South Notts were 3-0 up  with a goal  from Ruby (Rocket )Ryan , and two from Becky (Comet) Humphris  who was having an outstanding game.

It continued in the second half with a goal from Rose  (Crafty) Cartwright, another from Ruby (Rocket) Ryan and another from Becky (Comet ) Humphris to give her the hat-trick.

Final score 6-0 to South Notts but the score-line  does not highlight the massive  efforts  of the North Notts team  who always posed a danger.  And it seems that South Notts Ladies are now top of our  League Division. Well done, everyone.

Thanks were given to splendid umpires Andy Wallace and Elliott Dixon

Coach’s comments

1. The skilful reading of the game throughout by Caroline Brackenbury, Liz Foster, Rose Cartwright, and Sophie Atkinson in midfield were amazing. They must have run miles in covering and reading. It was no coincidence that when the ball squirted out of North Notts defence, one of them was ready and waiting in position.
2. Katrina  Franklin fitted into the team perfectly from the moment she ran on to the pitch. Running into open space to create new opportunities, and tracking back to help shut down attacks showed commendable shrewd anticipation. Well done.
3. The improved match fitness and athleticism of the team was impressive; in particular the consistent speeds of Sophie Runciman   and Ruby  Ryan. It was good to see Evie Bates back after her arm  injury and  playing so well, breaking open  the North Notts defence so well. And the injured arm of Jo Shaw appears well mended, judging by her powerful striking of the ball.  And above all, the welcome and brilliant return of Captain Eleanor Wallace  after her recent leg injury.
4. The touchline support was increasingly vocal. Led by Ali (Zippy) Raynor, with massive contributions from the off-field subs for the moment, from Club Captain Neil Batty, from Club Chairman Simon Recaldin,  and from the families of Ruby Ryan, Gemma Robinson, and Evie Bates.  When the next South Notts team   to play,  (Men’s 3s) arrived early, they added increasing volume,  which  no doubt  spurred on the Ladies.  All this energetic support was most welcome.    Thank you.

Umpires: Andy Wallace, Elliott Dixon