USPHC Vs Fareham 3’s

This week saw the US ladies enjoy an early PB at Fareham hockey club to face Fareham 3s, whilst the weather couldn't decide whether it was blazing sunshine or storm conditions. Warm-ups conducted, and Captain Brooke's pep talk delivered, we prepared to start...

Well, everyone else prepared to start whilst Joley waited patiently for the helmet that had fallen out of her goal kit-bag, forcing her husband to cancel all his plans to deliver it post-haste (jokes, he was coming to watch, what else would you do on a Saturday?). Heavy is the head that wears the crown they say, and this is also true with goalkeepers. As she donned her helmet whilst the starting whistle had blown, the DoD was decided on unanimously in everyone's minds...

Fareham immediately leapt into action, and a lucky break and great passing saw the ball sail into the net inside the 1st minute. In light of this, US struggled to find their footing, but despite this morale and communication were good amongst everyone. As the 1st half went on, though handling and passing improved, as well as some impressive play from Annabelle in mid line and some energetic defending from Ella and Sophie Godwin , Fareham secured some short corners, and by half time the score was 3-0.

The second half saw play and technique improve even more in the US team, and after a great break we claimed our one and only goal of the match. A special mention goes to Amy Phillips, returning to US after a few years to play again. Though Fareham claimed another goal and the final score was 4-1, the match left US with a lot to be happy with, and a lot of lessons learned.

MoM - Annabelle Bond, for consistently brilliant play in the mid line

DoD - Joley Gardiner (myself), for letting her helmet go wandering!