Spicy game vs Madras

The Ladies 2s took on Madras Hockey Club in St Andrews .. always a very competitive match against an experienced Madras side.

The Ladies 2s are starting to play some good hockey again and remain unbeaten since the return of Outdoor. They started this game very brightly too - remaining strong in defence against a equally determined Madras side early on and then making a very good break with Fiona taking the ball to the D and putting in one of her big, fast passes which Jade was able to get on the end of to sneak it into the goal. An encouraging start and GMHC had other opportunities too but finished the quarter 1-0 ahead. Unfortunately the level dipped in the 2nd quarter and Madras were far the stronger team at that stage. Despite some great guidance from Kate in goal about positions & threats, i, GMHC lost some structure and passes were not going to stick and we were trying to go through players rather than using skill to get around. There were the odd moments of brightness from Erin & Iona C making some strong runs. Fiona also played some great balls across the D but the team couldn't quite get onto the end of these again and another goal remained elusive. Madras capitalised from our frailty and equalised!

The half time talk seemed to do the trick though and GMHC came out fighting - returning to keeping a much better structure and being more accurate with the passing. It was encouraging to see Lily B start to grow in confidence too making some good tackles & accurate passes - a tricky game for a young player against this experienced side. As always, everybody was working hard despite some tired legs. GMHC won 2 x penalty corners but despite them being well worked, we were unable to convert. And so the 3rd quarter remained at 1-1.

And so to the final quarter. Early on, Erin made another penetrating run and this time managed to pull the ball around and slotted it with accuracy into the bottom corner. Ali MacFarlane in particular was thrilled as she's really been encouraging Erin to "have a go" rather than always look for a pass! So 2-1 ahead ... and very much on the attack. However Madras are always dangerous and are always determined to get something from a game every time .. and we know this!! They seemed to find an extra bit of something and were attacking again with more purpose which resulted in an equaliser which was disappointing. And they continued to press for the win right up until the final whistle.

It was a good game -- played in good spirits and with plenty of good action to keep the interested spectators engaged!

You do wonder though what the outcome might have been if GMHC had had subs! Once again, late call offs letting the team down. In contrast to other players who always bust a gut to get to games despite playing for school in the morning, showing true team spirit & commitment. Every player needs to set their availability accurately each week and not pull out at the last minute. You let yourselves down but more importantly you let your team down.

Thanks to Iain Colwell who umpired and to Ryan for coaching.

Photo: missing Kate Smith (GK) who had to dash away!