The scoreboard may have said 5–0, but honestly, it felt more like a moral victory for us. We were 2–0 down at half time, but the team spirit was sky-high from first whistle to last.

First up: Ros. Considering she was nearly removed from the gene pool by Imogen’s warm-up death strike, the fact she even played was miraculous. The fact she then pulled off save after save after save? Legendary.

Our junior stars Esme, Rayhana, and Chloe were unreal today.
• Chloe unexpectedly joined us thanks to cancelled football (their loss, our gain) and happily played out of position like it was nothing.
• Rayhana looked like she was conducting an orchestra, pinging the ball around and turning defence into attack like a pro.
• And Esme? She was everywhere, winning everything, shining non-stop. Player of the Match by a mile.

Because we had 400 defenders available, Imogen was launched up front for the first time this season and caused real trouble for their back line. She also earned Lemon of the Match for nearly killing our goalkeeper pre-game, so really—great all-round contributions.

Emily D delivered silky passes up front, while Emily S thundered into the D repeatedly but couldn’t quite find the net. She nearly claimed Lemon herself after enthusiastically cheering a short corner… for the opposition. A fan of the sport in general, we love to see it.

Hannah was back and immediately back to bossing things in midfield, plus a few cameo roles up front and in defence because why not. Lizzie absolutely dominated right mid, sprinting up the line and earning well-deserved POM votes. Ali T worked like a machine in midfield, constantly winning the ball and dismantling the press.

At the back, Neha was brilliant—calm, composed, and nicking the ball at key moments. Ali C and Alie W held centre back with authority, organising the team and keeping things under control even when the pressure was on.

And of course, a huge thank you to our umpires Joan and Lee, who keep our games running smoothly. And to Lucy, who gave elite-level sideline cheering.

*Final Thought*
We may not have scored… but we did have fun, played great hockey, grew as a team, avoided death (mostly), and provided plenty of entertainment.

A brilliant effort all round.