For this match we had just 11 players, no subs and at 3:30 pm in Happy Valley the sun beamed down on us from a cloudless sky. Recent joiner Astrid volunteered to be first-time goalie on her debut match with Enchiladas. It was also Ivy’s first match in the E team. A massive welcome to both! Coaches Vulture and Doug were there for tactics, and to shout!

Coach Vulture had a few moments to prep Astrid, and both did a sterling job stopping most shots to goal in Q1. We were determined to attack from Recreio’s right flank and intercept on their short passes, which we forced them to do with a strong defence and good marking. Despite three attacking penalty corners we could not transform to goal but Q2 started feeling strong. For me, Q2 was the most fun I’ve had in hockey this season! Recreio, true to form, did plenty of high balls and there was injury a plenty, but nothing too serious. They got a short corner penalty, the umpire whistled half-time, and we started to walk-off when the second umpire stopped us and ordered the penalty to continue. In the confusion we lost our concentration and their first goal materialised.

In the second half we deflected well from the right post. We played mostly in the midfield, but perhaps with fewer chances to get to their D than in the first half. Some rotations from midfield to defence helped, but the lack of subs started to be felt. We nevertheless still showed a strong defence; tackling and blocking using a press more effectively than in previous matches. Alas, a second Recreio goal came from a penalty shot at the end of Q3. We returned to attack more in Q4, but no goals were forthcoming and the match ended 0-2.

Overall, we had good possession and it was a more balanced match than our first encounter in October (draw). We were strong in defence, made used of skills learned at training, and played more like a team. Skills to develop: short passes, using the opponents right to find a clear way down to the D avoiding a crowded middle, more use of slap hits and using the body to protect the ball before a pass in lieu of dribble.