Bulldogs triumphant in Dartford

The Blackheath Bulldogs saw off the challenge of Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks and Burnt Ash on Sunday at Dartford to seal a memorable tournament victory.
The Bulldogs opened with a match against Tunbridge Wells Belles. Player of the match Daisy Jones claiming the only goal in a 1-0 win with Oliva Murphy also impressive in her marshalling of the defensive line, aided capably by Amelie Willis.
In the second match, the Bulldogs were up against pre-tournament favourites the Sevenoaks Meteors. Alice Colaiacomo was immense in defence twice denying the Meteors with last-ditch clearances. However, the Meteors broke through to take the lead. But that seemed only to spur the Bulldogs on. Wave after wave of attacks orchestrated by Marjolaine Mauduit and Elizabeth Barber eventually delivered fruit. And Blackheath's policy of shoot on sight paid off with Marjorlaine's long-range effort rifling in to level the scores and claim a 1-1 draw. Alice took the player of the match award for her efforts. There was also notable midfield battling from both Emily Ralston and Lyra Couper to break up the attacks from the Meteors.
Next up were the hosts Burnt Ash. The hosts went in unbeaten and were expected to be a threat. However, the Bulldogs had clearly not been reading the script and brushed them aside with ease 4-0. It was a case of a masterclass from Amelia Huggett. Her neat stick play repeatedly tormented Burnt Ash. She would end the match with a hat-trick and the player of the match award. Daisy claiming the other goal.
The final match saw the Bulldogs take on the Sevenoaks Strikers, knowing only a good win would seal tournament victory. And the result was never really in doubt. Amelia opened the scoring, before Marjolaine added the second. Then it became the Daisy show as she scored twice - achieving her coach's prediction that she would score four in the tournament. Amelia then produced a piece of dazzling skill to waltz through the Strikers' defence to score the fifth, before Marjolaine added a sixth at the final whistle. Amelia once more took the player of the match award.
Four games, three wins, one draw, 12 goals and one conceded. An amazing display. And as for player of the tournament? There was one option: the whole team.