MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

Blackheath Ladies 1's v Canterbury 3's

MoM: Jenna for her excellent attacking play and goals
DoD: Rich for losing his car keys after training, muddling his words ‘ball of bags’ and getting stuck in traffic

Fortress Polo had closed the access road and pulled up the drawbridge. This may have thwarted the Blackheath coach but not the enthused, encouraged and enlivened ladies of Blackheath, for they were high on a string of wins and nothing, not the rain nor the closed A2, was going to dampen the great start to the season.

However the team started in nervous anticipation. For this pitch had bounce and it had derailed them last season. Step up new contenders to first team longevity, new players to the club and a returnee. This team had balance, options and true grit.

Canterbury started in an expected organised set up. Experienced heads kept younger minds controlled. However Blackheath had started much the livelier and early forays into the D promised an early lead.

New player George Light proved wily, threaded neat passes to in form Jenna, hard hitting Karen and Alice is mesmerising form. New player Netty roamed her section of field and commanded her section so well that no ball travelled up or down the left side of the field for over 15 minutes. Perhaps we ought to try out letting through that side next week? We'll call it Netting.

Dynamic Duo Jill S Preston and Vicky Theodore Logan closed the midfield, chaperoned by Captain Seal Team Bravo, allowing keeper Sarah, fresh from hugging GB keeper Maddie Hinch mid week, very little work to do. Close the A2 will you!

Of course no team is complete unless the Welsh Guard is in town. It is real testament to their control, aggression and cool calm execution that turn over after turn over played back in the midfield. Aerial balls from Ceri and demonic runs into the opposition D from Sian have provided the team with an extra bite. Despite just having to defend the two short corners the team completed a third complete shut out.

These results are coming from the hard work and dedication put into training and availability. Operating with three subs has meant players can work harder for shorter periods of time. Taking their turn on the bench to start with we had Rosie, Rosemary Dave Wilson, Alina. Each played pivotal roles, played through the half and forward line and added to the work rate that ultimately exhausted a brave opposition. Fatigue did turn the game from a 3-0 certainty to a 5-0 bonus day at the office. Congratulations to Jenna for her first club and 1st team hat trick, Alice and Vicky contributed two more.

Next week home to Kings Alleyns.