Holcombe 1a 3-3Blackhearhb& Elthamians L1

Blackheath L1 v Holcombe L1A
Saturday 14th March 2020

Keen to put last week’s defeat behind them, Blackheath L1s arrived early at Holcombe to face the top of the league side (despite confusion over meet times and directions..) Having drawn the home game before Christmas, the team were quietly confident that they had what it took to get a result, and with Jade’s positive team talk followed up with Sue’s rendition of Eminem’s Lose Yourself, the team started to warm up. Mild panic ensued when they realised Meg was not there to lead it, however Banksy bravely took up the mantle and soon the team were raring to go.

The first half started at a fast pace with attacking play from both teams. Holcombe appeared to take the lead early but were denied when the umpire rightfully spotted that the ball had been kicked into the goal.

Blackheath stepped up their game and played some of the best hockey all season. Holcombe applied pressure but on the right Sian made every tackle and intercepted nicely to keep them at bay. Ceri, Jen and Kath also soaked it up at the back with calm confidence. Charlie, Caitlin, Jilly, Sally and Banksy moved the ball round well across the middle with Emma, Sue, Jenna, Hannah making gorgeous runs up front.

The half time whistle went and Blackheath were easily matching Holcombe at 0-0. More positivity from coach Jade along with some juicy Double-Trouble Jelly Babies (holding hands, awww) had the team totally set for the second half.

And what a second half. Having attacked up the left, Charlie’s reverse hit shot went top bins. Her parents went wild ! Oh, hang on a minute, they missed it... but they would have done had they seen the goal worthy of a Goal of the Season vote. Everyone else celebrated. Unfortunately the lead was short lived as Holcombe clawed one back from a well placed short corner drag flick.

1-1. Still all to play for.

Blackheath continued to play some great hockey but Holcombe did also. A fast ball into the d was deflected into the goal and Holcombe took the lead 1-2.

Blackheath continued to press high and Holcombe were struggling to get the ball out of their half. Emma was weaving round players with ease but just couldn’t get a shot away.

A quick attack from Holcombe unfortunately resulted in a coverted short corner and Blackheath found themselves 1-3 down. This wasn’t the game plan. Blackheath picked themselves up but lost Charlie to a green card. Holcombe tried to push for another while they had the extra player but could make nothing of it due to Blackheath’s strong defending and Sarah MB’s amazing goal keeping. The Holcombe seagulls even tried pelting Blackheath’s defence with sandwiches but it didn’t work and as Charlie came back on, Blackheath remembered Eminem’s words and decided not to let it slip.

Emma and Caitlin worked well together and earned a short corner. Hannah was set for a drag flick but with it not being on calmly hit the ball into the bottom corner. 2-3!

Not content though, Blackheath continued their fight and were rewarded with another short corner. Hannah lined up for another drag flick which went to plan but a Holcombe body stopped the goal - Blackheath were awarded a penalty flick which Hannah clinically put away to seal the 3-3 draw and another Take That comeback.

A great game and a great team effort.

MOM Sian for fabulous tackling, intercepting and distribution.
DOD Charlie for her green card.