Blackheath Ladies X1 V Ashford

Season started with a resounding locker room “congratulations” to Kirsty & Stu for their imminent nuptials that same day.

The gathered team were clearly happy to be back, memories were shared, introductions made and much willing of non-existent shin pads to appear.
But at pitch-side the team coalesced during the warm up, determined to peak with warmed muscles, zero lactate and heads held high.
Such grace, the visible need to run as fast and as far as they can palpable. Thoroughbreds every one.
But like thoroughbreds- ‘more prone to injury from breakdowns and bowed tendons,’ ‘injuries which may require euthanasia’ can ensue and so groin-challenged Kat and Tilly limped out of the paddock prior to the whistle-quite possibly fineable!
The luxury of two subs over, the team started the match with such determination that the year-long awaited goal occurred from a well executed move down the left when ball found Gina who took it down at pace, hit the ball across the circle to an incredibly speeding Max who cracked in a goal so hard and so wanted, captain Nat spontaneously burst into tears. Others felt the glow and moved on to get the elusive other with Sarah weaving about the game like the Man-o-t-Match she was demonstarting . However, despite some amazing runs by all forwards, halves and inners and spectacular defence moves (as per Richard’s Plan-mostly), especially from volunteer goalie Annette, Ashford managed to get two goals.