After a prolonged Christmas break, BEHC Ladies 1XI faced a tough return to the league. Playing against top-of-the-table Old Williamsonians (who boast a couple of international players in their ranks!) was never going to be easy.

The game started well enough. The BEHC half-court press, tight marking and aggressive double-teaming was doing its job. Possession was fairly even and the Old Wills international was kept at bay. Sadly, a lapse in concentration allowed a crash ball into the D to be deflected for an early OW's goal. BEHC heads did not go down and a quickly taken free hit found Vicki B one-on-one in the D. A clumsy tackle from the OW's defender resulted in a penalty stroke calmly slotted home by a the supremely serene Vicki B. OWs fought back but Captain Sally pulled off a miraculous save on the line. The rest of the second half was fairly even, but some individual skill and first class finishing from OWs meant we went into the break 3-1 down.

The second half was fast paced, fierce and highly entertaining. OWs had a purple patch and BEHC were on the back foot. Kyveli made several excellent saves - especially from penalty corners - but OWs did eventually put one away. A second goal followed from another display of individual skill and top-notch finishing. There was plenty of argy-bargy, verbal spats, questionable decisions and cards. This was no 'game of tiddly winks'. The tide turned for the final quarter and BEHC pieced together some decent attacking play. A penalty corner from Stan was deflected by Vicky P and flew an agonising couple of inches above the crossbar. BEHC continued to pile on the pressure and were finally awarded with a second goal when Vicki B deflected in a pinpoint cross. BEHC celebrated like they had won the league - but with only two minutes left it was too little too late. Nothing else happened of interest... except 'auntie' Vicky getting a yellow for doing a 'WEEEEEEEE' stick.

Overall, an enjoyable game. Not the result we wanted, but a decent performance. Onwards and upwards!