Havering 1 1v 1 Blackheath & Elthamians L1

Following the English rugby team’s heroic win over NZ earlier that morning, BEHC ladies 1s made the journey to Havering ready for action.
Pre match, Sarah MB & Hannah told an inspirational picture story for the 1st match this season in Essex (actually make that 2nd Sue) while Charlie “I’m a runner now” Brown led the fast paced warm up run.
The rain lashed down but it didn’t stop the start of the match on a thankfully flat pitch.
Clearly Havering had seen the rugby that morning too and came powering through from the first push back. BEHC camped out in their own half for 10 minutes while they tried to clear the ball / their stress overload from watching England.
However with nerves still firmly in tact, Welsh sub Ceri came on helping to settle the defence with fellow Welshy Sian but unfortunately after defending numerous shorts BEHC were unlucky to let an open play goal in. 0-1 to Havering.
This goal only served to rally BEHC who finally found their second wind and applied some pressure on Havering with some strong balls into the d from Meg and Hannah.
After some Phizzy Percy Pig Tails, BEHC showed more determination in the second half with beautifully linked passes creating space and opportunities. It put Havering on the back foot and led to some well deserved short corners and close chances for BEHC.
Havering continued to fight, much to the annoyance of Kate who having made some perfect tackles was emphatically taken out by a over spirited forward, but Sally and Banksy’s cat like reflexes cut out dangerous passes and Sarah MB made some vital saves (dropping like a sacks of spuds to please the umpire) to keep BEHC in the game.
Dogged persistence from Charlie and Sue set up some close chances but it wasn’t until the final 6 minutes when Jenna put a lovely pass through to Emma who drew the keeper out and slipped the ball to Pia did they finally find the back board. 1-1.
More pressure from BEHC meant they nearly took the lead in the dying minutes of the game as Havering continued to get more aggy but it wasn’t to be. A hard fought game resulting in another draw but BEHC are still unbeaten 6 games into their new league.

Mom - Sally for work rate and tenacity
Dod - Kate for general aggyness