BEHC Ladies 1st XI played Folkestone 1st XI at home on Saturday 17 October in a match of immense highs (balls, mostly theirs) and lows (Charlie's gumguard game).

Doing her part to bring the average age down by well over a decade, and no doubt starting beef with former youngest Emma, Nina Bowles made her 1s debut to the delight of the team – missing Head Chef Hannie and pro cyclist Jilly – and socially distant BEHC supporters.

Monday’s high-tempo training session had seemed to work wonders for overcoming the defeat of the previous week’s away trip to Basildon via Billericay. Alas it wasn’t to be.

It was a game so painfully within reach for all but the last 10.

After a few teething problems, and once Vicky and Sian had picked themselves off the floor, BEHC found their stride with some Coach Aaron-requested horseshoe runs, easy options and early transfers.

Blistering pace up front, some good turnovers, breakaway runs and cool heads in the mid, it was a team unrecognisable from the “no sure, you have it, Basildon” of the week before.

Two off the line defensive saves (who’s keeping count? Meg.), a classic Kate steal top D and some lightning fast reactions from goalie Sarah saw the score remain 0-0 well into the second half.

Deciding Kate was having too good a game, Folkestone and Meg teamed up for an epic hit-her-while-she’s-down manoeuvre. Seeing her limp off the field with a twisted ankle and bruised rib (to add to her ludicrous tan lines), the umpires reluctantly paused time. Fleetingly.

Four unconverted attacking shorts – credit due to excellent oppo goalkeeping – were followed by three back-to-back defensive short corners. Textbook defending, until the last.

A final attacking short that could have gone either way was a disappointing end, leaving BEHC 1-0 down at the whistle. Lots to work on, but our most positive – and enjoyable – game for weeks.

The Great Pub Tour is on a break for Tier 2-half term, we’ll be back.

MOM Sarah for making some incredible saves, including a top D tackle

DOD Meg for Kate getting in the way of her quality clearance