Has Valentines come early?

What a week of headlines and Saturday certainly wasn’t short of its own.

Video evidence emerged early Saturday morning of BEHC Ladies 1st XI Coach, Jules Halls, dressed in colourful grey attire and sporting white trainers. It was a stark departure from earlier reports that indicated his wardrobe consisted purely of black- the girls are excited to see what colourful combinations he brings to training this week. And if that wasn’t enough pre match excitement, Jake Owens, former BEHC star, current Holcombe Men’s 1s regular and GB Elite Development Pathway player shared an early valentines with one of our own rising starlets.

Sevenoaks are always a strong side so we knew it wasn’t going to be an easy game. And with Coach Jules unable to join us on the sidelines we huddled round to listen careful to his video tactics as he talked us through the press and defensive play.

With hearts a flutter and pulses high, the BEHC Ladies we’re buoyant as they stepped out for their first league game of the year. Could we write our own headlines to compete?

The team started strong, knowing the first 10-15 minutes would be important to take the game to the opposition. We made some great runs up the right, with fantastic link ups between Huxley and Alex on the right and determination from Vicky on the left put Sevenoaks on the back foot. Our forwards put pressure on their back 3, Rachel making some great leads on the right and Sue chasing down balls and testing the Sevenoaks defence. Our determination won us a short mid way in the first half. Alex took a fantastic strike but it rebounded off the post and ran back across the D, much to the surprise of both teams who were certain the backboard had been hit.

Despite some continued strong attacks, injuries soon got the best of us. Alex, literally weak at the knees from her early valentine, was forced to sub off leaving us with a bare 11 to step up to a quick and spritely Sevenoaks. Sevenoaks took advantage of some mis-traps and tested our defence thoroughly. Blackheath however held their composure at the back, allowing us to make some strong offensive plays. Jilly and Sally dominated the middle of the field with some great pivotal play, allowing Huxley to make threats in Sevenoaks half. We struggled to break down Sevenoaks defence however and they took their opportunities on the turnover when afforded. They were quick on the break and tested us on a few occasions. However, great defensive play from the back three, orchestrated beautifully by Sarah, ensured their attacks were thwarted before they made it into our D. Hannah was determined not to let them take any shots on goal, using her pace and strength to quickly close down their advances - preventing a near one on one with the keeper.

We went into half time 0-0 and we’re determined to start the second half strong despite having only 11 players and with Sue also carrying an injury earned early in the first half.

The second half saw some great play from both sides but Blackheath remained composed. Jenny put in some fantastic tackles from right back, releasing the ball up the line for our forwards to run onto and Ella blocked out any threats coming through the middle of the pitch. Hannah was released allowing to make some fantastic grounds on the left with superb supportive play releasing the midfield and Emma, with her usual wizardry, to try and break down the Sevenoaks defense. Blackheath secured a short and despite a great set play we’re unable to get the ball into the back of the net. As neither side was able to break down the others defence, the game continued to become more stretched and the team soon tired from having to cover so much ground. Despite not being able to score any goals, our superb defense across the pitch ensured we finished 0-0 at full time.

DOD for Vicky for forgetting her kit! MoM Hannah for superb defensive work and strong supportive play down the left.