Ladies’ 6s smashed it!

It was an early start for our match against Oxford University 4's.  However, the sun was shining, and it quickly warmed up.  The first half started well with lots of opportunities being made by our inners and forwards.  With attempts on goal in the first few minutes by Linda passing to Ella and a short corner for a stick tackle in the D.  The game settled down with Oxford Uni making a couple of break-through runs only to be thwarted by Phil and Jan.  Our perseverance in keeping the ball in our half of the pitch and in the D paid off with a short corner.  Sherene injected into the D where Jess picked it up and hit it straight into the goal.  Shortly after Wunmi passed a great ball to Linda who dribbled it over the line along the inside of the goal post.  When Oxford Uni did threaten us, Daisy did some great saves, kicking the ball away from goal.  The first half finished 2:0!

During our half time rest, we discussed what was going well.  A lot!  The things we have learnt from Wednesday night's training is paying off.   Some great posting up, giving players an opportunity to pass well on a 16 or sideline ball. Lots more aggression and determination was visible as was marking our players well, picking up off rebounds, passing wide and really keeping the game open using our triangle formations.  There was some lovely passing back from a sideline ball, across the pitch and passed up the other side by Sal, Jan, Phil and Holly.

The second half started and within 10 minutes we had scored another 3 goals!  First, was a lovely ball from Linda into the D to Libby who scored a great goal and then Ella passed to Linda who scored her second goal of the game.  Followed a couple of minutes later by Wunmi.  Oxford Uni kept up the pressure but did not manage to score.  Our defence was strong with great player marking visible all round.  Yas and Nynke were fantastic at moving the ball up the pitch always seeking opportunities to drive forward and pass.  Our forwards and inners found space and made the most of the opportunities created.   By the end of the second half, we managed to score another 2 goals.  First, by Sherene and then another from Jess!!  A great result 7:0!! There were many nominations for POM due to the great play seen today however Nynke got the most votes.  Well deserved!!

Thanks to our umpires Geoff and Guy and to Ella for her excellently baked brownie bakes!