So, with gale force winds blowing waterside headed out onto the pitch. Although we started off a little quieter than normal (maybe its because we knew it was going to be a tough match with trojans just two positions below us, or it could have been because we were knackered or full of cold) but Coolio had asked us to bring our running legs and that we did.

On the sidelines we had support in the form of a hobbling John and crazy Brian the dog who were looking after team mascot, the gorgeous Elodie, with Jude and a scooting Ellen joining them later on.

It was a difficult start with trojans going ahead fairly early on. In true waterside style we fought hard. Lynsey was in goal and made some good saves with good communication too. The back did well, with Nat and Gaynor working hard to block trojans and get the ball away. Emma got into some good positions in the middle and at one point her life flashed before her eyes as a ball whistled past her ear at top speed. We had a few chances and so did trojans. Our equaliser came from Marie which encouraged us to put more pressure on.

Joey played some great balls to Sarah who was super speedy again and along with Marie kept the attacks coming. Trojans did mark us tightly and had what looked like a second team with them so were subbing players all the time to keep fresh legs, but despite us having no subs we kept going and Becca managed to get a good goal in before half time.

The second half saw both teams fighting hard, a little too hard at some points with Nat getting walloped in the toe and myself clashing with one of theirs (her head my mouth, ouch). Coolio and Dudley kept on running and working hard, I think it was the pre match jaffa cakes that kept everyone’s strength up.

Marie managed to nudge the ball over the line to score our third goal after another great pass was fed past the opposition by joey.

We were all pleased when the final whistle blew but the drama was not over yet. Sarah’s one and only set of car and house keys had done a disappearing act. After a team fingertip search of the whole centre ( yes, despite obvious risk to our health, we even looked in the centre toilets, blurgh) it turned out that her keys had been handed in by a lovely member of the public, phew panic over.

Everyone got a mention today as it really was a great team effort with great running, communication and positioning. Alex must have a mention too as she did an amazing job umpiring.

Good job ladies Waterside 3 Trojans 1

By Marsha (Abbie)