On a miserable Saturday morning 10, yes I said 10, Waterside ladies took to the field. The changing room conversation had been about the Radio 4 programme exploring the power of cuddling and how cuddling relaxes, de-stresses, and releases endorphins to improve mood. Little did we know
that this hockey match would be quite so physical or bloody irritating. We warmed up, practised a group huddle and cuddle, and got on with it.

They scored an early goal and set the tone for the whole match, which appeared to be barge, grumble, complain and generally annoy from the word go. This was a game of defence but there were flourishes of activity down both wings with lovely passing down the left between Nash, Coolio,
Nat and Emma. Dudley had some nice runs down the right side, Chez made some great runs and everyone up front, Daisy and Lou, never gave up but alas Waterside could not score.

3-0 at half time. I have to say that I was somewhat annoyed with the level of back chat and barging going on and discussed this with one of their players (111) only to be told it was a contact sport and what did I expect. We tried another group cuddle mixed with a lot of oranges and general grumbling
and went back for some more contact.

And contact was made by several of their players: Cherry has a rather swollen toe but the walking wounded was Emma. In a crowded D the ball was lifted and the opposition thought it was a good idea to bat it in mid air straight into Emma’s forehead. Down she went but she was hard as nails, patched up and off onto the side-line.

So 22 minutes to go and down to 9 players. We battled on and I think it all ended at 6-0. Not bad I think and a true reflection of a team effort. Tina had some good saves and made some ‘contact’ of her own. Stand in captain wasn’t too bad (can’t give her too much praise she could get big headed.
She did bring Jaffa cakes (only coz she had hundreds and couldn’t fit them in the house, they are on offer in Tesco apparently) .

I was joking about the downside to POM in the changing room which is having to do a match report, only to get POM. Thanks for votes; Lucas very happy that we have the trophy. Well done everyone who played.

 

Gaynor over and out