Marlborough pack a punch at Cheltenham

Marlborough's Jets and Lasers were named after the inspiring gladiators which the parents would have remembered from their youth. Fortunately not the ones back in Roman times, but the 90s TV show. It'll be on YouTube, girls.
Again, the Cheltenham tournament coincided with Wilts JDC, meaning the squad were missing their county players. However, I don't think the opposition minded as Marlborough won 5, drew 2 and lost 1 of their 8 games.
The Jets started things off, losing their first game 0-1, but with plenty of chances to get at least a draw. Fortunately they had their shooting-sights set up on Landsown's goal in the second game, more specifically, Cecily Gates did. Marlborough won 4-0, with Cecily scoring all of them - but naturally all forwards are in debt to the rest of the team to provide the chances. The Jets then wrapped up 2-0 wins in their final 2 games - with the goals spread amongst the players - especially as Cecily took a break from tormenting the opposition goalie by playing in goal herself. Freya Henry scored a great strike from the top of the D into the bottom corner, and Ella Morriston had great composure to score twice in the final game, with Grace getting the other. There was a huge effort from the other players - Shelby Horton, Alice Rich, Molly Newham, Grace Vaughan-Williams and Chloe Salsbury-Lawson who worked hard to set up the goals, and keep clean sheets for the final 3 games. Player of the day was Grace who especially hard working in defence and attack, and selflessly providing scoring opportunities for her teammates.

The Lasers started slowly, drawing their first 2 games 0-0 and 1-1. However, these first games were again ones they had plenty of chances to win both. The second, against Gloucester they dominated but were caught on the break and were 0-1 down. It took a great short corner strike after the final wistle had blown by Saffron Day to salvage a draw. The Lasers then won both their final games 2-1. Mia Terry scored another trademark reverse strike, and new addition Bizzy Barrett's hard work paid off with a goal in each of the final games - not bad for a goalkeeper! Saffron Day scored her second goal in the final game. The defence was marshalled brilliantly by Sophia Hodge and Isla Fraser, whilst Isla Ince revelled in turning the defenders inside out with her close ball control. Special mention should go to Scarlett Pugh, playing her first tournament having only taken up hockey a few months ago, who had a great first touch, tenacity in the tackle and awareness of her teammates to find the right pass. Saffron Day was the player of the day for her relentless running in midfield and some vital goals.

A huge thank you for the girls who volunteered to play in goal, the parents for getting them there, but especially Louise Ince and Harry Gates for organising the 2 teams.