A hard game against storm Brian and Weymouth

A minimum of a 2hr car journey. Storm Brian. 30min warm up in the rain & strong winds. It felt that it was all against us when we turned up to play Weymouth. However, these are only minor issues when you have a strong team and good plan on your side, you’re set.

From the start, we knew it was going to be tough - Weymouth looked ready to show how strong they were. We kept to our game plan, we moved the ball around really well and let it do the work. Marlborough dominated the first half with some physical game action with the ball to-img and fro-ing from one end of the pitch to the other and then off at a weird angle if caught by a gust of wind! The Marlborough midfield pressed hard with Rachel Cox dictating the play in the middle of the park. Each side having dominant periods but were unable to capitalise on it. At one point Weymouth were awarded about 8 short corners on the bounce but the Marlborough defence held firm. With 5mins before the end of the first half, Neve Beer stormed to the top of the D, with a straight shot, scoring a superb goal. It was what we needed - we deserved this goal and just before the first half whistle!!!

Going into the second half, we knew that we had to keep our game play strong. There was some beautiful, simple hockey played by every player on the pitch. Simple passes, attacking in pairs led to a number of shots on goal, although we weren’t successful. With a slight gap in our game, Weymouth managed to get back into our defensive D, taking a shot on goal and although it was going wide, unfortunately it hit a Marlborough foot close to goal and a questionable penalty flick was awarded. This was converted and so the scores were even Marlborough knew they had to fight back. We did not come all this way to lose..

And fight we did. Weymouth were strong and now,, literally, had the wind up them and behind them! Some brilliant strong defence made it difficult for them. Again, some great text book possession hockey was displayed by Marlborough - we had this. Then, out of nowhere, again, a break for Weymouth came and a strong shot from the top of the D took Weymouth up 2-1.

That moment showed the true team strength of character which has bonded this team this season because not one head dipped just a resolve to get a goal and hopefully two! With only 5 minutes left of the game, Marlborough stormed through 3,4,5 short corners. We had to convert - we had picked up Weymouth’s strategy by now and knew we had it in us. With that Sophie Fynn managed to get a cracking goal in the back of the net. 2/2 we needed another but we were beaten by the clock and the final whistle went.

A tough game, but an equal game. I’m sure it was as thrilling to watch as it was to play. Well done girls! 2-2

Well deserved man of the match went to Sophie Fynn for her goal and incredible play in midfield.