Eggcellent result

The women’s 3’s headed to Gore Court this weekend, all gemmed up on the roadworks and potential delays on the A249. Duly, 20 minutes before the start of the game with only 8 players – bad traffic, wrong turns, running late etc – we felt we had over come all the possible problems that could arise in the day, which had included realising we couldn’t find our bag of masks. How wrong we were! With skipper, Eliza, struggling to get her contact lenses in and Fran’s drinking leaking …… well, everywhere. We discover Florence is heading towards the game minus her astros. Luckily, she had a pair of crocs and Stan Smith trainers (not the sporty kind) – one of them just had to do. At least with the posh trainers her laces stayed done up, which is more than can be said for her regular astros.
Despite the pre-match chaos, we all acknowledged that Deb’s lucky leprechaun charm would see us through (an inspired gift from Rocky pre-season) – plus lots of determination to finish top of the table and see off Gore Court’s bid to challenge the top of the table leaders. After the 5-minute warning from the umpires, both teams were lined up and raring to go. Thereby a lull followed where we all waited for the umpires to be ready (who clearly hadn’t paid attention to their own time limit) before the game started at a lively pace.
Brombecks began well and started to get the game under steady control. After the 3rd free hit taken by GC whereby the ball was not bought to a stop, Rocky couldn’t contain herself any longer and put in a tackle. Only to be promptly sent off with a green card for not retreating from the free hit / roll. This was the first of four cards dished out to various players throughout the game. The tone was set, with Brombeck eventually winning the card tally 3 -1! Once back on, Rocky took a free hit just outside the attacking D (resulting from one of their players being sent off with a green card), dropping the ball back to Kim who fired a pass into the D for Adeola to pick up beautifully and score the opening goal for us.
The rest of the first half had plenty of eventual moments, but no additional goals. Most notable moment being a penalty flick against us. Despite the GC player picking the ball up off her own shin in front of the goal, Sophie’s goal line left foot was spotted. 1 on 1 but easily saved by GK, Maria. Her warrior cry of celebration could be heard as far a Maidstone. Half time came, as did the collection of sweets Eliza brings each week. Easter is a good time – we get mini eggs! Everyone set up for what transpired as a thoroughly bad tempered second half. The cards continued, almost as thou there had been a sale on cards at the umpire store, with Eliza awarded green card – not too sure why, but something to do with playing hockey. Deb not getting her just rewards for the cleanest, most economic tackle of the game - possibly this is what made it so unusual. At this point Sophie B saw red and got a yellow.
Second goal of the game came from an amazingly executed short corner from Debs, assisted by Rocky. Last ten minutes of the game was bizarre, but by this point Brombecks were totally out playing GC, didn’t matter how many short corners they were awarded.
Crazy game, great result: 2-0 to Brombecks. GC about 1000 short corners – 0% success, Brombecks 2 corners – 50% success rate. 11 games with a clean sheet and a good chance to become league champions. Some superb open play from the 3s and constantly turning possession over in our favour. Everyone was terrific, but some notable performances from Eva, Lila, Maria and Adeola. Eliza’s sense of direction has been awarded as the worst after leading half the team to the Pine Lodge Care Home for teas instead of The Grove.
Last game of the season will be at Langley v Marden on 6th April at 10.30am. All support welcome - we’re going for gold!