The short drive of only 15 miles to Barnes, took over 90 minutes, if I were Paula Radcliffe I’d be able to run it quicker. Some of us might have gone to the wrong location, some were at the club house and others got stuck on the train where the doors wouldn’t open (though oddly only V seemed to take the blame for this, Teflon Valu had escaped). The only aeroplanes in sight were those infrequently sighted from Heathrow. Rumours that this would be the last game before lockdown proved correct and frankly we were all grateful to be able to play at all.

As the heavens opened during the warm up, and Flor had picked the perfect – let’s go smash it - music we were ready to go hard from the start. Mark was already making comments that could be inappropriately interpreted, leading to his DOD vote.

The game was end to end and largely played in the centre of the pitch as both sides fought for control. Jemma remembered not to handle the ball when it left the pitch but on a slippery pitch many people need to add new shoes to their Christmas wish list. At the end of the first quarter both defences were on top, limiting chances for each side.

In to the second quarter Harriet saved a couple of decent shots before an inability to clear the rebounds led to a goal for Barnes. We had a couple of corners which we weren’t able to convert and some decent passages of play. Pippa (much like a Cuckoo clock – quiet and hidden until the right time then bursts onto the scene), was busy setting up chances for Mariana and Sarah. With Flor running rings round her opposite number, or all four of them that tried to close her down, we created more and more options without levelling the scores. Great support from our travelling fans this week, who were clearly keen to see the boat race course, house hunt in leafy Barnes and try out their new winter coats.

In the final quarter BromBeck had much of the control, scoring a goal that was pulled back for an advantage, creating a 2 on 1 at the top of the d and missing a chance on the back post.
Not to be this week and results elsewhere dropped us down to fourth but the disappointment felt means we’re well set for strong performances to come.

MOM: Flor and Yem
DOD: Mark and V

Next week: right now no plans till December but watch this space