With all the ladies teams that played winning on Saturday the pressure was on for the vets to complete a full card and win their last 16 game against last season’s losing finalist St Albans.

After a pacey warm up – at least for our jaw lines with all the catching up we needed to do, we started the game well stringing together pass after pass to frustrate St Albans and dominate the first half, Jen taking a vow of silence following recent outburst on a Saturday but also brining a troupe of supporters to cheer us on. This after Jill had barely made the start, with the wrong shirt and shoes on with just 2 minutes to go. After 20 minutes Alex fed Liz who crossed for Gemma N to feed Jill who slotted home from a few yards out. Sarah was rolling back the years with the Jonesy special move on show and Roper of course was running running running, despite taking a nasty blow to the head early on, G getting a high knock above the knee from a short corner.

With the game fully under control at half time, and captain G allowing Gemma to lead the half time rally (possibly without taking a breath) we were ready to go. St Albans stepped up in the second half and we needed the combined power of Alex and Ready to repeal many an attack. (Having won 9-0 and 6-2 respectively the previous day they were probably glad of something to do).
We had chances through Burr and Gemma E forcing turnovers inside the St Albans half but just couldn’t find the final connecting pass.

Unfortunately a fast (well fast ish for those younger readers who will no doubt assume this anyway) break led to the equalising goal with 20 minutes to play.
The game now turning fairly aggressive with half chances at both ends. Despite a last minute penalty corner and a green card for St Albans, we missed the target.

And so the game went to strokes, BromBeck fairly confident given the practice Ali has had this year and having won a game last year in this manner. However, this confidence was not shared by the “mutual appreciation society” who cast doubt on several of the takers, but with the forwards conspicuous by their absence, the true goal scorers of the team stepped forward. Liz Buds first to the plate and coolly slotting the first goal after St Albans had scored. Liz and Friz then also scoring before Ali took over saving 3 stokes in a row to send us through with a 3-1 score line.

MOM: Ali
DOD: Mark
Worst excuse for not playing award:
Lydia Greenway just casually flying off to the Women’s World T20 final and interviewing Katy Perry