Today's match was all about resilience, against a tough and skilful Sandroyd team. The opposition scored within thirty seconds of the whistle and we realised we were going to have to throw most of our energies into defending. An own goal next wasn't really the way we wanted things to go, but every mistake is a learning opportunity. FSM's girls gritted their teeth, gripped their hockey sticks and regrouped.

Victoria was supported at the back by Charlotte, Hattie and Etta, and these girls gradually became more confident about tackling, as well as learning to play a quicker ball out from the 16-yard line. The middle of the pitch was busy, with ferocious tackles from both Bess and Georgiana. Hermione, Etta and, in turn, Alba and Bess tried to make use of the space available on the wings, although this was challenging today. We had a few forays into the opposition D, coming extremely close to scoring in the dying minutes, with Bess, Darcey, Hermione, Etta and Georgiana fighting hard to get the ball over the line; sadly, it wasn't to be on this occasion.

Sandroyd was the better team today, but FSM's chins stayed up. Lessons were learned and progress was made in terms of character, skills and game play: that's just as it should be. Well done, girls.

Girl of the game today: Bess, with a very special mention and thanks to our Year 3 girls who took turns to top up our numbers: Charlotte, Hattie, Alba and Darcey.