Today's match saw 4 teams hosted at FSM, giving each team 3 consecutive games = a LOT of hockey! The FSM girls were tasked with two targets: to know where the ball was at all times, and to show resilience, whatever the situation. These two targets were met, with bells on. Sticks were lower than usual, and tackles were, as a result, stronger and more successful. Spacing is improving, and we did have a few good runs up the wings. FSM had to play a solid defensive game for much of the time, and clearances became more powerful, as well as not necessarily being straight back up the middle of the pitch.

We lost to two solid Embley teams, doing particularly well in the first game to hold out the attack for over half the match. Tired legs were setting in for our third match, against Durlston Prep, but the girls dug deep and found reserves of energy they hadn't realised they had in order to put up a good fight, ending with a 1- 1 draw.

Of particular note:

Georgiana was on fire; she must have had 3 shredded wheat for breakfast! With strong, low tackles and sweeping clearances, coupled with the work rate of at least three people, this young lady was named 'girl of the game' twice by the opposition and overall by Coach N!

Hermione's grit and drive, getting stuck into tackles, and a few brilliant runs up the right wing - such fabulous progress in terms of skill and involvement! This earned her joint coach's player of the afternoon.

Arrietty was more involved in the centre of the pitch and came extremely close to scoring in the last game; Clemmie was pressing forwards for some more solid tackles, learning what difference a lower stick made; Etta and Bess were inches away from scoring, with some wonderful teamwork in the D; Bess claimed FSM's only goal, in our last game, putting us ahead of Durlston Court for a few minutes; Issy defended well, with better clearances and much faster hit-outs from the 16-yard line; Victoria began to protect the goal more carefully.

Overall, much to be proud of today. A few things to work on, but we are on the way! Well done.