It was an emotional day at 3 Hills as Folkestone Optimist Hockey Club paid tribute to much loved member Ali Walls. 3's played the first match of the day, and after a minute’s applause in his honour, the team were determined to deliver a good performance.

Ops started strongly, putting together several flowing moves and immediately pressing the visitors. Izzy was a live wire, her speed and stick skills created a chance for Dani which was cleared by the keeper at full stretch. Flick linked with Sophie to win a penalty corner, and Polly saw her rocket strike go just the wrong side of the post. Another penalty corner saw Baxter attempt an audacious lob which the defence scrambled clear. The hosts continued to press, Sienna won yet another penalty corner and this time Ops capitalised, Carris forcing the ball into the net despite more desperate defending.

Ops defence held tight. Marden hardly made it into Ops defensive circle and Ailla had little to do in the first half. Ops went into half-time 1-0, without the need for Polly’s usual half-time speech to rouse the troops.

However, Marden offered more in the second half and scored via a penalty corner of their own. But Ops responded positively, Geds releasing Phoebe to sprint almost the length of the pitch and slip the ball to Polly, who deceived the keeper with her brilliant reverse stick finish. The game became more combative as the visitors aggressively searched for an equaliser, with Ailla making a fine double save under enormous pressure and Shaz on hand to complete the clearance to Emma.

3's dedicated their win to Ali, and the fact that no fewer than 8 players garnered votes for POM spoke volumes about the effort everyone made on such an emotional day.