Brimming with excitement the u18’s girls embarked on their big day out to the T2 National Finals at Reading HC. Not only was this a significant occasion for the girls but also for the club as a whole, made apparent by the sheer number of enthusiastic supporters who travelled with the girls.

Maidenhead HC were the opposition and we were under no illusion they would provide a stiff challenge. The whistle blew and the girls came out the blocks fast, dominating early proceedings, playing some good controlled hockey. As the half progressed though it was Maidenhead who started to gain a foothold and before long it was the Ops under severe pressure. This pressure soon told and the deadlock was broken, 1-0, followed quickly by another. All of a sudden the girls found themselves 2-0 down and fighting to stay in the match. Pressure was released right at the end of the half as the Ops rallied, forcing a short corner but the resulting drag flick was well saved by the opposition keeper. H/T 2-0

Slightly rattled at half time the girls re-grouped and re-focused and as the second half got underway the Ops started to take the game to the opposition. Before long the girls were camped in the Maidenhead half, short corners were being forced, plenty of half chances created but the opposition keeper stood up to everything thrown at her. Sadly luck wasn’t on our side, it was clearly not to be. The final whistle blew F/T 2-0.

It was a heroic effort from the girls in the second half, to perform the way they did was testament to the incredible character and ‘never say die’ attitude this group have in spades. Things could so easily have been different…

Whilst disappointing not to win, ‘National Cup runners up’ is still a pretty special title and one that every single girl should be rightly proud of. I can’t praise them enough for the way they’ve performed over the course of the season. The spirit, togetherness and attitude of this group is something to behold, they have real fun on and off the field and they can play! Memories made and friendships forged for life, these girls deserve all the plaudits they get.

Take a bow… Charlotte P, Emily, Beth, Rebecca, Ella, Laurel, Victoria, Amelia, Daisy, Cleo, Rosa, Betsey, Charlotte R, Maddie R & Maddie T

Thank you also to everybody involved in making the day so special - A huge team effort, but now time for a well-earned break all round, re-charge and go again next season when maybe, just maybe this young team can go one better…?