The u18 girls won their EH cup 2nd round tie 3-2 on penalty shuffles against a strong Holcombe team in what was a nerve shredding evening that had the lot!

This much anticipated match was always going to be tough with several girls from both teams knowing each other from regional hockey. It was Holcombe who got off to the better start, going on to dominate the first half. Last ditch defending and brave goal keeping was to thank for keeping the score down to 0-1 at half time.

The second half was a completely different game. Adopting a more patient approach as discussed at half time, the girls started to retain more ball and it was now the opposition doing the chasing. Short corners were now being won and after going close with the first couple, Maddie T scored with the third, 1-1. Five minutes later a rip-roaring breakaway from our own half involving 3 or 4 players culminated in a cool finish from Rosa B. The game had turned on its head, 2-1!

Naturally with 20 mins to go Holcombe threw everything at us which we repelled brilliantly as a team though we weren’t finished as an attacking force, still looking really dangerous on the counterattack. Despite the heroism with five minutes to go Holcombe scrambled home an equaliser… Deep disappointment and despair as the final whistle blew shortly after in a what was an absolute barnstormer of a game. Full Time: 2-2

Nevertheless, penalty shuffles it was and up against an England u18 keeper for good measure! Tension was running high, nerves were fraught and finger nails non-existent. Following some outstanding work in goal from Chalotte P, saving 3 out of the 5 shuffles and appearing to be the calmest player on the pitch… it went down to the final shuffle. Demonstrating experience beyond her years and nerves of steel Evie G stepped up and executed a text book effort, sitting the keeper down and rounding her brilliantly! Cue absolute delirium, arms, legs and hockey sticks all over the place!!

Magnificent performance from this squad of girls but also a special mention to the army of supporters we’re so lucky to have, they made an absolute racket and were relentless in their encouragement throughout!