SONNING 1 - 2 PHOENIX & RANELAGH
26th January 2008

It was a fine sunny but cold afternoon for our big match against local club and top of the table and (as yet) undefeated Phoenix/Ranalagh.

From the start it was clear why our opposition were top. They were faster and more skilful both technically and strategically than other teams that we have met in the league. Ably coached by Julie Wilson off the pitch and positively led by their captain on the pitch we realised that we had our work cut out.

In spite of P&R's impressive league record, Sonning went into the game in positive mood, and for most of the first half, although the opposition had the majority of possession, Sonning maintained their defence and all shots were deflected or attacks thwarted before the shot. Karen Vive - deputed to 'do a Windsor' on P&R's top scorer (in Vets terms we know that means never losing sight nor sound of her) - did a magnificent job and the opposition were successfully contained.

And it wasn't all defence! Sonning managed to get a few long balls through, and with Carolynne Woffington working hard on the left, and Janet Hepplewhite on the right, a few attacks were put together. Unfortunately, one of these attacks saw newest team member Fran Ford with a finger caught between sticks and ball and had to leave the field with a lovely bruise swiftly developing.

Half time with no score and Sonning's spirits high - all in all a good result. But it's a game of two halves ...

The second half started out with similar determination, but this time Sonning took more control and began to have more possession. More long balls sent from the back broke through, and early on, one of these balls initiated by Carol Miles lead to a fine goal converted by Sharon Oldham.

P&R were not down, and continued to apply the pressure. The mood in the Sonning half seems to turn to panic, and resulted in a scrappy equalising goal, which saw not only the ball, but 'keeper Sue Hicks in the back of the net. Once Sue had been untangled and lifted out by her team mates, the game resumed!

Continued pressure seemed to cause the Sonning defence to lose their way; marking became less tight than the superb efforts we witnessed in the first half, and inevitably, Phoenix capitalised and snatched a further late goal, gave them victory and continuation of their winning run.
 

J.Grindal

Team: Sue Hicks, Carol Miles, Ruth Beasley, Karen Vive, Sara Edgerton, Anji Higgins, Jill Grindal, Liz Weeks, Jan Hepplewhite, Debbie Webb, Sharon Oldham, Carolynne Woffington, Fran Ford.