Ladies 3s loose out to Top of table against run of play

Sonnings Ladies 3s welcomed Abingdon Ladies 1s to Sonning Lane on Saturday afternoon. Sonning were keen to play the 2nd leg of this match as we had been beaten 4-0 back in September. This time the gloves were off and Sonning were in a better place to fight back.
Led by captain Meadows her team of merry women were focused and determined to play some strong hockey despite the unpredictable weather.
The game started strong (winning the coin toss is always a pleasing thing for any captain!) this secured Sonning’s possession for at least the first few seconds.
Sonning’s game was good, scattered with fast paced and accurate balls which created width and breadth stretching the Abingdon midfield. Abingdon held their own though with some monster hits from both midfield and defence. Sonning however were quick to identify the ‘play makers’ amongst the Abingdon side and were not shy in closing them down earlier. Central play from Willers and Vanessa showed good distribution and linked play with Kelz and Pollard.
Minutes before half time Abingdon intercepted the ball just inside our half and made a decision to drive forward without support – luckily for Sonning Jules was holding the centre back role and made a great interception but proceeded to pass the ball with as much strength and power as a leek left in the bottom of the salad draw for months….this was going to spell trouble. Despite P’s nimble and leggy stature this pass found itself in ‘no man’s land’ and in slooooowwww motion Abingdon took a perfectly plated opportunity. Keeper Norris was left to take on the 2 forwards and they rightfully scored….(they should have done….I would have been shocked had they not).
Half time – a time where Jelly Babies, Haribo and Percy Pigs are devoured and targets are re-set.
Second half started better, there was more urgency, with ball pace and accuracy upped with opportunities created as well as taken. With the pace of Kelz and support from Chas Sonning built their game. Communication between Grassick and Jordy up front and midfield improved and with direction from Willers and Jordy, Pollard made some great runs up the right wing before hitting the backline and creating great opportunities to feed the ball into the oppositions ‘circle’.
Abingdon took their chances and used their ‘monster’ players well – Sonning obviously improved from their first meeting and reduced the score line by 3 goals – an achievement that should be celebrated.
Now…time to think of www and ebi. For those non-teachers;
WWW = What Went Well
EBI = Even Better If
Bring on next Saturday….you’d best be scared Reading 3s…were coming to get you!!
written by Jordy