Illness swept through the squad towards the end of the week, reducing us from 12 players to just nine. After some frantic searching, we managed to recruit up and coming youngster Jess from the JDL and youngster Lexie from the Ladies 1s, who thankfully didn’t have a game. A huge thank you to everyone who drove, rearranged plans and helped us field a team—it was very much appreciated!

We arrived at Angmering School to glorious sunshine and temperatures of 20 degrees—not exactly traditional hockey weather. With only a blood substitute available, we made a tentative start as everyone sensibly preserved their energy.

The first half was dominated by cries of “so close!” and “nearly!” as we spent plenty of time in Worthing’s half. Unfortunately, a familiar case of Saxonitis struck and, despite our chances, we couldn’t quite find the goal. We went into half-time with the score still 0–0.

A reassuring team talk followed, with Abi reminding us to bring a little more determination into the second half—and she immediately led by example. Just a few minutes after the restart, she was taken out by the Worthing goalkeeper, but the ball had already crossed the line to put us 1–0 ahead.

That opened the floodgates. Lexie quickly added a second with a gorgeous strike from the edge of the D before consistent passing and unwavering focus throughout the team allowed Abi to score again.

At 3–0, those of us at the back were starting to get a little excited. Worthing managed the occasional break, but the Saxons midfield held firm and goalkeeper Claire still hadn’t needed to touch the ball in the second half.

In the 57th minute, a short corner ended with a lovely tap-in from Pia. Louisa immediately applied pressure from Worthing’s restart, and some beautiful play down the wing led to Lexie adding her second of the game.

Louisa had been practising her reverse tap-ins throughout preseason, and that hard work paid off in style. She somehow squeezed a stunning finish through the eye of a needle between the goalkeeper’s leg and the post—earning herself a very well-deserved celebration!

As the final minutes ticked away, we could hardly believe how dramatically the game had turned around. Just to make absolutely sure, Abi completed her hat-trick in the 65th minute to seal a brilliant 7–0 victory.

A huge shout-out must go to our young legs of the day, Rosie and Jess. Both showed incredible tenacity and commitment, covering an enormous amount of ground and never giving up on a challenge. Their work was key to keeping the ball high throughout the second half.

Star Player: Rosie
Hat-trick hero: Abi
Clean-sheet bonus: Claire—who didn’t even need to touch the ball in the second half!