A home “derby” was the feature for the GCW Ladies first team this week and due to a variety of factors including school games, Duke of Edinburgh and “Hen dos” another much changed squad was announced. The bench featured 4 debutants all whose total age still did not add up to that of the coach’s. The good news was a return from holiday for Connie Hatfield.
The game pretty much started as it would continue with GCW in charge of possession and pressing the students back int their half. Early shots from Nicole Duffin and Connie Hatfield found the student’s keeper in form and she also brought off a fine save from the penalty corner flick from Heather Hunter.
The second quarter saw the side change a bit but the pattern of play remained the save and when Hannah Love stepped on the pitch it looked like the dream debut as the ball landed at her feet but she just pulled the shot wide.
The second half continued in that vein until someone upstairs took a hand and the final quarter started in what could best be described as a biblical downpour. The students pressed and forced a couple of corners but the resolute GCW defence and keeper Alison Akiri were not to be beaten. The final act was a penalty corner for GCW but this time the student’s defence held firm and the game finished a 0-0 draw.
Sunday saw two GCW wins. The “Fabulous 5s” dominated their game against Merlins but it looked like they would not get the goal their play deserved but in the 70th Minute a penalty corner was flicked home by Ava Airnes to confirm a much deserved 1-0 win. The 3s pleased captain Isla Goodbrand with a fine 4-0 win with goals from Ella and Milly Moyes and a brace from Becky Sinclair.
