The Ladies 3s had a rearranged match scheduled in for the Easter break, allowing for both captain Guy and vice-captain Wilkinson to return from their respective ski trips and play in the final match.
Witham sitting 2nd from bottom have had a tough season and the Greens were keen to finish on a high.
No coach Goodridge this week as he was gallivanting in the ‘coffee’ shops of Amsterdam so the team had to sort themselves out.
The 3s started strongly with some neat play in midfield from Mackenzie and Wilkinson in the centre using Hodgkins-Brown and Neave on the left and right to break through Witham with ease. Within 10 minutes pressure from Guy and Pryor up front created a lovely opportunity for Willson to beat the defence and slot the ball in easily. Shortly followed by a Wilkinson penalty corner hitting the post and Pryor getting the rebound for the greens second goal. More hard work from Mckenzie and Wilkinson in the middle, with Wilkinson passing to Guy who had made a lovely run behind the defence meaning the greens were 3-0 up in 20 mins.
The ease of the game unfortunately causing the team to lay off the throttle a bit and concentration lapsed. Some silly defensive errors gave a penalty corner to Witham which they scored from a lovely lifted shot, then the Witham attack capitalising on an easy goal after a back pass went wrong leaving the score at 3-2 at half time and some stern words from the captain and vice to get the team focused again.
The team came out from the break fighting and a penalty corner well struck by Wilkinson got the 2 goal lead again, before another penalty corner at the other end from Witham was put away and the score was back to a single goal difference, 4-3.
Time to get serious. A determined Wilkinson lead the team from the middle. Strong defensive spells from Kitchener, Bacon and Mcdonald, and good reactions from GK May, strong driving from Clesham, Neave and Guy started an excellent 10 minutes spell where the greens played some of their best hockey this season. Wilkinson unselfishly having beaten the GK passed Guy the ball for her first, Hogkins-Brown took on a couple of defenders then the GK to slot away her first and Chelmsfords 6th, Wilkinson again winning the midfield battle – england v argentina, and setting up Willson for her hat trick and the final goal of the game from Guy following up from several rebounds to get her second.
A final score of 8-3, full of excellent play and a really great way to finish the season. A wonderful post match spread from captain Guy to celebrate a fun season. Player of the match Sam Wilkinson.
A fab team spirit and we are all looking forward to next season.