Report

Following the horrible 18-0 first team win last year, captain Emma Pursey this time decided to even things about a bit to ensure an enjoyable last match of the season for everyone. With nothing to play for, the first team players were put in unfamiliar positions. Pursey said that this was because it would be "good for them," but it was actually because she wanted to play up-front one last time after a very lonely season between the sticks...

With twelve players compared to the seconds- ten, the firsts graciously offered a random player to even things up. In a game of chance, Caroline somehow picked arguably the most valuable player... in the world. It was Lauren Hentschel.

It was a fairly even first half, with Charlotte Armstrong doing a sterling job as temproary goalkeeper, and Pursey and Limbrey re-living their early Moose days as strike partners. Limbrey then swapped with Armstrong, who played some phenomenal balls into Pursey, who really should have done better with them. Amalie Dualeh certainly made herself useful with some great runs into the box, whilst Pippa Lord was typically industrious in behind the strikers. Minutes before half time Armstrong once again cut the defence open, and Pursey made no mistake with the run and finish past helpless Harris. This well worked goal gave the firsts an important lead going into half time.

For the second half, Hentschel came back to the firsts and Giles crossed over to the dark side. Playig in midfield, she ran the show, creating all manner of chances for the impressive seconds. Combining well with Sotgiu and Penman, Giles came close to scoring on occasion, and signalled her intentions to play a more advanced role next year.

FINALLY outfield together, Pursey and Hentschel alternated in taking attacking throw-ins and corners, but couldn-t quite find the execution they wanted. A thundering shot from Hentschel looked at one point to be going wide, but Pursey-s anticipation saw her sprint to the far post tap it home.

The seconds- kick-off saw them lose the ball quickly, as the firsts held their composure to ensure no slip-ups. The ball then fell kinly to Mistry in the box, whose shoty sneaked past the unfortunate Harris to make it 3-0. Good tackling from Amy Quinn and strong clearances from Harriet Bellamy saw the seconds limit the damage to the three afore-mentioned goals. Debutante Claudia Bennett also had a fantastic match, giving the firsts a run for their money in her position of left back.

Jo Moye eventually swapped with Armstrong to play in attack for the first time since becoming a Moose. She made some great runs and came very very very close to opening (and closing) her goal-scoring account, but that silly full-time whistle came just slightly too early.

All in all, it was a fantastic match which everybody seemed to enjoy. Pursey fulilled half of her match ambitions with her two goals, but failed in the "get the league-s first ever red card" stakes. Constant swearing and petulence aparently aren-t enough for even a yellow in this league... Armstrong, Limbrey, Mistry and Mackintosh all did well in goal, whilst Giles and Hentschel must be thanked for the good sportsmanship in playing for both teams in one match!

Moose of the match? Charlotte Armstrong. What a player this girl has been over the last two years.