It may have been a miserable, wet day today but the girls were all buzzing (think that comes from a couple of weeks of no Sunday hockey!) and the parents were in full force to support as always.

We weren’t sure what to expect with today’s tournament as we have always played well at Holcombe triangles but know they can be a tough club to beat. Holcombe had 3 teams out, Blackheath had 2 and Herne Bay, like SV, had one. We were due to play 5 games and with 9 players turning out for SV, all of the girls agreed to take a turn on the side-line – I am so grateful to the girls for being willing to do that; just shows what a great team of young ladies they are!

I wasn’t sure anything could top our last triangle but the girls did their best to prove me wrong. It is difficult to single anyone out as all of the girls played to the best of their ability, working well as a team despite the changes from game to game and the fact they were playing teams that train together every week, sometimes twice a week.

SV vs Holcombe Harriers 2-0
The score really doesn’t reflect how end to end this match was, the difference between the two teams were the well worked short corners from SV. Olivia’s strong feed in and Caitlin’s controlled strength of shot gave the girls a well fought lead. The opposition battled hard to try to breakthrough the defence but some solid marking from all and strong keeping from Libby meant SV remained victorious. A superb start to the triangle.

SV vs Blackheath Lightning 1-1
No rest for the girls and straight in to game 2. Isabella and Hannah showed beautifully how the girls will work together to ensure all can compete and enjoy their hockey by playing half a game each. This was a funny game to call. SV were the dominant team and should have won the game outright but it was not meant to be. A couple of goals were disallowed for being “struck outside the ‘D’” (although the girls would tell you different!) so it felt like Lady Luck would not shine through but the girls continued to battle. Eventually a well worked ball and determination saw Elizabeth make a magnificent strike on the ball which landed in the back of the net. The girls continued to dominate but as the game drew to a close Blackheath got a lucky break and scored the equaliser.

SV vs Blackheath Falcons 2-1
Obviously fired up by the previous game the girls were not going to let this Blackheath team beat them! Pressuring the Blackheath goal led to two wonderful goals. Elyse had perfect poise and position to plant the ball in the back of the goal to give us the initial lead. The next goal mouth battle was quite congested that I was actually unable to see who scored the goal but I will give credit to both Anna and Elizabeth for fighting for it ?. I am running out of different ways to say – another superb game!

SV vs Holcombe Hawks 2-0
After 3 games on the bounce the girls were able to have a rest before coming back for more against this second Holcombe team. The opposition didn’t have a goalie and our dominance at the start implied that more goals could have been scored however the strength of the opposition’s defence kept this game very close for a long time. Throughout the game a series of good passes and movement kept the girls going and eventually they managed to break a hole in the Holcombe line for Sophie to convincingly pass the ball over the goal line. Holcombe fought back and pushed SV back to defend which then led to a side-line ball for SV in their defensive half. SVs next goal cam from this side-line ball. Olivia created space for Caitlin to pass the ball to her. Olivia drove down the wing the, seeing Sophie unmarked, passed the ball with perfection timing. Movement off the ball by Hannah, Isabella and Elizabeth meant Sophie was able to find Anna on the post waiting for a quick pass. Anna willing slotted the ball in the back of the net to show how a goal can be scored with a bit of running and 3 well-timed passes. GREAT team work!

SV vs Holcombe Hornets 1-0
The drizzle was now in full force and poor Libby was starting to turn blue standing in goal so the decision was made to give her a game out on pitch. Isabella kindly offered to have a turn in goal, although I think a number of the girls fancied putting the kit on to ‘keep out of the rain’! Another Holcombe team without a goalie and the last game of the triangle. The opposition’s outfield players were strong and some seemed twice as big as our team. They may grow them tall in Medway but we all know about David and Goliath! The majority of the game was spent in our attacking half. Holcombe did have the odd break through but solid defence Isabella and tracking back from Hannah, Caitlin and Olivia meant Holcombe had no chance of scoring. Elizabeth had her target eye in place today and another strong strike from her separated the two sides.

4 wins and a draw – fabulous team effort and play. Every triangle the girls come out and play with all of their hearts; they always amaze me with their passion and strength ... one very proud ‘coach’!