18/10/09
RICHMOND Under 18 Girls 1 v ASHFORD U18’S GIRLS 2
Starting off a little dubious with wearing white AND playing on the lush water-based pitch at Richmond’s new grounds, the girls soon got used to it…well maybe there were a few embarrassing balls bouncing over sticks – but not enough to warrant a disadvantage to the team. From the go U18s were attacking and it was hard to spot the fact that AHC had slightly changed their positions with MEGAN CONNELL playing right mid, BRYONY SMITH playing right back, ANNA PROTHERO playing centre back, as well as numerous other small tweaks. But as said, it was hard to see that because everyone got on with it and there was especially great play between NIKKI CROXON, EMILY ‘REEDY’ REED and KELLY TAYLOR in the middle, creating a number of chances which unfortunately didn’t create any goals. Already it was obvious AHC were the stronger team, but a goal didn’t appear until the short corner, when the practiced, but certainly not polished, routine from Sweeper ELINE SIBIA pushing out to ANNA PROTHERO who took a lovely strike and the ball sailed past three Richmond defenders and the goalie. Relieved to finally be up, the team didn’t let the score affect their play and put pressure on immediately. Ashford really went for the attack numerous times but it just wasn’t going in despite some awesome runs and movement from BECKY HEWES down the left and EMILY REED and KELLY TAYLOR in the middle. ABBY COWELL and MEGAN CONNELL also had some great positioning. As Richmond were on the break, disaster struck as KIRSTY HULL was floored to the ground. Ashford only had the bare 11 and so had to adapt with BECKY HEWES stepping into defence as KIRSTY went off. The U18’s didn’t let this affect them and continued to play well until finally KIRSTY rejoined the team.
The second half came at 1-0 and the U18’s were back to attacking getting in another goal. Saying that, Richmond did have their fair share of breaks as AHC’s marking discipline began to decline due to the frustration caused by a mixture of umpire’s decisions and not scoring. Howeve,r newbie to the team, goalie GEORGIE SUTCH, more than held her own at the strikes, but one did sneak in towards the end. Abby was involved in the build up and it was a sweet reverse stick strike by Reedy thta got the winner for AHC. BRYONY SMITH showed outstanding marking skills and fighting spirit and was therefore rewarded with the DUCK OF THE DAY AWARD!
Many thanks to Laura Quinn for being early, Scott Quinn for spectating, Nikki Croxon and Anna Prothero for driving and finally Donald the Duck for good luck!
Team: Georgie Sutch (GK) Eline Sibia, Anna Prothero, Kirsty Hull, Bryony Smith, Kelly Taylor, Becky Hewes, Megan Connell, Emily Reed, Nikki Croxon and Abby Cowell
