Ladies 3 vs United Services Portsmouth 1

Alton L3s played a confident game against United Services in the autumn sunshine at HMS Temeraire, Portsmouth. 

Playing the previous week’s successful formation, they quickly put the opposition under pressure. Fast footwork by White and Gates ensured that US had to keep a strong defence in their 23m zone. Although they made a number of forays into the Alton half, Milner persistently kept them wide of the circle and Footit used her skill and pace to turn the opposition over, feeding up to Fraser high on the wing. 

A period of scrappy play midway through the first half saw Wallace given a surprise green card, allowing US to push in attack. The Alton defence stepped up to the mark and Blanchard’s cool head and powerful hit allowed the forwards to dominate again. Repeated pushes by the attack finally saw results with a cross from Chinchen converted to a goal by Wilcox, taking Alton into the lead at half time.  

US started the second half with renewed vigour and began to hold position in the Alton half. A series of penalty corners gave GK Jinadasa the chance to engage and she kept the opposition out with great positioning and the odd dive. As the half progressed, fitness began to tell with Alton regaining control. 

Relentless marking and closing down by Ross paid off with Chobbah spiriting the ball into the circle to be converted to a goal by Kercher. Both teams enjoyed the delights of Dominoes pizza as just reward for the game. 

Blanchard was unanimously voted PoM as recognition of her pivotal role in the game.