S&B Ladies 1’s set off to face Brentwood 1’s for what is always a friendly, yet tough match. Tackling the traffic on the way, missing their usual GK and without Captain Barker... Was their luck already written in the stars?

Before the game, the whole team was upbeat and raring to play. Supporting the team was dedicated Manager, Gavin and players; midfielder Louise and GK Mathilda stepping up to complete the team sheet. Both sides lined up, sun on faces, stick in hand, ready for the first whistle.

The first half started with end-to-end play, both teams enjoying attacking play in an even contest. Unable to penetrate either defence in open play, S&B and Brentwood secured penalty corners, but it was Brentwood secured the first goal. The high intensity continued each team driving the ball strategically into the opposition's half. Dressed in black, S&B's defender and player of the match Gracie, held off Brentwood's front line attackers convincingly, often beating them to the ball successfully intercepting a quick ball down the line before laying the ball off to S&Bs midfield to attack once more. But to no avail, unable to convert a penalty corner S&B under a counter attack found themselves defending another penalty corner. Although first runner, Kerry managed a stick on the striker's ball, the team conceded a second goal. Half time score 2-0.

Despite the score, the half time talk exuded positivity with S&B feeling very much in the game and determined to get past Brentwood's unstoppable centre back. The away team's strong performance continued with the midfield working tirelessly to turn over the ball into even more attacking play. S&Bs central midfielder, Charlotte weaved the ball between three Brentwood players before hammering home S&B's deserved first goal. However, a third goal from open play slips past the keeper's far right post to take Brentwood to 3 goals. Despite S&B's strong performance, it just wasn't meant to be. Final score 1-3.

Player of the Match: Gracie Green