Berries on a roll

Saturday, 27th October: 2–1 win.

Having gained three points last week Berries looked to double their points tally this week when taking on Mid-Surrey in a bottom of the table game with all to play for.

Both sides started in a positive manner looking to get the upper hand in an open game with evenly matched sides. Mid-Surrey were working the ball around well looking for chinks in the Berries defence of Lin, Steph, Ruth, Eve, Helena and Teresa. Attacks by Berries were being broken up or breaking down just outside the D but this ensured that Mid-Surrey could not afford to push forward too much.

The halfs of Susie, Alison and Abbie (guest appearance) were breaking up Mid-Surrey play and trying to release the Berries forwards of Phoebe, Grace, Clare, Nikki, Helen S, Jenny and Vix (another guest appearance). Berries began to get their passing game together and started to threaten Mid-Surrey’s goal. Great work by Vix, Phoebe and Clare on the wings but the ball would just not go in the net. As Berries pushed forward Mid-Surrey took advantage to score with some fine accurate passing leading to the ball being swept into the goal!

This galvanised Berries into action. A few penalty corners including another great strike from Nikki but it would just not go in for Berries. Time for Alison to take the lead. Unchallenged she dribbled her way into the D before releasing a shot which evaded all defenders and goalie to sneak over the line.. Back to an even score, and all to play for!

The second half saw Mid-Surrey continue to threaten Berries goal, but saves from Lin and Mid-Surrey being wasteful with their chances kept the score level. A classic counter attack with Berries moving the ball quickly up the pitch was finished off superbly by Grace.

With a lead and 10 minutes to go Berries were determined not to concede another goal. Everyone tried to keep the ball on Berries sticks and when it did get into the Berries D there was always plenty of talking to make sure that all players were marked.

A great game played in a good atmosphere – a credit to the game. Thanks to Gerry for umpiring the whole game on his own. Mid-Surrey have commented on how fair he was and want to hire him every week!!

Final score 2–1 win to Berries.