It was a mild damp day. The clouds were heavy and you could smell the damp in the air but it was cool, not cold. It was perfect for hockey. The Charnleigh, (not Westwood) girls arrived with a spring in their step. They had only played one game together and were soundly beaten by Beeston. But these girls had spirit.
There were a few nervous glances towards the generally older and taller opposition before push back, the whistle blew, it was game on.
Sutton Coldfield started with purpose, get the ball forward and shoot. The embryonic Charnleigh side were defending wave after wave of attacks. There were some great tackles and resolute goalkeeping, Sutton Coldfield scored after a few minutes.
Nervous looks were passed between coaches and parents as encouragement was shouted to the girls on the pitch. 1 nil down and we had hardly been out of our own half, but these girls had spirit. The girls started to talk to each other. They got into a better shape. They started to find each other with simple passes. They were attacking. Our midfield were cutting through theirs with quick passing and clever runs. They released the forwards and now Charnleigh were the ones attacking. Spirit! A sustained attack and there was a shot on goal. It hit a defender on the foot. Penalty stroke! The penalty was converted with authority. It was 1-1. Sutton Coldfield tried to press forward to regain the lead but this two part Charnleigh team had bonded into one solid unit. Our defence now looked strong. The next goal would be important. There was a sustained attack, a shot, a save from the keeper, the rebound fell to a Charnleigh forward who fired it past the exposed keeper. 2-1! Charnleigh finished the half on top, only great goalkeeping stopped them from extending the advantage.
Sutton Coldfield came out in the second half determined to start as they did the first half.
The game was now an arm wrestle. Both teams battling hard to gain the upper hand. It was a battle the home side were winnng. Sutton Coldfield heads dropped, the mood had changed. Charnleigh were now dominating. Sutton Coldfield were now reduced to smashing long balls to their forwards to counter attack. Charnleigh defence was in control of the threats. A deserved third goal nearly came from a penalty corner but was saved on the line. It continued predictably, Charnleigh possession, Sutton Coldfield counter attacks. It was tense. The final whistle blew. Screams of delight, from the parents and coaches. The girls were shattered but oh so happy.