Grey skies and mizzle accompanied proceedings at LPBS on Sunday lunchtime when our ladies O45s turned out to host opposition who'd crossed the length of London for our 3rd league match.

Missing several players, some down in New Zealand for the Masters World Cup, Brombecks were only able to field 11, so were relieved to see the oppo were in the same predicament, however even without subs we were determined to get this match played, having had to concede the last one due to a lack of availability at half term.

It being Remembrance Sunday, we observed an Act of Remembrance before the start of play, and things got underway with some quality passing from both teams, but with sweeper Christine exhibiting impressive stick skills cutting a swathe through the defence, Brombecks won an early short corner, cleanly struck by Christine herself and deftly touched in at the near post by Katie. 1-0 up after 6 minutes. Good start!

A period of flowing play and well-connected passing that often characterised this enjoyable match concluded with a turnover in midfield. Katie picked the ball up, slalomed through the defence to cross to Sue, who cleanly finished with stunning reverse stick skill that drew admiring celebrations from the home side and their smattering of sideline followers, as well as a shrug of nonchalance from the scorer.

Moments later, breaking through with another deep attack, Mandy’s strike connected with the backboard but despite her indignant protestations was rightly judged to have been hit just outside the D.

Phoenix were far from down and out and continued to make their own inroads into our defence, winning a short corner moments before half time but Heidi was lively on the line confidently and cleanly clearing their shot.

So still 2-0 up and feeling comfortable we turned in for half time, wine gums, Mandy still seeking confirmation that she'd been done an injustice, and helpful tactical observations from Scottie.

Following her directions in the second half led to some great linked play up the space on the right, and further scoring opportunities, notably Bernie narrowly failing to connect with a couple of crosses - a year or 2 ago maybe she wouldn't have hesitated to make the requisite dive! Clearly with no subs, even if spirits remained strong, legs were tiring - perhaps we should suggest we play shorter halves? - and Phoenix made the most of our lapse to drive through, shoot, and impressively volley the ball in off Heidi’s initial save, giving them a well-deserved goal.

Heads never dropped and even though we only won one more short corner we were not yet done. With less than 5 minutes to go, and collectively willing the clock to speed up, Kim missed a sitter in front of goal. She clearly felt there was unfinished business and moments later, whilst the rest of us looked on, she scurried off up field on a solo mission, leaving their defence scattered in her wake and from a 1 on 1 deftly placed the ball in the back of the net.

Despite late pressure rewarding Phoenix with a last minute penalty corner, this was a well-deserved and thoroughly enjoyable 3-1 win.

This friendly squad is happy to accept eligible players looking to play fun, masters age group hockey on an occasional basis. To find out more, make contact via the BromBecks website.