On Saturday the ladies 1s took on Old Williamsonians 1s at home. After researching the team, it was spotted the opposing club had brought in two international players. Maidstone were apprehensive to begin with however they quickly eased into the game with a nothing to lose attitude and backing their game play from the weeks prior.

Maidstone started well, they moved the ball around rapidly with Lizzie Ashford, Emma Worsfold and Steph Lurshay dominating the middle of the pitch. Around 10 minutes in, Emma, someone who lives and breathes a straight strike, once again stepped up to the mark and executed the perfect strike into the bottom left corner.

Maidstone kept on the heat and a second came some few moments later. This was built up by play starting from Steph who made her way left and right through the Old Wills mid field. Spotting her university peer Giorgia Woods down the right, the ball was kindly placed onto Gios’ stick. Gio then rapidly made her way down the right wing and crossed the ball with a hit across the D. Lesley Price, located around the P-spot, lovingly first time slapped the ball into the goal. This made the score 2-0.

Around 25 minutes into the second half, Old Wills star players came to life and the South African international showed why she had been brought into the club. Some quick hands got her through the MHC side; upon reflection less diving and more shadowing would have been beneficial for Maidstone. Old Wills had a hit from the top of the D which deflected off Maidstone into the goal, some may perceive this hit as high, the umpires however did not think so. The score was stood 2-1 to Maidstone, this scoreline went into the second half.

Old Wills continued to apply pressure, long story short, in the space of around 15 minutes three goals were scored by Old Wills. One being a reverse hit from the top, another being a deflection into the goal from a short corner and another being a push into the goal seconds after Rehannah Houghton-Judge placed herself into the goal stopping the ball just before the line. The score was 4-2. Old Wills had multiple breaks moving forward, this left Rehannah lonely at the back on many occasions and facing a few nerve racking 1-1s. A few flat stick tackles later, no further goals were scored at this point.

Maidstone noted there was around 10 minutes left and recognised some goals needed to be scored to keep them in the game. Emma, for the second time, executed her straight strike to perfection and the score sat 4-3. However Old Wills managed to secure one more goal in the last 10 minutes, from… you can guess it, another reverse hit from the international! The final score stood 5-3 to Old Wills.

A thoroughly enjoyable game which was competitive throughout. Maidstone really did give Old Wills a good run round and they look forward to facing them away later this season.

A big thank you must go to the supports who turned up on the chilly Saturday. They kept the girls going and gave all some added entertainment throughout the game. This Saturday most the ladies 1s take a rest from the league and a mix of the ladies 1s and 2s travel to Brighton to take on Hailsham for the cup.