This week Redbridge 2.5s took on Romford in their penultimate match of the summer league. Unlike some of the previous games this season, the weather proved why it was referred to as ‘summer’ league, as temperature and sunshine saw half the team sweating and in need of a drink before the game had even begun.

With a straight 11 (thanks to Tuckermon jumping in at last minute), Redbridge knew the game could be a tough one but this didn’t put them off putting in all their effort as they hoped for another win against Romford, especially as there were more spectators to usual. Making their spectator debut, alongside the usual supportive faces we see, Meenal’s parents had chosen a fine evening to come along to watch some excellent hockey..after all who needs Lee Valley Hockey centre at the Olympic park with the England team, when you can have Redbridge hockey pitch with Amy on it?! Their visit was not a wasted one either as both Meenal and Shernell scored in the first half. Meenal snuck a goal in from a short corner taken by Max, and Shernell scored during a Redbridge attack, aided by Emily. Redbridge had other opportunities to score during the first half with attempts from Max, Meenal, and Emily but alas no further goals.

Down the opposite end of the pitch Romford managed to sneak a goal past Sam, but that was the only one as the defensive line up of Sam, Tucker (English one, not the Welsh international player – to save any confusion), Di, Ash and Lauren kept any others at bay.

At half-time the score was 2-1 to Redbridge, and after a little lie down (just for me – though Max did have a lie down during the last Romford short corner in the 1st half – please note I did say lie down not fall down, that came in the second half…surprisingly late in the game for Max), it was time to continue. And in this half the left-hand side of the pitch were in the shade! Wahoo! Yay..Two hands on the stick instead of one covering the sun from your eyes, this came in handy for the midfielders as they kept Romford from making runs down the wings.

Second half saw goal attempts by both teams, even Tucker somehow snuck up towards Romford D, but the only goal in the second half came from Meenal, putting Redbridge up to 3-1. Personally I think Romford may have let have it because her parents were watching, and afterall Meenal has a goal scoring reputation to withhold, after her hattrick last week…though Meenal, scoring goals week in and week out, does not mean you can slack on the goal celebrating tut tut.

The game finished 3-1 to Redbridge, with everyone having had a good game and everyone really sweaty…not so sexy hockey! Next week we take on Wapping (to be pronounced Whoping)

Over and out,

Amy / Amz / Aimzy / Axl