The squad somewhat depleted due to the plague striking down Katie Allard and Lauren Stewart, and Tilly Wimshurst and her suspected broken wrist from her wrestling match in girls under 16s match the weekend before, followed by Evelyn King nursing her shin splints.

After the 1s lucky warm up and Amber Wimshurst and team talk from returning captain Katie Pond (KP), the game was about to begin, Tilly went to pick up her magic wand only to discover it had been taken (maybe it was me leaving it in lordwands worth). The game began and Southampton took control of the game and scored an early lead thats when Portsmouth decided to play.

Niki Vellacott hit the post and Evelyn swept it wide. Through tireless work with our “senior” players Anne Eadie, Zöe Wimshurst, Emily Crowcroft (Crow) and some tireless chasing from our forwards Vellacott, Kiera Falla, KP saw Portsmouth unlucky to draw by the break.

A half time reminder from our coach about the basics saw us come out and take the game to Southampton again in the second half. Some Cameo appearances allowed so well needed rest for the team as the battle continues.

In the end the pressure told and Crow, the destroyer of rings, smashed home a penalty corner to put the team deservedly level.

Despite the umpires best efforts and refusal to listen to Lucy Dunning’s enthusiastic explanation of why they were getting it wrong or coach Chris Wimshurst’s bellowing at them from the sideline, the game ended 1-1.

A well earned and hard fought draw shows the character of the Women 1s 4 points from 2 away games. Let’s go girls !!!!!