Angels Drop Game 2

Game 2 of the UK tour provided new hockey insight to our girls. They battled their way through, keeping pace with a very, very strong Tunbridge Wells Girls Grammar School (TWGGS) side for much of the game. In the end, their level was too much, and LFA dropped a 0-3 decision.

Whilst it was certainly a battle for us to keep up, the good natured atmosphere of the game was abundant. Our girls were largely playing counter attack hockey and found more success in the first half, getting a couple of short corners and several shots on target. However, it was TWGGS who came away with a 1-0.

The second half was really all TWGGS. Chelsea Collwill ’14 was simply sensational in goal. She must be credited with a half dozen simply draw dropping saves to go with more than a dozen excellent saves. She handled tomahawks and rebounds with confidence and poise. Our defensive line did their very best and the team committed to checking their marks. It was simply that some of their marks were playing the highest level of hockey in England when they weren’t playing for their school. The TWGGS captain was playing in the National League game we’d seen on the weekend. She looked every bit as strong today: though it must be said that Sierra Rodrigues ’14, Jen Rogers ’14 and Emma Millichamp ’16 did some incredible work to keep her largely at bay. Still, she got two more goals in the second half: one on a perfectly executed short corner and the other on a penalty flick, which could be argued was a tough call.

LFA still managed a few counter attacks. Julie Cho ’16 took a pass and made a crafty spin to get into space and created a good opportunity at net towards the end of the game and Melisa Pavone ’14 showed some amazing skill to collect a pass and spin at the same time on the weak side in the “d”, which resulted in a shot on net and save by the TWGGS keeper. We managed our own short corner too: the ball blown down for going high just as Meghan Cavers ’15 slammed it into the net.

In the end, 3-0 probably reflected the difference in skill level, but the LFA girls came off head’s high—having put their very best effort out there and delivering a thoroughly enjoyable game to watch. We’re not officially doing players of the game, but Pete Turner (our coach from the first night) came out to watch. He isolated two players for commendation: Chelsea for her incredible game and Alessia Vaz ’15 for her skill and effort. Pete described Alessia as being like the “perfect field hockey player: quick, great vision, unselfish and perfect skills. It’s like she’s the person in the England Hockey Coaching Manual.”

Great game girls! Back at it tomorrow versus Cranbrook School.