We've only gone and done it!

Sunday Nana Hockey time was becoming a regular event at Newcastle Hockey club, what was unusual was the Sunshine and the lack of Nanas Whats Apps. Was this a new tactic to make sure the players did not get too excited or was it just that Capt had not really had time to think about Nanas hockey!? The opposition arrived in their lovely bus after their long journey up North, only to find that the pitch wasn’t booked till 2.45 - arghhhhh, obviously the centre staff decided that 2.45 - 3.30 was quite long enough for an old ladies hockey game. Panic over pitch was free and we were good to go. There was a calm atmosphere in the changing rooms, league winners congrulated, well done super 2s, the 1s still have hope after their manc week and the superhuman 3s players arrived a little late having already played! After a simple captains team talk, we awaited coach Kev, who is impressing us all with his range of whiteboards. Blue dots moved, lots of nods and we were ready to head out (after even more loo stops!!!!)

The opposition were already on the pitch and they looked ready for this game, we looked a little nervous and in true Nana style were slow in warm up. The game started and the nerves soon went, from the start it was obvious that they had a number of ‘young’ very good players, who were confident on the ball. We had been given a game plan and we knew that if we worked as a team then we could play our game. There was some lovely passing all around the pitch and Sarah was enjoying her role as top diamond, with the ball sticking to her stick as she weaved in and out of players. Crofty and Bazi were holding the width and when the ball got to them they were able to play great balls down the line. Fran and Sue were making great runs into the corners and their 1st touch was class (video evidence of Sue picking up a lovely ball and taking it around a defender). We grew with confidence and settled into the game. It wasn’t long before Fran found herself in the circle and although surrounded by a number of defenders, she managed to find space to strike the ball - BOOM 1 - nil. This is where things got exciting as HALF PITCH was called, yes that HALF PITCH, move back all and defend. We continued to press for a 2nd goal and did create a few chances, both teams had a short corner and all were pleased for half time. Capt was told off for not doing her job and all children and adults removed from pitch side!

Second half is always more exciting, we like to keep the crowd on their toes. There was a couple of stoppages, firstly as 1st aid was needed for an injured player after a disallowed goal, this was a example of the Nanas attitude today, we regrouped and continued to press for more. The second stoppage due to their GK losing a screw, we all know that Amy has a screw loose as do most GKs, Amy will say she's the only sane person on the pitch??? During this stoppage it was time for the Nanas to reflect as we looked around the ground, it was amazing to see the children crawling around on the football pitch, demonstrating the speed of Nanas hockey, the Husbands clearly enjoying even more hockey, past players and the comforting sound of Eeeeeeeee and the current young players. Your support for us old players is really welcome and today made a massive difference. Back to the game, Kathryn and Sue were continuing to run and keep ball in play, Bobi was linking well with Sarah and Crofty was having the great game. After years of Crofty’s ‘great’ tackling, she was trying a new game plan, of not tackling and wow, what a game she had, Nikki was being a ‘good girl’ and listening to all Hannah’s instructions, Good girl Nikki! Meanwhile in team D, Megan was controlling ariel balls for fun and her passing is just top class, always puts a name on it, Zoe just keeps getting the ball of people, when you think they’ve beaten her and Hannah was enjoying teasing their players by letting them run the full length of the pitch as she shadowed them only to then take the ball off them. Baz was doing a Bazi down the right and Amy did not stop shouting, oh and made an amazing save!. With 10 minutes to go, we decided it was time to practice defensive short corners and to become more familiar with the rules. So the umpire kindly informed us that we couldn’t play with the mask outside the 23m, masks on and sorted, only for their oldest player and ex Newcastle lady to break into the circle early! 2nd attempt, ball cleared, arghhhh Hels still has face mask on, Han kindly reminded her, face mask off and does she throw at umpire or Megan ………… sorry Megan! 2 minutes to go and as tradition has it Hels and Baz have to see out the game with the competition of who can keep the ball the longest. However its a team game and we win and lose as a team and today we won and we’re off to Lee Valley. Amazing feeling and what an amazing team and club. Thanks to supporters and a massive thank you to coach Kev. I am pleased that Sarah Rae’s cakes were back to their top class standards, as were her skills on the pitch, a well deserved Player of the match.