Bath University 2nds v Bath
Comp: Women’s West League
Date 11th October 2020
Photos on Facebook – Click
Final Score Bath Uni 16:12 Bath
With Covid-19 making the usual SWWL League tournaments unable to take place, matches have instead been arranged on a home/away format. The teams have been divided into groups that should give all the teams competitive matches and, as there’s no BUCS competition until after Christmas, some local university teams have joined in. So Bath City Ladies were delighted to have their first run out of the season against Bath University 2s – a team we wouldn’t normally meet – on the University’s Medics pitch, always keeping in line with new Covid-19 protocols and adapted rules.
After a tentative start, when we let the home side take a quarter-time lead of 6-4, our confidence slowly grew. Many of our players hadn’t played with us before and it was great to see them find their feet as the match progressed. The girls in midfield had to work hard all day – the Covid-19 lack of a draw meaning that they had to be quick to respond to the drive from the centre. And the new rules of extended self-start opportunities and free movement meant the ball transitioned from one end of the pitch to the other even more rapidly than before! Half time score was 9-5 to the University.
As the match progressed the defence, led by Captain Beth S, upped their communication and created more and more turnovers. New goalie Katie was on great form with fabulous saves and excellent vocal direction. With Carmen and Molly the defence kept up the pressure all afternoon staving off attempt after attempt on goal and bringing the ball safely into the transition.
Midfield, Izzy – who had driven down from Derby to be with us, what dedication to her team! – Joc, Anna and Jen tirelessly covered the pitch from end to end defending and attacking with determination and spirit. Increasingly link ups with the attack of Beth C, Steph and Victoria worked better and better and the fightback was on, with transition through the pitch improving quarter on quarter. In attack the girls were recognising when to drive – with some excellent goals from centre – and when to control, leading to well-timed feeds. All of which helped make good use of ball possession.
The second half score was equal 7-7 but a few unlucky finishes from Bath City meant that, with their early lead, our hosts finished ahead with a full time score of 16-12.
A cracking match with complete commitment from all the team. A belief that we can win is all that is missing – the next one is ours!
Girls of the Game (voted by the team): Katie for some great saves and Victoria
Scorers: Victoria (9), Beth C and Steph (2)