Girls' 1st XI v Rotterdam

Date: Tuesday 9th February

Venue: Away, 6.30pm Start

Team: A.Church, H.Dunford, A.Krone, M.Byas, S.Hawkins, L.McIntosh, G.Sanderson, J.Leigh, R.Siebert, E.Green, R.Rogers, R.Brown, E.Gray, W.Mumby, L.Smith (15)

Result: H.C.Rotterdam 1 - 3 Repton (Jo Leigh (F), (F), Bex Brown (F))

Report:  After a morning spent in Amsterdam, which included a visit to Anne Frank's House, the girls were keen to get underway after the cancelled game last night.   In bitterly cold conditions against a useful outfit it took a while for the Repton girls to get up to speed with the pace of play.  Once we had recognised the advancing Dutch half-backs and realised how to best cope, Rhiannon Rogers and Ellie Green were able to intercept through balls on numerous occasions. So although Rotterdam had more of the possession it was Repton who looked the more dangerous.  Jo Leigh scored two open play goals in quick successions after good counter-attacking moves.    Before half-time Bex Brown had made it 3-0 deflecting home after some great inter-passing in the final third.    Rotterdam had their best chance with an over-time first half corner but the elaborate move broke down.

There must have been some stern words in the Rotterdam team talk at half time as the girls came out with much more energy and purpose.   Despite pressing much harder and winning possession from the Repton back-line on more occasions the Rotterdam girls still struggled to make any clear-cut chances.  The goal came in bizarre circumstances when a pass was left by everybody as it was assumed to be outside the circle only for it to be given as a goal.

Esther Gray and Grace Sanderson haven't had much exposure to opposition of today's standard and they acquited themselves very well.  Wiz Mumby was a more than able deputy for Shona McCallin in the middle of the pitch and Ellie Green created some good openings with her silky skills.    Tonight's performance was really pleasing and the after-match hospitality was much appreciated.   Rotterdam must have the best facilities of any club in the world (7 astroturf pitches surrounding a three-story clubhouse) and we are really grateful to them for looking after us.