Captain's Report : MK City vs Isis 2 (5-5)
This was an exciting fixture because Isis 2 was the only team to beat City in the OKA last season. Trying not to let that unnerve us we travelled to Bicester where, once again, penalties would feature heavily.
Changes to the line up meant a new look (and unrehearsed) first attack. The Captain quickly earned and missed a penalty, with a technique that can only be forgiven if you score. Isis then demonstrated the correct penalty technique to go a goal up. Marking a glorious City debut, Gemma immediately responded with a lovely rebound shot (netball style) to even it up at 1-1.
With the change of ends City were playing 4 vs 3 in attack. We moved the ball well and took every shooting opportunity. Then, one of Michael's long shots came good to put City 2-1 ahead before the Isis 8th player arrived.
Looking back the defence at both ends must have been strong as no goals were scored for 30 minutes despite great efforts. City attacked hard, safe in the knowledge Vic was unshakeable in collect, and had most of the ball until Michael came good again with a long shot virtually on the half way line to take City 3-1 up.
Isis then scored 4 goals in quick succession which included their second penalty. We painfully missed another penalty to find ourselves 3-5 down and bewildered but not out.
With the change of ends and no time to waste Darren hurled the ball straight under the post, the Captain put the shot up, 4-5. In the next attack, the Captain found herself running into the 2 Isis boys. The penalty was given but the shot was up and the goal stood (thank goodness, penalties have not been going well).
At 5-5 the final minutes were tense, neither team could bear to concede but both knew a victory was within reach. We perhaps defended too hard so were fortunate Isis could not convert a free pass and then the final penalty in the closing seconds.
So a full time score of 5-5. A great result for City, apparently a great game for spectators but terrible for the Captains nerves.
Many thanks to Gemma for playing and scoring in her OKA debut and thank you to Toby from Bucks for reffing.
First attack
- Emma (2)
- Gemma (1)
- Darren
- Ed
First D
- Emma C
- Vic
- Michael (2)
- Joe