Sonning Vets v Abingdon at Tilsley Park 23^rd January 2010

Team: S.Hicks, C.Miles, S.Edgerton, J.Grindal, A.Higgins, D.Webb,C.John, R.Beasley,F. Ford, S.Oldham, K.Vive,C.Woffingtion

Sonning Vets 0 – Abingdon 1

Umpires: Eddie Butler plus opposition.

After a prolonged enforced layoff the Vets were pleased to get together and relished the opportunity of some competitive sport in England’s now green, but not yet particularly pleasant land, with a dampness still pervading the air.

Having been narrowly defeated by Abingdon, earlier this season the Vets were keen to avenge this. Carolynne was back from injury and was able to play up on the left for most of the game. In the first half possession and opportunities were evenly matched. Sonning had a couple of short corners but Sharon was unable to convert. Excellent saves from Sue, including a reactive raised hand to head, prevented Abingdon from scoring. Sonning defence were under pressure but Ruth was able to deal with a fast right wing, Karen cut of many attacks in centre mid field and Carol M stopped the last forward getting through.

No score at half time.

During the second half Jill stayed tight on the Abingdon captain who was dangerously creative and marshalling the team. Anji had a couple of possibilities, one going wide and the other saved and Fran was unable to get the strike. A series of six short corners failed to produce a result . Debbie, Carol J and Sara kept out attacks on the right and it looked as though Sonning would hold on for a respectable draw, but nearing the end following intense pressure at the Sonning end, Abingdon broke through and found the Sonning defence unable to cover in retreat.

JG