The BDHC Ladies 1s were headed away this week to cloud-covered Cambridge to face the historic city’s Nomads 1s. The Dragons had first pushback and were straight on the offensive to put the first mark on the game. However, Nomads wanted this valour for themselves; stepping up and putting pressure on the Dragons, they immediately tested the defensive lineup of Caroline Geddes, Jess Teesdale, Isia Jasińska and goalie Eliana Russo. Yet, their fortified defence kept their oppositions at bay.

A quick turn around gave the ball back to the Dragons to distribute to awaiting midfielders Carol Murray, Sophie Brittain, Libby Moore and Norah Brill. Despite this, the Nomads weren’t going to ease up and were relentlessly fighting for the ball and to regain possession of the game. Unfortunately, the Nomads managed to break free from the Dragons restraints and slipped a ball into the goal.

Like water off a duck’s back, the Dragons were undeterred by this mark on the scoreboard, instead, it just added fire to their step. Working the ball up to the hungry forwards, Ella Henson, Alessia Russo, Kirsty Martin and Jess Anderson, it was the Dragons’ turn to shine. Awarded a short corner, the well-rehearsed Dragons set for this showdown, as the ball came to Sophie Brittain who put the ball behind the keeper to even the game out.

Back in equal contention, both teams wanted to clinch the lead. Every attacking attempt by the Dragons was soon replicated down the other end of the pitch, over and over again. Alas, Nomads broke the stale mate and managed to get another goal bringing the score to 2-1.

Not for long! As the Dragons were awarded another short corner, with smart plays from pivotal player Carol Murray, Sophie Brittain took her shot and put the ball into the goal. Levelling out the game for either team to take control of.

In the remaining seconds of the first half, the Dragons were awarded a short corner. As the team all gathered around the Nomads defence, like predators cornering their prey, the hungry team’s sharp play to draw out the keeper gave Sophie Brittain the chance to score her third goal of the game. At the end of the first half, the Dragons were up 3-2.

Strengthened by this advantage and the rousing half time team talk, the Dragons knew to keep their heads and maintain their hard work. Nomads were desperately trying to pierce their opposition’s defence but were thwarted time and time again with stunning saves by Eliana Russo and necessary clearances from Caroline Geddes and Jess Teesdale. Sending the ball up to the other end of the pitch for the Dragons’ forwards to attempt at another goal of their own.

A break for Nomads gave them the chance to get out of their defensive D and making their way to the Dragons’ defence, a ball fell to a Nomad player who put it into the goal. The game was tied at 3-3.

This tight game was neck and neck and both teams were vying to put themselves ahead. An offensive push by the Dragons came to a head with an attempt on goal, saved by the keeper but picked up by Alessia Russo who ensured its rightful place in the goal. The Dragons had edged ahead; 4-3.

In the dying seconds of the game, Nomads stole a loose ball and slipped it into the goal. As the full time whistle blew, this tête-à-tête with the Nomads ended in a draw, 4-4. Resilient and relentless hard work by the whole squad, but man of the match was awarded to and well earned by Libby Moore for her persistent and solid play throughout the game.