As the cold wind cut through, the BDHC Ladies 1st team set their sights on facing their opposition of the day, close neighbours City of Peterborough 3s.

Straight out, both teams were fervently working to get the first upper hand of the game and take possession of the game. Peterborough dared to pierce the Dragons but midfielders Jess Teesdale, Liz Nunn, Libby Moore and Carol Murray were solidly set, pressing the opposition and preventing any breaks through.

Giving Peterborough a taste of their own medicine, the Dragons regained the ball and pushed on the offensive using forwards Ella Henson, Keira Maxey, Jenny Williams and Alessia Russo. However, Peterborough staved off the attack and it was once again their time to charge the opposition.

On their home turf, Peterborough were fuelled by the familiar territory and were driving to put a score on the cards. Yet, the Dragons’ emboldened defence of Katie Petherbridge, Alice Brookes, Vicky Mumby and Isia Jasińska battled to keep any invaders at bay.

With this end to end back and forth game play, neither team relented and were fighting to clinch the advantage and take the lead. Peterborough dared to bring goalie Eliana Russo into play but like water off a duck’s back, she cleared the danger away.

Both teams were teetering on the edge of securing a lead, but as the half time whistle blew, the game remained tied at 0-0.

Back out of the gates, both teams were locked in this alternating seesaw game play with unwavering passing, slick team work and working the ball around the pitch to move forward.

Deigning to challenge the Dragons, Peterborough managed to break through with a shot at goal and time slowed as the ball glanced off Russo’s rigid armour.
Watching the ball’s trajectory, everyone held their breaths as Katie Petherbridge stepped in and plucked the airborne ball, stopping it in its beeline for the backboard.

Stoking their fire, the Dragons rebutted and launched down the other end of the pitch hoping to glean something for themselves.

With some close calls, alas, neither team were able to push ahead and take the win. As the game was called, this tête-à-tête stood at 0-0. Man of the match was awarded to Katie Petherbridge for her stunning goal line save and great defending.