With the last game of the season on the horizon, the BDHC Ladies 1s rocked up to their home pitch to face top of the league, Spalding 1s, in the glorious sunshine.

Spalding started the game with high velocity and intensity, setting a high bar for gameplay. However, the Dragons soon stepped up and took possession using midfielders Libby Moore, Ella Henson, Carol Murray, Jess Teesdale and Vicky Mumby diligently worked around the Spalding players to start making an offensive move to the Spalding defence. Tactful passing and smart team play gave the ball to forwards Alessia Russo, Keira Maxey, and Jenny Williams who were buzzing with electric energy to apply pressure on the visiting team.

Nevertheless, Spalding weren’t so easily bested. Regaining possession Spalding were on the offensive and were eager to show their prowess; testing the Dragons’ defensive lineup of Carolina Geddes, Katie Petherbridge, Isia Jasińska and goalie, Eliana Russo.

Like their opposition, the Dragons were soon to rebuff the danger and turn the game around once again. The beginning of the game saw the Dragons applying persistent pressure to Spalding, keeping them off balance and unable to get a solid footing in the game.

The alternating gameplay saw both teams locked in a tense stalemate, but Spalding were first to step up to the plate and weave through the home team to put the ball into the goal; 0-1.

With their first goal under their belt, the Spalding engine had shifted into gear. The Dragons’ advances and forays into the Spalding defence were soon parried away and the ball offloaded to players heading towards other end of the pitch. Breaking out of the Dragons’ press, Spalding used their speed and numbers to overpower the home team and smash a ball at goal; 0-2.

The top of the league team were in their element. Regardless, the Dragons weren’t going to let Spalding run away with the game. With their relentless perseverance fighting for the ball and consistent team work, the Dragons were giving it their all and pushing Spalding back to their defensive D. Their hard work soon earned the home team various short corners, but Spalding were well versed and quashed any chance of an opportunity at goal.

As the first half was coming to a close, the Dragons were doing all they could to suppress any advances from the visiting team and reverse the gameplay. Alas, Spalding’s impressive competence was a force to be reckoned with, managing to get themselves another goal to push 0-3 ahead.

A rousing team talk bolstered and emboldened the Dragons and enlivened their spirits to face part two of the final showdown of the season. As always, Spalding were out for blood and wanted to pull the game further out of reach of the home team but the Dragons weren’t going to make this an easy feat.

Spalding surged as a coordinated unit with slick passes to manoeuvre around the Dragons and once again have a shot at goal. Unfortunately for them, Goalie Eliana Russo bore down on the approaching Spalding players and, with the help of the cohesive defence of the Dragons, knock the ball away from any danger back up the other end of the pitch. The Dragons managed to have some close calls on goal, but ultimately Spalding remained steadfast and repelled any opportunity to get back into the game.

Despite the back and forth game play throughout, seasoned Spalding managed to capitalise and score three more goals as the game was called to an end. The scoreline of 0-6 didn’t reflect the proficient and industrious game play of the Dragons. Man of the match was awarded to Jess Teesdale for her unceasing drive and consistent powerful presence on pitch.