Oh the GLORIOUS 3s!!!!! It’s fair to say I’m glowing and can hardly stay in my seat on the train as I write this report but let me start by saying that I am beyond proud of every. single. player. I think this report will test my range of positive adjectives…Anyway it's time to tell this glorious story…

To build the scene, the rain was lashing down while the wind was howling when the 3s meet and welcomed Ruby, Pippa, Nipps and Oksana to the team. A first shout out to all of these players for not only stepping up very very last minute, but for also absolutely bringing it. As the rain and wind continued, the 3s got ready to face Priory who last year we fought hard against but lost 6-0 and who are currently top of the league. None of this fazed the glorious 3s, determined to fight hard, to communicate and play easy effective hockey.

The game started strong with Lewes quickly getting the ball in Priory’s D. At times, it felt the game was evenly matched, but Lewes started to make more and more beautiful passes into space and get the balls to Ruby, Pippa and Rih and suddenly the game was turning into more of Lewes’ game. At 20 mins, Pippa scored an utterly fabulous goal. Not distracted by this lead, Lewes kept their cool and fought on determined to broaden their lead. At half time, glorious Gubs gave some pointers from the sidelines we and got ready to go again.

Like the first half, the second half was filled with stunning play by ALL members of the squad. Relentless pressure and silky tackles from Naomi, Goldie was brilliant as left back, Em and Lucy were as strong and skilful as ever, Nipps was gloriously placed and nimble at right back, Lizzie oh Lizzie was everywhere with stunning composure on the ball, Rhi made some great enablers in the top third, and Oksana’s speed and grit was perfect. Despite this though and with the help of an unlucky call for a penalty flick, Priory managed to find the back of the net soon into the second half making the score 1-1. Even more determined, Lewes fought on in the rain and wind and created a beautiful and very spacious situation where Ruby, Pippa and Rhi were 3 on 2 in nearly the whole of Priory’s half with Ruby finding the back of the net. Glorious. Predictably, Priory fought hard in response and managed to get some near misses, however with Freya in goal being incredible Freya, they were unsuccessful to level the score. 10 minutes later, the glorious greens, through using better structure and the whole pitch, got another shot on goal with Ruby turning the goalie’s save into a goal making it 3-1 to Lewes. The last 15 minutes of the game, Lewes came together once more, played more simple hockey and stayed composed while the opposition’s emotions rose and they received two green cards. As asked by me before the game, Lewes kept fighting until the last whistle and were overjoyed when the whistle blew.

I also want to mention the sportsmanship of all the players in the 3s. When the opposition refused to shake hands and do three cheers, this didn’t stop Lewes from giving three cheers or trying to shake hands. Hockey is about more than the score, it’s about the joy of it and respect of everyone on the pitch regardless of the score. The 3s not only did themselves and the Club proud but both me and Kate who was with us in spirit.

Almost every single player had a nomination for players’ player and if I could have given it to everyone, I would have deservingly. But, this week our headband and trophy went to Pippa for her very silky play. Ladies, I am SO proud of you. COME ON THE 3s!!!