13/08/2021
MATCH REPORT - Age UK Tournament at Harwich 8th August
Very much a game of two halves !
After the wellie, canoeing and water wing jokes on a very wet Saturday, everything looked as though it may get a bit grubby on Sunday, as 3 of the 4 pitches were grass. As it turned out, there was no need to try mud wrestling or bog snorkelling; instead we had to make do with walking football and a windy day, mostly from one of the girls (no names) !
We were blighted with 3 injuries and a positive Covid-19, before we left at the unearthly time of 7:30. Anyway, the 7 ladies and 7 men, including some last minute additions, arrived in good time. Mandy and myself acting as squad captains, had drawn straws earlier to decide which squad would be designated 'The Harriers' and play on the 3G pitch, while the other would be 'The Kestrels' and play on grass. So 'The Harriers' consisted of the tried and tested partnership of Mandy, Lyn, Coral and Lisa Smith, along with the stalwart Andy in goal and guest players from Southend and Beacon Hill, Steve and Derek respectively. Elsewhere Rob from Southend (referred to as 'the hair' by the opposing teams, it was a conservative day-glo pink!) joined myself, Tracy, Kim, Liz, Alan and the agile Gordon in goal.
The most important thing was to enjoy ourselves and perhaps have a decent go at the opposing teams, so full marks on both counts. However, it soon became obvious that we were effectively, the only truly mixed teams there. I'm therefore writing an open letter to the organisers, with our disappointment at the unfair representation. I will give everybody the chance to express their thoughts and/or add to the letter, so I will publish it on Spond, before I send it.
The first two matches were against all male teams with resulting scores of Dunmow 2-0 Kestrels and Brightlingsea 2-0 Harriers. Then we had to different incarnations of Leighton Orient, the Kestrels drew 0-0 against the 'Red' team that consisted of 5 men and 1 lady. The Harriers opposition 'LO Whites' were supposed to be a mixed team, 'apparently' their ladies didn't turn up, it also transpires that this was mostly the winning League team from last year, so no surprise being beaten 6-2; we managed to get on the score sheet though, thanks to Steve. Finally Clacton 2-0 Harriers and a 2-0 loss by the Kestrels to Harwich, the overall competition winners, completed our involvement against overwhelmingly male teams.
As teams we played very well, individually too; although, I put in a bit of a lack lustre performance myself and had a good goal scoring opportunity deflected by a lucky save. Anyway, Lyn and Alan were deservedly awarded Players of the Tournament medals from the club, both were very effective and caused some real problems. I will mention Steve and Liz who both came a close second. From what I saw (and know) of Steve, he is really dangerous on the right wing, so the 2 goals don't surprise me and were welcome. Brave Liz excelled because of her positioning and anticipation, often getting in the way of an attack. All credit to all the girls for being fearless against opponents, often running and tackling from the side and behind, that were in some cases 2 or 3 times the size; the guy marking me in one game was about 8 stone heavier than me and the Harriers had to contend with a player of nearly 6ft 6in in height in another.
So, thank you to everybody that turned up, especially Derek, Steve and Rob at short notice. Also well done for excelling given the circumstances.
Images and videos are on 'Hawkwell Ladies Walking Football' page at:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/214265603307850
All the best
Gary
