The preparation for this tournament was hampered by lack of players both for the tournament and the training/trials dates. We only had 8 players 3 weeks before the tournament, but being allowed to use a couple of O60s players, and a few other names appearing suddenly out of nowhere our numbers increased to 15 only to lose 2 players through injury giving us a squad of 13.

The first game v North was about learning each other’s names as much as playing together on the pitch and was a pretty even game. Neither team were able to put the ball in the net and it ended in a 0-0 draw.

The second game v South Central/SE would be a much sterner test with several players with masters international experience in the opposition. However, we scored an early goal through a free hit being cleanly struck outside the 25 by Sally Tippen to the far post for Annie Lancaster to tap in. South fought back hard but were kept at bay by a resilient defence and an outstanding save by Chris Putt. 10 minutes into the 2nd half South were awarded a penalty corner and a clean strike by Chris Alberry levelled the score. Despite chances for both teams the final score was 1 – 1 thanks to Sue Phillips’ tireless work in midfield.

At the end of Day 1 North were leading with 4 points and Midlands 2nd with 3 points.

The programme was brought forward by 30 minutes on Sunday and we were grateful not to be playing at 9.00 am! Our 3rd game was against West and we started well with a goal after 3 minutes when Annie Lancaster got on the end of a great cross from Ruth Swann who was proving to be a real threat to any defence. A 2nd goal from Annie Lancaster just before half-time put us in a strong position. West came back strongly in the 2nd half but a goal line clearance from Allison Glading and resolute defending from the midfield as well as defence prevented any goals and we were delighted with our 2-0 win.

Our final match was against Midlands who were topping the table with 6 points so a win would put us very much in contention. They had a big squad but buoyed by our last win and the team improving with every match we were confident of getting the result we wanted. The break through came mid-way through the first half when we were awarded a penalty corner. A crisp strike from Sally Tippen eluded the GK and we had the lead. Needless to say Midlands tried very hard to equalise but the final whistle eventually went and we ended up with 8 points and conceding only 1 goal.

The last match of the day was North v West and North needed to win by 3 goals to secure the trophy. It was 1-1 at half-time and then North scored with 10 minutes to go to set up a very exciting last few minutes. Despite huge pressure on the West goalmouth, they held firm and the score remained 2-1 and we were Area Champions!

A magnificent team performance from everyone and despite some of us not having met before the team gelled amazingly well.

Sally Tippen