Perfect playing conditions welcomed Crostyx U14 girls for their opening game at Lee Valley Hockey centre against Amersham and Chalfont.

As it was the both teams first game of the season it was decided to play 3 lots of 20 minutes to allow more coaching input. The first third was pretty even with play going to end to end with not a lot of action in the D's. The new Crostyx defensive setup of Clara, Emily, Kiera and Bessie handled most attacks and worked the ball well up to the midfield where Imogen, Helene, Charlotte and Jasmine put together some good passing movement to get the ball to the forward duo of Katie and Amber. With a squad of 13 Georgia rotated with the two forwards to keep them fresh and Maddie gave solid cover at left and right back. However Amersham scored first when a deflected ball in the D caused a moment of uncertainty which was punished by the attacking player.

Going in to the second third a goal down Crostyx responded well, won a few short corners and after a period of pressure a melee in the D resulted in an alert Helene smacking the ball in to the goal to make it 1-1. It looked like the score would remain like that until Amersham won a slightly fortunate short corner and the ball was hit emphatically into the corner of the Crostyx goal to make it 2-1.

The final period began with Crostyx playing their best hockey of the match, pressing the Amersham defence in their own 25 and by excellent use of the self pass created chances and short corners but were not able to score. Finally a great move down the right hand side by Charlotte and Amber got the ball in to Helene in the D who squeezed the ball in to the net (via the keeper)to score a well deserved equaliser. Both sides had chances in the last frenetic few minutes but the game ended in a fair 2-2 draw.

A good performance for the first game coming back from a goal down twice and lots to work on in training. Emily was voted players player of the match for a very solid performance at left back with Clara and Charlotte also getting a number of votes.

Thanks to Paul Murphy and Alfie Tedder for umpiring and parents for their positive vocal support.