Thames Valley women’s 40s headed to Coleshill as retaining champions, however the opposition was far stronger this season.
The 40s manager Lisa Welling included some new faces – GK Amy Ryan from Caerphilly, Jo Bennett and Dawne Campbell from Chesham, Chihiro Gee from Bracknell, Atia Nazmin from Wycombe, Holly Bridge from Oxford joined previous winners Paula Lambert and Sian Williams from Chesham. The matches didn’t kick off till just before 5 and TV were first up against a very strong Lincolnshire side who had the majority of the ball. Thames Valley defended well with Gee thwarting many Lincs attacks. The Lincs team picked up 3 running offences and on their 4th fired a shot past Ryan, but it was deemed too quick and the resulting penalty to TV was slotted home by Williams and gave the southern team their first 3 points.
Next up were Surrey, who frustrated TV with some excellent defending Williams broke the deadlock and Bridge grabbed a 2nd too secure the win.
With the schedule muddled TV next game was against a strong Lancashire team. TV weathered the storm Ryan making some great saves and Bennett blocking numerous times. Nazmin held the ball up well allowing Campbell to find Lambert who fired home.
Another good counter attack saw Bridge double TVs lead before Lambert finished a great move curling her shot into the top corner for a 3-0 victory.
The last match v Northants was conceded as Thames Valley couldn’t be caught and captain Dawne Campbell collected the Trophy for Team!
by Lisa Welling
Women’s 40s Manager
