GU16 Thame v Banbury

Thame started with the push back but instantly Banbury had intercepted and were on the charge. After only one minute Banbury were awarded a short corner and the parents could barely look. Thame's defence stepped into action. Jaz running out hard and fast as run one, taking Banbury by surprise and Emma H, Poppy and Esme getting into perfect position giving Banbury no way through. This early shock seemed to fire Thame up and they started to get possession and move the ball around the field although Banbury were still constantly upsetting the play. Ten minutes in and the sound of the ball hitting the back boards was a welcome relief, the ball having been passed neatly into the D with Emma C slotting it in. Banbury were not giving up and they were finding ways down the field but with some great saves by Imogen and our backs, Banbury couldn't convert. Thame were settling down and their passes and runs were starting to come together more regularly and in the 25th minute we were up 2-0 thanks to Rosie. We didn't have to wait too much longer and the ball was back in the D and along with nearly all the Thame forwards. One after another they got a shot however Banbury were clearing, although no further than a few metres. Finally the ball was with Holly and in it went, 3-0! Half time talk was 'more of the same please' and the girls responded after 8 minutes with Amy firing it in past their goalie. Banbury were quickly back on the attack and were awarded a short corner which resulted in a goal 4-1. Thame were not put off and after 10 minutes Bel was adding to the score line with a great strike past the goalie. 5 minutes later and with a bit of football in the D, Banbury were awarded another short corner which they managed to convert. Thame never gave up and we got to see some amazing runs from the forwards, especially Emma C intercepting the ball from behind the halfway line and taking it all the way down to a one on one with the goalie who managed to stop her scoring by squashing her. Final Score 5-2. The whole team were amazing, with many players playing out of position and showing their versatility and skill in any position (Rosie moving from RI to LB to give our backs a breather) and there was no evidence of being on a Christmas break. MOM was Esme who had an exceptional game and was everywhere, constantly intercepting the ball, even when you thought there was no hope, all of sudden there she was saying 'thank you very much, I will have that ball!'. Well done everyone.