The ladies onesies had the seasonal jaunt to Cambridge for the East Qualifiers.
The game having changed from 6-a-side to 5-a-side, no one really knew what to expect. But expectations were high with a big squad & having qualified for national league last year.
The Saturday got off to a tough start with West Herts, the game was poised at 1-1, with Forest missing 3 opportunities from short corners, the game turned & ended 1-5 loss, the last two goals coming with a kicking back on the pitch. Allison Brooks even having to stand in goal for a penalty stroke with just a helmet.
The following game of the Saturday was against Bishop Stortford, despite going up 2-0, we got pegged back to 2-2, but out experience told in the 2nd half & ran out 4-2 winners.
Sunday was an early start & only a win would do to get through to the promotion pool against high flying Cambridge City. Forest took a 1-0 lead through Lucy Butcher, only to be pegged back to 1-1. The girls then gave everything in the second half, hitting the post, two off the line & in the final 30secs missing an open goal, but it was not too be & the game ended 1-1.
Forest now had two games to maintain their place in the premier division of East hockey.
A disappointing loss to close rivals Upminster with a 3-4 loss, included in this was Mandy Briggs playing as a kicking back, throwing herself full length at a short corner with no protection on. Commitment was not a problem for this team!!
The last game of the day saw us play Maidstone, who are a former national league side. Forest knew they had to get at least a draw to retain their place. After a tense opening few minutes. Forest took control & dominated possession & chances. Eventually in the second half Katherine Abbie deflected one past the Maidstone keeper. The pressure was maintained & when with 2mins to go guest player Lauren slotted home a short corner the game was up.
Much fun was had including the excellent showing of Christmas jumpers on the Saturday night, which I am sure will get another showing.
A big well done to all the players & we are back in Cambridge next Sunday for the East Championships, an opportunity to pit ourselves against the best teams in the East.
