Following a good night’s sleep, a walk on the beach and some pre-polo fish and chips, we arrived in Plymouth for the second and final match of the weekend. All regretting the lunchtime indulgence we were apprehensive of this match. To everyone’s relief, Katie arrived, newly elected VP Sports Development, boosting our numbers to 10 players.
We took to Tom Daley’s home training ground to warm up before the match in the large diving pit. With a swimming gala taking place the other side of a dividing curtain and raised spectator seating it would have been easy to get disheartened. We motivated ourselves with the fright of Amy Ennion and the disappointment/anger we would be subject to if we didn’t win, securing us a place in the BUCs semi-finals in which she would be able to play.
The first quarter saw us storm in with a brilliant 3 goals to which they responded with none. Playing with 30 second shot-clocks unnerved us a little in the following quarters, our slow and steady approach that worked the day before was now under time constraint. We focused on our play and not panicking with possession allowing the ball to be turned over if we had not managed to get a shot at goal. Although frustrating and very tiring chasing after their team of swimmers, Liane saved the day many times along with some rapid counter attacking! At half time the score was 1-4 and we were in the lead.
The start to the second quarter saw Vicky Gall score 3 goals, one of which we are told was a back shot, scored as  they fought back with one. With a lead of 2-7 and legs of lead we once again lost momentum in the final quarter. Their breaks allowed them to score a further 2 goals.
A final score of 4-8 meant we were able to deliver the news to Amy that she would indeed get the opportunity to play in the BUCs semi-finals tournament in a couple of weekends time. Chuffed with our performance and at the conclusion of our mini-tour, the girls returned back to Southampton feeling triumphant!
Goals:
Vicky Gall – 4
Rhiannon Smith – 2
Sam Cross – 1
Katie Lightowler – 1

Majors:
Sofia Hardiker – 1
Rhiannon Smith – 1