Dragons 2 vs Dragons 1
8-21
Dragons 2: Josh Cockburn (5), Pete Obee (3), Alex, Alison Eaves, Emily Tuttiett, Emily, Hannah Blackmore, James Frost, Josh, Liz Pearson, Steven Vaughan
Dragons 1: Remco Broekhuis (6), Jack McNamara (5), Amy Shillabeer (2), Dave Thomas (2), Lee O’Sullivan (2), Sian Hunt (2), Chrissy Rowlatt (1), Joey Niblett (1), Helen Gubby
The second 1sts vs 2nds match of the season saw a broadly similar result as the first one, with an extra 3 goals for the seonds the only difference. However, that does not tell the whole story.
Dragons 1 started soldily, moving into a 5-0 advantage, though goals were not exactly raining in. The seconds had been unlucky not to get on the mark with the attack of James, Hannah, Pete and Alison putting up plenty of shots. For the firsts, after Remco, Lee, Sian and Taff had got one apiece, Chrissy scored her first competitive goal in her first appearance for the firsts. From that point on however the half belonged to the seconds. Josh C from long range and Pete from short got them off the mark, and after the 5 goal margin had been re-established, the next 3 goals all fell to the seconds, 2 from the penalty spot. Had Josh C not missed another penalty on the half-time whistle, the score at the break would have been a tense 7-6 to the firsts.
As it was, the first team upped their game at the start of the second-half, with the loss of Pete (who’d scored a first-half hat-trick) seriously impinging on the scoring chances created for the seconds. Remco and Jack both notched 5 second half goals and the firsts lead went up to 15-5 very rapidly. After that the scoring rate dropped slightly, as the seconds tightened their defence, but were only able to add to their own scoring through the occasional long shot. However, the performances of (new) Josh, Alex and (new) Emily all making their first ever appearances were very creditable.
Thanks to Magnus for reffing (and giving the seconds 4 penalties in the first half)