It wasn't far to travel, but we are clearly a bunch of early birds and a 4.30pm start meant we fizzled, rather than sparkled against Basingstoke. Abi won the warm-up creativity prize for her 'running away from fireworks' and 'sparkler' themed dynamics and Flippa had already won the cosseted DoD award before she'd even got the changing rooms, and happily added evidence to demonstrate deservedness throughout the match.

Our 'hokey-cokey' team of in/out meant we were blessed with Dina, Alyssa, Rachel and Caroline in the squad, but another last minute change meant Foley blessed us only with her sideline support rather than G-keeping prowess as Gill stepped back into her usual position. We started well, with some attacking play, but our structure let us down with too many gaps allowing Basingstoke to score an early cracker from a quick break. The kick to confidence continued in the first 25 mins - not quite cracking the 'press' which has been our strength over the past weeks and very quiet on the pitch. A second goal conceded, a bit of switch of positions and we began to settle with some excellent runs from Caty, Caroline and Rachel and solid defending from Dina and Emily. Unfortunately another break through the middle and great links with Basingstoke's two high players meant we were 3-0 down at the break.

Jelly babies were the rocket-fuel we needed and second half we seemed to gel better - with Family Salter providing a backbone through the pitch from Gill's great saves at the back, great passing from Rachel, more probing attacking runs from Caty ....and Dane umpiring up front to complete the complement! Flippa felt it was time for an amble into the attacking quarter and skillfully wobbled her way round a couple of defenders, providing an assist to goal-hungry Chantal - YEY!! The game became more end-to-end with some tired but stoic performances from the Yateley team. Freya took pressure off with amazing carries half the length of the pitch and more shots on goal were the reward, but the ultimate prize of goals was still out of reach. Basingstoke smashed home a great 4th goal which spurred this spirited Ladies team into action again. Rachel emulated the acute-angled cracker from KJ in the previous week, with a goal from the back line with 15 mins to go.

Last hurrah was from Basingstoke, with another great goal from a break to finish the game at 5-2. A home game advantage against the team just below us in the league next week will help, along with some training practice on our structure to give focus straight from Pushback.

Player of the Match: Rachel - for great running, passing and an amazing goal

DoD: Flippa - bag lady with no stick bag, falling over, hoofing it in the defending D (albeit after a cracking-goal-saving-tackle).....but could SO easily have been Chantal with her speedy get away foiled by broken car and lost phone (NOT THAT I'M BITTER!!)