Post by Fiona Greer
Penguin Emperors played our second national league weekend in Gloucester on 4th and 5th October. Two of our three games were predictably tough and we were forced to refocus after finding ourselves down at the end of the first quarters. But our team spirit never failed and when we needed it we worked together and came through fighting to earn crucial wins maintaining our position at the top of the league.
Saturday 4th October
Penguin vs Liverpool Waterbeatles
It took a few attacks for Penguin to get on the scoreboard but an early goal from pit set the tone for the match, shortly after K.Collins saved a Liverpool penalty to deny them an early equaliser. A solid Penguin defence led by A.Andrews and L.Dooley frustrated the Liverpool attack and allowed some quick counters from A. Middlemast, E. Shaw and C.Martin. J.Petchey added to the goal tally in the final quartet with 2 goals in quick succession from pit.
Final score: 12-3
Scorers: H.Boyd (2), A.Middlemast (2), S.Spearing (1), F.Greer (2), J.Petchey (2), E.Shaw (1), C.Martin ( 2).
Penguin vs Welsh Wanderers
Penguin needed to up their game against the Welsh Wanderers. At the end of the first quarter we were trailing 4-2 after conceding a penalty and failing to close down the outside shots. An early penalty conversion at the start of the 2nd quarter from the captain F.Greer was the start of the fight back. Coupled with some crucial defence from E.Christie and quick-reaction top-corner saves from K.Collins in goal, we denied the Wanderers any goals won the second quarter 3-0. The Penguin girls tightened up their defence and started to create more chances in attack to win the third quarter 3-1. Penguin kept their focus to win the last quarter 5-2.
Final score: 13-7
Scorers: A.Middlemast (4), S.Spearing (1), F.Greer (3), J.Petchey (2), A.Andrews (2), L.Dooley (1).
Sunday 5th October
Penguin vs Mid Sussex Marlins
Mid Sussex came out all guns blazing and for the second time in as many games Penguin found themselves down 3-2 at the end of the first quarter. Again we held our focus in what was proving quite a physical game, A.Middlemast opened our scoring with some great defence stealing the ball to set up the Penguin attack. K.Collins was solid in goal, making some vital tough saveswhich denied the Marlins the chance to equalise. The goal of the match came in the third quarter from S.Spearing who drove to the 2 meter mark and received an inch perfect pass from V.Miller. This completed Spearing’s hattrick for the match and brought the score to 9-5. It was a very tight game with 14 exclusions but Penguin held their composure and supported each other to finish 10-7.
Final score: 10-7
Scorers: H.Boyd (1), A.Middlemast (2), S.Spearing (3), F.Greer (2), C.Martin (1), C.Palazzo (1).
Well done ladies, we are top of the league undefeated after 6 matches.