The O45 team arrived at Surbiton nervous but raring to go. Slight concerns in the technical tent with the stick check were quickly resolved with some tape although drag flicking was out following the confiscation of Jenny Lantry’s weapon of choice. Fortunately she had a spare.
The walkout began and the match started in earnest. Sonning started strongly and came at the IOM from every angle. Sonning showed their form as a well organised and mobile outfit. This initial dominance saw numerous efforts on goal however the IOM defence held firm. Jo Hicks remained resolute in the goal and made several saves to thwart the persistent Sonning attack. Some fine interceptions by Kirsty Guy with well placed clearances meant IOM gradually found their feet and constructed some attacks of their own. The bouncy pitch proved challenging and Sonning seemed to cope slightly better with the loose balls. However some opportunist balls from Ros Lynch at the base of the midfield found our dynamic duo of Donna Harrison and Kerry Cowley to put pressure on the Sonning back line and take the game to them.
The stalemate continued to half time with the game poised at 0 – 0. The second half continued in earnest. The IOM growing more into the game as it progressed. Resolute defending by LeeAnne McNaught, Lynne Valerga, Jenny Lantry and Anne Harrison together with Guy ensured the IOM held firm. Tireless running from Elaine Wiseman, Jo Quine and Niamh Goddard on the wings gave the outlet to get forward and the opportunity came late in the 3rd quarter with persistent running by Cowley breaking through the Sonning defence and calmly slotting the ball in the goal to give the IOM the lead going into the final quarter.
Sonning came into the 4th quarter with renewed purpose. The midfield trio of Ros Lynch, Sam Franklin and Sharon Pope continued to hold firm applying pressure on the ball and disrupting the lively Sonning midfield. However composed play from Sonning saw them eventually break through the barrier and a well taken goal to the bottom corner saw them rewarded with an equaliser 7 minutes from time.
The game ended with a draw and the uncharted territory of shuffles!
The tension was high but the IOM were optimistic finding themselves 2 – 1 up after 3 with Hicks successfully saving the first 2. A rather controversial call brought Sonning level with the ball crossing the line after the whistle however the goal stood. Sonning scored with their 5th and IOM needed to score to stay in the match. The keeper saved but a falling helmet gave a glimmer of hope with a flick awarded. Jenny Lantry stepped up confidently, the power was there but the ball agonisingly struck the post which saw the title go to Sonning.
Despite the final result the team should be immensely proud of their achievements in reaching the final and pushing Sonning right to the end.
Thanks to Niamh Goddard for her amazing admin skills which ensured the team got where it needed to with thousands of miles covered in travel and finally to all those who have supported us over the season.
