Shameful scenes in Keynsham as a probationer umpire was subjected to a face full of flak backed up by finger pointing inches from his face. The umpire coach standing beside him attempting to cool the situation with minimal success. The hostile player was sent away only to turn on her heels and give the umpire a second serving of abuse…but enough of the 7pm Westberries vs Frys game, let’s focus on the 8pm BAC2 battle.

It had rained hard all day and Sally had warned the 2nds via Facebook to take waders and wet suits. Thankfully the rain stopped 15 minutes before the match and never returned. The 2nds sheltered in the changing rooms keeping warm and discussing tactics and positions. They bounced out onto the sidelines and happily went off for a warm up run which I found unnerving and confusing. Being my first summer league experience, I have never seen the team without blurry eyes and hangovers.

The game started off at a quick pace and never slowed down. For the first 10 minutes it was end to end play with neither side getting any real opportunities to score. Pucklechurch then started to dominate and kept BAC2 under pressure. Kay, Coxy, Louise, Katy and Jo had a busy time in the D repelling continued attacks. Sophie, Cerri, Katie W-P, Beezy and Carrie were there to support trying to clear the ball when possible. Most of the time their attempts at clearance were thwarted by the solid wall of midfielders Pucklchurch had positioned around the centre line.

Midway through the first half Pucklechurch won 3 shorts in quick succession but BAC2 kept them out each time.

Occasionally a good ball was passed through the Pucklechurch wall to Hammy, Ky and Ned who tried to get the ball passed their defense. Frustratingly the Pucklechurch defense were just as stubborn as their midfield.

The first half finished 0-0.

The second half was more of the same, quick, often dominated by Pucklechurch and few opportunities for BAC2 to score. With 7 minutes left to go Pucklechurch got a goal. After the reset they threatened to score a quick second but BAC2 pushed back hard. Within the last 2 minutes the action moved to the Pucklechurch D and after an appeal from Hammy which was missed by this umpire virgin but supported by the second umpire a short was awarded. Quickly taken BAC2 were denied by the keeper but won a long corner. With seconds left on the clock the equaliser was just out of reach and the whistle blew for full time.

BAC2 0 – Pucklechurch 1.