It was always going to be a tough ask against a strong opposition for the opening match with just 11 players against a full-strength Tannibellies team. The last time the teams met Tornadoes suffered a 10-0 loss, yet this match told quite a different story. A positive team spirit, solid defense and moments of magic delivered a respectable result and encouraging signs for the season ahead.

There was a surprising air of excitement, considering being at a hockey pitch on a Saturday night, as team members arrived, followed by a slightly anxious pre-match murmur until Amira finally bounded into the ground confirming 11 players would take the field. Some hasty introductions as some of the team met for the first time and they were off!

Tornadoes showed good patience and control across the pitch from the start, but defense was the winner on the day as the Tannibellies attacked hard with fresh legs after fresh legs. The back core Sophie, Claire, Jess and Evelien were nothing short of outstanding in closing down the attacks, with twinkle toes Lou dancing her way over the ball to avoid a short corner and Pavi coming in very hard to close down her player. Despite all this, the penetrations were relentless and Min the keeper was forced to make outstanding save, after save, after save after save….. securing her a well-deserved Player of the match title.

So, Tornados defense showed they would lie down for nobody…. except debut donkey Liz who had several lie-downs on the pitch throughout the game resulting in a few (yes 3) cards to give her old legs a break on the sideline. Securing her a very well-deserved Dick of the day title.

The team held to a very respectable 1-0 down until Liz’s antics put them down to 10 players on already tired legs and a couple of late opportunistic goals snuck in in the last quarter.

Newcomer Nat was an absolute star putting pressure on up front in the press. The midfield transformed from complete strangers on arrival to creating some creative combinations and setting up Shireen to make many a run up the right side, with youngsters Nat and Amira working hard to support. Unable to optimise the few circle entries created but nothing was left out on the pitch after 60 mins or was it 70… (Liz and Claire will head back to the rule book for a few clarifications).