Enjoyable Friendly gets Season going

Buckingham 4s kept a clean sheet and put Iver and Burnham Ladies under relentless pressure in a very enjoyable, if goalless, season opener.

With only five players from last season in the squad, and five young players making their senior debut, Buckingham started hesitantly, gradually feeling their way into control of the midfield against a team made up of vastly more experienced players. We initially struggled to prevent Iver and Burnham's quick breaks forward, and we were very effectivly served by goalie Olivia Thomas's confident kicking clearances keeping us secure at the back. But Buckingham's confidence grew rapidly, inspired by the assured experience of Imogen Thornley, repeatedly turning the game back towards the Iver & Burnham half, with great support from Georgie Pittwood and debutant Izzy Cowperthwaite up both wings, and Charlotte Yates's great running at the I&B D from the centre.

By the second half almost all the play was happening in the I&B half, with repeated assaults on the I&B goal by our Player of the Match Charlotte Yates and forwards Bev English and Emily Krelle, only thwarted by the expert keeping of the I&B goalie, their Man of the Match. Iver and Burnham's breaks were well contained by defence Riley Maze-Brown, Eliza Riggs (whose powerful hits forward were noted with respect by I&B), Jenny Vince and new senior Liz Hone, playing her first match for Buckingham.

The match was played in a very friendly spirit and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone involved. We were rewarded with a splendid match tea, home made by the I&B players, and look forwards to finding a slot to welcome them up to Stowe for a return match later in the season.