Bishops Stortford Mixed Team picked up some long overdue silverware on Saturday 12th May, winning the shield competition of the Bailey Cup at Saffron Walden.
There were some nervous faces amongst the squad as we turned up with no recognised goalkeeper for the tournament. Pettit was due to pad up in goal, but on discovery of no box in the kit bag decided the better of 2 evils was to play as a kicking back instead. This turned out to be a stroke of genius, as the extra player on field enabled Stortford to overload their opposition and control the games, resulting in them winning their first 2 games against Saffron Walden Vets (2-0) and Ely (2-1).
Stortford now in high spirits decided it was time for the customary mixed tournament cricket game, the highlight of which was undoubtedly seeing Tyler’s arm ball returned to her with interest from Johnson in bat, as the ball smashed against her forehead, pole axing her and flying into the air only for Johnson to be caught out!! Fortunately we were only using a tennis ball and much laughter ensued as Tyler picked herself up somewhat dazed!
Clearly the team were still chuckling as they played their next 2 games as they lost concentration losing to a very average Royston side (1-2) and then Saffron Walden (2-4). Stortford knew that only a win against a strong Cambridge City side would result in progression in their last game and were determined to get one against the newly promoted national leaguers. The game was fiercely competitive, with Stortford realising early on that they didn’t like it up ‘em!! That said with 2 minutes to go Stortford were 2-1 down and going out of the tournament, but fought back fantastically with some great play to run out 3-2 winners in the dying seconds.
Other results didn’t go our way and Saffron Walden and Royston went through to the cup on goal difference and we went through to the shield in 3rd place along with Cambridge City.
We felt confident going into the semi against the weaker of the two Cambridge City sides from the other group. Our confidence was well placed as we comfortably ran out 2-0 winners with goals from Johnson and Rhodes, controlling the game throughout.
And so to the final, where we faced Cambridge City again having beaten them in the group stage. Fortunately Stortford were determined to come away with the trophy and put in a fantastic performance blowing Cambridge away inside the first 5 minutes with 3 quick goals, playing some scintillating hockey. With legs tiring the extra player on pitch played into our hands as we controlled the rest of the game running out 4-1 winners with goals from Thompson (2), Wacey and J.Taylor.
A great day was had by all and it was just rewards to come away with a trophy as the team really played well throughout and were unlucky not to go through to the main cup competition. Hopefully the first of many more wins to come!!
