Well done to the Under 12 girls on their first match of the new season. In brilliant sunshine, we hosted a strong Kilgraston team over 3 x 10 minute sessions – perfect for some refection on our performance at the start of the season.

Cargilfield dominated the first session, playing some elegant hockey and stretching the play down left and right to create space although Kilgraston did well to get players behind the ball and we struggled to find the same space in the D and create chances. Nonetheless, a swift rebound move saw us open up their defence and Isla finished confidently. It was a super team goal that was an appropriate way to open our account for the season.

Kilgraston responded well in the second session. They had some strong and athletic players who stretched our defence and brought the score back to 1-1. Indeed, they might have pulled ahead but for one or two super saves by Scarlett making her Under 12 debut.

The third period did not start well and we were exposed such that Kilgraston pulled ahead 3-1. Credit must go to Valentina and Emilia who linked well to feed Isla who completed her hat-trick with two more goals and edged us back into the game. At this point we started to dominate, responding quickly to the umpire’s whistle and taking advantage of the space that was opening up. The end of the game came, however, and a 3-3 draw seemed a very fair way to start the season.

The girls particularly enjoyed the oranges provided by the Kilgraston Parents Association during the intervals: a lovely gesture from our visitors and a formal match tea - our first in seven terms! – was a treat for everyone.

Well done to all the girls whose teamwork was excellent and who worked hard to maintain their positional structure and to string passes together with increasing accuracy. They were a pleasure to be with.