Storm Brian can’t stop Arran’s hurricane Hewie
In the midst of storm Brian, on an incredibly wet and soggy day last Saturday, the ladies from Hillhead 4s journeyed to play against Arran Ladies Hockey Club. It was not a wasted trip thanks to a concerted effort by caretaker Kenny Morrison and players Susie Murchie, Helen Thomson and Dawn McKinnon who swept the water from the astroturf.
Arran led the attack from the start with a ball rebounding off the Hillhead goalpost just a minute and a half into the game. The second press from the forwards, Helen Thomson, captain Anne Watts and Lorraine Hewie, was more successful, with the first goal of the game coming from a signature reverse stick-flick from left wing Lorraine. Soon to follow was the second goal from a set piece short corner which, after rebounding off the goalkeeper’s pads, was tidied away by Lorraine coming in from her position as injector.
The young team from Hillhead upped their game after this, executing some excellent passing skills, running, twisting and turning with the ball in their attack on the Arran goal.
Wave after wave of attempts to get into the D were denied by the Arran midfield and defence – with the few that did coming to a firm end on the pads of team goalkeeper – and secret ninja Ali McKie. This kept the score at 2-0 to Arran when the half-time whistle blew.
After the break, the players returned to the pitch where heavy rain started to fall almost continuously throughout the second half, making the pitch extremely waterlogged and very slow. Hillhead still came back strongly and their determination was rewarded with their first goal.
Arran Ladies responded well to this, pressing back into the attacking D and winning another short corner, from which Lorraine scored her hat-trick goal of the game.
Play was evenly matched for a while, with both teams trying to find the best way to deal with the water on the pitch. A strong block from midfielder Jenny Stark got the ball back for Arran, and short pass from new team member Becky Early allowed Anne and
Lorraine a clear run to goal. Anne controlled the ball into the D, drawing the Hillhead keeper out of her goal and passed the ball round her to Lorraine to finish off the shot.
Never giving up, the girls from Hillhead came right back on the attack and a few minutes later scored a second goal, taking the final score to 4-2 to Arran. Hillhead voted Arran’s goalkeeper, Ali, as their Dame of the Game for her superb work repelling their multiple attacks on goal.
Unable to stop over for match teas, the Hillhead Ladies were given lifts back to the ferry terminal by the Arran team, allowing them to change into their dry clothes, while enjoying a filling packed lunch provided by team sponsor, the Ormidale Hotel.
The team themselves met up in the Ormidale to enjoy more refreshments laid on for them and a lovely roaring fire where a fundraising plan to buy and install wet weather team shelters on the pitch sidelines was discussed as an essential facility.
Any contributions or sponsorship towards this will be hugely appreciated by the team.
The team would like to extend their thanks to Pauline Reid for umpiring the match and to Trevor, Laura, Tommy and all the Ormidale staff for their support of the club.
Finally, a special thanks to the hardy souls who came out to support the team on the sidelines in such horrible weather – it is really appreciated and makes such a huge difference to have cheers and support spurring the team on.
The Arran Ladies are playing at home again on Sunday against MC Clydesdale Western Ladies 6s, with a 2.15pm push back.
All supporters will be very much appreciated and warmly welcome.