Pippins 8-0 Redditch

In horrendous weather conditions, the Worcester Pippins pulped the visiting Redditch team. Conditions were so bad, that had this been a Men's or Women's League match I'm sure the game would not have taken place. With standing water, torrential rain and the surface like playing on wallpaper paste, the Pippins produced surely some of their most flowing, inspirational and unselfish hockey of the season.

5 goals were scored by the Pippins in the first half without reply, despite the visitors borrowing a couple of juniors, adult player Nick Fielden and Men's 6's player Connor Winkworth. The weater conditions made it somewhat difficult to see who was scoring the goals, but the conflab in the Wheatsheaf after saw a brace for both Luke Bowerman and Tom Scotson and 4 for Lottie Atkinson, who had no idea how many she had scored herself!

The second half saw Worcester lend their only sub to Redditch to replace an injured Connor W. but even with Dan Rickman playing in the centre of midfield for Redditch, the Pippins were able to add 3 further goals. The Worcester defence was never troubled and it turned out to be another game where GK, Austin Shipley, had not a single touch of the ball during the entire 70-minutes!

A definite mention for Milly Short, Izzie Nott and Lottie Atkinson, who had a hand in many of the Pippins goals. What a formidable force these three young ladies make on the hockey field. By playing in the opposition defence during this match, regular Manager Nick Fielden will have gained an insight into what it's like to "Feel the Force" of the Pippins' attack. Izzie's pace and determination on the right side of the pitch was matched by Lottie's on the left, especially in the second half, which was exactly what stand-in player-Manager Adrian Shipley asked for during the very brief half time chat.

Respect & thanks to Barrie and Jean Roberts for turning out to umpire in the squally, monsoon-like conditions and to the guys at the Wheatsheaf for providing food and hospitality post match. Shame it was only Sharron, the Redditch adult player, who was able to join the army of Pippins players and parents in what was some great post-match banter.

Well done everyone concerned. An amazing effort in probably the worst conditions these young players have ever encountered...! Final League game next week is at home 3pm versus Old Halesonians at the University of Worcester. If you fancy seeing if the Pippins can retain their 100% winning start to the League season, recording 7 wins from 7 games; scoring 48 goals and only conceding 4 along the way, they'd be delighted to receive your support.