After a week of frantic squad collecting a slightly disheveled Merlins 2nds side made the journey up north to Ellon. Nerves were high and concerns expressed to be playing without el capitano Lyndsey and the powerhouse centre mid of joc. The day started bitter sweet, with key defensive player Caroline suffering from vomitting and unable to get out of bed. But luckily for the 2nds, 1st player Jen slept through 2 alarms, 6 phone calls and a small earthquake to miss the 1sts meet and gladly stepped up to complete the squad of 11.

Vice captain Rachel gave an inspirational team chat and the team were finally settled and ready to compete against a well organised Ellon who named a strong squad of 16 with both youth and experience completing the line up.

The whistle went and a strong initial attack by Ellon were no match for the solid defensive foursome of Jude, Cat, Laura and Abi. As the game settled in both sides had their chances but Merlins were first to open the scoring after a lifted pass into the circle by Toni which was smashed into the back of the net by a composed Zoe. After some excellent team passing down the left from Abi and Ellie the second goal was soon to follow- Zoe "fluffed a shot" (Zoe's own words) and from nowhere it bounced and bobbled through the goalies legs. Colette bravely kept the score to 2-0 with a spell of increased pressure and shots on target before the first half finished. 2-0 to the pelicans.

The team started the second half strong after some wise half time words and a bag of jelly babies. The game plan was for Katie to use her speed to open up the right side and hopefully with some luck from her borrowed "goal scoring stick" we could create a hole in the defence. This soon came into action with some lovely interlinking play between Katie, Jen and Laura gave the pass into then circle for Zoe to calmly run the base line and put a third through the shocked and flustered keeper. The 4th goal was soon to follow with a smash into the circle from Jen and a silky touch by Zoe into the goal. Unfortunately back to the other end of the pitch with some scrappy play from both sides resulted in a weak penalty corner decision. Despite Katie's bolt style run out they managed to slip a direct shot by the right post. But mighty Merlins kept there heads high and pushed back again with some lovely team play and excellent distribution from the back that resulted in Jen powering another ball into the circle where little miss "right place, right time" was there to tap in her 5th goal of the day! Must be close to a Merlins record. Game ended 5-1.

Overall great team effort. The fight for north district league continues.

Player of the match - Zoe "5 goals" Richmond
D of the day - Caroline Fettes for missing out on a great game!