Sunday 26 April was a bright and sunny morning which saw the teams meet with a 10am start at GNHC for the Final of the District Plate. In order to be ready for 10am the team bus driven by coach Martin Fraser had to leave Aberdeen at 6am !

Gordonians started as they continued throughout the whole game with intense pressure and a high press which seemed to unsettle their opponents.

The first quarter showed the team’s strength and they were rewarded with a couple of opportunities at goal. A PC at which Arabella Winn's drag flick was narrowly saved by the Preston Lodge goalie and then shortly after some great leads from Katharine Decamps and Kate Mitchell gave Sophie Mellough two shots on goal - one was saved and the other one went narrowly wide.

The same intensity continued into the second quarter where the team again stretched Preston Lodge and they maintained much of the play. Preston Lodge did however make a break and unfortunately managed to squeeze a goal over the line.

Going in at half time, Gordonians were one goal down but the team were determined to equalise. A few minutes into the third quarter and the opportunity came with advantage being played in the Preston Lodge circle and a great hit from Leigh Barr deflected in by Kate Mitchell saw the team score. However, the umpire had blown the whistle for feet just before the ball had crossed the goal line. Advantage should have been played but wasn't.

Gordonians tried to capitalise on this positive play when a drive to the baseline resulted in a cross from Katharine Descamps to Stacey Freeman Young but the shot was saved and then quickly taken out of the circle to deny us a shot from the rebound. A further two PCs were awarded with another Arabella Winn drag-flick and then a strike by Leigh Barr, both saved.

Fourth quarter now and no let up in intensity or drive by Gordonians as they continued to challenge and press their opposition. The team continued to turn over balls causing Preston Lodge some frustration which resulted in a number of cards being issued to their players.
Siobhan Cowie and Toni Bowen took control at the back when the opponents decided to try for a second goal but they were quickly shut down. Right down to the last few minutes on the clock the team worked tirelessly to create their last chance at goal.

Unfortunately time ran out so our Ladies came away with the silver medals.

Not the end to the season that the team wanted but they finish the season as North District league 1 winners ( undefeated ) and Runners Up in the 25-26 District Plate final. A tremendous achievement for this dynamic team. Season 26/27 no doubt will be one to watch. Well played all !

Special thanks go to coach Martin Fraser, team manager Lindsay Bonsor, and all the supporters who travelled, cheered,and provided banners for the day, and to Claire Winn for this report and to Claire and Amy Ashton for the photos.

Photos:
- Gordonians Ladies 2s with their silver medals
- Warm up at the GNHC
- Arabella drag-flicking
- Martin (coach, and bus driver) and Lindsay (team manager)