Marlins Ladies new squad shows potential

Marlins fielded a much changed team, following the loss of several experienced players over the close season. Six of the thirteen woman squad had not played at this level before. The squad knew they would be under pressure to develop a close understanding quickly and for the new players to get used to the pace and pressure of games at this level. Marlins faced three fixtures over the course of the weekend.

Their first game was against old rivals Hammersmith Penguin. A very close and exciting contest ensued with the contrasting styles of the youthful fitness and speed of Marlins pitched against the experience and organisation of Penguins. Marlins led by 2 goals going into the final quarter.

Unfortunately for Marlins, Penguin demonstrated their greater experience in the final quarter, exerting mounting pressure and forcing several errors in the inexperienced Marlins defence. Penguin closed the deficit and scored in the final minute to take the lead for the first time in the match to scrape home winners by the odd goal in 19.Marlins scorers were: Emily Allgar & Becky Hulbert on their debuts plus Izzy Bates(4), Lauren Hand (2) Eve Tidy.

The next fixture was against a strong Welsh Wanderers team (largely the Welsh national squad). Nevertheless Marlins matched their opponents in all areas except for their finishing where their failure to convert numerous extra player opportunities and the missing of 3 penalties cost them dearly resulting in a 6-14 loss. Marlins scorers: Gemma Deacon(2), Abby Louise Rocky, Lucy Deacon, Lauren Hand, Izzy Bates.

The final match of the weekend saw Marlins gain their first league points with a 14-10 win over newly promoted Devonport. This was more comfortable than the score line suggests. Marlins quickly took a comfortable lead and never lost control of the game despite coach Tony Noble taking the opportunity to switch all six outfield players and so provide the whole squad with valuable match experience. Eight Marlins players got their names on the scoresheets including a welcome hat trick from Abby Rocky and 2 more debutantes: Jacquie Gilbert and Anna Bowles.

On balance, Noble was happy with the return from the weekend and was keen to stress the positives. There are plenty of goal scorers in the squad - 11 of the 12 outfield players scored – a fact which will not have gone unnoticed by other teams in the league and is sure to cause problems to opposing defences as the season progresses. The squad gained in cohesion and made fewer errors with each successive game and this will improve their defensive capabilities.

The next round of matches will be held in early November when Marlins will travel to Plymouth to face crucial games against Liverpool and Manchester.

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