League champions Christchurch drew their season to a close with only their second defeat, at the hands of Bury 2nds.

Fighting for second place in the league, Bury arrived with a strong side and made their intentions clear from the start. Christchurch matched their opponents, and the first quarter was an even encounter with both sides making chances, Christchurch more the moving and passing team whilst Bury largely attacked on the counter. Bury opened the scoring when a free hit in the 25 was crossed into a crowded D which Maz Chapman managed to get enough stick to the ball to direct it goalward. Christchurch had been forced to come from behind several times over the season so did not panic and came close to a swift response when a powerful cross from Becky was met by Trudy at the far post but her commitment to reach the ball left her unable to direct it and the chance squirmed agonisingly wide. When the equaliser did arrive, it was a demonstration of Christchurch teamwork at its best as a move which began with Lucy at the back moved around the midfield for Helen to pick up and run at the defence. Space opened up for her as she hit the D and she picked her spot and slotted the ball home across the goalkeeper and in at the far post. Having survived a series of defensive short corners, Christchurch then won an attacking short with the last play of the half. Sending all the outfield players to the attacking D, it only took two to score as Becky pushed out to Lois and her shot found its target to take the home side into half time leading.

Clearly fired up, Bury looked a stronger team immediately from the second half whistle, looking to use the speed of their front line to get behind the defence. Kathryn, Lucy and Sam were wise to the ploy, and had managed to put in tackle after tackle throughout the game. Having done so well, the defence was eventually breached when two Bury players broke together, passing the ball from the wing to the centre to allow Maz Chapman a clear run on goal. Linzi came out to close down the player, but was a touch too early and unable to commit to the tackle on the edge of the D, affording Chapman the opportunity to shoot and score. With plenty of time left Christchurch pushed to get back on top and had plenty of possession. Megan was effective running in from the left, forcing the goalkeeper to make saves and Lois came close to her second goal of the game, only to see her attempt bounce off the post and the ‘keeper save Alex’s shot off the rebound. Bury fought back and attacked in numbers, and Christchurch found themselves unable to clear their lines. Eventually, Bury put in a cross from the right and with defenders out of position, an unmarked striker was able to shoot past Linzi’s hopeless dive. Still Christchurch felt able to fight back and tirelessly pressed for an equaliser but Bury were resolute at the back and confident going forwards, nearly extending their lead close to the end. Try as they might, Christchurch could not engineer the goals they needed on the day, However, the defeat did not detract from the overall achievements of 2009-2010, a truly memorable season which was celebrated as a team on the pitch…

…and off, over tea and a fabulous cake, courtesy of Sam.