Tough day in the nest for the Eagles

The Eagles flew in for their first game of the season but it was going to be a tough day in the nest. Eagles made some early chances but were unable to convert. Reading brought a young sibling into their flock and although the Eagles fought hard, were unable to fly against a player who had only flown the GB nest 3 years ago. Eagles flocked, trying to keep narrow when defending and get width and height when attacking but found it hard to keep possession against the swooping Reading side. Linda Billington was like a spring chicken in goal, keeping the opposition at bay for long periods of the game stretching out her wings as Reading circled around the Hawks nest, but Reading hit three goals in the first half.

Eagles regrouped their flock for the second half, and although conceded another goal, they bombed the Reading goal with some neat exchanges which resulted in a series of penalty corners. Eagles landed a couple of good strikes and got their goal from a rebound, Serene Butler knocked it past the flapping Reading keeper. Eagles flew down the pitch again, as free as a bird, and put pressure on the Reading nest but were thwarted by a solid flock. A 4-1 loss but the Eagles are in flight until their next encounter.

Thanks to Evelyn Hargraves for the photos.