Overview
On International Women's Day, Old Grammarians put in a composed and disciplined performance against Finchley in what proved to be a challenging but rewarding fixture. Played on a very muddy, boggy grass pitch - a surface the team hadn't played on for months - and over a longer than anticipated 15 minutes each way, the squad rose to every challenge with real character.

A depleted Finchley side was bolstered by three Old Grammarian key links, Fiona, Wendy & Jen who were determined to give their OG team mates a run for their money!

Defensive Highlights
The defensive effort was nothing short of impeccable. The whole team worked hard to get back into formation throughout, and there was real structure and discipline across the park.

Emma and Tracey were outstanding on the wings, hugging their channels tightly and not letting anything through - a superb display of positional awareness. Tracey was also heard calling out touches at key moments, providing important communication on the pitch.

Helen, one of our three links, also impressed by staying on for the entire match - a real testament to her fitness and commitment. Our two other links, Fi & Abi provided excellent support both for our plays called by the two sets of mids as well as ensuring no-one trying to run inside our wings got through. One of the standout moments as a team was the collective discipline in getting back on-side, executed with great organisation.

The Tries
Old Grammarians opened the scoring through Ayo, who finished brilliantly after Thanu set up the perfect quickie on the 7-metre line. Ayo's dive for the line was composed under pressure, narrowly avoiding being touched - a great execution of a set move following the team’s three man drive up the pitch.

The second try came from Vix, who, following a pop ball from Andre, spotted a gap, shot through it and drove up the pitch to finish. A real moment of individual brilliance and exactly the kind of incisive running that creates tries from nothing.

Finchley grabbed a try just after the half-time whistle to get themselves on the board, but Old Grammarians' defensive resilience ensured they could not add to it.

Composure in Attack
A major positive from this match was the complete absence of panicked or rushed throws - every player took their touches calmly and played within the team structure. This kind of composure is exactly what elevates a team's performance and sets the foundation for more attacking play as the season progresses.

Player in the Spotlight: Abi
Special mention must go to Abi, who made a stellar debut for Old Grammarians. She showed real potential and there is every reason to believe she can develop into a very strong player.

Overall
A very encouraging display all round. Considering the conditions and the extended match format, the team's discipline, teamwork and composure.