W7s draw against Berko&HH

In the flaming cauldron of the Tring astro, the Women's 7s encountered Berko&HH 3s for the opening match of the new season. D of E leaving us without a goalie, Soraya bravely stepped in (she agreed to it when drunk; and regretted it when hungover - a life lesson for us all) and with a five-minute Introduction to Goalkeeping Course which consisted of how to put the kit on the right way, the whistle blew and we were off.... to our usual slow start, which has become something of a W7s tradition. Berko managed a flurry of goal chances, all of which went wide. Who needs an experienced goalie when the oppo don't know which side of the post to shoot? Eventually we woke up and a slim chance in our D was turned into a penalty corner, which Fiona dispatched into the back of the net. Against the run of play and after many more near misses from Berko, St Albans won another penalty corner, which newbie Bella scored from Chrissy's pass.
The situation at half time was close enough that no-one discussed their plans for this evening or who they fancy most from Bridgerton; instead concentrating on how hot it was and wondering how Joy was getting on in her tennis match. The second half was going to be a very very long 35 minutes. And indeed it was - Berko replied with two scrappy goals, not nearly as nice as the ones we scored, but you don't get extra points for prettiness in this league, more's the pity.
Satisfied with the 2:2 draw and the BBQ teas at Berko HQ, we travelled sweatily home with a point, ready for the rest of the season. Next week - our first home game against Blueharts.