The Ladies 3s went into the match feeling optimistic after a weekend off hockey, unaware of what an exciting game lay ahead. The match started strongly with Banbury on the pushback, and MK holding firm in defence. However, just minutes later, MK gained possession and strung together some excellent passes up the pitch. Emily drove the ball into Banbury’s D, skilfully pushing it through the defence to score the opening goal. MK were 1–0 up within the first five minutes.

Banbury immediately applied pressure, pushing for an equaliser, but MK’s defence — led by Lou, Micaela, and Lisa — stayed solid. Building on this, MK continued to connect well with accurate passing and were soon rewarded with a short corner. Rachel’s sharp injection allowed Lisa to fire the ball straight into the back of the goal. MK doubled their lead to 2–0.

Banbury fought back and managed to pull one back after capitalising on a brief loss of possession from MK. Despite the setback, MK kept their composure and regained control of the game. Excellent midfield play and quick two-touch passing between Summer and Harriet pushed MK back into the attacking D, earning another short corner. Rachel’s injection found Lisa at the top of the D, who slipped the ball left to Sammi — she calmly pushed it past the keeper to make it 3–1.

As half-time approached, MK continued to press, with Shelby and Susan applying pressure up front. However, Banbury managed to break through the defence and scored just before the whistle. The half-time score stood at 3–2 to MK.

After a goal-packed first half, MK were determined to keep up the momentum. They started the second half strongly, with Hannah, Rachel, and Susan keeping the ball moving around the attacking D. A quick exchange of passes led to another short corner after the ball hit a Banbury foot. Hannah injected the ball to Lisa, whose strike was saved by the keeper — but Rachel reacted quickly, slapping the rebound into the goal to make it 4–2.

Following the restart, Banbury had the pushback but struggled to keep possession thanks to some strong tackles from Trish, Micaela, and Lou. MK soon found themselves back in the attacking D and earned yet another penalty corner. A slick injection found Summer, who unleashed an outstanding strike straight past the keeper — 5–2 to MK!

Banbury tried to respond, but Emilia made several brilliant saves to deny them any further goals. MK continued to dominate, winning a free pass just outside the D. Rachel played the ball to Emily, who passed wide to Sammi for a deft deflection into the goal. MK extended their lead to 6–2.

The momentum stayed with MK, and shortly after, Hannah found the goal to make it 7–2. Banbury showed great determination and managed to score two late goals, bringing the score to 7–4.

With less than five minutes left, MK pushed once more, determined to finish strong. Sammi weaved through several Banbury players and sealed the game with her third goal — the eighth and final one for MK.

Final score: Milton Keynes 8 – 4 Banbury
Player of the Match: Summer

A fantastic performance from the whole team — great teamwork, communication, and persistence throughout.