Wednesday October 2^nd is a date that will live long in Aylesbury District League Division 4 memory. It is the date of an epic clash, a heroic battle, a fearsome collision between two teams who, pundits predict, may be competing for the top spot come May... 

Tornadoes had a lightning quick start and stormed to an early lead. Such was their dominance, that Crendon Diamonds failed to score a single goal in the first quarter. Unfortunately, during the break some keen observer pointed out to the Crendon GA that she was at least a foot taller than everyone else on court – which saw her get a lot more ball in the second quarter.

At which point, the game was marred by controversy. The scorers were so entranced by the flair gameplay before them, that they momentarily lost their ability to count… One Tornadoes goal had gone missing from the scorecard – will a greater injustice be suffered this season? Only time will tell.

Throughout the second and third quarter, Crendon really closed the gap so that going into the fourth there was hardly anything between the teams. Tensions were high throughout, not least in the wrestling match in which Lucy was involved with her opposite number.

As the teams traded goals throughout the final ten minutes, heart rates were elevated – it’s unclear whether the players or the fans were more stressed. Adrenaline was pumping as we raced towards the final conclusion.

It seemed all hope was gone, as Crendon turned over Tornadoes’ centre late in the fourth quarter. Only a huge effort from Nic and Karen saw us back in control of the ball. Tanya and Aimee brought a calmness to the centre court – Lucy was still developing her rugby-tackling technique, for which she was recognised at the end of the game – and Emily and Catriona didn’t let the pressure get to them as they sunk the game-winning shot!

Tornadoes win 18 – 17 over Long Crendon Diamonds. Congratulations to Catriona, who picked up the Man of the Match chocolate buttons.