Tuesday was my umpiring assessment for Level 1, having completed my 3 training games. David had offered to assess me, while umpiring the other side of the pitch. It was a top-of-the-table summer 1st XI league, so no room for error. As well as that, the A&C side had our county disciplinary officer, Mark, playing, who is also a good umpire. After a slightly dodgy start, while I got into the pace of the game, it didn't go too badly, and I'm pleased to say I was passed. Mark and David briefed me at the end on what I had done well and not-so-well: need to use my voice more, and need to improve my presence and commanding signalling. Actually I really enjoyed it, and it was definitely helpful to get some critique too, so I can get better. I know that a few others are being assessed over the summer, so hopefully we should be well equipped with umpires going forward.
This evening was the last of our family hockey evenings, which have proved very popular. Dan and I arrived a bit late, thus neatly missing the warm-up, to see Millie, aged 2? trotting onto the astro with her 18 inch stick, ready to play. She immediately realised that a pink top and shorts was not suitable and went to the bibs bag to put on a fluorescent orange bib, roughly the same height as she was. She then started repeating the word 'gum' as she batted a ball about: we had no idea what that meant though. I thought an adult ball was probably not ideal so I went off to get her a quikstiks ball (bigger and lighter and easier to hit for littl-uns). On returning with the ball for her Mum, she was looking very smug with her elder brother's black gum shield hanging out of her mouth; good to see that she has realised the importance of safety gear at such a young age.
Given it was our last summer session, we decided to get split into groups and get straight into some small games. It was very hot, so I thought that would be fine in lieu of a warm-up, though I was proved incorrect as I was completely stuffed by Ellie for the first goal inside ten seconds. As last week, after a refreshing drink, we had a 12-a-side (actually might have been 13, and as we had 3 goalkeepers, they were swapping round after each save or goal). I believe I saw some of the adults running (and falling over) at various points, but I'm pleased to say we were usually outclassed and definitely outpaced by the juniors. My side were again one down after about 10 seconds (Ellie again?), and looking like shipping more, but came back to equalise with the last hit of the game. I believe the goal was scored by my umpiring assessor David, who despite being a Level 2 umpire, had been previously breaking a fair few rules, but had come good at the end. Fortunately his son Hugo doesn't seem to have inherited any bad habits, and was frequently steaming down the right wing. Squash and Penguins (biscuits, that is) rounded the evening off.
With all this summer fitness work, I fully anticipate us being ready and raring to go for the start of the season, which is starting with a club-day on the 4th of September (more details soon). Have a great holiday and I'm looking forward to seeing you all come September.
0 comments:
Post a Comment