Eight of Leyton Orient Women’s more senior members headed to Gloucester for the WFA National Over 60s Cup.

Sunday 28th June dawned dull and cool which suited everyone.
There were only 5 entrants for the cup – Bristol Badgers, Birmingham, Bournemouth, Notts Forest Vets and Leyton Orient. The tournament was to be played on a ‘league’ basis with 20 minute games played to WFA rules. However, after registration where we had to prove our ages (because, of course, none of us look our age at all!) there were discussions about lengthening the games. A compromise was reached at 24 minute games.
First up for the Os were Bristol Badgers. Orient started well with 2 quick attacks involving Moore and Kavanagh. Both shots were saved by the Badgers’ keeper. Badgers then had their turn at attack with one shot into the side netting and another easily saved by Thomas in the Orient goal. Kavanagh passed to Moore whose shot was deflected for a corner. From the corner Dowling whipped the ball across the area for a shot from Moore which hit the post. Continued pressure from Orient led to a free kick. Kavanagh slipped the ball to Moore who scored.
Just as the first half was ending Orient made a defensive error, Badgers seized the opportunity and slotted the ball home.
The second half was fairly even with both teams defending well. Orient had several shots but none hit the target.
Final Score: Leyton Orient 1 Bristol Badgers 1
Scorer: Moore
Our second match was against Birmingham. Birmingham are a well organised side and they started well. The Orient defence were kept busy for a while with vital blocks from both Lewzey and Kay. Orient then got into their stride with several shots from both Moore and Kavanagh which caused the Birmingham keeper to make saves. Orient’s persistence eventually paid off when Hyatt managed to get a pass to Kavanagh who turned away from her marker and shot beyond the keeper. Birmingham and the Os traded high shots but there was no further score.
Final Score: Birmingham 0 Leyton Orient1
Scorer: Kavanagh
Next Leyton Orient moved to pitch 2 to play Bournemouth. Orient changed their formation a bit allowing Kay to move forward on the right wing. The Os managed several attacks before Moore passed to Kavanagh who struck the ball firmly into the back of the net.
In the second half there was an early half chance for Dowling after a slack back pass to the Bournemouth keeper. Orient earned a corner which the Bournemouth keeper managed to parry to Moore but her shot went wide. The Os continued to press forcing a double save from the Bournemouth keeper. The familiar partnership of Moore and Kavanagh struck again with Kavanagh scoring her second goal of the game. Orient continued to dominate possession with a great move from Moore leading to her hitting the post (again!) and the keeper saving the rebound. Hyatt fed the ball back to Moore who then hit a powerful shot that the keeper could not save.
Final Score: Leyton Orient 3 Bournemouth 0
As our final game approached the WFA officials pointed out that as ourselves and Notts Forest Vets were on equal points this match was effectively the final. Notts Forest Vets had won the over 40s competition and come second in the over 50s – there are always formidable opposition.
The game started well for the Os who maintained the majority of possession for the first few minutes. Moore managed to get the ball over to Kavanagh who struck the ball from what appeared to be an impossible angle but it squeezed into the net. Orient continued to take the game to the Vets and had the opportunity to increase the score line. Notts Forest Vets did have a good shot but it went just wide.
In the second half Orient defended well and kept hold of the ball so that Thomas was barely troubled.
Final Score Notts Forest Vets 0 Leyton Orient 1
With that result it was confirmed that Leyton Orient were the winners of the WFA National Cup. We had a fantastic time at the tournament. All the games were played with a terrific spirit and refereed well. We enjoyed meeting and playing against the other teams. When we went up to receive our medals and the cup we were given a guard of honour by the other players which we really appreciated.
Squad: Clare Kavanagh (captain), Linda Thoma (GK), Debbie Lewzey, Lynda Dowling, Alison Kay, Judith Moore, Sherrille Hyatt, Gwyneth Carty
Goal Scorers: Kavanagh 4, Moore 2