Evie led the team out against Meninas in the U12 shield final at Garston's. Broken clouds and a slick pitch made for perfect conditions for finals for all the age groups. The team warmed up to the crowds going mad at another game going to penalties. The team seemed calm. The coaches weren't.

The supporters took their places, doned out in red and white. Some nerves needed to be settled. The only thing missing was a pie.

Formalities were completed by the young referee flanked by his linesmen, which added to the occasion. This was for real!

The first half started with Bury looking the more confident. Emily A and Freya controlled midfield, passing forward to Emily W and Lotti, who ran all afternoon. Grace and Evie stopped Meninas running through, and any danger that did sneak through was thwarted by Safe Hands Sienna.

Changes were made to rest tired or injured legs. Polly came on to muster the midfield, linking well with Greta to push the ball upfield. Mya contributed to the defence, and India ran the pitch again and again.

As the first half gave way to the second with honours even, a long ball from Emily A sent Connie in a run. As the coaches had suggested, she used her skill and pace to distance herself from the defender. It was 1 on 1. Connie looked. Connie saw. Connie picked her spot. The goalie couldn't reach it. 1-0 to the Bury! The crowd went wild! The coaches took a breathe for the first time in an hour.

Meninas came back. The post rattled as a shot got passed the defence. The post rattled again! Sienna made an imposing figure to put the attackers off. The ball ran through and a shot came in! Sienna snatched it out of the air.

Lotti went from defending the Bury near post, to taking corners, surely running more than anyone. This time it got turned into the Meninas net as an own goal. A cruel twist of fate to increase the Bury lead.

Meninas threw everything forward. Simon made change after change. As legs tired Paul directed and encouraged. As Meninas pushed forward Philip yelled so loud the furthest spectator could hear! Legs were giving way, yet the referee checked his watch and played on. Surely it was time! He checked his second watch as Bury controlled the ball once more. The whistle went, and the celebrations started! Three cheers, ice lollies, run to the fans! The fans wanted more! Hugs abounded as the red and white shirts entered the red and white crowd.

There were lovely moments as Bury remembered who they were, congratulating Meninas on their performance, as they all know each other from school. Finally the winners were lead up by Evie, who had encouraged her team all afternoon, to step up and recieve their awards and shield. The paperazi took over. Simon Paul and Philip unleashed the sparkling to complete the display that had been seen on the pitch. The joy was there for all to see!

#epic