Currently down under, the English Lionesses are trying to go one better than their better paid male counterparts. Well-seasoned Kichechians Rachel Chapman and Ros Gray decided to do a vets tour to the Mara. They brought along Rachel’s 18-year-old niece, Lucia Baynes on debut, but, as the fabled Charlton once said -‘if he/she’s good enough, she’s old enough’.
Just as Lauren only netted twice against China, the girls didn’t quite manage a cat trick, the cheetahs remaining beyond the touchlines, but leopards and lions gave full value over 90 minutes and more. Buffalo and various birds came on late in the day as effective substitutes and were decent targets for some top-notch shooting practice.
The vets still had a few tricks. Ros’s slow pan outplayed the youngster, she’s always been lightning quick (in her head), and Rachel stayed onside with her video with some terrific V.A.R.iety, but Lucia nailed qualification from the group stage and now hopes to captain her girls team to a big semi…
