Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
The Arsenal Soccer School Bahrain Ladies League kicked off with a crunching encounter between Joga Bonito and Desert Divas.
Both sides showed true grit and determination in the battle to secure valuable points and lift the coveted GulfWeekly trophy.
The first half ended goalless with both teams creating numerous chances. Joga were the first to break the deadlock with captain Alaa Al Darazi's fierce shot into the corner of the net.
Her side extended the lead following some positive passing play. The ball fell to midfielder Eman Ebrahim to slot home.
Al Darazi's earlier warnings of Joga 'kicking butt' had started to sink in as the Divas staged a determined fightback. Janet Kellagher, the Divas' right-winger cleverly placed the ball into the bottom corner to bring her team back into the game.
The Divas were then awarded a penalty from a handball in the area. However, they were unable to convert the spot kick.
In the last quarter, with the Desert Divas anxiously looking for an equaliser, Joga kept their composure and captain Al Darazi grabbed her second goal of the evening with a powerful shot into the top corner. The match ended 3-1.
The second game of the night saw Arsenal Red beat St Christopher's Intermediate 4-1. The first goal was a very impressive header into the top corner from the Red's Reema Al Qassab after she out-jumped two defenders. She claimed a second before St Chris grabbed a goal back through Melinda Legg to make it 2-1.
The Red's captain Rama Salem, who showed great skill and energy throughout the game, secured the victory. It was another intense and physical battle between two strong teams.
The seven-a-side games are staged at the Batelco Sports Ground in Hamala from 7pm every Monday evening. Earlier this week, Arsenal Yellow took on Joga Bonito followed by Desert Divas against St Christopher's Intermediate. Next week Arsenal Red will play Arsenal Yellow and Joga Bonito will take on St Christopher's Intermediate.
