We are now well into the new campaign, and it is all going rather well, except where it isn't. As CSouth is a friendly club, then any success is a collective effort, from which we all draw satisfaction, whereas those parts of the front where the enemies are in the ascendancy merely require careful re-interpretation of the facts. How are the various battalions faring?……

Ladies' 1sts - 4th in Camb Premier League

An improved position compared to last season's finish and a winning streak going back to September. Three winnable games coming up, against St Ives, Newmarket and Huntingdon, should see us closing the gap to top of the table Rutland.

Ladies' 2nds - 8th in Camb Div 1

Firmly in the mid-table bunch with 2 wins out of 5 games. Up next is a tough one against Newmarket but St Ives after that should yield point(s).

Men's 1sts - 3rd in Eastern League 3NW

As the team is only 1 point from the top of this league, the promotion target is definitely "on". Indeed only a narrow 3 - 2 defeat vs top of the table Wisbech yesterday prevents the Men's 1sts looking down on all comers. The next three games vs teams immediately above and below will be crucial in keeping us up there.

Men's 2nds - 9th in Eastern League 3NW

A morale-boosting 5 - 2 tonking of Camb City 4ths yesterday gave the team its first league win of the campaign. The next few fixtures are tough but these boys thrive on it. At least 4 points from the next 3 games please, chaps.

Men's 3rd Team - 4th in Eastern League 5NW (last season...1st in East 6NW(s)

Best ever position; only 3 points from the top of the table. The going is getting tougher with a couple of away defeats after 6 straight wins (and 41 goals !) extended the record winning streak from last season. The tricky fixture coming up against leaders Louth (away) is sandwiched between winnable games vs Ely and Peterborough, so we expect the position to be at least maintained.

Men's 4th Team - 9th in Eastern League 6NW(s)

Although 27 people have played for the 4ths so far this season, only 11 are allowed on the pitch at one time. This unfair restriction has so distracted the team that they are still looking for their first win. The next two fixtures against teams in the nether reaches of 6NW(S) should change this situation and get us onto the comeback trail. Definitely.

As for Goal Kings, the bookies are almost paying out on Rocket Robbie Barton, who has already got 19 goals for the Mens 3rds. Nearest challenger is Graham McCulloch, on 9.

Overall the club is in great shape, with more people playing hockey for CSouth than ever before, and our teams benefiting from our training and midweek hockey…all fuelled by the frequent Social events. Which reminds me, don't forget:

- Club Christmas Party....Fun, Food, and Frolicks at CB2 on 8th Dec. See Neil and Cath for details.
- the annual Cambridge South Hockey Quiz, this Thursday 1st Nov at 7.30pm at the Panton Arms. Just turn up (with brain) and join in the fun.

Also:

• The club is looking for more umpires. This is an essential role, and enables you to dress up in day-glo colours and blow your whistle alot. The club will support you in the simple process of getting qualified. Ask Rob Barton / Vicky Benedikz, our "ULOs" for details.
• Don't forget to pay your annual subscriptions. The end-Oct deadline period is almost over. Payment is easy, via direct transfer, or cheque or cash. Our Treasurer, George Wych, is most accommodating although he does have a dark side revealed only to outstanding debtors.

Onwards and Upwards