We're deep into the group stages now and, like Euro 2016, hope and anticipation is beginning to build ahead of the inevitable knock-out stage penalty-bottling, disappointment and bitter recriminations. Still, at least the sun was shining this week.

First up last night were the Group B teams, where the Average Joes succumbed 3-1 to Xabi's Southern Saints, while McMinions, now without perma-crocked captain Laurie, played out a 1-1 draw with St Ives 2 at the Far End.

Following this was what was undoubtedly the match of the tournament so far, an 8 goal thriller at the Sports Hall End featuring 2 penalty flicks, with Colin's TFI Thursday side eventually unable to live with free-scoring St Ives 1, who triumphed 5-3. Meanwhile, the spectators at the Far End had to settle for another 1-1 draw, this time between Jan's Melbourn Outriders and Cambridge North, captained by Hawaiian returnees, Hannah and Oli.

With one set of group matches remaining, the tables are:

GROUP A

GROUP B

Congratulations to St Ives 1, who have already secured their place in the Cup, and to the Average Joes, who have already secured their place in the Plate.

Otherwise, it's all to play for. In Group A, Melbourn Outriders and TFI Thursday are in a dead heat, so everything rests on their final match against each other, unless Cambridge North can pull off a shock upset against high-flying St Ives 1 - having already qualified, will they be mentally 'on the beach'?

In Group B, after their slow start Southern Saints are coming up on the rail and could snatch a Cup place from McMinions in their clash. For St Ives 2, a draw will be enough to guarantee their Cup spot.

See you next Thursday, hopefully for another sunny evening's hockey.