South set off to Deeping on a scorching Saturday morning beset by absentees and injuries, with Ireland, weddings and potential appendicitis replacing weddings as the new hamperer of availability.

In the early stages, South matched their opposition, with a combination of a solid disciplined midfield and some excellent last ditch tackling from Wych seeing off their opponents. When South went forward themselves they too looked dangerous, with McCulloch Johnson and Claes combining on one earfly occasion to test the Bourne keeper.

However, Bourne Deeping were having the lions share of possession, and were clearly very comfortable playing a quick slick-moving game. The game turned midway through the half, when, following the snuffing out of a South short, the opposition’s rapid one touch passing soon saw them in the South D, and the forward calmly lifted the ball over Parker for one nil.

Unperturbed, South looked to respond, and were in the middle of a strong attack, when Aston, seeking to spread the play, played the ultimate anti Modric pass across the centre line to the Bourne centre mid. Bourne promptly rushed forward and slotted home for two nil. A hammer blow.

At half time, the focus was on keeping pride and looking to push forward wherever possible in search of something from the game. South played a solid enough second half, with some enterprising attacking play being coupled with some great saves at the back from Parker, but in truth it was no surprise when another free-flowing Bourne move led to the right winger deflecting home a cross for three nil.

South will play worse matches this season and come out comfortable winners, but for them to challenge for promotion this year it will be crucial they have a full compliment of players for the crunch games, and also that they look to emulate what was some fine hockey from their opponents.