After yet another weekend without a game last week, we faced St Ives 2s in the lunchtime kick-off at ‘Fortress The Leys’. Going into the match we were level on both points and goal difference - our marginally superior ‘goals for’ putting us just ahead in the mid-table doldrums of the Cambs Premier League.

The day started with a bit of a shock to the system - with the ever-punctual Anne Horan not actually being the last to arrive, though this was probably unintentional given Beasley’s detour across Cambridge via The Abbey. Muppet. Moving on - the warm up was uneventful, apart from some illuminating discussion of Cambridge’s mole population. Hug actually joined in too - which was a nice surprise...

South started the game brightly, with some good moves leading to some early shots on the St Ives’ goal which we were unlucky not to convert. The defensive formation looked impressively solid, with Dabb, Raffan and newbie Brady putting in some strong tackles and moving the ball up to the midfield efficiently, (as well as around the back on occasion!). Anne Horan had a cracking game in the pivotal role of ‘anchor’ (NOT SWEEPER!) - and was a worthy winner for Man of the Match, and deserves recognition for her vocal intimidation tactics in particular. The midfield trio of Beasley, Blumlein and Dee worked tirelessly to provide opportunities for the attacking combination of Hug, Baker and Hurford who looked dangerous - Baker again working her way in behind the defence and causing problems. Hug and Hurford linked up well and after several promising attacks, an illegal block on the line afforded us a flick. Hug converted brilliantly with a clinical attempt that flew past the keeper into the corner. (Whilst this was undoubtedly in the best interests of the game, Hug could have saved the rest of us from another week of Hurford’s misplaced pent-up goal frustration...)

The second half started in the same vein as the first had ended, with several well-worked moves looking dangerous but ultimately fruitless - much to the disappointment of the vocal and entertaining battalion of support on the sidelines. A game of ‘foul bingo’ provided a win for Nick Venner - whose oracle-like predictions of who would commit which indiscretion was alarmingly accurate. Not that pairing Hurford and ‘dissent’ was a particularly difficult call to make. The defence looked strong, but an unlucky deflection saw us concede mid way through. South immediately launched a strong attack, which ended with an ‘own-goal’ being awarded, and then immediately revoked, much to the disappointment of the sideline ‘talent’ (bolstered by the arrival of the Schneade...)

Both teams tired going into the last 15, but South withstood a series of penalty corners - the un-sighted Loopy putting in an Olympic-worthy save to keep the score-line level. As with out last match - the support from the sideline made a real difference. We were unlucky not to win, but it was a strong performance from the South team.

L1's bingo match report

Hockey Foul Bingo - the rules are simple. Pick 6 players and 6 offences, if your player commits your offence and is blown up for it by an umpire (or the majority of the crowd, lets be fair they cannot see everything) you cross it off. 1st one to cross of all 6 wins. We had 3 players today and here are their selections.

The game started and immediately a box was ticked, Alice celebrating a successful push back by letting go of a huge greenie onto the pitch. South started off dominant and it was looking like this could be the only mark of the game. It's hard to commit fouls when you always have the ball. The only downside was Cantwell had to leave the pitch robbing South not only an excellent player but a combative spirit as well. This pressure was not however converted into many goal scoring chances which allowed St Ives to get back into the game. A stick tackle from Raffen and some pushing from Dabb kept the game interesting for the spectators and as the half came into its final 10 minutes a body on the line stopped a clear South goal. It would be really embarrassing to miss a penalty flick so it's a good job Alice using her nerves of steel placed the ball just over the back board to the keepers left. St Ives tried to rally but a well timed Raffen foot cut out one attack and a Beasley stick tackle another. Alice was also ruled to be only 4.99 m from a free hit and with that the half time whistle went.

Half time scores

Nick was excited about his lead and confident that he could win this tense game. Russ however was beginning to feel that the heated contest he felt would ensure might not materialise and he might not be ticking any more boxes.

Cantwell also felt well enough to march over to the team talk and give her own analysis of the game so far (“stop acting like girls and man up”).

The second half started with all still to play for, when 3 minutes and 49 seconds into the half Nick saw a sight he thought he would never see. Down the left wing their the unmistakable shape of Alice could be seen moving at a higher than usual speed. Nick immediately pulled out his trig tables, sextant and hand held anemometer and began frivolously calculating, judging by the ponytail drag angle he calculated a new record speed of 3 knots had been achieved. South were clearly inspired by this effort and began to produce numerous chances. A great move starting at the back through Georgie in middle found Baker through on goal. However the recovering defence manage to get a stick in to play the ball onto her foot to level the important score at 3-3. Several shorts soon followed but despite some great strikes the back of the net could not be found. Then disaster struck a St Ives break away led to a forward being one on one with Loopy in the goal and allowed them to lift the ball over her outstretched leg to level the scores against the run of play. South unfortunately let this get to them and this allowed Russ to get back in the game with a small shower of verbels from the South captain. Cantwell had had enough and with no regard to her own safety subbed herself back on. This interjection along with the hard working and tough tackling Ann steadied the shape as the game went into the tense last 10 minutes with Jack and Nick still level. Nick and Russ had thought themselves to be really quite clever by selecting Loopy to kick the ball. I had more faith in the ability of the L1's and said she would not get a touch all game. I was therefore heart broken in the the last 4 minutes to see her kick clear to win the game. Their was one more incident before full time was blown CENSORED ..... TOO CONTROVERSIAL .... THIS IS A FAMILY WEBSITE but seriously Raikes I know it says liability on your shirt for a reason - how did you not see that!

Final Score

We all thought foul bingo was a great successful and it will be coming to more matches in the future. Unfortunately Nick came away with the chocolate digestive prize he provided himself this time and the bragging rights he awarded himself at least until Alice reads this ... The L1's played well but next week score some more goals please.