After an incredibly disappointing draw the previous week, we came into this game knowing that we needed to take 3 points to start our season off. Even our 1sts played their part by having a full squad available for their game, so not needing any players.

Excellent we thought, only to discover that our captain had decided it was time for him to head off somewhere for some thing or other that we really can't remember. It might have been important, but who knows. A further blow was struck when the vice captain decided he had solved all crime in the country for the year and was putting in a transfer to special branch. To track down oil barons and money launderers we were told, and is currently somewhere between the Middle and Far East. Further information can't be disclosed at this time. Two defenders down, not a problem we should be fine. Then some idiot thought it would be a good idea to play 5-a-side the night before a crucial game, and promtply did something to his knee, or ankle or achilles or whatever. An early morning text on Saturday saying that he was unable to walk appeared and we were down another player, not wanting to name names but Dom really what were you thinking.

So it came to the game on Saturday at the sandpit, we skipped the pre-match talk and warmup we have all become accustomed to, and started playing. The team play, passing and leadership was incredible during the first half and was something to be witnessed, or so I have been reliably informed, we went into the break leading 2-1. Providing any more details would be unfair as up to this point I hadn't turned up! A well placed source has told me what happened though. We took the lead when a penalty corner was rocketing towards the bottom corner and hit a defender, the flick was scored with confidence by Tom Howells. The second goal came 20 minutes in after a good passing move (honest this is what happened) was finished off with Dave lifting the ball over the keeper. So 2-0 and coasting, first win of the season coming surely........ How wrong we can be, after missing numerous chances to wrap the game up, half of which were from penalty corners we then conceded a sloppy goal. The defence and midfield parting like the Red Sea allowing a forward to run from Wisbech to Cambridge unchallenged into our D. 1 complete miss-hit cross later and we are on the back foot at 2-1. The blame for this goal post match lay firmly on the captain for not stopping play with a scything stick tackle.

Half time came and went, things were said, I think were different to what we are used to, a bit of a reshuffle followed, and we came out confident of extending our lead. What happened however was simply shambolic. Going forward we looked positive and dangerous continuing to win penalty corners and making their keeper pull off a number of good saves. On the break however we got ripped to pieces. Wisbech quickly equalised from a penalty corner that Tom Anns pushed round the post with his foot. Shabaz couldn't get near the flick. A 3rd followed shortly after from a rifled shot from the top of the D, and a 4th sealed the game with 5 minutes to play from a reverse stick strike where again a forward was given too much time and space in the area.

Lessons were learnt, they were similar to other games, we can play better, we need to play our hockey and we need to perhaps consider converting some of the 17 penalty corners we had. It also helps for a midfield to provide some cover for what was a weakened defensive unit. Teas were again good, with new rituals introduced.

Roll on the local derby against City 4s next weekend. 2 in a row for Bhav.