The first weekend of the season, a mid-morning start, a full squad, some new(ish) faces, even a substitute: things don’t get much better for Cambridge South M3s. Except this week, they did.

The match was a return of last season’s friendly, when a combined 3s/4s team had made the journey down the M11 only to suffer a 5-1 reverse against a strong Stortford 5s side. With a full 3s team available this year sweet revenge was on the agenda at the inaugural match on the newly resurfaced Wilby pitch.

Straight out of the blocks South were looking dangerous. Playing the familiar 4-3-3, the midfield were pressing high and full backs Neil Sneade and Ian Glover were able to bomb down the flanks. The rewards were quick to come as David Doupé opening the season’s account with a firm finish.

Newly installed in the 3s attack, Rob Barton didn’t take long to join him, starting his campaign to reclaim his Goal King crown. Next it was Tom South’s turn to join the party, the ball being immediately worked forward from the push back for him to add the third. The match threatened to turn into a rout as Rob followed up with two more goals for a first-half hatrick and David added his second to put the free-scoring 3s 6-0 up after just twenty minutes.

The momentum was halted though when, eager to get in on the goal-scoring action, Neil made a bid for the title of first hockey player to test the new own goal rule. A hopeful hit was cracked into the D by Stortford and with confusion between goalkeeper Steve Parker and defender, Neil’s attempted block succeeded only in deflecting the ball into his own net.

Half time was reached without further score as South were guilty of taking their foot off the gas and indulging in a bit of showboating, abandoning some of their earlier pass and move hockey. The ball did find its way into South’s net once more but off the thigh of a Stortford forward to see the goal ruled out.

As the sides changed ends, Stortford were evidently heartened by the bone thrown them by Neil’s generous deflection and came out with much greater composure and determination. Their midfield playmaker was getting more of the ball and playing in their wide players, denying South’s full backs the freedom they had enjoyed in the first period. While not exactly laying siege to South’s goal, the match was definitely looking much more evenly balanced.

Having ridden the Stortford surge, when it eventually came the opening goal of the second period went to South, a clipped shot from Stu Creed finding the far corner of the goal. Not to be deterred, Stortford’s improved second half performance was rewarded with a goal. A shot from the right of the D looked to be covered by Steve only for the ball to squeeze between his kickers and thud against the backboard.

It proved a false dawn though as South reasserted themselves through hard work in the middle from new captain Ali Edge and old captain Simon Jelley, protecting Paul South and JB in the centre of the South defence. With returnee Simon Ta doing great work down the right flank, two more goals from Rob were rounded off with a final strike from Tom to bring up double figures as well as a doubling of the previous year’s scoreline.

A great start to the season for South 3s. With a few faces still to return, good availability and a regular team should hopefully see this squad prove strong enough maintain their position in Div 5NW this season.