South's first team arrived at Long Road this Saturday knowing that the Uni 3s team would be revved up and on top form with their varsity match just a couple of weeks away.  And sure enough, they were a much more determined and drilled side than the one we beat earlier in the season.  South worked well under pressure however, playing some of our best hockey of this half of the season in the early part of the match and ending the first half just 2-0 down after the Uni scored once on the break and again from a well worked short corner.

The second half started with South dominant once again, but sadly a series of near misses from open play and an inability to capitalise on some hard earned short corners meant we were unable to convert pressure into goals.  The Uni were kind enough to give us a masterclass in short corner routines which earned them most of the rest of their final tally of 6 goals, along with an unlucky goal which flew high deflected off our defender's stick and bounced under the keepers boot.

Goal of the day, however, came from a glorious free hit ball from Julie who found space and a characteristically hard-working and skillful Jess who took on defenders and the keeper to strike a great goal and win back some pride for South.  Overall, the final 5-1 score was a disappointing headline for a match which included some of South's better play of the year.  MOM went to Julie, with an honorouble mention for Polly, reflecting hard work and resilance from the South defence throughout.  Lemon this week was Loopy, who's rush home to collect her groin protector meant we started late. Aparently it got separated from the rest of the kit and left in the bedroom...