South’s second string have undoubtedly improved over the course of the season, but they were alarmed to find that City’s Veterans had made huge strides since the 2-0 meeting back in November (and seemingly got younger!)

If only hockey matches were five minutes long. When Simon Jelley ghosted in at the back post to sweep home an unexpected opener past a GK with apparent international honours, there were stunned expressions all round.

It didn’t last long. City moved the ball around well, expertly using their excellent pivot guy in the centre, and played a couple of high forwards that we struggled to keep tracks of. A couple of short corner goals saw our lead disappear, quickly followed by a couple more from open play. At some point, Bhav got friendly with the City umpire, earning himself a green card in the process.

We battled away in the second period, and did have moments of our own going forward, but it was largely a rear-guard action. Parker in goal could do nothing about the concession of two further goals, but if it hadn’t been for him, the score-line could have looked much worse.

It is remarkable that City are promoted in only second place. This was by far the strongest team we’ve played so far this season and if they add a couple more at the younger end, they’ll fancy their chances of finishing high up in Div 3 next time out.