This game vs 5NW high-fliers March was always going to be a challenge. And so it proved. Cambridge South stuck to the task throughout, with everyone playing their role, hassling the opposition, running intelligently and never giving up.

March netted five times in the first half; a mix of unstoppable strikes and attackers finding space away from the stretched defence. It was only the acrobatics of keeper Matt Gowers and life-threatening goal-line blocks from stalwart man of the match Howard Steed that prevented a cricket score.

The fact that many of the team had to play in unfamiliar positions didn't help, but Cambridge South rose to this with skillful midfielders-morphed-into-defenders Laurie Ho and Tom Steed constantly being a nuisance, stealing the ball and launching attacks, and Andy Thomas increasingly confident in intercepting and passing. The rest of Team Ho played their part, with clan chief Ky marshalling things at the back effectively and Pip battling away like a veteran - but with energy and pace. The game was a baptism of fire for newcomer Cameron Macleod but he stuck to the task manfully, even when moved to different positions.

The away midfield spine of Wilco Dijkstra and Phil Harvey were run ragged but were able to turn defence into attack with some neat passing moves to give some encouragement.

The second half started badly with the star March forward scoring within ten seconds from the Cambridge South restart, but improved thereafter. It was a much more even game from that point, with a few decent chances manufactured, but sadly Shahbaz's reverse stick skills and skipper Greaves's crosses and through passes couldn't quite bring a consolation or two.

March only got one further goal to run out deserved 7-0 winners, leaving South resilient in defeat, having played their best and showed promise of better things to come. Hopefully starting with Spalding next week.