The Men’s 2nds arrived in Peterborough at the hurtfully early time of 9.20am to fufill the generous push-back time of 10am. They were looking to win four games in a row for the first time this campaign against a decent opposition who burgled the points at Fortress Long Road on the opening day of the season.

After deciding that by leaving his shirt at the previous week’s opposition in Bourne Deeping, Captain Cooper (one of the nicer and more printable names he was referred to on the day) would send his troops into battle wearing yellow.

The game actually started brightly for South as they had the lion's share of posssession and looked very positive going forward. A few averagely-taken short corners were the only fruit for the constant grind of a team working tirelessly to inject some pace into the slow Bretton Gate pitch. Half-chances and snatch shots were all that could be mustered against a resilient and staunch defence. It was then the game was spun on its head. A very simple CoP short corner was smashed at the returning South goalie, George Toynton. Straight at him and through his legs, leading to some colourful language and insights in the post-match lemon count. A mistake, one that was barely deserved and changed the whole shape of the game.

After some encouraging half-time Haribo and words from our skipper, South set about the task of rescuing the game. The hockey played was very good but simply lacked an end product. Too many times there were fouls and feet just outside the circle which, constantly broke momentum going forward. “NBM” Matt Allsopp did his thing of being loud and ever present in all defence positions, whilst the stalwarts of Jon “Hollywood” Mann, James “SO” Menzies, Matt “Horse” Kern and Chris “Cheeky Girl” Walsh braved the tackling and challenges that were thrown at them with their usual guile and cunning.

A break away second goal with an exquisite finish was the reward for the hard work from South. It would have knocked the gas out of most teams, but South continued hardened in their resolve and in the last couple of minutes Nev “Warm-up” Warren managed to sneak a bit of space for a reverse stick cross/shot at the top of the D. The Special Orthodontist could only watch on as it narrowly avoided his stick.

All in all a fairly decent game where the Men’s 2nds decided to give some Christmas presents out a little on the early side.

The spirits were remarkably high afterwards in the post-match autopsy at teas. Some most illuminating and illustrative opinions of the game and players' performances were detailed through anonymous written messages of encouragement. The author can only describe it as the best fining session in his brief association with the club.

Season’s Greetings!