Let’s get the formalities out of the way: Lemon of the match was a joint venture between Rob Barton, who managed to scribble out young George’s heartfelt vote for this week’s Mom because Georgie was still contemplating last week’s match events, and Jay-Jay for what is becoming something of a trend and echo the Monk’ster that he is not a striker when an attempted shot at goal took what seemed an eternity for the ball to return to planet earth. Man of the match was undoubtedly our rising star, Ben, who is simply getting better and better with each match.

It needs special mention that our umpires did a sterling job, Jan being put to the test on the rules, his affirmation and composure as he battled with a couple of strong-willed players; a very special commendation has to go to Hannah for being resolute in her decisions and doing her job in a manner which can only be described as near excellent.

Our first official league match for the season and man, what a game it was. But rather than try to paint a picture of the events that unfolded, resulting in a six-nil victory to South, I am going to concentrate on the individuals at play instead.

Starting with our honoured guest, James Mathews. A player of his calibre is most sincerely appreciated by the team. His pace, grace and poise was inspirational; we would love to see him loiter in the squad more in the future as his contribution was invaluable and a major factor towards the team’s success on the day.

To our goal scorers: Rob Barton, who continues to mystify all by scoring goals in a manner reserved only for world class players - his Midas touch is genuinely something to behold.

Dave Monk has a sword so mighty that when swung has the ability to sever the opposition clean in half - his penetrating 16s and penalty corner strikes are just short of biblical - that when invoked you can feel the morale and spirit of the opposition evaporating into thin air.

Simon a.k.a. Jelly is a man of few words and for good reason - this man’s hockey speaks volumes, he has speed and he has skill, our one handed maestro manages to carve through even the toughest of oppositions striking fear and panic into their hearts.

Paul South plays hockey like he is twenty all over again - I reckon if he were actually twenty he would be lethal. Utilising his experience he managed to slot home a goal with accuracy and speed that dumfounded the opposition. I myself requested confirmation as to who scored it because it was just so quick.

Casual, laid-back, Oli Anderson has an approach to the game that seems to calm the team yet once he is in game mode there literally is no stopping him, dribbling and slicing through the opposition with enough confidence that if he were to share it out amongst the rest of the team he would still have enough in reserve to weave lots more magic.

The welcome return of Andy Williamson saw him taking up a defensive positon as right back, or was it left or middle. Actually he was literally everywhere. Not once was he asked to cover an open player, his foresight, passion and experience of the game placed him square of nearly every encounter; he was solid and brilliant, it’s going to be awesome to play with him in the future.

Ben Williamson's first season back and the lad is growing from strength to strength, cementing his position firmly in the squad if not already projecting for bigger and bolder things.

I have left the best for last in George and Mariano. Mariano is new to the squad but not new to the club or to the game of hockey, our South American compatriot with his tumultuous ability injected some much needed Latin flare into our game. On many occasions he literally played off his feet, never giving the opposing team so much as an inch. It’s an absolute joy having him in the team. George was coordinating as usual, the eyes and voice of the team, giving much-needed guidance from the back he just about lost his voice. Six-nil, folks, for the first game of the season: the ‘nil’ in that score says it all - George is a machine, a little terrier when it comes to guarding his goal, I would never mess with a terrier on his turf or risk getting munched.

Last but not least, Mr Andy T, as he is infamously known by all. He is our very own Clark Kent, his game has come on in leaps and bounds. Andy stops and passes like a master and he has running legs to match, he was brilliant in his game executing his duties with precision, it will be a welcome pleasure seeing him in the team in the future…

[EDITOR ADDENDUM]

And let's not forget our star midfield maestro himself - JJ - who always puts a great shift in on the pitch.  His strength in the tackle is nicely complemented by his eye for, and weight of, a pass.  A brilliant penalty corner injector and aerial guru.  As the heartbeat of the core of the side JJ  drives the energy into the team.