A dominant performance against a hard working Ely team saw table-toppers Cambridge South 4ths hit the net twelve times. It could have been many more but for the excellent debut Ely keeper who made numerous fine saves.

Rob Barton was the goal hero and man of the match with seven, nearly all scored via his trademark reverse stick approach, from all angles and ranges. He was ably assisted by the selfless passing and quality crosses from teammates, as the home team maintained focus throughout, keeping play open, using the width, and being available to give the man with the ball - usually General James in the centre, or right back Jan Brynjolffssen - options for their incisive long passes. The set-pieces worked as designed - with free hits, sideline hits, and short corners taken fast and well. Hockey as it is supposed to be played. The watching L1s appeared to be in awe. At least they were rather quiet. Probably because of the cold weather. This may also explain why so many of the M4s kept running throughout. Or was it the medically-researched warm-up routine?

Just for some variety, others to get on the scoresheet were:

• Jimmy "Lightning" Wood - a fine solo effort kindly passed into his own net by an unlucky defender.

• Ian "doc" Marshman - lurking by the far post to tuck one in the net from two yards.

• Jason "Bok" James - finishing a short corner move with a neat deflection off a Greaves "pass" from the top of the D.

• Skipper Greaves - a slammed effort from an angle across the goal, and a deft waist-high touch from an Oli Anderson cross late on.

Others were unlucky not to score, particularly Paul South (his best effort saved by Rob Barton), Oli Anderson - silky dribbling as ever, and Simon Jelley. The underworked defence of Druett, Willimanson, Lui and Brynjolffssen were cool and commanding, and goalkeeper George T insisted on a couple of touches to stave off frostbite.

Everyone played their part in a thumping win which keeps South M4s clear at the top of the table of Div 6NW(S).