In driving drizzle, the Men’s 5ths welcomed Kettering 4yjs to fortress Long Road in some trepidation, with the opposition having beaten the previously all-conquering Men’s 4th team last week. The pride of the club was at stake but the valiant Men’s 5s proved up to the task.

Dynamic from the off, with great linking hockey, South had the bulk of the possession with John, Stu, Simon and Hesham dominating midfield and creating opportunities to press into the opposition D for Peter, Ollie, Andy and Alex. Eventually the pressure told, with a short corner won by dribbling man of the match, Stu, who then launched a missile into the goal. One-nil!

Now woken up, Kettering 4ths came into the game with good pass and move hockey mixed with impressive aerials, but the back line of David, Shahzad, Howard, Ky and particularly James “You Shall Not Pass” Piper held firm and restarted further attacks, with great runs from Peter in particular producing crosses into the D, though sadly not converted.

The second half upped the tempo, with Kettering again pressing up the pitch but their aerials were now more of a danger to spectators than the South goal, leaving the home side to capitalise on the increased possession. Taking the ball from the outside the Kettering D, Peter (Creed Jnr), not wanting to be outdone by his dad, dribbled himself into the D and, with a decisive strike, tonked the ball goalward. Two-nil!

Kettering 4ths however were far from finished and showed considerable skill only minutes later, with a brilliant passing move of their own leaving Ben in goal no chance. Now two-one!

And so began the final quarter, with chances for both sides, moments of panic, finger nails bitten and tired legs putting in the extra mile. South held firm for victory. Pride of the club restored.