C South returned to competitive action for the first time since 2005 and turned up to the excellent Walled Garden pitch at Culford School in decent spirits. Players were ill and semi-injured but 11 volunteers still braved the chilly elements to battle against a very strong opponent in Bury St Edmunds. "Youngster" Adam Catley also decided his Sunday needing livening up by being our nominated umpire.

The early onslaught of possession and passes had the C South defence in a bit of a pickle. Fortunately, our hosts were in a very generous mood and decided not to score from the numerous chances afforded to them. After about 15 minutes, South started to get into the game and probing down both flanks and producing some attacking threat. This is when Bury actually found they could score with a pinball like set of deflections through Darren Farmer in goal. Paul South then found himself in an acre of space inside Bury's circle. a lunging foul brought him an advantage and he placed his powerful flick just wide of the far post. Attacking-wise, this was to be the pinnacle of C South's day.

As the already tiring defence could fell the respite of half-time coming, another goal was pinched with the final touch of the half. Hockey can sometimes be a cruel sport.

After some stirring words of encouragement from the captain Nev Warren, South set about attacking a bit more in the second half.

JJ at centre back provided some amazing highlights with his half pitch aerials. The biggest problem was that JJ kept knocking them near the only guy on the pitch able to pick each high-ball effortlessly; the Bury left-back. Matt Kern and Tim Clapp worked tirelessly against a rigid and powerful midfield creating some glimpses of attacking threat, the full-backs Ky Ho and Steve Browne fully supporting the midfield. However, Bury stepped up a gear and began to find gaps. Lots of gaps. C South were very much the more tired of the teams owing mainly to their average age being higher than their counterparts and also due to the fact they had three eager substitutes raring to go at all times.

So with some excellent team play and short corner routines, Bury took the score to 8-0 and secured a safe passage to the next round. Hopsitality was provided after the game where everyone had some fine buffet courtesy of the very generous hosts.

South's consolation is that they have been rewarded with a home fixture against Sudbury in the next round of the plate. This may be a belter of a game as they lost their last game 8-0 too. Push-back at 12:15 on 25th November at Fortress Long road for those of you wishing to play or show some support to the "pensioners".