Things that can happen when you're not at the after-game teas: “Mariano, you got the lemon, and you've got to write the match report.” Ok, here we go.

The day was perfect for playing hockey. The M2s were ready for their first home game with a strong squad to get the first points of the season. The warm-up reminded us of the importance of release, feed and catch the chickens (thanks Jim for the incredible narrative?).

So we release the chickens. The game started with pace and good moments of hockey. We settled in their D most of the first half, creating lots of situations. After some great saves by their goalkeeper, Jim began to pave the way to getting Man of the Match, smashing a ball in the air in at the far post to put South ahead in the game. Some minutes later, Tom Marchant scored the second goal for South. So far, the chickens were well fed.

We felt the game was in our hands…but unfortunately, we were wrong. St Ives were fast to recover and counter-attack our defence. In one of the few attempts they had in the first half, and after a great save from MSG, they managed to get the second shot and put the game at two-one just minutes after half-time.

Second half continued just the same. We were in their D most of the time, pushing to convert our game into a better goal difference. Chalky put South three-one ahead, with ten minutes to go. Time to put the chickens back in the cage.

Again, with two more counter-attacks, St Ives managed to equalize the game and almost scored to go four-three up one minute before the whistle.

We felt we lost two points, after so many chances during the game.

On the positive side, the team keeps growing, we are scoring in good numbers every game and, with more training and persistence, we will be enjoying some really good hockey during the season. Heads up!