The L5s headed to Ely feeling positive and confident for a good result. For most of us it was the first time playing on Ely’s new astro pitch. The thick surface made for a much slower ball pace and took a bit of adjusting for those of us used to the faster, bouncy Long Road pitch. But we soon turned it to our advantage and used our pace to chase down loose balls that might have gone just out of reach on another pitch. It was also a very slippery surface, leading to many of us falling over at some point in the game. The most impressive one being Annabel’s which looked a bit like a rugby tackle from the sideline, though somehow she still won the ball.

South held their formation nicely and played well together as a team. Ely took the lead by following up after a short corner. But the L5s knew we were capable of a comeback and after the pushback we stepped up the pace and came back strong. Forwards Anna, Iona and Liz were making some fantastic runs and finally it paid off as Iona got a touch to open the scoring. With the score even at half time we were back in the game and eager to win. Anna’s efforts up front paid off and she put us into the lead early in the second half. Nicole had another great game in midfield and her efforts were rewarded with a fantastic goal. Her enthusiasm, energy and skillful play won her the Player of the Match vote – and may also have contributed to the Lemon award for being so eager to defend a short corner that she ran out too soon and was sent up to the halfway line.

Claudia had a great game in midfield with some excellent driving runs. Lucy’s powerful crosses into the D provided plenty of attacking opportunities for South. Although South had the majority of attacking play, Ely still made some breaks into our end and Rosie was on hand with some well-timed tackles and interceptions, followed by precise passes back out to the midfield, earning her several PoM votes. Anna and Iona’s continuing commitment and efforts up front saw them each score another goal, and a few PoM votes. Our press on the opposition’s 16s was strong and well organised, often intercepting the ball or forcing them to take it wide.

Overall this was a great performance, and twelve very happy ladies.

Finally well done to Jan for an extremely accurate prediction in his Friday preview email: ‘Once South have adjusted to the slow pace of Ely’s rather cloying new astro, I make them favourites for the win.’ Yes, exactly.