The big day was here but for two very different events! Firstly, it was the wedding day of our captain and beautiful bride to be, Robyn! (Please see LoM award, “Who has their wedding in hockey season?”) Secondly, it was the clash of first and second in the table!

The atmosphere was a little tense at Long Road but Coach Dave provided us with a calm and reassuring team chat to get us focused and ready for battle.

South had a shaky start and together with some strong appeals from Bury meant they conceded a short corner early in the first-half. Strong defensive work from South ensured the corner was dealt with and South regained some composure.

Some nice periods of play followed with Alice holding the central pivot point to create some great triangles with Robyn Murray.

The first goal came from a South short corner. A strike from Alice was saved by the keeper, giving Laura the opportunity for a perfect rebound into the back of the net.

Bury came back hard after this set-back and won themselves a short corner. The short corner was converted to a goal, however a decision by the umpires meant it was disallowed.

The battle for the win continued in the second half and it definitely wasn’t the smoothest. Cards were received by both sides with Abi getting her first green. She was rewarded with a good share of the LoM votes.

South looked to have secure the points as Laura had a one on one with the keeper and struck a very smooth goal into the back of the net. Late in the game though a moment's loss of concentration from South allowed Bury to pull one back. Any further Bury attacks were swiftly shut down by some fantastic interceptions from Amalia.

It wasn’t the prettiest of games but South will be happy to have finished with a two-one win and remain top of the table.

Another joy from the day is sending our congratulations to the new Mr and Mrs Rutter! Make sure to look out for her new shirt!