The rearrangement of this match to take place less than two weeks before Christmas meant that for a change the L4s didn’t have any problems with being oversubscribed – quite the opposite in fact with just one sub, and captain Zara away for the weekend. At least this meant no-one had to spend too long getting cold on the sideline – considering the weather, this was definitely a positive. A big thank you to Izzy, who braved the cold and rain to travel with us and provide sideline coaching and subs management: much appreciated.

In a closely-matched game, South worked hard and played together to earn this victory. We followed Izzy’s advice to play ‘sensible hockey’ with accurate passes and held our shape and width. Katy had another fantastic game (as one of the PoM votes summed it up: “Katy - great!”), distributing the ball with great accuracy and power, allowing the forwards to stay high and drive the received balls up the pitch. Bethan, Lucy and Sammy were also sending some great balls up the line. Bethan made some excellent tackles and passes, earning a couple of PoM votes.

The action was end to end and our defenders worked hard throughout the game, repelling the St Neots attacks and getting great balls out to the midfields and forwards. Today’s well-deserved Player of the Match was Niamh, who, to quote a couple of the votes, “Totally bossed it at the back,” and, “Saved our bacon so many times.” Combined with neat interceptions from Sarah and strong clearances from Ginny, St Neots just couldn’t get past. Despite numerous attacks, Lydia only had to make a couple of saves all game (and vital they were, given the score line), which shows just how well our defenders played.

The first half finished nil-nil and both sides came out determined to pull ahead. Finally it happened for South with a lovely team goal. Not long after the freezing rain had made way for sunshine, Emily made a great cross to Lou who unfortunately missed it, but the ball carried on to Naomi who struck on target. Her shot was saved by the keeper and Lou scooped in the rebound at close range for her first goal of the season. South kept up the pressure to prevent an equaliser and gain another win to keep our spot at the top of the league.

Emily provided some amusement by dropping her stick on the run then stopping and staring at it, and only narrowly escaped the Lemon vote which was won by Lou for leaving the car door open in her eagerness to get to the pitch. The L4s finish 2019 on a high, having won every match bar one draw, with twenty-eight goals scored and only three conceded.

Thank you to the coaches and supporters from the club who’ve helped us get here. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!