Safe to say that nerves were running high coming into our second league match of the season. After a well-deserved draw last week, we were all feeling the pressure – had it been a fluke or could we keep the momentum into this weekend’s game?

Thankfully the rain stopped in time for our warm up (skipper Emily and vice Tess breathed a sigh of relief having already spent hours pitch-side supporting the rest of South’s home games). Play quickly got underway and South started with a bang. Julie, Sammy and Laurie were solid at the back, thwarting Royston’s attacking efforts and distributing the ball well around the pitch. South attacked with confidence and Emily soon scored our first goal of the match. This settled the nerves and the L4s grew in confidence, working hard for each other. Naomi moved well for the ball and Sophie showed her fantastic skills in midfield. Anne made some crucial tackles in defence, and Hayley along with new player Hannah (welcome to the team!) proved formidable in midfield, meaning Royston couldn’t find a way through. We kept up the pressure and after a speedy counter attack Emily soon sent another goal flying into the back of the net. The half time whistle blew at two-nil to South.

Despite half time being over far too quickly, South got off to a flying start in the second half. Tess quickly bagged her first goal of the season (much to her relief), which was followed up by a dramatic goal from Tuffers. This was immediately disallowed but Tuffers soon managed to score another goal to make up for it. At the other end of the pitch keeper Lou made several fantastic saves, putting her body on the line in a series of impressive dives. Ginny worked hard on the left and even found herself in the D at one point, seemingly going for goal. Despite tired legs, South attacked right up until the final whistle. The last goal came when Emily made another fantastic run up the field and sent a huge strike across the D. Tess tapped it in, securing her second goal and quickly dismissing any rumours of poaching.

As the final whistle blew spirits were high. The score finished at five-nil in what had been a fantastic game. MoM went to Sophie for her brilliant play in midfield and LoM to Katie for several questionable tackles, which caused the umpire to remind everyone that, “Hockey is a non-contact sport.” Oops…

Well done team - a great confidence boost and a fantastic second game of the season!