Cambridge South Men's 1st team bounced back from their shock defeat at the end of the first half of the season with an uncompromising demolition of neighbours Newmarket. This result also maintained their formidable away form this season, which currently reads six wins and a draw in the last seven away games.

The early morning snow flurry (well, technically mid-morning but it was early for the majority of this South team) did not bode well for an enjoyable game but it didn't deter the South elite. Fortunately, by the time we got to the astro (which took longer than strictly necessary due to the diversion through most of Bury St Edmunds: we are now well aware of all the sites in Bury where Newmarket don't play hockey) the snow had stopped and conditions were excellent.

The first half was played at a slow and measured pace as South toyed with their opposition. Swift and incisive attacking play brought many gilt-edged opportunities for the forwards and midfielders but South elected to put only one goal on the score sheet, courtesy of Reilly. Cheggers and Graveling had particularly good chances to add to the tally but they opted to tease the Newmarket defence and not score.

On the few occasions that Newmarket put together a coherent attack it was dealt with by the South defence with consummate ease, even a touch of disdain. Asbo, in his regular position at sweeper, was letting nothing past and made a number of forays up the pitch to help open up the Newmarket defence. In central midfield Tom Moy made his first appearance for the team and settled in well with some decisive tackling and direct play, linking well the defence with attack.

At half time it was 1-0 but this was but the calm before the storm. South upped the pace in the second half and were rewarded with six goals in total; a hat-trick from Cheggers, Reilly completing his brace, Snetler with a reverse stick hit that came straight from the top level of South African hockey, and Rowland with a difficult finish from on the goal line.

In truth it could have been more as Newmarket gave up playing hockey once the third goal went in, with the notable exception of their keeper who was throwing himself around right until the final whistle (and managed an excellent save from a flick).

Reilly was causing constant panic amongst the Newmarket back line as he used his speed to get in behind the defence. His running gave him a second goal and set up a couple of others – one that Cheggers slotted home with aplomb and the other a rebound from the keeper that allowed Forrest to flick the ball goal ward with Kev "just in case" Rowland applying the finishing touch just millimetres before the ball crossed the line.

As South pushed forward in search of more goals, holes were opening up in the back line but full-backs Hay and Benedikz made the task of dispossessing four advancing Newmarket attackers look easy. Jim "go around the keeper" Thorpe ventured into the opposition D as he scented a potential goal (and the possibility of a mention in the match report). Forrest darted into the opposition D, mostly in control of the ball, before releasing Thorpey. He had time and space in front of goal but didn't manage to round the keeper and the danger was snuffed out.

As the relentless attacking continued, Cheggers hit the post from a deflected shot, Rowland somehow managed to miss a sitter at the back post (if only it were on his reverse stick!) and Graveling's presence at the back post forced a penalty flick as the Newmarket defender panicked and allowed the ball to hit his knee. Up stepped Rowland, but he elected to use his weaker front stick side and the keeper saved well with his stick.

After Cheggers completed his hat trick from a slick short corner routine, Snetler stepped up with a top quality reverse stick finish to show us how it was done. So all in all a decent victory that will leave the members of 4NW in no doubt that we mean business this season.