To the rousing chants of the cheerleaders on the sidelines, South performed brilliantly against a strong Harlow 3rds side. Of greatest note has to be James Bridge's hatrick. I'd say they were all impeccable goals off of a precise short corner routine, but I want to keep his feet on the ground.

South started strongly in the first half, but both teams suffered a little in the fitness department toward the close of the game. There was some good end-to-end hockey, with many notable periods of pressure on their goal. Solid defence. Solid midfield. Solid attack. If we go into the season like that I think we will all be happy.

Thanks to the players from other teams that bolstered the side, and a special thanks to the up and coming players, Michael Woolley and Simon Ta, who both played their socks off.