Fresh off the back of romping to an 8-1 win at home last week, the Men’s 2s ventured to the picturesque Cambridgeshire town (and less than picturesque Cambridgeshire hockey pitch) of St Ives to face the team just one place below them in the league. 

As soon as the game started, it was clear that South had the quality, and the fitness, to take this one to the oppo. There were early flashes of smooth passing play and some good distribution from the back, but two breakaway goals by the opposition had South 2-1 down at half time.  Pearson’s brilliant through ball had been met in the D by Jim’s sharp run, and the first time finish had halved the deficit shortly before the break.

South started the second half on top, and finally broke through St Ives’ defences, with Pete Creed finishing a nice turn with a low reverse shot from the middle of the D. With the scores tied and time running out, tempers frayed, and Puds saw Green for a clash with one particularly feisty St Ives player. Puds held his ground well though, with the oppo player picking up a Yellow for his part in the face-off. 

The backline was solid all game, with Harrison and Nik looking particularly bright in the second half, and Maz was a welcome return to the squad. The last few minutes of the game were played out with chances for both sides, and South were frustrated at the final whistle not to have got more than a point for their efforts. The better team for much fo the game, 2022 promises bigger and better things to come with the New Year. First though, a derby game with the 1s next week…