After a long hot summer, as the title suggests, the girls are back in town. Wednesday night saw a mixed team of South Ladies 1s and 2s take centre stage (Pitch 2) in Wilberforce Road for a head to head against Saffron Waldon, in the first of a series of pre-season friendlies.

Both squads see themselves with new captains, Jenny S & Kate (L1s) and Jenny T & Nichola (L2s), all hoping for a year of success, as both teams look for protomotion. Another major goal for both squads, as directed by Big Dog Dave was to HAVE FUN, a matra that Captain JT likes to live by. (As our good friend Cindy says, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun). Let's hope both teams can achieve these goals this year!

The primary goal for this match was to get our heads out of summer party time, and back into hockey, serving as a good starting point for team bonding and match fitness. Another key aim for the match was to try out a new formation, as guided by Captain Kate. All in all successful, would recommend to a friend. Won't give further details in case of spies.

South had a slightly unsettled start to the match as we adjusted to the new formation, however came into our stride by the second half of the first quarter. Finally a goal came after a passage of solid attack, slotted in by Jess Reed.

The second quarter saw Saffron Waldon equalise to make it 1-1 at half time in a well sided match. South managed another goal in the third quarter, scored by Lucy Vries, however SW managed to come back with another equaliser in the dying moments of the final quarter.

As a whole, a solid performance from the South Ladies, who I think were all grateful for the large match day squad. Plenty to work on this year, but a promising start for both the 1s and 2s. 

Several outstanding performances, with POM going to Boo for a stellar performance in her first match for South.

LOM to Nichola for forgetting a sports bra, and having to wear an eclectic collection of outsourced garments to compensate.