Our second well earned win of the season! The team took on an unfamiliar shape with the absence of John (the hatchet man) Greaves, el capitano, for only the second time this season – apparently “lost” in France. With Paul South at centre forward alongside Stuart Creed, both back from injury, and Andy Lewis it seemed clear that we were going to pack the midfield. Our midfield also seemed to have a decidedly defensive edge to it with Andy Passmore and Ian Evans in the line up. The remainder of the team held on to the positions by the skin of their teeth, although it was a surprise not to see Shahbaz at least at centre half!

It was clear from the start that St Ives justified their position in the league and were going to be quite a team to handle with some very useful players. However, the scene was set for a fascinating midfield battle that became the main feature of the whole game. There were some excellent hockey moves displayed by the Cambridge South team, with the midfield using the width and releasing probing passes to the forward line. One of these released Paul South clear of most of the defence and after running into the D he released the ball to Andy Lewis, who was unlucky not to score. The game ebbed and flowed with Cambridge South's defence holding up well, particularly at short corners. It was another scintillating pass from Rupert Espley that picked out Paul South on the run, who neatly nutmegged the remaining defender and flicked the ball into the net past the hapless goalkeeper for an uplifting goal from open play.

The game resumed with Cambridge South's tails up but again became a midfield battle with Ian Glover and Ian Evans doing some fine spoiling work. However, with the loss of the possession in midfield, St Ives broke free into the D and whilst the initial shot appeared to be going harmlessly wide of the far post, a St Ives players appeared for a tap in. Nevertheless South resumed the battle strongly and Dan Schofield, on for Andy Lewis, showed tenacity in ensuring St Ives could not break out of defence easily. The South midfield and defence held up more determinedly, with a fine save from Shahbaz from a lifted snap shot and Matt Bailey and James Lee doing some sterling work to clear the lines.

The second half saw Andy back on with Paul watching from the sidelines. Wilco had now moved to right midfield with Rupert and with Stuart Creed filling in the centre spot. Wilco seemed to find his niche in this position, playing much more strongly and passing with some panache. The whole team seemed better balanced and were now clearly dominating St Ives with some nifty passing to their team mates. The defenders and midfield were now also marking their players more tightly and gave little outlet for the St Ives defence. However, whilst some good moves resulted, South was unable to capitalise on them.

With the substitution of Paul for Wilco, much the same pattern continued. South won a free hit in an excellent position just outside the D and Andy hammered the ball through gaps made by off-the-ball running by Rupert and others in to Paul, who smashed the ball home – leaving Ian Evans, another potential beneficiary, a little disappointed on the far post!

South then shut up shop very effectively, although they had plenty of good attacking moves after that. St Ives never looked very threatening again except when trying to clear their own lines at a sixteen yard hit – with Paul yellow carded for defending himself from an over anxious defender. However despite only having ten men for the last two minutes, South were determined to continue the good work and completed the job professionally. Well done guys – next week Boston: let's go for it!

Drumming Of The Leys by Shahbaz Ali

a cold and frosty sky in the fortress of old

to my most trusted, is this story told

in deep anticipation of the black whistle loud

did the warriors of three stand mightily proud

then into the fray with legs a-bounding

chests heaving and hearts pounding

breaking rank from the unwavering front line

around the shaft did his fingers intertwine

with steps lightning quick

and mastery of his stick

the ball hurled true

as was promised; one nill to me and you

our hearts set alight with vigour and joy

quietly went unnoticed the enemy's ploy

in droves they came; from the left, from the right

a pass to the side, an attacker out of sight

into our throats did our spirits fall

upon hearing the sound of the backboard ball

half time on the clock, then back to the fight

our only chance now to put this right

we shalt not surrender, we shalt not yield

with passions ablaze, a pass from afield

silently controlled to the back of the net

put forever to rest the relegation threat

a push and a shove, a yellow in the air

only a minute remains, friends do not dispair

three chimes consecutive; a sweeter sound was never heard

such conquest in history was never better deserved

with victory cemented and rising in the table

stand tall brave warriors, forever fabled