The day started well for Maisie the Spaniel. 10 dog lovers sat around a table full of bacon… she soon found her target, sensing Lucy had a weakness for slightly overweight Cocker Spaniels she locked in, puppy dog eyes in full force, winning herself some bacon! As quickly as they arrived, her 10 new friends left, running from the kitchen as quickly as the bacon had gone through her….

We set off to Peterborough with the big question remaining - who was going to come out top dog??

The match started with the Peterborough pack dominating the first 15 minutes, looking more like a Wolf Pack as our defensive line was tested.

An early defensive short corner, as Kim apologised for her tackle, tail between her legs, gave our Goal Keeper, likened to an Irish Wolf Hound for the somewhat scary appearance (goal keeper kit can be intimidating) yet calm, collected nature under pressure!! Saving a fast paced straight strike. With her job done Loopy could now relax in front of a fire having earned a well deserved break. 

Our resident Labradors (champion of the dog world if you ask me; 100 percent reliable, fun-loving and hard working) Jenny and Sophie were dominating the defensive midfield roles and distributing the ball further up the pitch. 

The first goal was well constructed and finished by another noble working dog - German Pointer Izzy (loves hunting, ball obsessed and just a little bit vocal). It was around this time that Izzy let her opposite number know in no uncertain terms that the ball was not hitting her paw and she was barking up the wrong tree! 

Excellent work in the midfield from Kate Dixon (who was feeling sick as a dog) who is the Border Collie of hockey. The athlete of the dog world is fast, intelligent and agile, just like our Kate. She worked tirelessly, buoyed by her Vicks, snatching the ball off the opposition and distributed to our forward line. 

Peterborough, a worthy pack of pedigrees themselves kept applying pressure, however our very own tenacious terrier (Jack Russell if we must) Kerryn was constantly biting at the ankles of the Peterborough defence, constantly pestering them until they relinquished the ball. I’m even sure one shouted “stop hounding me!”. Ahh well it’s all about the pug life. 

Our second goal was another clinical finish scored by another breed with a high-prey drive - Afghan Hound Hannah Snow. The Afghan hound is reliably known as the least obedient dog around. Hannah demonstrated this perfectly, constantly not listening to the Peterborough defensive and running rings round them. 

Our German Shepherd Carrie (a highly intelligent dog with excellent herding instincts) kept the Peterborough attacks at bay, shadowing their attackers and trapping them in the far corner. 

The pack of high midfielders were pinging the ball around with speed and accuracy dominating the game. They consist of the fast, fit, built-for-speed Whippet Jess Reed, ball-obsessed, super happy and high energy Springer Spaniel Jess Woodhouse and Vizsla (lively, gentle, and affectionate, with above-average learning ability and a strong desire to be with people) Lucy!! 

Izzy (German pointer) scored a, I Shih tzu not, worldie reverse strike into the back of the net. She was like a dog with a bone. 

Half time paws. 

Second half saw the tenacious and newly more defensive recruit - Airedale terrier Katie tackling the Peterborough defenders time after time. The Airedale, much like Katie today, are versatile, stubborn, athletic terriers!! 

The second half saw more chances with Alice, Siberian Husky, (endurance dog, intelligent, but can be stubborn because of its independence and impulsivity) nearly finding the goal on a number of occasions and Maddy (Golden Retriever - commonly known as the most sociable breed) working the ball in triangles linking up well. 

Nic our defensive beagle (for excelling at hunting in a pack) worked hard in defence ensuring the last tackle was always made. 

South continued to keep calm under pressure, playing forward, fast hockey but with a new found control. Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks? 

And what type of breed is this old dog?? I know what you’re thinking- Rottweiler? bulldog? Terrier? 

However, I’m going to go with the Daschund: While loved for its bold personality, the dachshund may have a tendency to be stubborn, protective, and defensive. Many dachshunds are also known for their tendency to bark. Proper training can turn these potential problems into beneficial qualities. Oh and let’s not forget the little legs. 

Izzy came out as Top Dog whilst Lucy got lemon (sorry Lucy!)

We all went home feeling like the Top Dogs we are.