Following a victorious 0-0 draw last week against Cambridge City 6s – who are currently fighting for the top of the mast position – the CSHC L5s returned this week to their own harbour at Long Road with optimism to meet another strong crew, St Ives 3s.

With the much-appreciated support of buoys Schumann and Joe, and Elly the gull watching from the shores, the 5s took to the seas at 10.30 in perfect sailing conditions, still waters and blue skies. The first half of the game was smooth sailing, with opportunities at both ends of the bay. A gust of wind caught us off guard towards the end of the first half, and unfortunately the beachball drifted into the shark infested danger D, putting the St Ives side 1-0 up.

All was not lost however, and after some half time ‘ooh arrr’s from Captain Harry waving her hook and with some haribo fangtastics to fend off the scurvy, we set sail again, this time with all sails fully unfurled and a change of tack.
Avi was caught by a strong breeze which blew her into the attacking D. ‘Ready about!’ she shouted as she pushed the ball to Sarah on the far post. ‘Jybe-o!’ shouted Sarah as she passed it to Polly on the opposite post. Polly the parrot managed to get the ball very briefly over the goal line before it was quickly captured by a defender, but luckily this was seen by the lifeboat who blew the whistle and awarded South a goal – back on an even keel!
The rest of the game was uneventful, with only excellent defending from competent crew Rebecca, Vicki, Julie and Hayley, and with a fairly balanced number of attempts on goal by both teams.  The game ended on a 1-1 score, with the L5s continuing to rock the boat and defy expectations.

The golden dubloon award went to Rebecca for being a stoic defensive pirate. Polly took home the man overboard award for leaving her stick at home. Honorary mention to our seasick teammate Lauren, who we hope will be back next week.