Despite the M5’s relegation being confirmed by the Uni last week, a strong side turned out to play for pride of place, eager to ensure that despite the disappointment of the previous weeks’ events, we wouldn’t be propping up the 23-24 table in perpetuity. Roll on St. Neots M3s – previous victims of the M5s oft-faltering attack, and the only team able to overhaul us (as they were the only team below).
 
On this cold spring day, South got off to a flyer. After soaking up some initial early pressure from the Saints, Justin let rip into the bottom left corner at the other end. Unstoppable for the stranded keeper. What felt like mere moments later, Josh doubled the lead, deftly slipping the ball into the backboard, after making nice space in the D. Desperate to get in on the action, and ignoring Nev’s calls; DJ let rip, only troubling the 5-a-side goal stored 10 feet behind the one he should have been aiming at. Racing onto Josh’s through ball, a seasonal lack of composure saw yet another chance go begging for the gangly winger, in front of his frozen wife, part of a huge five-fan turnout for the team today, including the side-lined Mr. Mansell. Please send applications to excited fan club secretary, Dan IF. 
 
Fortunately, the left-wing department seems to have a solid future in Daniel Galantini, playing his second game for the M5s, and more than capably slotting into the forward line.
 
Frustratingly, at 2-0 up, the M5’s collective foot came off the gas, and a lethargic 20 minutes saw the boys lucky to go in at the break with a clean sheet. Today’s defensive line-up of Matt, Pipes, James, Will and George spared our collective blushes, and Jo made the goalkeeping look comfortable.
 
A rousing half-time speech from our lynchpin player/coach, Nev, inspired a bright start to the second half. It wasn’t long before the boys were 3-0 up; DJ, Josh and Ivo breaking away against a less-than-nimble St. Neots defence, and all playing their part before Ivo swept it home. 
 
From here on, the game started turning ever more in the M5’s favour, with possession and regains that Pep would be proud of. Jan and Stu in the centre of the park controlled the tempo, and balls were flying into the D on the regular, short corners as common as the chances for DJ that came and went, and went, and went.
 
After a couple of nervy moments, umpires Sandy and Shin blew the final whistle, signalling the end of the M5s 2023-24 season. 3 points, 3 goals, and a clean sheet!
 
We can finish with our heads held high. 3 wins in the last 5, and a team with growing confidence, understanding and belief. Time to smash next season and bring home some silverware. 
 
On a personal note, at the end of my first full season in club hockey; I couldn’t have asked for better teammates, or club. It’s been an absolute pleasure playing with you all, through the lows, the highs and the comical moments. I can certainly say that I’m proud to play for Cambridge South M5. Roll on 24/25!