Happy new season everyone. Or, just the pre-season for now, but that's extra exciting this year as the M5s look to make sure we're ready to step up into the next division.

This match found us facing opponents who we expected could be strong, but without much of a match history. Sure enough the game was immediately energetic, lots of running up and down but both teams defended well.

It seemed after a while that a goal might never come, but later in the first half everything finally aligned onto Rob's stick at the right place and right time. This only brought the game further to life, neither team happy with a 1-goal difference. By half time (on a hot day!) everyone was already tiring but it was clear the game would be won or lost on keeping up the energy.

The second half continued at pace. Lots of good play on display - special credit to man-of-the-match-plurals Arthur for absolutely sterling play throughout, and Seb for a brilliant M5s debut as an aggressive wing-back who nevertheless never found himself out of position on the break. Votes were widely distributed though, with Jan a close runner up for constant smart positioning in midfield.

Finally it was South that turned out to put the game to bed with another touch from Rob...helping Nev's strike just across the line. But credit to all the forward line, this was the culmination of many good attempts and short corners, all of which were patiently rolling the dice to eventually get the result.

Overall a great game, energetic to the end with a tough opposition who worked hard to make their own chances even if not successful. One more friendly and I think we'll be ready to take on the league!