This week’s match against the Canaries was set to be a spicy one — they were just one point ahead of us in the league, so the stakes were high and the pressure was on. The new kit had arrived, freshly pressed for most of us however, Y1 will also be facing the pressure this week as one unlucky soul who actually placed the order was left rummaging through the parcel like it was a lucky dip, only to find their shirt had not been delivered. 

Still, the rest of us, suited, booted, strutted onto the pitch ready for battle. Norwich came out with intensity using a high press that had us scrambling at first, but we quickly found our rhythm — and suddenly, we were playing some of the slickest hockey we’ve ever produced. The inners and forwards were on fire, and before we knew it, we were 1-0 up. A couple more goals followed, and we cruised into halftime with a cheeky 3-0 lead.

Halftime Shenanigans: Two Truths and a Lie 

1. Kim stealthily picked a banger of an aerial surprising both the opposition and her own team as she appeared from nowhere. 
2. Katie delivered a worldie of a pass, putting the defence under serious pressure.
3. Emily scored a jaw-dropping goal that left the keeper utterly baffled.

After a brief interlude involving a missing gum shield (tip: always check your skirt) and a group exercise in counting to 11, Norwich returned with vengeance. They were fired up, a little agitated, and somehow managed to sneak in a goal from open play, plus two more from rebounds in short corners-one to watch for next time. 

But their climb up the table was short-lived — much like their football counterparts, they went up only to come crashing back down. Cambridge responded with two more goals, sealing the deal at 5-3.

And now, the big reveal…

Emily did score that jaw-dropping goal. The opposition’s forwards watched from halfway with mouths agape as the ball trickled over the line, leaving the keeper dazed and confused over South’s quick ball movement. 

Katie did make a worldie pass… straight to the opposition. Our defence had a minor panic, but no harm done — and she lives to tell the tale (and write this report).

Kim’s aerial pick, sadly a myth. While her enthusiasm was sky-high — literally — the ball wasn’t. It sailed off to find another game, but her leap and shout were so dramatic, Tim will have the video on repeat.