It was an early start for the L5s this week and we set out through the rain to Bourne Deeping, arriving in good time at the worm field, sorry I mean hockey pitch. There were worms everywhere – how do they get there? Who knows. We welcomed two new players this week, making their first step up to senior hockey. With an availability shortage across the ladies’ teams, and no 6s match this week, Maya and Nooshi were thrown straight in at the deep end playing in a must-win game for the L5s, in which they did us proud. South played some good hockey. Anna, still battling lurgy, was calm and collected in defence – no panic sideline clearances from her. PoM Martha had a superb game, always coming out to meet the attacking players and making many vital clearances. The price of playing so well was no rest, as we decided we couldn’t take her off! There were excellent wide runs from Amy and Elodie, the latter very unlucky not to score, but always keeping the pressure up. The team did a great job of supporting each other and ensuring a back pass was always available. After some more pressure in the D, Maya, despite being a defender by preference, got the ball over the line for our crucial winning goal. We continued to apply pressure, winning a few short corners. Whilst waiting for the defence to prepare themselves, injector Lou used the time to clear some worms out of the ball’s path, earning a few lemon votes. As the clock ticked down, we adopted a slightly more cautious defensive approach, and successfully cleared some short corners the other way. The final score was a fair reflection of a close-fought game, and the three points have improved our chances of safety. Martha was a well deserved PoM and our debutants Nooshi and Maya were tied in second place for all round great play in midfield, and a goal respectively