As has become a semi-regular tradition it was South’s development team’s turn to host Newmarket development in the annual Benedikz Cup.  There isn’t actually a cup for this.  But there is a Benedikz.  Or two.  Or four.  Actually there are five as you will see.

Some history…

Named after John Benedikz, the legendary Southerner alumni and star defender and goalkeeper who between 2001 and 2014 managed a whopping 232 games for South (or 106-36-90 in Janspeak) including 47 appearances for the M1s.  His 14 MoM performances augmented by his 16 goals.  John was club treasurer for three seasons and also mixed co-captain for two.  John met Vicky Benedikz who he met through South.  Vicky managing 85 appearances (43-10-32) involving one PoM and 8 goals, and contributing on the committee as L2s skipper, ULO and Fixtures secretary.  Two very good eggs then.  In August 2012 they married and moved to Newmarket and their two kids - Mellie and Liam - now also play (Mellie also umpires to a very good standard).  As if four Benedikz was not enough, let’s not forget John’s brother, Will Benedikz, a lively keeper who managed 43 games (19-11-13) for South before emigrating somewhere northern. 

What about today's game…?

There was some friendly hockey played.  In quarters to allow for additional tactics, coaching and water breaks.  All very modern-on-the-telly.  The M6s, with their usual balance of youthful talent mixed with aged experience started well, despite no sign of Nev and the generous (temporary) loan of Andy.  South were unlucky to find themselves two down after a fairly balanced back-and-forth.  The balance looked better in the second half with Dexter especially thriving in the gap between the midfield and forward lines.  He took his well-deserved goal with stylish aplomb leading to South drawing the second half one all.

Ryan was MoM for a superb goalkeeping display and dominating his goal line.  Big shouts, to Rob for buying chips (no other reason), Andy for generously balancing numbers, Noah for intense wing play, Cameron for solid defending and Fraser for diligent covering.  There were others in contention too.  LoM was Rob who, despite buying those aforementioned chips, providing quality street, and jump-starting Johnny's car, did play like a blind badger holding a broken match stick today.

And what about the season…?

The M6s have had a cracking season and I’m super proud of this team.  Fifth spot in a 13-team division doesn’t reveal the full picture: the M6s were the second best development team even finishing above three non-dev sides with a 11-2-8 record and a +17 goal difference.  Couple that with friendlies against decent Royston, Newmarket and Bishops Stortford sides and - voilà - one pretty successful season!

Throughout the campaign, the team played with an inclusive balance of youth and experience much like today.  A handful of youngsters joined for their first senior season.  And our opposition found them a handful!  Each one shone and any of them could be nominated as a worthy winner of the end of season awards (voting now closed, you'll have to attend the dinner to see who actually won).  The future at Cambridge South looks dazzlingly bright.

Looking forwards...

Next season I would like to see a few more volunteer players from the higher men’s teams (ideally M1s-M3s) make themselves available to help with the occasional doubling up.  For anyone considering this role … please do come forward!  These kids are an excellent, eager and fast-learning bunch and you can act as a role model for them, as well as enjoying more hockey goodness of course!  Similarly, if you are interested in supporting the club as a captain or a vice-captain role, do let us know.  Full training is provided and you get to put your stamp on your team.

Have a great summer, and maybe see you at the P&Ps, socials or the summer 7s.