For the first time this season we didn’t need a names round - we thought it boded well that we knew the other players. A delayed push-back due to an earlier injury gave us plenty of time to warm up, get cool again, discuss tactics, and warm up again. When we did finally push back it took us a while to adjust to the slow, sandy pitch in Newmarket, and remember to get in front of the players. Newmarket capitalised on this and by the end of the first half we were 5-0 down, with some unlucky breaks against us from some very nippy Newmarket players. We regrouped at half time and built on some of the unrealised promise of the first half - a run from Holly and a strike from Char led to a morale-boosting goal for South, and for a while we led the second half. There were some lovely spells of play and great team and individual performances, illustrated by the wide range of POM noms: special mention to Rosie for amazing runs and energy, and Rose B for great all round play, but the honours were split three way to amazing GK Suhana for save after save, to Lou for a brilliant batting down of an ariel and preventing it going in the goal, and Holly for great midfield play-making and energy. LOM noms included Gina - MIA - and the ball nearly going over the outer fence (Char!), and the pitch, but the honours were taken by Nicky for arguing with the umpire for the second week running.

It seems to be the mantra of the L5s so far this season that the ultimate goal line did not reflect the gutsy and tireless performance the team put in. We were beaten by a better, well drilled team, but it really was closer than it sounds. Onwards and upwards as we seek that elusive first win, hopefully this side of Christmas!