Seventeen goals for, seventeen goals against; such reads Louth’s résumé thus far.

The above says two things: a sharp breakaway pack of forwards and a leaky defence, which means our strategy should be to exploit the latter but remain vigilant of the former. Which is exactly what South did. Our defensive line-up was on point, centred by Peter R who did an amazing job at centre back, attacking and distributing the ball like you would expect every good CB to do. Jan B, Dave M, Dan Mc and Pete D were the ever-trusty defence we have come to rely on; a brick wall.

Our forwards were clinical, working hard off the ball and linking up in true form when needed most. Oli W and Jamie C showed really solid work rate, supported by Rob B who is the lynchpin up front with a deft touch and goalscoring prowess which has to be seen in person to really appreciate it.

Our midfield worked their proverbial butts off snuffing out the opposition’s attempts to set up the breakaways we anticipated. Josh at the helm created the play nicely at centre mid and we had the welcome return of Dan IF, who performed really well as always, the aforementioned being alleged to admit to loving beer as much as JJ in recent times and sporting an equally impressive beer gut which might I add only serves to prove you don’t need to be Oli Scott to play hockey like a pro.

We were missing a couple of warriors - the likes of James H, Andi C, Keishi K, John G our illustrious skipper and Stu C, who sprained his mangina at the eleventh hour. Get well soon Doc, we need you. Had we been a full squad I hate to imagine the scoreline then.

To Louth’s credit they played a good game. With a team made of youths they gave it their all, they battled at every encounter and made life difficult for South right til the end. Personally I think as they mature as a team and as hockey players they're going to be a formidable side in the league. On this particular occasion sadly they got denied by Mike our keeper, who once again made saves worthy of a circus monkey juggling on a tight rope, which were simply jaw-droppingly amazing.

To the goals scorers and the goals savers I tip my hat in appreciation. Well done to everyone, another exceptional win in the bag…

P.S. I convey my condolences early seeing as how South Africa have already inscribed their names on the World Cup trophy.