Everyone has different ideas of match day prep. For most it’s getting a good solid breakfast and considering the day’s upcoming match or maybe foam rolling those sore hamstrings from a leg day workout. For Alice, our esteemed POM, it was getting mobile A.

With 14 players, a coach on the side line (for the first ten) and a full complement of defenders, South went out in full force. With their pushback and Dave shouting for us to push up the pitch, South quickly won the ball and went on the attack.

The goals:

• Izzy passes the ball into the D at which point Lizzie and Lucia have a little chat about who should score, settling on Lucia giving it a little lift into the net

• Lucia legs it up the pitch and slips the ball to Izzy, who pulled it round the keeper and scores. The term ‘counter attack’ has been requested.

• Tamsin passes to far post for Izzy to tap in

• Ball from me, Lucia, Izzy to Lizzie for the goal.

Other notable moments:

• Maddie showcasing an open bag of sweets in the changing rooms which provided a lovely burst of strawberry through the game

• Nev sternly telling a player ‘I don’t tell you how to play hockey so don’t tell me how to umpire’.

• Utilising the back line to get a transfer, following up with attacking on the wings doing little 1-2s

• Alice holding the centre, distributing all round, showing what it’s like to be mobile A.F

• Oppo post player having a stormer, saving a waist height drag flick from Izzy

• Having some lovely build up play on the wing, only to be dashed by my casual pass to the fence, who apparently is not on our team, nor on the pitch.

• Running down the line and also passing to my own foot, forgetting we’re playing hockey not football.

• The forward line having an absolute performance, running ragged, scoring goals

• Jenny and Sarah, auditioning as forwards, showing that they can get to the attacking D

• Last five where the defence looked a bit lonely so were given an opportunity to do some defending.

Overall, a great performance from everyone, maintaining composure throughout. Onto pyjamas and cocktails!