*Game cancelled as Bury failed to raise a side*

In the absence of any opposition for the second week running, we headed up to The Leys for a couple of hours’ practice (I know!)

It was with some pride that the skipper welcomed 11 bright-eyed hockey players to the pitch, all seemingly keen for some individual and collective improvement. Fifteen minutes later, a green-gilled Anns slithered in, only to subsequently disappear for several tactical breaks (giving those attending the school open day a little more than they bargained for, not least an obstacle course for any with new shoes). The attempt to recreate a restorative dentist’s chair is, I think, best forgotten.

After a brief trot around led by birthday boy, Jack Chalk, we were into the Cooper dreamland of cones and tennis balls. What I can I say? I enjoyed it.

Once minds and bodies were thoroughly warmed, a little hockey broke out. There was some pleasing commitment to what we were doing; sadly culminating in Matt Kern playing a neat one-two with Lino’s pad before trying to head butt the ball into the top corner. As he and I made the short hop along Trumpington Road to Addenbrookes, the remainder retired at that point to the beautiful Cantabs facility for more of Alison’s juicy burgers. Roll on the visit of Bourne Deeping next Saturday and the chance to play a proper game!