An unseasonably hot (seriously I was sunburnt!) September’s day saw the South Ladies first team taking on co-promotees Newmarket in a league cup game. The legendary Cassie was not present as she was on babysitting duty but I said I’d mention her so I am… back to the game. With only 9 players 5 minutes before push back, South’s prematch preparations were limited, but after surviving horrendous traffic and not turning back Tash and Liles turned up in the nick of time, running on to the pitch as the whistle went.

It was incredibly hard work in that hot sun and Newmarket were playing an unusual formation that, along with switching forwards, left our midfield overloaded (and tired out). South were afforded the occasional break, but the forwards and midfield struggled to get past Newmarket’s high defence. Unfortunately for South, Newmarket battled through our defence and went 1-0 up.

South continued fighting; Liles began a breaking run down the right side of the pitch, which sadly ended in a clash and the ball being lifted into her nose. This was the day that I realised I am not that good with gushing blood. Newmarket were quick to act with compresses being offered left, right and centre. Tash borrowed Emma’s towel in the absence of South’s full first aid kit! Liles was brought off the pitch and had to be taken to Addenbrookes to glue her nose back on, escorted by Tash. This left rookie captains Gem-ley to make some important decisions. Given the weather, it seemed cruel to make the team carry on 2 girlies down, but when asked the South ladies were as up for it as ever (well until half time at least!). So we ignored Newmarket’s offer of players and battled on, in honour of Liles.

After a rejig of positions which saw forwards Emma and Caroline back in defence, we soon found ourselves 2-0 down (ahem). However! This was against the run of play as South came out all guns blazing making the most of the extra space. Bex was our lone striker and her running gave Newmarket a lot to think about. Our new defence broke down everything thrown at them, whilst Newmarket left themselves open at the back. This allowed Emma to get the ball upfield to Bex who held the ball up brilliantly, and on this occasion won a free hit at the top of the D. Quick thinking Ciara ‘Knightley’ Metcalfe took a quick free hit with a deft pass into the path of Hayley who dived (perhaps excessively, who is to say?) to touch the ball underneath an outrushing goalkeeper. The ball trickled over the line and South were right back in it. Another chance came from left back Emma, pushing up and crossing superbly only to be narrowly missed by Bex. Half time and South were on a high.

The second half saw some solid defending keeping Newmarket penalty corners at bay, and some lovely link up play between Knightley and Gemma. South worked the space well and broke down every single Newmarket attack fantastically. The last quarter saw a tired but relentless South battle on with Gemma hitting magnificently out of defence for Bex to go and cause trouble. Caroline, Louisa, Jo, and Emma tackled and channelled like I have never seen before. At the other end, Hayley and Knightley squandered two great opportunities, and South were unable to convert 4 penalty corners.

Despite losing we came off the pitch happy as a bunch of Larries with a true team performance and the promise that with a full team we can do very well this season. No match teas for us this week as the seconds needed our sweaty shirts, and umpires, so again no MOM vote cast. After Gem-ley-based discussions Emma Clarke was awarded MOM for sterling work in all aspects, with key tackles in defence and superb balls to aid the attack.

Great effort Emma, glad to see you back!

Well done to the whole team. See you Tuesday!