Cambridge South, sponsored by PwC, hosted co-table-toppers Newmarket on a grey Saturday morning. A day when we really needed the unavailable changing facilities, after the rain came down. South welcomed back (with open arms) Caroline Dent, who is hopefully back from injury for good (especially after a stunning first half performance).

South won the toss and took control of the game from the off. Caroline looked sprightly on the right with Tash Cox and Emma Clarke hounding the Newmarket defence. South were awarded a number of penalty corners early on, and eventually South capitalised with Emma slotting one in from her favourite position. More pressure from South ensued with the Newmarket defence stretched on a number of occasions. Emma was denied by an impressive goal line clearance and Hayley Sharpe attempted to lob the keeper to no avail as the goalkeeper blocked anything we could throw at her.

Eventually some great link up play between Emma and Caroline gave South a deserved 2-0 lead. Newmarket started fighting back winning penalty corners and using their quick offensive players, soon it was 2-1. Cassie Woodfin was really put to the test and pulled out some show stopping saves. South kept their heads and converted another short through Caroline on the stroke of half time. 3-1 up and it seemed South had the upper hand, but given the history of this fixture South certainly could not sit back.

South continued with some effective passing moves, only to be broken down at the last. Gemma Thomas used her speed and strength to power into the D only to be met by the keeper, who threw herself at the feet of Gemma, yet another chance narrowly missed. South had many chances to put the game out of Newmarket's reach but it was not to be as Newmarket clawed their way back into the game. They gambled by throwing more players forward and it paid off as they got 2 goals back. The last 10 minutes were very nervy. I think exciting stuff for spectators as neither team were willing to give up, nor settle for a point. Both defences were stretched. Special mention to man of the match Julie Sadler who kept Newmarket's most threatening player at bay, with some great covering runs and well timed tackles. A fair result in the end as Newmarket really upped their game in the second half.

Everyone played fantastically, and it was great to have such a well-umpired, well spirited, yet incredibly competitive game.

That leaves us joint top, but Newmarket have a game in hand...it's still all to play for after the Christmas break :-)