Turkeys. Christmas is over and the hockey season resumed with a much-needed friendly before the league starts up. MD arrived with 9 and so Pip and Cat very kindly guested for them (with Pip getting on the score sheet for the visitors- nice one!). South were around a half and half mix of 1st and 2nd team regulars.

South started strongly with an attack that saw Hayley taking on the MD defence and striking the ball into the opposite corner. After a wake up call MD came back hard, equalising with through Pip(South). South defended well, with Vicky sweeping excellently, breaking down Deeping's attacks with efficiency. Louise G was positioned well on the line to block a Deeping shot. Meanwhile, the Gemma 'the rock (I'm not sure I like this)' distributed the ball well, taking advantage of the space Helen and Liles worked for themselves. Gemma made one of those characteristic (ball hogging ;-)) runs into the D and had a shot met brilliantly by the reverse stick of Helen on the opposite goal post to score South's second.

Yet again Deeping equalised, let's say from a penalty corner... but South were not down hearted as Liles scored a great individual goal. Half time and things were pretty good, but there was more to offer and the game needed finishing. Both teams were feeling their festive loads (what?) and the pace dropped, Deeping had more chances but could not convert. Once the ball was out of the South D the attack looked lively with Emma and Liles making great runs. After a great passing move involving lots of players...Hayley managed to squeeze in a 4th goal. Gemma had another pop and this time took the glory with a 5th to seal a win.

Special thanks go to Rupert who sacrificed his match teas to hang out with the ladies (and umpire spectacularly). And the Panton man for putting his grill on.