Cambridge South Ladies II, sponsored by PwC, restarted their league campaign with a top of the table clash against Cambridge Ladies II. In spite of the relentless rain South were determined to play at their best and eager to win this important fixture, which would maintain our position at the top of the table. Pre-match inspiration came from our captain Vicki, and from Hayley and Rupert who gave us all some sound advice. We also welcomed back AI into the side with her new ‘bling’ stick!

We knew it was going to be a tough game but South started strong and the high effort level from all was clear to see. There were some excellent passing phases and South scored their first goal from a 16 taken by Vicki, followed by a series of excellent passes through midfield between Jodee, AI, Charlie, Daisy and Cat before being niftily slotted away by Sarah who was on hand at the right post.

Our second goal came from a free hit at the top of the D and Cambridge Ladies defence seemed to stop in awe as Jodee confidently found the back of the goal and furthered our score line. Cambridge Ladies came back with even more determination to score and gave our defence a good workout with some excellent saves by Loopy Lou and some great defending by Chloe, Louise, Leila and Vicki.

Unfortunately Cambridge Ladies were able to win a goal back and South were reminded that we still had our work cut out. South quickly came back with an excellent strike from Daisy that their ‘keeper didn’t stand a chance of saving.

After the break South came back reasonably confident with a 3-1 scoreline. However, Cambridge Ladies also restarted with renewed determination and scored a second goal fairly quickly. There was some more great movement and passing from South, between the midfield and forwards. We had a couple of opportunities but unfortunately we just couldn’t quite turn these opportunities into goals. Cambridge Ladies piled the pressure on quite strongly and with South’s midfield tiring rapidly our defence did a great job of clearing their advances.

However, Cambridge Ladies equalised and started piling even more pressure on, helped by subbing on some fresh legs. With about 8 minutes to go Cambridge Ladies slotted home their 4th goal to win this match and knock us off the top of the league. Although South were disappointed we played some good hockey. The fact that at least half of South earned votes for MoM showed that everyone had put in loads of effort and had worked well together as a team.