Cambridge South, proudly sponsored by PwC, eventually mustered together a team to take on Ely, in a game where winning would mean runner's up spot for either team. Hayley and Emma arrived in Ely a good 2 hours before pushback (to watch the seconds that is), however we were only up to 7 players at pushback time. Thankfully Ely allowed us a 10 minute delay so that the remainder of the team could arrive. So with only a limited warm up, some rantings from Hayley and a longwinded lack of a chant South began their battle to retain second position in the league. With the loss of Ciara to those bumpy row boats Caroline gracefully stepped into centre back. And Daisy filled in beautifully at left back.

And so the battle commenced. South were disciplined and marked tightly. Neither side really conjured an opportunity, until South won a penalty corner and Hayley slotted the ball between the keepers legs to give South a much needed boost. South were spurred on and created many more attacking chances with Claire and Tash narrowly missing and Ellie H and Liles driving towards the Ely goal. A quickly taken free hit outside the D saw the ball deflected onto Hayley's stick, who directed the ball toward goal to give South a 2-0 lead going into half time. The importance of the game meant South could not afford to sit back, Ely needed a win. South started the second half brightly, however one of Ely's talented forwards picked up the ball and some neat passing resulted in a goal, Cassie nearly saving but could only push the ball onto the inside of the post.

Ely raised their game and South continued to play disciplined hockey, but were unable to convert at the other end. Another break by Ely, who had been enjoying more of the possession in the second half resulted in a second goal. In the dying minutes South fought hard seeking the winning goal whilst keeping Ely out, Cassie made a great diving save (as did Caroline at one point!) Gemma provided an outlet for a defence under fire and created chances with her mazey runs. The ball was cleared off the line after an Ely attack shortly before time. A frantic and exciting game with the honours shared in the end.

MOM votes were given to players in all positions reflecting the nature of the game. The draw means that South remain one point clear of Ely and so their fate is now in their hands/sticks... requiring a win against Wisbech next week to claim the runner's up spot... how exciting!