Summer seemed to have finally arrived on Saturday afternoon, but there was no time for lazing around on a deckchair in the back garden – the Ladies' IIs had some hockey to play!

In Loopy's absence the task of goalkeeping fell to the next craziest person on the pitch, which for once wasn't me (Sarah) as Hayley was there to don the pads. Her shouts of "Keep that thing away from me!" worked well as within the first couple of minutes South had the lead. A cross from the right was flicked on in the D and Lottie was on hand to slot the ball home on the left post on her debut.

South continued their bright start despite a few Peterborough runs at the defence, and got their second goal not long after. AI won a free hit on the edge of the D and powered the ball in towards goal. A few shots were taken but it was Jenny who finally managed to put one of the rebounds beyond the reach of the Borough keeper. After this Peterborough came back at us and Hayley had to make a few good saves, one of which she skilfully passed to Vicky who would have much preferred she put the ball out of play!

The second half began with a sustained period of pressure from South but despite some good work on the right and a couple of short corners we just couldn’t seem to put the ball away, with Mel being unlucky on a couple of occasions. By now the early season lack of fitness and the hot weather were beginning to take their toll and we allowed Peterborough back in it. They had a few chances from a succession of shorts and I'm very glad I invested in a good pair of shin pads last season after their striker really got hold of one of the hits! Late on one of their forwards gave the defence the slip and Hayley made her save of the match with the help of a diving J who pushed the ball away from the goal and over the back line after it had come off Hayley's foot and stick.

Man of the match fittingly (as this was her last match till after Christmas) went to AI, who put in her usual dominant display in defensive midfield.

In the end, a good start to the Ladies' IIs league campaign – hopefully we can continue our winning ways against Sawtry next week and pick up fewer injuries than last time we were there…