CSHC Ladies 1sts, sponsored by PwC, struggled to cope with a committed and well drilled Ely team in this early rematch of last years second and third placed teams in the division.

Although fairly even in the early stages, South couldn't quite maintain enough possession to settle themselves and the linking between the midfield and front three never quite clicked, despite the committed running of Tash up front.

Ely eventually made their pressure count about halfway through the first half and by halftime the score was 0-3 in their favour.

The second half became steadily more of a rearguard action for South as injuries forced them to adjust formation repeatedly and the lack of substitutes told as legs wearied. It took some heroics from Cassie in goal and good team defence to restrict Ely to two goals from short corners and an unlucky bobble that was swatted home from short range.

Hopefully South can put up more of a fight in the rematch at Ely.