Cambridge South 2nd XI overcame their club rivals, the 3rd XI, winning 3-1 away from home (i.e. at The Perse!) after a strong spell either side of half time.

South 2nds went into the game missing some key players and with a squad that included six defenders and only four recognised midfielders. Captain Kev Rowland therefore had to mix up the tactics and play a number of people out of position, so it was hardly surprising that the team started slowly.

The opposition were out of the blocks quickly and in the first ten minutes most of the play was in the 2nds half. However with MoM Leo Tomita marshalling a defence of Ron Oren, George Wych and Nick Bristowe, the opposition were closed down quickly and unable to take advantage of this early territory.

As the half progressed the 2nds began to turn the screw, creating numerous chances. In midfield, Kev and John Benedikz were always in control, Neil Sneade (no doubt spurred on by the need to impress his new daughter [Ed. - who slept through the whole display]) was irrepressible, finding space and time in abundance and Al Sinclair will no doubt be in the nightmares of the 3rds defence for some time to come.

Despite this, the goals did not come until the 2nds moved up another gear with twenty-five minutes on the clock, switching into the pass and move mode that we know we can play. Good play from Tim Clapp and Dave Aston resulted in the ball being offloaded to Mark Pears at the byeline who crossed a tricky ball back across the D. In a maelstrom of shots and saves, finally a shot on goal was stopped on the line by a 3rds' player's foot - penalty flick! Tim Clapp stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way, planting the ball firmly into the bottom corner.

Into the second half; the 2nds kept up the same high standard of play and it was only a matter of time before more goals came. Five minutes into the half, Tim Clapp (playing a blinder of a game) picked up the ball in his own half on the right hand side and set off on a mazy run towards the corner flag. Beating what seemed like the whole 3rds team, one after another, he cut inside and teed up the ball for Mark Pears who, with plenty still to do, fired a superb strike into the top left hand corner. Fantastic hockey, worthy of Division 4!

At this point it looked like the match could end up a rout, such was the dominance of the 2nds' midfield. The game was put beyond doubt when Leo surged forward from defence, winning a free hit just over the half way line. He took the hit himself quickly and the ball eluded every defender's stick, finding Mark at the top of the D. Mark played a superb dummy, leaving the ball to run through to Dave as two 3rds defenders ran across each other, who, with calm and presence of mind that belied his years, simply rounded the keeper and struck the ball into the net.

Three goals to nil and the 2nds were coasting, but there was still time for a consolation for the 3rds. A short corner was conceded; the initial shot was partially blocked by Lino in goal but the deflection found John Greaves right on the line who pushed the ball goalwards and, despite two great saves from John Benedikz, eventually it went over the line.

So South 2nds finished up worthy winners. After the match, captain Kev Rowland said: "We were slow to come out of the blocks today which meant we gave territory away. It's at this time where we risk going down a goal early on. Though we raised our game to win today, everyone of us needs to focus on switching on from the first whistle to gain an early advantage rather than having to fight our way back into the game. After getting our rhythm, the passing and movement from the team today looked very impressive and created real chances."