M5 vs Cambridge South 5

The mens 5s in their first game of the season at fortress Wilby, take on local rivals Cambridge South

A little change in the team that triumphed against Bourne Deeping last week meant captain (and author of this match report) Douglas Williamson had to fill in at center back. Handsome and charismatic though he is, he is no defender. Because of this, the prematch team talk focused on a good press up front to make sure he didn't have to do any actual defending. But defending had to be done as we carried on the 5s tradition of starting poorly, giving the ball away cheaply, and inviting pressure onto ourselves.

Slowly the momentum of the game shifted though, and a dangerous ball across the box was dispatched ruthlessly into the near corner by Stuart Rye. Pressure relieved, a second came quickly after. Niall Graham finding the ball in the D calmly moved into space and nonchalantly passed the ball into the net 2-0. A third before half-time by Sreeteja Jonnada wrapped up an exceptional half of hockey for the 5s.

A downpour throughout the second half maybe slowed down the pace of the game but City were still dominant in possession and chances came left, right and centre. In particular, two well executed drag flicks by Maxim Vreeswijk were well saved, and when Alex Herriot was through on goal and viciously dragged down by the South defender Max was given the ball for the stroke. The keeper nearly denied him again but the stroke was powerful enough that he could only deflect it into the side netting, 4-0

The only blip in a fantastic performance came when a rare D entry by South resulted in a worldy of a reverse strike into the far corner. At that point in the game though it could only be a consulation prize and City were deserved winners.

Man of the match went to Niall upfront for his great running lines and superb finish for the second goal. It could also have gone to Teddie Clifton at the back for his exceptional performance more than making up for his captains inexperience at the back.

Dud of the day went to Maxim for keeping the fact that he could drag flick quiet for the last two years.