Mens 4 vs Cambridge South 5

After a brilliant start, when  youngster Long used his pace on the wing passing square to Bigwood Jnr (a move from training) then onto Cullen Jnr who found McFarlane who finished with aplomb, a reverse to the far corner, it became tougher. 

Cambridge, relegated from above last year, showed a high level of fitness and calm skills, as the match progressed the St Ives defence came under increasing pressure with Cambridge converting on the half hour. Credit to a robust St Ives defence who showed all their experience to contain the opposition to the one goal, supported also by an outstanding display of goal keeping from youngster Beardall.    

At half time a tactical change led to a more robust midfield formation, with the intention of stopping the Cambridge onslaught. Although this created confusion  (chaos?)  to start, with Cambridge going 2-1 up on the 40^th minute, the team soon settled into their new formation. 

However, a glaring sun, 25 degree temperature and choking humidity soon led to even the fittest in midfield  crying out to be rested. Meanwhile the older stalwarts in defence fought on for the full 70 minutes. Further dramatic saves from Beardall and dogged determination from Dew, Penny and Balson frustrated the Cambridge forwards. Eventually after some clinical passing  Cambridge  scored a third with 5 minutes to go.

Credit to the team for their determination and for not giving up in really difficult conditions against a good Cambridge team.