A squad of 13 ran out in the unexpectedly dry weather at the scene of our first loss of the season last month. It faced a extremely youthful and talented squad that featured Middy's own Isaac Shannon and two other equally talented men and several ladies that were the match of our own strong ladies.

Middies were under pressure from the off and the first half saw young Toby in goal making some super saves and again showing some excellent kicking. Nonetheless, the Medics scored very early on and again not long after. Middies started to grow into the game, perhaps some of the older legs & lungs taking a while to warm up, and Ollie Elwell-Sutton and Harry Musson probably had the best chances of the first half.

At 2-0 down, the second half saw a much better performance from Middies, benefitting from exchanging a forward for a second centre-half to support the battling Sofie & Poppy. Matt had a super game at the heart of the Middy's defence, showcasing the art of the flat-stick tackle, and was ably supported by Freddie "I can do a no-look pass across my D and regret it" Hardwicke and Andy "watch my son go by"Shannon. Emma & Fiona, at wide defence, played their hearts out and gave some super support and passes to the midfield and attack.

Alas, the Medics kept the scoreboard ticking over with some excellent goals and our only complaint may have been that some of their men perhaps should have toned down some of their tomahawks etc to suit the mixed game. Middies forwards were largely feeding off scraps but did create a lot more chances in this half, forcing some excellent saves from their keeper.

So, the enjoyable match finished at 5-0 to the students and a few Middies repaired to the nearby Swan to enjoy a drink and natter with them, and even warmly received their request for a friendly in late Spring/Summer! So, well done to all for sticking to a tough task with smiles and sweat and particularly, again, to Andrew Hough for his excellent umpiring. Next fixture will be at home to struggling Eastbourne sometime in mid/late March to determine if we finish in the top four finals play-off in May.