As far as first halves the season go - this one has been pretty good! Before our last game before the break, we had put together an pleasing run of results against some very good teams. More pleasing than the results (which are always a bonus) has been the way we have been developing as a team and the impressive hockey being played that has been getting better and better.

Chelmsford 7s had long looked like our rivals for third place in the table and the first half proved to be a tight affair where they managed to pack the defence when we attacked and played some nice hockey in an effort to get out of their half. Once again, our defence stood solid showing just why we have the lowest 'goals against' in the division and why Neil was facing his second game without touching the ball! We were getting a little frustrated as the half chances in the D were left unconverted leaving the half time score 0-0.

Half time was positive and we talked about staying patient and taking the chances when they came. Eventually the chance did come. We were awarded a flick following a short corner where a Chelmsford player stopped a clear goal with his knee. Elvo stepped up and everyone waited - hoping for the deadlock to be broken. The ball was duly despatched low to the keepers right and the whole team collectively let out a huge sigh of relief. Any remaining nerves were settled when a short corner was rifled in and meant we could relax a bit more into the game.

Then followed Nick's excellent hat trick - the first was squeezed home past the goalie, the second from a quick counter attack where he rounded the keeper and calmly slotted home and the final was a great finish after some cool and calm passing in the D led to a clear route to goal. What was looking like a very tight game played in the right spirit finished with their keeper carded for throwing his toys out of the pram - twice!

The early push back meant we were left with the rest of the day watch the results come in. Witham played the role of Santa as one of their teams beat Braintree and the other drew with Crostyx meaning we are top of the league at Christmas following a run of 10 games unbeaten.

And what better way to close out the first half of the season with 26 of the M5s and M6s squad meeting up for beer and a curry - a great night was had by all.

Who knows what the second half of the season will bring but both teams have enjoyed the first half - bring on 2025!

Goals - Elvo x 2 Nick x 3
Man of the Match - Nick