Final Score: Oundle 12 – 4 Hunters
Venue: Northstowe Secondary School (Home of the Hunters)

With our league debut just around the corner, The Hunters took to our home pitch for a friendly fixture against a well-drilled Oundle side – and while the scoreline may have looked more “friendly fire” than friendly match (12–4 to them), there was plenty to celebrate in a game full of goals, grit, and glorious jacket potatoes.

*First Half: Goals, Guts and Goalie Heroics*
The Hunters came out strong, showing off some slick movement and real determination. Maya opened the scoring with a tidy finish after breaking through the defence – setting the tone with our first goal of the game (and the season). Emily S added to the tally shortly after, picking up a great through ball and calmly slotting it home like she’d never stopped playing over summer.

At the back, Ros was the definition of “thrown to the wolves” as Oundle’s attack came in waves – but she pulled off a highlight reel of amazing saves to keep us in the game. The scoreboard certainly didn’t reflect her performance – honestly, she probably stopped double what went in.

*Second Half: Perseverance Pays Off*
Refusing to be discouraged, the Hunters kept the energy high. Ali W, pouncing on a rebound from a short corner, smashed home our third. Not long after, Emily S turned provider – whipping in a gorgeous cross to the post where Maya was waiting to tap in for our fourth. Clinical teamwork at its best.

In midfield, Isla was relentless – chasing down every ball, dribbling with flair, and linking play with sharp passing. Jenny added some real bite in attack, driving forward and keeping the Oundle defence under constant pressure. Ali C showed cool composure at the back with brilliant clearances, often sparking counterattacks, while Emily D impressed with her injections during short corners – a key weapon for the season ahead.

Ali T popped up everywhere to chase the ball down – and winning serious bonus points by producing halftime sweets and classic orange slices (a hockey tradition we all needed).

Meanwhile, Juliette, making her Hunters debut at left mid, played with guts and determination from whistle to whistle. Her work rate and fearless tackling earned her the well-deserved Player of the Match award – not a bad way to start your Hunters career!

Rayhana showed great determination when subbed on, fighting hard in defence and never giving up the chase. And special mention to Megan, who stepped in to help Oundle out after some late dropouts. She might have played a little too well for the opposition, which won her a few Lemon votes – but really, no one did anything truly lemon-worthy, so the captain nobly wore the headband at teas.

*Post-Match: Jackets & Joy*
After the final whistle, the Hunters celebrated their four goals and fighting spirit with a debut serving of hot teas – jacket potatoes loaded with beans and cheese. The perfect way to refuel after a big run-out (and, frankly, the real win of the day).

*Final Whistle*
Yes, Oundle took the win on paper, but the Hunters came away with goals, team spirit, and a strong sense that we’re ready for the league season ahead. With Ros in goal, a midfield engine powered by Isla, Ali T and Juliette, and a forward line already linking up with flair, the future looks bright – and deliciously cheesy.

Bring on next week. ??