Move over, Taylor Swift, because the Hunters had something far more exciting than a new album drop this weekend — a wind-swept, mud-splattered, heart-thumping clash away at St Ives. And while Taylor was out there dropping easter eggs, we were just trying not to drop our sticks. Despite a spate of last-minute illness and injuries, the Hunters rolled in with a full squad of 11 plus three subs. The optimism was high, the ponytails were tight, and the energy was giving “Ready For It?” vibes.

Storm Amy was clearly feeling dramatic, because the wind was absolutely relentless — a full 70 minutes of battling against what felt like a jet engine. Balls stopped mid-air, passes went rogue, and several of us may now be clinically windburnt. It was giving less “You Belong With Me” and more “I Knew You Were Trouble (When the Wind Blew In)”.

Even with the chaos, our new faces shone. Chloe made her season debut in defence and was a total natural — calm, collected, and totally Fearless. Her brilliant performance earned her a well-deserved Player of the Match vote. Becca made her comeback game after having a baby, casually showing us all up with her ridiculous fitness. Honestly, the rest of us were Out of the Woods halfway through the first quarter while she was still sprinting like it was warm-up. And Sarah, in only her second-ever Hunters game, brought non-stop enthusiasm and team spirit — the kind of energy that makes you think she might actually love the wind.

Unfortunately, Ali C’s day took a painful turn after she took a ball straight to the calf — the same calf she’d nearly pulled out for before the game. That’s some cruel, ironic Bad Blood. She’s on the injury list now, but at least she’s got a good story (and probably a spectacular bruise).
Stepping in at the last minute like a true hero was Ali T, who joined when her son’s football game got cancelled. His loss, our gain — and we’re pretty sure we saw her muttering “Look What You Made Me Do” as she took the pitch by storm.

Stacey was her usual powerhouse self — everywhere at once, tackling, defending, and covering more ground than a Swift world tour. Imogen led the defence with absolute authority, making some incredible clearances and cool-headed decisions at the back, while Juliette, taking her first turn in defence, smashed it — especially on defensive short corners.

Meanwhile, Ros in goal decided this was her era. Putting training into perfect practice, she was fearless in coming out for the ball, diving, blocking, and making some jaw-dropping saves. It was a Player of the Match-winning performance that even Taylor herself would’ve written a bridge about.

In midfield, Isla was an engine — making great runs and moving the ball up the pitch skillfully despite the wind doing its best to ruin everyone’s first touch. Maya, still glowing from her 18th birthday celebrations (and maybe still slightly glowing from the hangover), made some great attacking plays and shots on goal. She earned Lemon of the Match, but we’ll call it poetic justice for celebrating her birthday like it was 1989. At least she’s now officially allowed in the Hunters WhatsApp chat — what a milestone. ??

Jenny worked tirelessly up front, attacking the D and keeping the pressure on, while Emily D made some great runs and still somehow managed to squeeze in a date before the 10:15 meet time — that’s what we call Style. Emily S had some brilliant moments too, including one cinematic defensive save where she stopped the ball mid-air and cleared it perfectly. It didn’t win her POM, but it was absolutely The 1.

Huge thanks to our sideline legends — Joan, Alie W, and Kath — for braving the wind, cheering us on, and keeping us all vaguely functional. You’re the true Swifties of the day. ?

All in all, it was a tough but brilliant game filled with grit, laughter, and wind-induced chaos. Storm Amy might’ve been loud, but the Hunters were louder — and with this much team spirit, we’re definitely Never Getting Beaten Together.

Bring on next week — Hunters ??