Sometimes a match report writes itself, and sometimes it comes with a pre-game playlist straight out of a 90s throwback party. As the Hunters arrived away at Bourne Deeping with the bare minimum 11 players, the sun was shining and spirits were high, whilst Britney Spears and Backstreet Boys blasted out across the pitch. Safe to say, we were officially in the mood.

If Bourne Deeping’s aim was to lull us into a nostalgic sing-along, it worked — but it also fired us up for what turned into our most positive performance against them this season.

The final score finished 5–2 to Bourne Deeping, but the numbers only tell part of the story. Earlier in the season, this same fixture ended in a 5–1 loss, so this was clear progress. And even more importantly, it was the first game of the season where the Hunters scored twice. Tell me why ? that felt like a win in itself.

The first half saw Bourne Deeping capitalise on their fresh legs, but the Hunters dug deep, defended bravely, and kept fighting — proving once again that they want it that way, even when numbers are against them.

The second half, however, belonged to the Hunters.

Our first goal came from a short corner, finished by Hannah, who was perfectly placed to convert after a thunderous strike from Alie W at the top of the D. Cool, composed, and clinical — oops, we did it again.

The second goal was pure determination. Emily S picked up the ball from the halfway line, drove relentlessly into the attacking circle, pulled the keeper out of position, and calmly slipped the ball between the keeper and the post. A moment worthy of a slow-motion replay and a 90s power ballad.

Emily’s effort earned her Player of the Match (POM) — fully deserved. But in true Hunters fashion, she also managed to scoop up Lemon of the Match (LOM) for taking Ros during the warm-up. Peak multitasking.

Despite the scoreline, this was a huge step forward for the Hunters: improved performance, more goals, relentless effort, and a team that never stopped believing — even when outnumbered.

With sunshine, sing-along classics, and a second-half fightback, this match proved one thing: the Hunters might not always have the numbers, but the spirit? That’s larger than life.