It was a beautiful morning at the Northstowe home ground, and Hunters arrived full of optimism off the back of some seriously encouraging recent form. Facing Ely 2s, sitting 4th in the league, was always going to be a tough ask — but Hunters have developed a habit lately of surprising people… including themselves.

From the first whistle, Hunters showed just how far they’ve come. The team held plenty of possession, moved the ball with confidence, and communicated brilliantly across the pitch. Clinical passing and game-on-game improvements were there for all to see.

This match also marked the much-anticipated debut of Andreia, and what a debut it was. Slotting seamlessly between attack and midfield, she added strength, composure and relentless energy,

First Half Fire

Hunters started the first half composed and confident. Despite Ely taking two early goals in the 10th and 12th minutes, the response from Hunters was outstanding. Wave after wave of attacking pressure followed, with short corners coming thick and fast.

Ali C came flying up from defence to support the attack, perfectly complementing Emily S’s huge hits — an elite double act if ever there was one.
Hannah, switching between midfield and forward, planted short corner balls with absolute precision, delivering clean one-touch passes that had people whispering (on the grapevine, of course) that she might actually be the best there is…

Holly stepped up to support the attacking short corners — and despite famously forgetting to actually run during practice, she absolutely nailed her role when it mattered. Up front, Holly was immense: switching comfortably between right and left, bravely taking a hero ball to the leg, icing it up… and carrying on regardless. Dropping her gum shield mid-game earned her Lemon of the Match, but it was a stellar performance nonetheless.

Helen, determined as ever to win possession, took a royal rumble style tumble worthy of the highlights reel — maintaining her impressive record of injuring herself in every game, yet somehow avoiding Lemon status again. Playing on the left wing, she held her position superbly and caused constant problems.

And at the heart of it all was Emily S, faultless in attack. Strong, relentless, and always looking to break through, she kept Ely under pressure and the chances coming.

Hunters went into halftime 2–0 down, but it genuinely felt like they were winning by ten. Smiles all round.

Second Half Grit
Ely added a third goal just 1 minutes into the second half, but the scoreline did not reflect what followed — an incredible defensive display.

Esme and Rayhana were nothing short of outstanding, working tirelessly together, clearing ball after ball with calm determination. No panic. Just composure, grit, and refusal to give in. With them, Neha pulled off some standout stops, shutting down powerful shots dead in their tracks.

Ali C and Alie W battled through an intense Ely press, executing powerful hit-outs and providing the vocal leadership the back line needed. Hockey’s answer to Destiny’s Child? Quite possibly. But who was the third member, you ask…

Step forward goalkeeper Ros, throwing shapes like Beyoncé herself to fend off the shots. A TikTok debut surely imminent.

The midfield and defence refused to buckle, and Hunters held the scoreline with sheer determination.

The Moment
Then, at 47 minutes, the pitch erupted.

Captain Emily S delivered a short-corner masterclass — receiving at the top D and smashing a powerful hit straight into the goal. Textbook hockey. Absolute perfection. The entire team exploded with joy, and even the toddler fan club on the sidelines joined in with a very enthusiastic “GO MUMMY!”

Momentum surged.

Isla and Stacey were everywhere — breaking play up, linking passes, driving the ball forward.
Hannah and Isla even threatened to launch their own TikTok trend: “Not 6–7! 1–2! 1–2!” — slicing through Ely with quick passing and brilliant teamwork.

Juliette, flexing into midfield, held the wings beautifully with intelligent positioning and tireless running, clocking up a serious step count alongside her midfield unit.

The wings were used to great effect, with Andreia holding her side confidently and being well supported up front by Holly and Helen. Andreia also showed her defensive edge, hassling opponents and winning the ball back time and again.

And a special mention for Isla, flying solo without sister or mum on the pitch— she did the family proud. Winning possession, creating partnerships, and driving play forward, she was rewarded with the hotly contested Player of the Match trophy. Fully deserved.

Final Whistle
The game ended 3–1 to Ely, but this was unquestionably one of Hunters’ best performances of the season. A team building real connections, finding their voice, and forming something special.

Keep those voices loud, Hunters — we’ll drown out the competition with the glorious sound of the ball hitting the backboard.

Clink. Clonk.
Go Hunters!