The match started and we came under pressure quickly, it was seemingly one way traffic except for a few bright spots from Antonio and Elena who were patrolling the midfield and pulling out some tricks worthy of Match of the Day. The back four held well under the eye of Mike and the ever constant presence of our secret weapon/camera man Mr. Clarke; however, after a quarter of an hour the inevitable occurred as a long ball to the back post hung in the air and was smashed in by a massai striker, leading to pure jubilation form the Masai. 1-0 down.

The Southbank response to the goal was good as we continued to attempt to drive forward and pressure the massai defense. We began to get the ball down and play as Coach Clarke has always begged us to do. Antonio had now moved out to the left wing and Mr. Clarke had come onto the pitch with some much needed defensive aid pushing me into the middle of the pitch where I played alongside Russ. By this time Guy Fresher was in goal and he twice saved our team with fantastic saves as we desperately tried to reach half time only down 1-0. Unfortunately right at the death, the massai broke free and despite a save from Guy the rebound was slotted home. 2-0 down. Seconds later the whistle blew and halftime was upon us.

At the break we knew what was needed fresh legs and creativity, so we decided to go with our super sub Ms. Clancy on the right wing and we brought on Ms. Stone for center back. We also saw that we needed goals quickly so I was told to go up top and play striker. At the start of the half we started extremely brightly with Antonio prompting a fingertip save with a blistering shot from long range and we felt very good especially when Isaac came on after five minutes to play central midfield. We constantly pressured their left back, using Ms. Clancy on the right wing and she did brilliantly well to beat her man and cross. The cross was blocked but the whistle had gone for handball. Free kick Southbank, the chance we had been waiting for. Mr. Clarke and Antonio began clamoring for a chance to take it but there was no way. Only one person was having that free kick – Ms. Clancy! She whipped in a ball but it was well defended by the massai, who had begun to re claim control of the game. As the heat began to take its victims, the massai assault grew and I was only a matter of time before they broke down our back four of Mikaela, Maxine, Ellie B, Ms. Stone and Veronica in goal who had been keeping them at bay for far longer than anyone else had been able to. We began to rely on them as the rocks at the back, those are some top class defenders. Once the strikers were through the defense it was forgone conclusion. 3-0 down.

Once that goal went in it was clear that we were deflated and not even the play of Ghynwine or Isaac could save us as we continued to succumb to the heat. By this time the outcome of the match was decided it was only a matter of how many goals; however, Mr. Clarke, Isaac, Antonio and I were now intent on scoring at least one goal and with the support of Idan Yona and Guy who were playing on either wings we came close however, we left ourselves vulnerable to counter attacks and that is exactly what happened as the massai used their superior fitness to out run us and score again. 4-0 down. With only minutes remaining I gained a short second wind and took off down the right wing, as I beat one massai and then another, I laid the ball off to Isaac who slotted it back to me but sadly the finish was a tired one, which sailed high and wide prompting groans of disappointment from the team and Mr. Clarke’s question “Bernstein, is somebody injured?” From then forward we hit the post once and continued pressure including a run down the left form Russ, where according to Mr. Clarke he "put on the boosters" and made the Massai look like they were standing still; however, at the end we fell to another counter attack. 5-0 down.

Minutes later the final whistle blew. Final Score: Massai 5-0 Southbank. A sound beating but a most enjoyable match for all involved. We played well but were not on the same level fitness wise as the Massai Our team looks to rebuild its spirits in the upcoming week as we play in Mwereni. Until then all we can do is reminisce about what went wrong and what went right. One things for sure – Southbank will be back, whether it be with new players in many years time. We will look to avenge our loss and claim a victory next time around.