The Thunder 3s started off this year with the hardest game so far this season. Away to Basildon who are top of the league and who have yet to lose a game. S&B felt confident and whilst in the first 5 minutes Basildon dominated the play and were awarded a short corner which they were unable to score from due to the strong S&B defence and goalie Lisa, the black and pink army stepped up. This surprised Basildon who hadn't expected a hard fought game and made several comments that they surprisingly needed to up their game!

S&Bs passing was spot on, and the midfield worked tirelessly, pounding the Basildon D with some fantastic chances. Unfortunately despite a number of scoring opportunities and short corners, S&B couldn't get on the score sheet. The Away teams determination and possession game frustrated Basildon. 0-0 at half time.

The second half saw Southend & Benfleet HC again play fantastic hockey, the defence cutting out most of the Basildon balls coming through and pinging them back up the pitch. Again S&B were awarded several short corners but they just couldn't score despite pouncing on rebounds. The game was then end to end with Basildon having a number of chances but they were denied by the strong away defence and the formidable Lisa in goal.

With 5 minutes to go, Basildon were awarded a controversial short corner. After the first shot was saved by Lisa they managed to squeeze the ball through the tiniest of gaps to score 0-1. S&B were determined to score and despite dominating the last few minutes by keeping the ball in the Basildon 23, the black and pink army couldn't beat the experienced Basildon keeper. A fantastic game against the team who are top of the league and who have scored over 30 goals this season. Even the away umpire said a fair result would have been a draw!

A real team effort and each and everyone played amazingly. POM was Georgina who ran tirelessly and effortlessly around the pitch cutting out the Basildon balls and helping feed the S&B attack.

Player of the Match: Georgina Swann