The annual Teacher Squad versus South Saxons Men's 5s friendly once again delivered plenty of laughs, competitive hockey and good spirits. Having seen the teachers chalk up victories in the previous two meetings, the Saxons arrived well prepared, determined to turn the tables and remind their opponents that experience in the classroom doesn't always translate onto the hockey pitch.

Captained by Tim Laughton, the Saxons produced an excellent all-round team performance in the four-quarter contest.

The opening quarter couldn't have started much better. Billy "Whizz" was quickest to react after Teacher Squad goalkeeper Josh made an initial save, pouncing on the rebound to slot home the opener. Shortly afterwards Charlie burst down the right before delivering the perfect pass to Tim Laughton, who made no mistake from close range to double the lead.

The teachers briefly found something to write home about in the second quarter. A mistimed Saxons substitution left a gap in the normally organised high press, allowing James Douglas to launch a superb ball from halfway which found a goal-hanging teammate at the far post for a simple tap-in.

Any thoughts of a staffroom comeback were quickly erased. The Saxons responded with a well-worked attacking move that found Billy inside the D, where he calmly tucked away his second goal of the evening. Minutes later Stan added another after weaving into the circle before firing emphatically past Josh to give the Saxons a commanding 4–1 advantage at the break.

Half-time brought on a traditional Port Break, with a couple of bottles of port and a handful of shot glasses making their way around both teams. Lesson plans were temporarily replaced with laughter, before everyone returned to the pitch for the second half.

The third quarter was fiercely contested, with the Teacher Squad tightening up defensively and refusing to let the Saxons add to their tally. Both sides created chances, but neither could find the finishing touch.

In the final quarter, the Saxons resumed their attacking lesson. Despite Teacher Squad goalkeeper Josh producing an outstanding spell with five excellent saves during one frantic scramble in the D, the pressure eventually told. Captain Tim Laughton delivered a perfectly weighted pass across goal for Louisa, who was waiting at the back post to apply a clinical finish and complete the scoring.

The final whistle confirmed a convincing 5–1 victory for the Saxons, who finally reclaimed the bragging rights after two years of Teacher Squad success.

While the teachers may be experts at setting homework, taking registers and keeping order in the classroom, on this occasion it was the Saxons who wrote the lesson plan, controlled the class and handed out the report cards. The Teacher Squad may be hoping for a resit next season—but this year the Saxons deserved full marks.

Final Score: Teacher Squad 1–5 South Saxons Men's 5s

Scorers: Billy Whizz (2), Tim Laughton, Stan, Louisa Gedge

Player of the Match: Aaron, whose energetic display and outstanding all-round performance earned him top marks from teammates and spectators alike.