Day 1 of The Summer Nations saw SEO65’s take on England M70s, a team that brought both experience and an unnerving amount of energy for men of leisure. The pitch, however, was less forgiving. At a toasty 37°C, the turf was so sticky that by the end of the match, players were leaving with half the pitch attached to their shoes—rumour has it we’ll be invoiced by the groundskeeper. Despite the heat, our SEO65’s struck first, prompting a dignified English reply to end the match 1–1.

Saturday’s game against East O65’s was another scorcher only this time, SEO65’s turned up the heat metaphorically and literally. After wrestling through Sahara-level temperatures, our heroes earned three penalty flicks. Clearly unfazed by the pressure or the pools of sweat collecting in their socks, the team slotted home two of them for a sizzling 2–0 victory. The third flick was launched somewhere over the bar, believed to be in low orbit now, but who’s counting? East O65’s may have had grit, but SEO65’s had goals, gumption, and turf permanently embedded in their shin pads.

By Sunday, the squad had become one with the pitch, emotionally and physically. A late afternoon start promised relief, but the clouds dramatically peeled back as we walked on, like a theatrical performance called Welcome Back to the Sauna. The final game against London O65’s was a gritty, sweaty, sunburnt stalemate, finishing 0–0. Both teams battled hard and cards were given galore. Though the real winner was the sport of Hockey and team camaraderie. Still, we couldn’t be prouder of the SEO65’s. They left it all out there, sweat, effort, and bits of their soles, to finish second overall.

We’ll be back next season, cooler (we hope), stronger, and absolutely ready to win it all. Just maybe on a water base next time.

Thank you all and we'll see you soon!