There were two very distinct challenges that were set at the start of this week for the Men and Women at Holcombe.

Different contexts and different influences but ultimately the same outcome.

Both sides faced tough challenges away at third in the league. The girls had a massive away trip to Clifton Robinsons, based in Bristol to play an in-form side looking to create clear daylight between themselves and a chasing pack for fourth.

For us, a trip to Surbiton stood as the challenge of keeping our opponents at arms’ length in the league table.

Having had the game at East Grinstead called off the previous week, a fortnight off from competitive games (and even then only having the one fixture since November) always brings with it a degree of uncertainty: It can either be a blessing or a curse in disguise.

A rusty start can determine the final outcome of a game and set the tone for the performance as a whole. If there were any uncertainties from a fortnight off going into the game, Sarah Jones quashed them three minutes in.

There’s a certain degree of frustration with the goals that we conceded coming from avoidable penalty corners but in the bigger picture, that’s knit-picking in the context of a massive three points. The confidence that accompanies a team that’s scoring goals cannot be overestimated scoring four away from home is a strong message to send.

The win takes us above Clifton into third and with a game in hand away at East Grinstead, have the chance to jump them into second with just a handful of games to play.

Just a few hours later, we took the pitch at Surbiton.

Now I could sit here and moan about the players we’re missing. I could complain about playing massive minutes for the third week in a row. I could complain about decision(s) that we felt should have gone our way throughout the game.

The truth of the matter is that whatever the circumstances, contexts or outside influences; for those 70 minutes, Surbiton were better than us.

Of course they were, they won 3-1.

They could have had 20% possession but if they win the game they win the game. There’s no ifs or buts that come into play there.

For us it’s a matter of looking within ourselves now to do something about it. The goals we let in were our fault and the chances not taken we’re on us.

We have the ability, structure and belief to sort ourselves out and we will do so.

In spite of Saturday we are also very aware that our two most recent performances, when we have been at our weakest since becoming a Premier League outfit, have come against perennial playoff teams.

Our outlook is still good – we’re in the mix now and it adds a great deal of excitement and tension to our final 5 games. Like the women, a win or loss can make a massive difference with regards to league positioning in a crucial stage of the campaign.

We’re heading towards the clutch stages of the season now and it’s usually those that take over in the fourth quarter that get remembered.

From the start of the season and from the position we’re in at the moment, we should have both men’s and women’s sides making the playoffs if we play to our potential.

That’s the aim.

It’s on us.

Picture supplied by SmifSports