Saturday proved to be a successful day for the Isle of Wight Hockey Club with numerous goals scored, despite the bitterly cold and windy conditions.
The men’s first 11 played host to a determined Haslemere side. The game started well, with the Island showing their intentions early with several attacking moves. Despite their positive play, Haslemere found themselves 2 goals down, thanks to brilliant attacking play from forwards Tom and Ed Turney. Haslemere shifted momentum with a well-worked goal from a short corner routine just before half-time.
Going into the second half, the Island side knew they needed to start strong and this was evident through a goal in the first few minutes. Injuries became the Island’s main concern as 2 of their forwards suffered hamstring injuries. This did not quash their desire to win as they added 3 more goals to their tally. One of which was an impressive drag flick into the roof of the net by Aaron Hoare. Special mention to Stephen Woodford who bagged his first hattrick of the season.
Final score: Isle of Wight Men’s 1s 6 – Haslemere 3s 1.
Goals from Stephen Woodford (3), Ed Turney (1), Tom Turney (1), Aaron Hoare (1).
Wightlink Player of the Match – Stephen Woodford
A wild and stormy day saw the Isle of Wight Ladies first team welcome Portsmouth to Smallbrook.
The Isle of Wight team started the stronger, Katy Ednay on target within 5 minutes converting with a vital touch on a penetrating pass from Pip Spibey. The Island’s strong form continued with multiple short corners, Saffron Hart converting a left slip pass from Jaimie Payne.
The local side’s forwards ran riot through the Portsmouth defence, however, Carolyn McLellan’s one-on-one with the keeper and Sarah Shaw weaving through players were both unable to add to the scoresheet. Half time score 2-0.
The second half saw Portsmouth start strong with sustained pressure on the Island’s defence, with multiple circle penetrations, however, the stalwart play of backs Claire Caddick and Kirsty Fraser kept them at bay. Island goalkeeper Tia Shutler had the odd touch but was never really troubled. 2 further goals for the local ladies came from penalty corners, Sarah Shaw threading a ball through for Katy Ednay to deflect over the keeper and Saffron Hart completing the score with a low strike into the goal.
Final score: Isle of Wight Ladies 1s 4 – Portsmouth 0.
Goals from Katy Ednay (2), Saffron Hart (2).
Joint Wightlink Player of the Match – Pip Spibey & Saffron Hart.
After travelling away, it was a very cold and windy start to the game for the Men’s second 11 against Hamble.
The Island side started very strong, keeping possession for most of the first half. 2 early goals from Thomas Young did well to keep spirits up through the freezing weather.
With too many short corners to count, Hamble had many chances to score but they were quickly disposed of by Lewis Wells and Carl Joyce, leading the defensive line for the Isle of Wight. Half time 2-0 to the Island.
The second half didn’t start off as well, causing the Isle of Wight team to lose their structure and let 1 or 2 balls through that shouldn’t have. However, they quickly pulled it back, with Jonny Kirby adding to the scoreline; and after a couple of perfect through balls, Nick Pratt scored the 4th and final goal.
Final score: Hamble 3s 0 – Isle of Wight Mens 2s 4.
Goals from Thomas Young (2), Jonny Kirby (1), Nick Pratt (1)
Wightlink Player of the Match – Reuben Smallwood-Butler
The ladies second 11 headed away to face top of the table Chichester Centurions.
Having never played them before as they are new to the league, the Island side were unsure what to expect. After a quick start it was the visitors who found themselves in the Centurions’ D early on. No goal came but this was promising.
Despite the difference in team numbers, the game was even and the Island side had their fair share of chances. The home side took the lead with 2 goals in quick succession and the Island kept battling.
Marika Anszczak came close with a great strike from the top of the D which demanded a save from their keeper. Shortly after with an almost identical move, a goal came for the island from Megan Bridger.
Half time refreshments lifted spirits up but sadly didn’t warm the team up and as the icy temperatures continued, the centurions started to gain the upper hand. Despite some valiant defending from the island’s defence, they were able to find the net a few more times. An amazing performance from the island despite the result.
Final score: Chichester Centurions 7 – Isle of Wight Ladies 2s 1.
Goals from Megan Bridger (1)
Wightlink Player of the Match: Marika Anszczak
