ISLE OF WIGHT’S MEN’S AND LADIES’ HOCKEY TEAMS RETAIN TOP SPOTS

IOW Ladies 1st XI 2-0 Basingstoke

Basingstoke started by putting pressure on the Ladies 1st, but once settled, the island began to play free-flowing hockey. Claire Caddick and Kirsty Fraser spread the play and initiated attacking runs up both sides of the pitch. The island’s persistence paid off after a pass from Pip Spibey found Jaimie Payne who pushed the ball past the keeper (1-0). Island keeper Tia Shutler and the defensive line kept a clean sheet through a series of short corners.

Half time: IOW Ladies 1st XI 2-0 Basingstoke

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Early in the second half, a Basingstoke shot found the net but was disallowed. The island countered when Emily Lord’s free hit found Payne, then onto Katy Ednay. A quick pass saw the ball slapped into the goal by Saffron Hart.

Full time: IOW ladies 1st XI 2 – Basingstoke 0.
Goals from: Jaimie Payne (1) and Saffron Hart (1). Wightlink player of the match: Crys O’Connell.

 IOW Men’s 1st XI 9 – Portsmouth 5

The men’s 1st XI game started with the Islanders on the back foot; Portsmouth managed to work three goals in their favour. However, Aaron Hoare managed to secure a hattrick with three perfectly executed drag flicks. Will Mew, Adam Payne and Tom Turney were proactive in their attack and Samuel Challis offered support out wide. Portsmouth was lucky to get another goal, half-time 4-3.

Half time: IOW Men’s 1st XI 4-3 Portsmouth

The second half started with goals from Stephen Woodford and Payne. Challis also converted from the penalty spot. Portsmouth managed to net another. Patrick Butt, Lewis Heaven-Gandy and Stuart Allen deferred many attacks, with Tomas Turjanica and Alex Breach making runs up and down the wing. Ethan Edmunds-Lamb, was crucial in controlling the right side of the pitch. Goals from Payne meant the island were victorious.

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Full time: IOW Men’s 1st XI 9-5 Portsmouth
Goals from: Adam Payne (4), Aaron Hoare (3), Samuel Challis (1) and Stephen Woodford (1). Wightlink player of the match: Aaron Hoare

Chichester 9 -1 IOW ladies 2nd XI

The ladies’ 2nd XI faced Chichester away. The odds were not in their favour and unfortunately, despite a fantastic solo run and score from Megan Bridger, the island ladies found themselves on the wrong end of a high score-line.

Full time: Chichester 9 – IOW ladies 2nd XI 1.
Goal from: Megan Bridger. Wightlink player of the match: Megan Bridger.

Petersfield 5 -4 IOW men’s 2nd XI

The men’s 2nd XI, missing their skipper and a couple of key players, travelled to face Petersfield. The island started well, with strong passing, positional play, and simple hockey, which enabled Nick Pratt, Finn Woodford and Tom Young, supported by Carl Joyce to dominate early on. Nick Pratt scored twice early on putting the island on top, but Petersfield fought back. The opposition had scored twice, but Finn Woodword’s efforts helped ensure the island remained in the lead at the half-time whistle.

Half time: Petersfield 3-2 IOW men’s 2nd XI

In the second half, Petersfield were awarded multiple short corners and scored past the island despite impressive defensive work by Bailey Woodford. A comeback goal from Tom Young helped the Island side, however the deluge of Petersfield short corners and a penalty flick, resulted in the island faltering

Full time: Petersfield 5-4 IOW men’s 2nd XI
Goals from: Nick Pratt (2), Finn Woodford (1) and Tom Young (1). Joint Wightlink players of the match: Bailey Woodford and Carl Joyce.