It was a good day for the Isle of Wight Hockey Club at Smallbrook last weekend.
The Ladies 1XI started an exciting day at Smallbrook (the home of Isle of Wight hockey!) when the faced off against Swanage and Wareham 1XI, a formidable opponent known for their speed and sharp passing game.
The Island took an early lead after Polly Rider’s attempt on goal was stopped illegally by a foot on the line. Awarded a penalty stroke, the team looked to Sarah Shaw, who stepped up with confidence. Shaw kept her cool, sending the ball cleanly into the net, giving her team a 1-0 lead going into halftime. The Second half brought more intensity from both sides. The Island’s defence held strong with some great saves from keep Tia Shutler giving the Island outfielders the confidence to play their attacking hockey. Then came the second goal, a spectacular moment of skill and determination.
Jaimie Payne danced around Swanage players before delivering a pinpoint pass to Evie Fairhurst. Fairhurst, in top form, wove her way through the defence, driving along the baseline with superb control before lifting the ball past the keeper to double Isle of Wight’s lead. A well-deserved reward for her tireless efforts throughout the game. The Island’s midfield continued to win crucial fouls, and it was Payne who once again turned a quick free hit into a golden opportunity. Her swift pass found Fairhurst in the D, who took a well-timed strike that crashed against the backboard, securing her second goal of the game and putting the Island firmly in control. The game finished 3-0 to the Isle of Wight.
Wightlink Player of the Match – Polly Rider
After watching the Ladies commanding performance from the side-lines, the Men’s 2XI then took to the pitch to host Basingstoke 5XI. Steven Woodford stepped up once again to finish a well worked attacking play from the Island to give them an early lead. Both teams battled hard, but it was the Isle of Wight that were creating the majority of the chances, captain Carl Joyce then converted from close range following some lovely pass and move hockey from the Island side.
Into the second half, Basingstoke started strong and won themselves a penalty flick, which found the back of the net despite the best efforts of keeper Nate Bower. Despite Basingstoke’s best efforts and hopes, this was the Isle of Wight’s day as they turned up the style with youngsters Oscar Purser and Cian Smallwood-Butler showing flair and skill to create opportunities. Thomas young then extended the Island’s lead, before Sam Challis sent a bullet shot from the top of the ‘D’ to add another. The Island never took their foot off the gas, creating chance after chance and it was Barry Lloyd who found his first goal after several years away from hockey to make the final score 5-1 to the Island with just seconds left of the game.
Wightlink Player of the Match – Oscar Purser
The Mens 1XI travelled away to Fareham and walked away with a 2-1 victory thanks to 2 goals from Aaron O’Hanlon Hoare.
Wightlink Player of the Match – Aaron O’Hanlon Hoare
The Ladies 2s travelled to Alton where they fought hard and walked away with a point thanks to a Megan Bridger goal. Final result 1-1.
Wightlink Player of the Match – Jess Glover
On Sunday the U16 Boys travelled to HMS Temeraire for their knockout cup match against Havant. The boys fought hard and dominated midfield but were caught out by 2 well worked counter attack moves by Havant.
After a slight shuffle at half time, the Island continued to create chances and were unfortunate to concede a third goal late on. The boys held strong, battled throughout and deserved more from the game.
Wightlink Player of the Match – Kit McChesney
