Lewis shares this latest report from the Isle of Wight Hockey Club. Ed
Fareham 3 – Isle of Wight 8
The Isle of Wight men’s first team saw themselves away to Fareham.
The Island side took an early lead through Adam Payne. Pin-point accuracy in the midfield and a solid wall of defence meant the opposition’s attack was often stifled.
Fareham took a goal off their deficit after slotting home a flick and then decreased it further by rebounding a few moments later. Undeterred, the Island put one more goal away before half-time. The second half was a flurry of goals, with Samuel Challis, Tom Turney and Alex Breach all comfortably on the score sheet by the final ten minutes.
Despite the Island’s keeper deflecting an aerial shot, Fareham clawed one goal back in the dying minutes.
Men’s first team goal scorers (from left to right): Alex Breach (1), Tom Turney (2), Adam Payne (4) and Samuel Challis (1).
Isle of Wight 4 – Trojans 1
The women’s first team faced Trojans in glorious sunshine and soaring temperatures, hoping to make it three wins from three games.
Despite missing some high-impact players, the Island’s bare eleven were quickly out of traps, putting their inexperienced opposition under pressure. Tireless work and energy from the forwards led to a series of short corners.
After several breakdowns, Katy Ednay was able to convert from a cross. The Island maintained pressure with defensive switches, creating acres of space out wide.
Georgia Whittle was on hand twice to slot the ball past the keeper through a close-range attack. The Trojans managed to catch the island on the break and were able to score a well-executed short corner and claw one back for a 3-1 halftime score.
The second half saw the Island side tire and struggle to capitalise their control of the game, however, Trojans were unable to force their way through the island’s stalwart defence and Georgia Whittle completed her close-range hat-trick.
Women’s first team goal scorers (from left to right): Georgia Whittle (3) and Katy Ednay (1).
Isle of Wight 3 – Basingstoke 4
The men’s second team kicked off their season at home to Basingstoke. The home side started strongly but conceded against the run of play following a short corner.
Basingstoke soon won another short corner and scored again. Still pressing hard, the Island won a penalty flick after the opposition’s keeper obstructed play. Mike Dodds coolly slotted the ball in to make the score 2-1.
An equaliser came almost immediately in the second half after Thomas Young (pictured at very top of article) struck a short corner ball into the bottom corner. Basingstoke struck back on the break and quickly found two goals, despite great efforts by goalkeeper Lewis Wells.
The Island continued to push and John Pearson, free on the far post, slotted the ball into the back of the net.
Goals from Mike Dodds (1), Thomas Young (1) and John Pearson (1).
Petersfield 4 – Isle of Wight 1
The women’s second team travelled to Petersfield with nine players. Not expecting too much from the game, especially as the opposition had fifteen players, the Island side nevertheless made a great start controlling the play.
Their efforts were rewarded with an opening goal, after dogged determination from Megan Bridger saw the ball hit the backboard.
Petersfield got their equaliser not long after, with a breakthrough in the middle exposing the Island’s lack of players. The hot October sun and benefit of substitutions for the opposition saw the island tire, which allowed Petersfield a couple more goals.
Goals from Megan Bridger (1).
