All the results and action from the first weekend of league hockey for the 2022/23 season
| Team | Opponent | Result | Team | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L1 | Guildford 1(A) | L 4-3 | M1 | Chelmsford 2 (H) | W 5-1 |
| L2 | Harpenden 1(A) | W 3-1 | M2 | Harpenden 1 (A) | L 2-1 |
| L3 | Hertford 2 (H) | L 4-1 | M3 | Royston 1 (A) | L 6-2 |
| L4 (Archdeaconesses) | St Alban’s 5’s | W 4-0 | M4 | Royston 2 (H) | D 2-2 |
| L5 | St Albans Boadiceas | W 4-1 | M5 | Harpenden 3 (A) | L 4-2 |
| L6 (Acolytes) | Maldon Academy (A) | W 3-0 | M6 | Hertford 6’s (H) | L 6-5 |
| L7 | Berkhamsted 4′ (A) | W 2-0 | |||
| L8 (Curates) | Chiltern 2 (A) | D 1-1 | |||
| L9 | CANCELLED |
BSHC L1’s 3 v Guildford 1’s 4 (away)
Vitality National Conference East
Stortford Ladies opened their National League debut with a challenging opening match at Guildford last Saturday. Both teams newly promoted had good reason to be pleased with their performance.
After a long journey it was encouraging to see Stortford were quickly into their stride with plenty of possession and it was against the run of play that Guildford went into the lead just before the end of the first quarter, capitalising on a moment where the Stortford defence switched off conceding a soft goal. Stung into action the visitors responded in brilliant and spectacular fashion. First, on twenty minutes, Sally Powell was put through by a slick pass from Abbie Barrett and Powell made no mistake with a rasping shot into the roof of the net. Then two goals in quick succession from the predatory Barrett saw Stortford take the lead. Her first goal coming from a good pass from Charlie Leonard and her second when put in on goal by Pearl Mason-Smith, both times Barrett confidently taking the ball round the keeper before slotting home.
An impressive first two quarters saw Stortford leading 3-1 at half time. As anticipated, Guildford started the third quarter strongly and within minutes had drawn level following a brilliant run and reverse stick strike from their South African striker, a breakaway goal against the run of play.
Stortford applied pressure and won a series of short corners but were unable to convert, and it was the home side who finished the stronger laying siege to the Stortford goal where Alison Martyn had to be at her best making a series of fine saves including a superb stick save high to her right.
Nick Prowse was pleased with the opening performance if not the result, “We were competitive for a very even first half against a strong opponent and we have shown we can play at this level. We have taken a number of positives from today and look forward to continuing to build and develop our squad over the coming weeks”.
Player of the match: Abbie Barrett
BSHC M1’s 5 v Chelmsford 2’s 1
East Division 1 South
The engine room of Andy Round, Kier Ansell, Craig Smith and Oliver Plummer was more flat 4 than the snarling V8 they are known for. In previous years they may have folded there, but with new coach Ahmed Ewis calling for Beldams to become the graveyard of all teams, it took the Viking of Stortford Jack Wheaton to grab the game by the balls. With two goals from short corners that were not exactly thunderbolts from Zeus, earning the opposition keeper the nickname, “Sumo” the boys went into the half time Haribos 2-1 to the good.
I’ll be honest, as this writer had been on the pitch the whole first half (thanks Harris Owen) I was pretty tired so can’t remember a lot of what was said so we’ll skip to the bit you all want.
The second half started as the boys intended with the front 4 of Ali Charlton, Richard Heywood, Tom Frenzel and Jon Taylor creating real problems for the Chelmsford back 3 and it all started to tick and the home side went through the gears quickly. Stortford’s own Lionheart Richard Heywood put in a brilliant debut performance, spending more time on the floor than a prop forward and was rewarded for his hard work with a goal into the net in the middle part of the first half. Not satisfied with taking chunks out of the goalkeeper, he then took a chunk out of himself with a lovely shiner to the eye socket, with an incredibly efficient HIA by Head of Medical Plummer passing him fit to continue to flop around on the pitch.
Returning from the honeymoon that we all felt we were part of from all the Instagram posts, Craig Smith (40) snuck a couple past the keeper to make it 5-1. With the board at 62 minutes a mix up in defence and the hard work of front 3 left the Chelmsford keeper in a different postcode with no one at home. Okay yes, some say it was an open goal but Plummer hadn’t been subbed off yet and had done a serious 62 minute stint in the engine room and I am 100% convinced Jon Taylor could have deflected it in but deliberately didn’t.
With a serious injury to the Chelmsford full back, a rag tag midfield battled hard to keep the 4 goal deficit. Rob “Rockefeller” Morgan and newly married Alexander Hall battled hard to keep the home side to the good and with the final whistle deserved all the plaudits for the dog work they do, don’t worry boys I know how you feel. And so begun the character assassination. There were calls for Adam Farley to get DoD for showing a lack of commitment to the team (being at the birth of a child which at time of writing is still not here, sorry Claire) but there was only one person to take the first wooden spoon for the season.
DoD – Plummer
MoM – Richard “The Lionheart” Heywood
BSHC L2’s 3 v Harpenden 1’s (away) 1
East Division 2 South West
Stortford kicked off their 22/22 campaign in style with a dominant performance over a side that finished just one place below them last season.
Despite the 10am pushback, Stortford started the game brightly, controlling the game and keeping possession in the opponents half, little Lou working tirelessly in midfield. Harpenden’s defence was difficult to break down, a succession of Stortford penalty corners saw Stortford come agonisingly close, as Dutchies strike rattled both posts before pinging back out. Finally, as the half began to draw to a close, a flowing move down the pitch saw Rori Fletcher and Malli Carne exchanging passes, finding Michelle Titcombe-Rogers in space who played on Darcy Edwards. Edwards unleashing an early, unstoppable reverse stick strike under the diving keeper to break the deadlock. The lead was doubled minutes later, lovely link up play between Millie Andrews and Lou Rhodes saw Rhodes shot skillfully deflected in by Dutchie.
The second half saw the hosts rally with Stortford’s defence busier than the first half but more than up to the task. Edwards set off on a run, leaving several players in her wake before burying another reverse stick goal to make it 3-0. Stortford then lost Dutchie to injury, as a ball deflected up into her face. With a three goal cushion, the defence were able to take a chance, Beans throwing in a few aerials much to the surprise of her teammates.
With the clock running down, Harpenden were awarded a penalty corner, their slick routine neatly deflected in from close range for a consolation goal. Final score 3-1, and the first 3 points of the season in the bag.
Player of the match: Lou Rhodes
BSHC M2’s 1 v Harpenden 1’s 2 (away)
East Division 2 South West
This Saturday saw the Men’s 2s travel to Harpenden, to face a strong side in what would be their first fixture in Division 2, following promotion last season! This team came into the game off the back of a great 7-1 preseason win last week and spirits were high amongst the team. After a rallying team talk from captain Alex Kirton, who lead the team, by example, from the front right throughout the match, the boys took to the field looking to take 3 points and to start the season well. Right from the off it was clear that Harpenden were very comfortable with the ball on their sticks and the game would be won and lost on possession. The opposition dominated for most of the first half, playing the ball around the outside of the d, however, were unable to find a way to break the deadlock thanks to some brilliant defending from the Stortford team. However, inevitably the deadlock was to be broken and it came in the form a of short corner. Following a foot in the d, Harpenden’s drag flicker found the hand of a Stortford defender, creating a wicked deflection that ended up in the roof of the net. As a result of the goal, Harpenden piled on the pressure and created more chances that forced some good saves from Stortford keeper Ollie Foot.
Keeping the score at 1-0 going into the break was key, however following another short corner with only 2 minutes to go, Harpenden smashed the ball into the side netting. Much to everyone’s surprise though, the umpires deemed that the hit, above the backboard, was the first shot following the corner and therefore would be ruled out. 1-0 at the break.
Following the half time interval, Stortford came racing out of the blocks and applied the pressure right back onto the Harpenden defence. Some good play down the right-hand side from Miles Lax-Tanner, created a chance for Fred Cooke who smashed the ball from the baseline in towards the P spot, which was then expertly guided into the net by one of the Harpenden defenders. With the scores level and the momentum well and truly Stortford’s way, they continued to create some excellent chances. The right-hand side caused particular trouble for the Harpenden defence with Miles, Matt Jackaman and Henry Carr linking up well, with Stortford being very unlucky to not score a second.
With little time remaining and the match looking t be heading for a draw, the hosts were awarded a penalty corner, drilled into the bottom corner to make the score 2-1 .A few last-ditch attacks were not enough and it finished 2-1 to Harpenden. Despite the score line, Stortford played some excellent, exciting hockey and were unlucky not to take at least a point from the game. Motm was awarded to Stortford keeper, Ollie Foot. The team now look ahead to their next game, against Letchworth, hoping to bounce back, with a win.
BSHC L3 1 v Hertford 2’s 4
East Div 3SW
Bishops STORTFORD Ladies 3s started slowly with a few players (& the umpire) being held up in road works. After 10 minutes however the team started applying the pressure and won numerous short corners which unfortunately they failed to convert. STORTFORD continued to apply the pressure for the 1st 25 mins of the half until a strong Hertford attack broke. 3 times in the next 10 mins Hertford caught to home side on the break to make it 3-0 at half term. After a team restructure at half time STORTFORD went out hard again only to concede a short corner which Hertford put away. STORTFORD then picked up their game again and spent almost 25 minutes camped in Hertfords end. Finally Helen Perry managed to put a reverse stick dink in around the very capable Hertford keeper. However despite a dominant performance in the middle of the pitch STORTFORD failed to put any more goals away. Final score 1-4. Potm: Gracie Cowen, Suzy Fletcher & Katy Motson
BSHC M3’s 2 v Royston 1’s 6
East Division 3 South West
Stortford 3s travelled to Royston for their first game of the season. Royston narrowly got relegated from the league above last season on goal difference, so we knew this would be one of our toughest tests. Stortford started brightly, with good link play between Bruce Rodda in the middle, and Oliver Leonard on the right. The pressure continued and Stortford won a short corner on the 15 minute mark, which was converted well by Greg Pettitt who drag flicked it past the Keeper.
A lapse in concentration in defence off a free hit allowed Royston to find their centre forward unmarked in the D who deflected the ball past the Stortford keeper to make it 1-1. Soon after Royston made it 2-1. Stortford regained their composure and hit back almost immediately with good play by Mark Taylor, who found Jak Bareham making a run around the back of the Royston defence who fired it at the back post for Leonard to deflect in to equalise.
Just before half time, Stortford were caught at the back and were punished by Royston’s skillful centre forward who made it 3-2. The half time talk was positive, and we knew we could get a result in the game, however needed to be sharper in defence and make better leads up front. Unfortunately, similar issues to the first half allowed Royston to grab a 4th. The remaining of the second half remained competitive, however as Stortford pressed high to try a grab a lifeline, Royston turned over the ball for a couple of counterattacks to get their 5th, and 6th. Whilst 6-2 feels like it flatters Royston slightly, they were the stronger team on the day and plenty for Stortford to be positive about, but also work on for the coming season.
BSHC Archdeaconesses (4’s) 4 v St Alban’s 5’s 1 (away)
East Div 3 South West
The Archdeaconesses were straight off the blocks with a goal in the first couple of minutes from Zoe Barford. About 5 minutes later Hannah Wynne added a second. The second half started the same as the first when Masters World Cup bound Pippa Bull put away a rebound off the post. Hannah Wynne then rounded things off by swiping in a beautiful cross from Lisa Forsyth to complete the rout. A great start to the season!
BSHC M4’s 2 v Royston 2’s 2 (home)
East Division 4 South West
The first game of the season for the Bishop Stortford 4th XI was against the newly promoted Royston 2nd team.
Stortford lined up with a mixture of talented youngsters and experienced old stagers.
Bishop Stortford had pushback and started immediately on the front foot attacking Royston and putting their defence under pressure.
The early pressure reaped reward when Jake Andres slotted home from one of the resulting short corners. The Stortford pressure should have resulted in a greater lead by halftime, instead Stortford’s advantage was wiped out on the stroke of half time by a deflected free hit from outside the D, past Butch’s near post.
Stortford regrouped ready to press again in the second half. However Royston were starting to find their feet and gaps in Stortford’s mid field. Their direct play rewarded them with a number of short corners. Fortunately for Stortford they were not successful. But now the game opened up with both sides attacking. However, it was Stortford who took the lead from a sweeping move through mid field, onto the left wing Paul Tomlin to pass to Matt Pyke who score a superb individual goal.
Stortford did not rest on their laurels and pressed again straight away from push back with the silver fox Tim Smith going close, along with Olly Hartnell and Daniel
Luksan both striking wide from one on ones with the Royston keeper.
To the supporters watching on, it seemed that Bishop Stortford would deservedly bag the points. But disaster struck with two minutes remaining. Royston right wing intercepted Stortford’s 16 yard hit and returned it straight back to their centre forward who skilfully struck it past a diving Butch from the edge of the D.
Although stunned by this against the run of play goal Stortford managed to steel themselves for one last attack. And this is where the game ended with Stortford winning two short corners only for both to be rebuffed by the heroic Royston keeper.
Honours even then after 70 minutes, but Royston were the more jubilant for clutching a draw from the jaws of a defeat and Stortford and their supporters were left scratching their heads wondering how they managed to draw a game which was so one-sided.
Undoubtably the 4s will win more than they will lose if they continue in this attacking style, but to do so they must learn to be more clinical in front of goal.
Roll on next week.
BSHC L5’s 4 v St Albans Boadiceas 1
East Div 5 South West
A fantastic start to the season with a 4-1 W for the L5s at home. The team dominated the play from the first whistle using their skill and speed. After a couple of unlucky near misses from forwards Zoe, Mia and Yolande, a quick ball to the top of the D gave the team the perfect opportunity. A straight strike into the bottom left hand corner by Charlotte meant the team were 1-0 up in the first 15 mins.
Continual pressure from Amelia, Vick, Emily and Georgie in the midfield meant before long the team scored again with another superb goal from Charlotte to make it 2-0 at half time.
A 10/10 team talk at half time from DT and the girls were ready and raring to go. Within minutes of the second half, the ball was with Yolande and the opposition knew they were in trouble. A straight strike into the back of the net and it was 3-0
BSHC M5’s 2 v Harpenden 3’s 4 (away)
East Div 5 South West
Bishop’s Stortford Mens 5s gave a good account of themselves In their first league game away at Harpenden. They ended up losing 4-2 but were undaunted in the higher division. It was 1-1 at half time following a fine strike from Luke Beer to equalise but the team lost a bit of shape in the second half and Harpenden capitalised. A late consolation goal from Ross Haworth finished things off on the final whistle. Bishop’s Stortford created plenty of chances to have got something from the game and that is the positive to take into next week.
BSHC Acolytes (6’s) 3 v Maldon Academy 0
East Division 5 South East
The newly promoted Acolytes started the League at a surprisingly sunny Maldon where the team gelled really quickly and started with an excellent string of fast passes. Early pressure did not yield the hoped for results though, meaning that the defence were in action before long. A series of short corners were conceded with the pressure finally relieved with an excellent clearance from Emma Cox.
The tide turned and a long pass up the left was brilliantly chased down by Emily Wood whose pass into the D forced a short corner. Izzy’s Lawrence’s excellent shot was ruled out for being too high. Within a minute another short allowed Lawrence a second try and thus time she made no mistake, itting the back board to go 1-0 up.
The mid field kept the ball high and there was a lot of pressure on the Maldon goal with Scout Neville and Savannah Taylor keeping the ball in the danger zone. Not long into the half this led to a great goal at the right post by Wood who was perfectly positioned.
Following a well defended short corner, by Maldon, the ball was chased down by Léa Gillespie, fed to Cox whose assist gave Woods a second well deserved goal. In the last five minutes, Cox, who had defended brilliantly throughout, came on for a cameo up front. Despite pummelling the goal with half a dozen shots, she was frustrated by excellent keeping. The game ended 3-0 to Stortford and a well deserved PoM went to Savannah Taylor.
BSHC M6’s 5 v Hertford 6’s 6 (home)
East Div 7 South West
Match report pending
BSHC L7’s 2 v Berkhamsted 4’s 0 (away)
East div 6 South West
BSHC Curates (8’s) 1 v Chiltern 2’s 1 (away)
East Div 7 South West
The Ladies 8s drew 1-1 to Chiltern 2s away at Luton. It was a solid performance from a young team with masses of potential. Great teamwork throughout, some beautiful 2-on-1 plays, individual flair galore and very strong defence. Stortford were dominant and kept the pressure on Chiltern until the very end. Unfortunate to concede a goal without a goalie, but very determined to claw it back. Sophie Barc scored the equaliser, assisted by Esme Woods with strong set up from the mids. Everyone gave a stellar performance, reflected in the spread of Player of the Match votes, which was tied between Vittoria Saunders and Megan Strange. Congratulations, and well done to everyone, the scoreline does not reflect Stortford’s dominant performance. An exciting start to the season, where confidence will grow and the goals will follow
