2’s v Luton Town
2-1
Goalscorers: Sam Bampton, Oli Leonard.
It was a battle of the airports as the Mens 2s welcomed Luton for their rearranged fixture in Div2SW, and it was the home side who came out on top.
Luton proved a well-drilled and organised outfit, putting on a lot of pressure in the first half, which ultimately resulted in a penalty stroke putting them ahead. The second half saw the home side adapt brilliantly, led by the back line of Harry Bannister, Rich Cooper and player-of-the-match Harry Olorenshaw ensuring Stortford attacked from deep and served the forwards well. A penalty corner strike from Sam Bampton made the honours even, and Stortford sensed opportunity as they continued to have the best of the possession and territory. Finally, the lead was taken when Oli Leonard bagged his second goal in two games with a penalty corner rebound strike. Stortford held on to the final whistle, with some strong defence corner work and were jubilant to take all three points.
6’s v Letchworth 6’s
2-1
Bishop Stortford 6s travelled to play Letchworth 6s who sat one place above them in the table. Stortford were slow out of the blocks and conceded after only 90 seconds but then organised themselves and began to fight back with a goal from Gethin Lewis getting Stortford back into the game.
In the second half, Letchworth turned the game into a physical battle as well as a tough hockey contest but Stortford stood up to the challenge with great goalkeeping from Geoff Weeldon and strong play from players of the match Adrian Smith and Gethin Lewis in midfield. Stortford then grabbed a goal from a short corner deflected in by Neil Bourke. As Letchworth, tired, Stortford stayed strong to see the result home. A massive credit must go to the young players standing up to physical provocation coming away with a win. Can Stortford 6s push for a top three place at the end of the season?
7’s development side v Luton Town 3’s
3-2
