1’s v Upminster 1’s
East Prem
3-2 W
A hard fought game with a few interesting umpiring decisions but in the end Stortford came out the dominant side with a 3-2 Win. Five minutes in Powsa won a short corner, Katie slapped the ball for an Abbie special putting Stortford in the lead. Ali produced a magnificent 1v1 save. Stortford proceeded to win another short corner and perform another Abbie special putting them 2-0 up. After Half time Upminster had a break and Stortford conceded to the short corner. Upminster piling on the pressure, but Stortford keep their cool and Lou wins a short corner which was converted by Titch on the reverse to make it 3-1. A wayward ball hit into Stortford’s defensive end allow Upminster to score making the score 3-2. However the final Five minutes Stortford dominated to finish off a good game and a well fought result.
2’s v Old Southendians 1’s
East 1S
5-2 W
The match kicked off with a bang as Old Southendians scored from a breakaway just 2 minutes in. However, Stortford quickly responded six minutes later; a penalty corner shot from Beans was saved but fell perfectly for Nicky, who found the net.
Daisy then took charge, making a stunning individual run from midfield to slot home a low shot into the bottom left corner. Just three minutes later, she did it again, showcasing her skill with another precise shot in the same spot.
Sophie drove up the left wing to win a short corner, expertly converted by Dutchy, bringing the score to 4-1 at halftime. Stortfords defense, anchored by Ibby’s key saves during Old Southendians attacks, held strong.
The second half saw Old Southendians ramping up the pressure. Stortford cleared several shots off the line, and even when down to 10 players, Beans came through with another crucial clearance.
After some excellent team play Nicky slipped a ball through setting up Dutchy at the penalty spot for her second goal of the day. Old Southendians determined to fight back, capitalized on some fumbled defending to poke in a late goal as the final whistle blew.
The match concluded with BS taking the victory at 5-2, showcasing a blend of skill, teamwork, and a few moments of chaos.
3’s v Blueharts 2’s
Div 2SW
2-0 W
On a sunny day at home, Ladies 3 put on an impressive display of attacking hockey against a determined Blueharts Ladies 2. Right from the start, the game was tense with both teams applying constant pressure on the opposition’s defence.
Finally, a breakthrough came from Jen Pearce, who opened the scoring with a well-fought goal, volleying the ball into the net, giving Stortford the lead. The team continued to press forward, and soon after, Evie doubled the lead with a fantastic grubby goal past the keeper.
Blueharts fought back and came close on several occasions, but the Stortford defence held firm under the pressure, ensuring a clean sheet.
It was a well-fought game with excellent teamwork and a great result for Ladies 3, who secured a well-deserved victory.
4’s v Blueharts 3’s
Div 3SW
1-1
A sunny October afternoon saw Captain Hannah Witchalls instill trust, energy and confidence into her 4’s away at Blueharts.
The first half started what was to be an evenly matched contest and saw Blueharts display solidity through the middle of the field; however, their lack of width limited their attacking options and our backline comprising Maddy, Izzy, Eliza and Claire held firm against attacks. Goalkeeper Freya displayed courage and skill batting away the couple of strikes that did sneak through.
Amelia, Eliza and Nadia made significant inroads down the wings, creating several opportunities in the Blueharts’ defensive zone. Forwards Hannah, Karen, Zoe and Jess found space to receive the ball but were unable to convert their chances, as strikes either went wide or were scrambled away by the resilient Blueharts defense.
Entering the second half at 0-0, Stortford faced an early setback as Blueharts took the lead in open play. However, the team maintained their composure, pressing hard and securing a short corner. Pivotally to the game, Zoe executed a fast ejection to the top of the D, allowing Liv to deliver a powerful strike that was expertly finished by Yolande at the right post, bringing Stortford level.
Buoyed by the equalizer, and some strategic adjustments during halftime, Stortford found their rhythm, transitioning into a more cohesive formation. They maintained the pressure with several additional short and long corners. Hannah’s and Katy’s determined drives created further chances for the forward line up but unfortunately, their shots either missed the target or were thwarted by the determined Blueharts defense.
Liv emerged as the standout performer, earning the Player of the Match award for her relentless energy and determination. Her quick transitions from defense to attack were crucial, as she frequently picked up the ball from the back, driving through the Blueharts midfield and linking up effectively with attacking midfielders Katy and Hannah and the forwards Jess, Zoe, Yolande and Karen.
Ultimately, the draw was a fair result, showcasing the balanced nature of the Match. The 4’s left Hitchin with a sense of growth in their development as a side and a spring in their step for next weeks home clash against Royston.
5’s v Welwyn 2’s
WALKOVER 5-0 WIN
6’s v Witham 1’s
East Div 3SE
3-2 W
Match report pending
7’s v St Alban’s 7’s
East Div 5SW
1-5 L
An early start and tough game lay ahead for our Ladies 7s as they looked for their first win away at St Albans 7s.
St Albans pressed hard from the whistle putting Stortford under considerable pressure, making multiple attacks into Stortford’s D. Solid defending, including from POM Sophie Cowell, kept the hosts at bay. The deadlock was finally broken at 14 minutes when St Albans’ scuffled the ball into the net after some valiant defending from Captain Naomi Holloway on the goal line. Undeterred, the 7s broke 3 minutes later with Emma Cox taking the St Albans’ keeper 1-on-1 with a deft strike to secure the equaliser. St Albans continued as they had started, piling the pressure on the 7s and taking the lead 2-1 just ahead of half time.
In the second half Stortford looked more composed, possession being more even throughout, and Stortford making some great attacking plays. Their efforts went unrewarded, and St Albans were cool in their counter plays with 50/50 situations going in their favour and scoring 3 times in 10 minutes. St Albans’ 3rd goal of the half at 33 minutes was against the run of play as Stortford 7s pushed high looking for the backboard. A 5-1 loss for the visitors was frustratingly not reflective of their efforts on the pitch in the second half and left the team still looking for that elusive first win of the 24/25 season.
8’s v Blueharts 6’s
East Div 6SW
3-0 W
This week saw BSHC Ladies 8s hosting Blueharts 7 home at Herts and Essex.
Despite some last-minute changes to the team sheet, due to illness and injury, the 8s went out positive and focused.
Blueharts looked strong on their attack early on, but the 8s defended hard, with player the match Lily S skilfully picking up several attempts into the D.
There was some strong defending from the Blueharts attack, including a fantastic save by keeper Sarah Bucknell. With Emily O-W picking up the ball and turning the attack around, moving the ball up and over to Chloe A, before finding Lianne Warnell on the wing. Lianne navigated through the defence of Blueharts and scored a fantastic goal within the 21st minute.
Despite several attempts from both sides, the whistle sounded for half time with the score 0-1 with Stortford.
The second half started strong from the oppo with Stortford seeming slower on the press. But the game was turned quickly, supported by Lianne Warnell picked up by debut player Ava O who scored the second goal in the 42nd minute.
Some incredibly skilful work across the pitch and up on the wing into the D saw the 3d and final goal scored by midfielder, Chloe A.
The final score was 3-0 to Stortford.
9’s BYE WEEK NO GAME
10’s development side v Saffron Walden 6’s development side
3-4
East Div 7SW
The L10s suffered their first defeat of the season in a seven goal thriller, losing to a heart-breaking injury time penalty corner.
The 10s dominated the first half yet the score was only 1-1 after Kate Cullinan opened the scoring. Walden were much more organised in the second half and took a 3-1 lead. Kate Cullinan converted a penalty stroke and then Catherine Smith slotted what looked like an equaliser. However, Walden executed a last gasp penalty corner to clinch victory.
