Womens
2’s V Saffron Walden 1’s
3-2 W Alice Lowe, Beans, Mia Beverley
We were finally at the first game of the season and we were raring to get underway, stepping onto the pitch with a renewed spring in our step after some time off.
We started strongly with great gameplay across the pitch and plenty of effortless link-up play from Bishops Stortford. Things were looking up for us.
Saffron Walden, however, were relentless, coming at us again and again; putting the pressure on. Between Charlie making every attempt to stop the ball crossing the line and the back four working tirelessly to outlet the ball, we weren’t going to give up easily. Our joint MOMs Sian and Beans, supported by the rest of the defence, made sure Saffron Walden’s early attempts were kept at bay.
Bishops Stortford’s defence was like a wall, but the repeated attacks meant that cracks undoubtedly began to form. Saffron Walden eventually found a way through with a textbook goal. With the first save being made, for a split second time seemed to stop for Bishops Stortford as the ball was slipped across to the player on the post, who finished it off. 1-0 to Saffron Walden.
Nothing was going to knock us off our stride. We regrouped and carried on, stronger than before. We weren’t going to let a lapse break us. And break us it wouldn’t. Lovely link-up play down the pitch saw Alice finish it off with some silky stick skill. Their keeper made ta valiant effort, but Alice was on hand to tidy up the rebound and put it in the goal. 1-1.
After a testing first half, the whistle finally blew to signal half time.
1-1 at half time
Following a positive half time chat, it was time to go again. We started the second half just as we had finished the first, strong and hungry for more.
Continued link-up play saw us into their D; rewarding us with a penalty corner. After a series of corners, it seemed today the fourth time was the charm. Beans rocketed one from top D straight into the bottom left corner. 2-1 to Bishops Stortford.
Although on top, there was still no time to rest. As we learnt last season through many a dying-minute winners, no game is ever over until the final whistle. We continued to battle away, looking to put the game to bed. Another rocket from Beans and a beautiful deflection from Mia saw us extend our lead to 3-1.
But Saffron Walden weren’t going quietly. Their pressure and grit remained relentless and, despite every effort from the defence, an unlucky short corner saw them get one past us. 3-2.
That goal gave Saffron Walden a final burst of energy and a hunger to find an equaliser. Sian and Beans continued to solidify their MOM performances, staying calm and composed at the back while helping to absorb the pressure. Tactical play from Swanny, playing the ball into the corner, helped us run down the clock and see out the final moments.
It was a tough fight until the end, but Bishops Stortford managed to cling on to the win, finishing the game 3-2.
3’s v St Alban’s 3
1-6 Jemima Tasker
Stortford 3s travelled to St Albans 3s for a tough opening day fixture, with the hosts arriving in the division following relegation and with clear ambitions of making an immediate return to the league above.
From the first whistle, it was clear that St Albans were a very well-drilled and clinical side. They applied relentless pressure high up the pitch, putting the Stortford defence under sustained pressure and making it difficult for the hosts to settle into their usual rhythm.
Stortford worked hard to absorb the pressure and battled throughout the first half, but Albans eventually found a way through twice to take a 2–0 lead into the break.
The second half saw St Albans start quickly, adding two early goals to extend their advantage to 4–0. Stortford continued to work hard and tried to find a way back into the game, but as the match progressed, the visitors’ pressure began to take its toll. With Stortford tiring towards the latter stages, Albans added two further goals to make it 6–0.
There were still plenty of positives for Stortford to take from the afternoon, not least the debut of Emily Osborne-Worcester for the 3s. Emily put in an excellent performance on her debut and was deservedly named Player of the Match — a fantastic start to her 3s career.
Stortford’s persistence was finally rewarded right on the final whistle. After what was their only truly meaningful attacking opportunity of the game, Jemima Tasker kept her composure to find the back of the net and give Stortford a deserved consolation, making the final score 6–1.
4’s v St Alban’s 5’s
0-0
Some excellent hockey played from both teams. The defence remained solid throughout and the midfield helped to work the ball up the pitch to the forwards. Just need to get the final piece of the puzzle and put the ball into the goal.
Potm: Annie Johnson for her tireless effort in midfield
5’s v Stevenage 3’s
4-0 Megan Laws x3, Karen Leach
Stortford 5s got their season off to a fantastic start with a dominant performance against Stevenage 3s.
From the opening whistle, Stortford showed their intent, putting together a strong attacking display and enjoying the majority of possession. Excellent communication and teamwork, both on and off the ball, allowed the team to support one another and maintain the pressure on Stevenage.
The pressure paid off after 15 minutes when Karen LEACH opened the scoring for Stortford. The team continued to press forward, with Megan LAWS adding a second goal in the 25th minute to give Stortford a well-deserved 2–0 lead at half-time.
Stortford carried their momentum straight into the second half, with LAWS finding the back of the net again just three minutes after the restart to make it 3–0.
LAWS then took centre stage, adding A further goal to complete a fantastic hat-trick and put Stortford firmly in control.
Stevenage made attempts to launch attacks of their own, but Stortford’s midfield worked tirelessly to intercept passes and quickly regain possession. The defence remained organised and composed throughout, ensuring Stevenage were unable to convert their chances and securing a well-earned clean sheet for Stortford.
It was an impressive all-round team performance, with Stortford demonstrating excellent communication, determination and teamwork from start to finish with a 4-0 win.
Player of the Match: Megan LAWS — for her superb hat-trick and tireless hard work throughout the game.
7’s v Upminster 5’s
4-1 (1x Jenna Flanagan, 3 x Emma Cox)
PoM Vicky Thompson
The Stortford opening pushback was quickly turned over leading to the awarding of a short corner inside 2 minutes. The solid backline of Ange Durnin, Sally Lowe, Mim Burnet, Vicky Thompson and keeper Lis Foote getting to work early and keeping a clean sheet.
Ange back in her centre back position for the 7s cleared the half way line with her hit out where new 7s player Isla Brown picked up the action sending a swift pass into Emma Cox who made a signature shot on goal, no success for her but Jenna Flanagan pounced on the opportunity to take the home team a goal ahead inside 6 minutes.
Action continued with Upminster making breaks and Stortford responding. A 24 minute attacking short corner sent out by Kim Guthrie found Emma Cox who put the ball in the back of the net with a straight strike. 2-0
Upminster returned after half time with determination. The 11 player squad kept the intensity up, a melee in the defensive D with a few failed attempts to clear the ball from the danger zone led to Upminster slotting the ball under Lis’s stretched out stick – 2-1 and Upminster back in the match.
Stortford continued to work hard driving the ball into the Upminster 23 time and again leading to a second goal for Emma Cox at 46 minutes. 3-1
The final goal came at 54 minutes when again Emma Cox picked up a rebound off the keeper to get herself a hattrick and the team a decisive 4-1 win.
8’s v Stevenage 4’s
4-1 Laura Maynard x3, Mary Sanders
It was an early start and an away game for our first league match. All players turned up enthusiastic and determined to make a good start.
Stortford put pressure on the opposition from the beginning and were rewarded with a goal in the 8th minute (Laura Maynard). Stevenage made several attempts to run at goal but the defence kept them at bay. Great team effort produced another goal scored by Laura. Stevenage managed to score just before the half time whistle.
Going into the second half Stortford carried on playing well as a team, applying pressure and scoring another 2 goals.
A great team performance meant the votes for player of the match were split across several players but the player receiving the most votes this week was Addiena Perry-Jones. Well done Addie!
9’s v St Alban’s 8’s
1-4 Natalie Williams
The Ladies 9s began their 2026/27 season with a spirited performance against St Albans 8s, despite falling to a 4–1 defeat.
The scoreline did not reflect the efforts of the team, with some excellent passages of play across the pitch and a particularly strong performance from the goalkeeper.
It was a big step up for the squad, with most players moving into England Hockey East Division 6 South West after playing Development hockey last season. There were also Ladies hockey debuts for Blackery, Williams, Maxwell and Allmark.
The team’s persistence was rewarded in the final minute when debutant Natalie Williams scored her first Ladies goal, finishing after an assist from Amelia D’Cruz.
Despite the result, there was plenty to be pleased with and many positives to take into the season ahead.
Mens
.Stortford Men’s 1s got their Division 1 South campaign off to the perfect start with an impressive 5–2 away victory against Upminster 1s.
With the aim of securing promotion back to the East Premier Division, Stortford knew a strong start would be important, and they delivered with an attacking display that saw them find the net five times.
Stortford opened the scoring with Andy Round finding the back of the net early in the half, adding a second before Upminster pulled one back.
Jamie Brooks then added a third just before half time, putting Stortford 3–1 ahead heading into the second half.
Jack Wheaton converting a penalty corner early the second half, Upminster reduced the deficit again but Jamie Brooks added his second of the match from another penalty corner.
Stortford saw the game out to secure a convincing 5–2 victory and three valuable points from their first match in Division 1 South.
2’s v Welwyn 1’s
4-1 Dave Roberts, Mark Taylor, Oli Plummer, Tom Nash
Bishop’s Stortford 2XI got their league campaign off to the perfect start with an impressive 4–1 victory at home.
Stortford started positively and were rewarded when Dave Roberts reacted quickest to the second ball inside the circle, finishing well to open the scoring and get the season underway.
The hosts continued to control possession for much of the first half, moving the ball patiently and limiting the opposition’s opportunities. Stortford went into half-time 1–0 ahead, with just a few minor reminders needed to sharpen up their play.
The second half saw Stortford turn their possession into goals. Excellent positioning from Mark Taylor at the back post allowed him to convert and double the advantage before a superb team move was finished in style by Oli Plummer with an excellent reverse stick strike.
Tom Nash completed the scoring for Stortford, smashing home the fourth to put the result beyond doubt. The visitors managed to pull one back, but Stortford remained in control to secure a deserved 4–1 victory.
It was an excellent start to the season for the 2XI and a continuation of the positive work put in throughout pre-season. Strong numbers and commitment at training are already beginning to show on the pitch. There are still a few small details to improve, but plenty of positives to take as Stortford look forward to the season ahead.
3’s v Stevenage 1’s
2-8
Stortford Men’s 3s began life in Division 2 South West with a challenging away fixture against Stevenage 1s, eventually going down 8–2.
Having earned promotion into the division, the 3s faced a strong Stevenage side and found themselves under pressure during the opening half. Stevenage took their chances well, scoring four times before half-time to establish a 4–0 lead at the break.
Stortford showed plenty of character after the interval and produced a much-improved second-half performance. The visitors got themselves on the scoresheet twice after the restart, providing a reward for their efforts.
Stevenage continued to find opportunities, though, adding another four goals in the second half to complete an 8–2 victory.
4’s v St Alban’s 5’s
2-1 Ross Hobson, Collin Sharp
Stortford Men’s 4s secured an excellent 2–1 victory at home against St Albans 5s, showing great character to come from behind and take all three points.
St Albans struck first, putting Stortford on the back foot and giving the home side a challenge to overcome. The 4s responded with determination, and their efforts were rewarded just before half-time when Ross Hobson found the back of the net to level the scores.
With everything to play for in the second half, Stortford continued to push forward in search of the winning goal. Their persistence paid off as Collin Sharp scored to complete the comeback and put Stortford 2–1 ahead.
The home side then defended their lead well to see out the game and secure a deserved 2–1 victory.
5’s v St Alban’s 7
0-3
The Dirty Dozen: Stortford Steal a Win in Broxbourne
Bishop’s Stortford Men’s 6th XI 1 – 0 Broxbourne 5th XI Development
Away day. First win of the season. Nerves of steel, sticks of dubious carbon-fibre percentage.
If you’d told the Bishop’s Stortford Men’s 6ths on Friday night that they’d be popping the metaphorical champagne twenty-four hours later, most of them would have asked you to check whether the changing room ceiling had fallen on your head. This was a team assembled less like a hockey XI but more like a suicide mission…but, against the odds, that mission delivered.
Team selection this week wasn’t so much “picking a starting eleven” as “performing minor miracles with a phone and a prayer.” However, prayers were answered with the rustling up of four goalkeepers (surely a Stortford club record?), three of whom were politely, or perhaps forcibly, informed that their keepers kit would be staying in the boot. Even long term, lesser seen, stalwart Simon Wallace made the pilgrimage all the way from Reading, proving that for this club at least, geography is merely a suggestion.
With a median age of 48, this was less a hockey team and more a fine wine — aged and complex, although not something to be rushed. By the time the whistle blew, Stortford didn’t have a team so much as an assembly of the willing, the borrowed, and the slightly bewildered.
And yet. Sport doesn’t ask how you got here…only what you do once you’ve arrived.
In a move that will either be remembered as tactical genius or a happy accident dressed up as a masterplan, Stortford lined up in a 2-3-5 — a formation last fashionable well before the births of its youngest players. Whatever the thinking behind it, it worked, giving the visitors width, threat, and just enough defensive discipline to make the numbers add up.
From the off, this was perhaps not champagne hockey, but at least a decent Cava — brisk, bubbly, and often giving Broxbourne’s defence a slight headache.
The breakthrough came late in the first half, with Henry Lowe sustaining pressure in the circle until Broxbourne’s defence finally cracked under the weight of it. It wasn’t the prettiest — scrappy, scrambled, perhaps inelegant — but as any seasoned pro will tell you, they don’t ask how, they ask how many. One-nil, and a lead Stortford never let go of.
Outside of the goal, the platform was set at short corners, with Mark Vasey and Tim Gillott cashing in on this week’s training-ground repetition, running routines with the kind of crisp confidence that makes a coach’s Tuesday night drills feel worthwhile.
In midfield, Daniel Wheeldon was everywhere at once, gliding between the lines with the kind of movement that suggests somebody’s been doing their homework.
Across from him, Ben Jones returned to the fold, taking the club’s new “aggressive” playing style to heart, throwing himself into every contest like a man who’d read the memo twice and highlighted it.
And between the posts, Thomas Pickford produced a string of excellent saves to keep Stortford’s clean sheet intact — proof that at least one member of this squad knows exactly where he’s supposed to be standing.
The heart of this story, though, belongs to the three men who doffed pads to step fully into the outfield unknown. Dan Lowe and Jez Allardyce adapted quickly, putting into practice the old adage that “the best defenders are those who never tackle,” keeping Broxbourne’s youthful attacking line safely held back in detention. Geoff Wheeldon, arriving at half-time to complete the dozen, and lacing up outfield for the first time in roughly two decades, turned back the clock as if it owed him money.
It takes a certain bravery to trade the safety of the D for the open pitch, and this trio delivered it in spades.
Not every experiment was flawless, mind. With a second half attempt to clear their back lines with an aerial out of defence very nearly gifting Broxbourne a goal — the finish went in, but some fortunate officiating sparing Stortford’s blushes.
Similarly, it was squeaky bum time as the final whistle went during a Broxbourne short corner, leaving the visitors’ fate hanging in the balance, and Stortford wondering if this was going to be a Cinderella story, or just another tragedy.
Fortunately, cool heads and quick stick-work prevailed, the final whistle sounding and, while not the prettiest performance, definitely an important one. Assembled from spare parts, playing out of position, and requiring its players to literally go the extra mile, this was a team that simply refused to be beaten by circumstance.
First win of the season, sealed the hard way… and if this squad can find a result when the cards are against them, the rest of the campaign should be worth watching.
Onwards and upwards, Stortford.
