Men’s and Women’s 3s Keep Up Their Promotion Push
Another busy weekend of adult and junior matches, with both 1st XIs securing wins on the road! It’s a slip weekend coming up, but there’s still plenty of hockey to enjoy.
A huge thank you, as always, to our incredible army of adult and junior umpires, their coaches, and of course, Vic for her continued efforts in keeping everything organised.
Last week’s committee meeting covered a lot, and with the challenges of selection, fitting 11 teams onto one pitch, post-match teas, beer prices, and managing hundreds of juniors, it’s important to take a moment to appreciate just how far we’ve come in recent years. Next season, we could even be hosting 6 men’s and 6 women’s teams—an exciting prospect! I’m looking forward to the AGM, seeing some new faces, and hopefully some new volunteers stepping up to help grow this fantastic club.
End-of-Season Bash – We Need Your Thoughts!
Before diving into match results, keep an eye out for a proposal regarding our end-of-season bash on 17th May. We’d love to hear your thoughts before finalising plans. Captains will share details next week!
Weekend Results
- W1 – W 6-2
- W2 – W 3-2
- W3 – W 3-2
- W4 – L 0-3
- W5 – W 3-2
- M1 – W 2-1
- M2 – L 1-2
- M3 – W 1-0
- M4 – W 8-0
- M5 – L 0-1
- M6 – W 2-1
Women’s 1s – Clinical Set Pieces Secure Victory!
Ipswich travelled to Norwich Dragons for their second meeting of the season, starting a little nervously with forced errors and slow reactions to turnovers. Despite this, Ipswich’s forward play created opportunities, but the early chances weren’t converted. Dragons capitalised on quick transitions, forcing the defence to work hard. Sophie Sexton put in some excellent defensive efforts on the left, helping Ipswich regain possession and push forward.
Ipswich gradually gained control, and just before half-time, two short corners made the difference—Captain Lucy Dunnett fired in the first, followed moments later by Sophie Sexton scoring the second.
Even with 10 players at the start of the second half due to a green card, Ipswich dominated. Taylor Ball deflected in from a short corner (3-0), then quickly added her second from India Goodman’s assist (4-0). Ipswich continued pressing, with Jas Vincent winning another short corner, leading to Sexton’s second goal (5-0). Soon after, a sensational solo run from Georgia Harrold set up Ball for her hat-trick goal (6-0).
Despite controlling the second half, Ipswich conceded two late goals, but an excellent 4/5 short corner conversion ratewas a key takeaway. With the league now wide open, focus turns to this weekend’s clash against Magpies—a goalless draw last time, can the girls claim the three points they deserved?
Women’s 3s – Keeping Promotion Dreams Alive!
In a must-win game, both teams started strongly, leading to an end-to-end opening 20 minutes. While Ipswich applied pressure, it was Colchester who struck first, taking advantage of an umpire’s advantage to open the scoring.
The team talk at half-time focused on tighter marking and sheer determination. Ipswich responded immediately, levelling with a well-placed finish over the keeper’s arms by Millie. Colchester hit back straight away with a deflected goal to reclaim the lead.
Ipswich pushed on, with Summer battling through a physical defensive line to strike home an equaliser. Sustained pressure led to a series of short corners, and super-sub Daley slotted the winner from an expertly executed left-slip routine.
The final minutes were tense, with Beth, Freya, and Katie throwing themselves into last-ditch defending to secure the 3-2 victory. A true team effort, with Daley named Player of the Match for her match-winning goal, leadership, and motivation. Promotion remains in sight!
Men’s 4s – Dominant, But a Sour End
Ipswich dominated from the first whistle against Norwich Dragons, with Tom O securing a hat-trick in just 12 minutes, followed by Frank Downes netting three of his own before the 27-minute mark. Wave after wave of attacks down the right saw Ipswich lead 6-0 at half-time.
The second half saw a more structured approach, with Josh Hines coolly rounding the keeper for 7-0. A short corner strike from Steve Askins made it 8-0, and there could have been more had the game not ended early.
A clash in midfield saw a Dragons player suffer a head injury, leading to an early stoppage. Thankfully, the player is now recovering well. Despite the unfortunate end, Ipswich secured a dominant victory, with Tom O & Frank D earning praise for their rapid hat-tricks and James Bradford standing out in defence.
Women’s 5s – On a Roll!
Ipswich travelled to Culford for a rematch against Bury 6s Development, determined to overturn their previous 4-3 defeat.
A fast start saw Ebony race through on goal, slotting past the keeper in style. Bury responded quickly to equalise, but Ipswich reclaimed the lead through a well-drilled short corner, finished by Jess.
The second half was a high-intensity battle, with Ipswich denied a penalty flick goal by a fantastic save. Bury levelled again before Sukie fired home the winner from another short corner routine.
Heroic saves from Clara, key defensive work from India & Eliza, and a memorable split-save moment from Laurasealed a well-earned 3-2 victory.
Men’s 3s – Gritty 1-0 Win Over Dragons 2s
With late changes to the squad, a bare 12-man Ipswich side travelled to Norwich for a battle against Dragons 2s on a slippery pitch that caused several “Bambi on ice” moments.
The first half was tight, with Dragons’ keeper pulling off outstanding saves. However, just before half-time, Charlie drew the keeper out and squared it for Harry to tap in—1-0 Ipswich.
The second half was a defensive grind, with Ipswich battling to maintain their lead. Despite missed short corner opportunities, the team dug deep to hold on, thanks to Fraser’s crucial saves and Charlie Taylor’s composure in midfield.
A true team effort secured a hard-fought 1-0 win, keeping the promotion push alive. Man of the Match: Charlie Taylor for his strength on the ball.
That’s all for this week—see you on the pitch! 🏑👏
#IpswichHockey #TeamSpirit #OnTheRise
