Last weekend saw some top results and my top two are the Women’s 5s under the marvellous Felix Fitch's coaching leadership (see report below) and the Men’s 6s. The Men’s 6s are a development team, a brand new team this year and on the weekend they secured their first win against Sudbury. The Men’s section should be very proud of getting an academy team especially bearing in mind we had only 4 XIs two seasons ago. Likewise the Women’s 5th XI, still relatively new secured a fantastic win against their local rivals Framlingham on the weekend, a superb result.

Elsewhere the Women’s 1s continued a solid start with an impressive and hard fought 2-1 win on the road to Peterborough in a tough game with a few head injuries (you can find their report on the website). The Men’s 1s away at the same venue could not replicate this result going down 0-4 made especially tough by having to play most of the second half with no keeper as Tom Cherry was knocked nigh on unconscious with Ipswich’s favourite plumber Ben Dykes performing the medical checks – it was quite a sight. We wish Tom well. The Men’s 2s had a disappointing day, going down to Felixstowe in a typically aggressive encounter – they knew it was coming but had no answers on the day by all accounts dropping their standards. The Women’s 2s continued their impressive start winning 7-0 (see report below), what a start under Flett! The Women’s 3s and 4s both lost close encounters, the Men’s 4s cruised to victory 8-1, the Men’s 3s we’re off form in a 0-5 reverse against Broadlands and finally the Men’s 5s took all the points against Felixstowe to restore some pride after the earlier defeat for the Men’s 2s.

Thank you as ever to your committee who continue to work tirelessly to get everyone out on the pitch, playing, umpired and fed and watered. Thanks to Sarah Logan especially who is making sure we have teas each week, thanks to Vic Shelley who is cajoling and organizing umpires and of course to all the volunteer coaches each and every Sunday.
Do also say hello to Coral Partridge who is running the bar and kitchen (with new barman Harley); it makes such a difference to have someone in the clubhouse who gets what this club is all about.

Wishing you all the best for this coming weekend both adults and juniors who have training and an U12 friendly tournament at Ipswich High School.

Women’s 5th XI - A Gritty Victory Sealed by Jock's Heroics
Our team delivered an outstanding performance in today’s field hockey match, particularly in the first half where our passing was sharp, controlled, and set the tempo for the game.

The early exchanges saw us dominate possession, moving the ball fluidly across the pitch, which eventually led to a brilliant opening goal by Jock. Her strike was the culmination of excellent teamwork and incisive passing—showcasing some of our best hockey of the season.However, Framlingham capitalized during a brief, uncharacteristic dip in our intensity and managed to level the score. The reason for this lull remains unclear, but our response was immediate and fierce. With grit and determination, the entire team picked up the pace, spurred on by the unwavering encouragement from our coaches Felix and Sarah, whose influence on the sideline made all the difference.

Our loyal supporters also played a vital role, keeping our spirits high throughout. The second half saw fierce tackling, a few heart-stopping moments, and even a dramatic wipeout by Jia, earning DoD. But as the clock wound down, we maintained our composure, earning a short corner in the final minute. In a moment that will surely go down in club history, Jock stepped up once again, delivering a beautiful strike into the left corner, sealing the match with a legendary second goal. A well-deserved win for the team, driven by hard work, skill, and resilience!

Women’s 2nd XI – Flying high, feeling good…and goals galore…
As a winter sport, Hockey finds it rare to combine warm sunshine, a fantastic crowd and a fabulous performance…but on Saturday we achieved that!

We spoke pre-match that the style of hockey we play means that we attack with pace, if one of us decides it is on, then it is on - it is everyone else’s job to react - without question…

But what if we make a mistake ? What if we turn the ball over ? We discussed trust, that mistakes might have implications but they are part of our learning process - and that the most important thing was what we did next, to be the person who set the example.
We will face bigger tests than the one Peterborough posed us on Saturday, but I am absolutely convinced when we play with pace going forwards, when we turnover possession we work as hard towards our own goal to get the ball back then we’ve got a real chance of being a very, very good team.

To the details…35 circle penetrations tells a story…more importantly, at half time Emily Calver spoke with real intent on decision making and making the right choices when faced with getting a shot off, or seeking an upgrade - exactly the leadership we are looking for…
Recycling possession through Beth or India, we controlled the game, occasionally we forced things a bit with some poor distribution - Tilly Edwards spoke about the importance of making the right choice - ideally we want to play on the front foot and go forward - but if it isn’t on, breathe and transfer - it is so pleasing to be part of a Group that solves problems in this way.

So, we won 7-0…we spread the goals around…but to be honest I’d be struggling to retell each goal with any accuracy; so with apologies to our goal scorers; India, Tilly, Esther, Emily (2), Kate and Charlie I won’t do you the disservice of making something up !

I will highlight three things that can go unnoticed in such a dominant match:

1. Our decision making in the circle was very good - with people in a better position we passed and the goals were shared around
2. In the last minute, having had a fairly quiet game emerald (resplendent in lime) green made an absolutely stunning save low down to her right to keep the clean sheet
3. We deliberately played people out of their preferred positions - not in arrogance, but so that our younger players can understand how your perspective can change depending on your position

…but my last call out goes to our Captain Beth…she made what can only be described as a bad error, coughed the ball up in a bad position - but her next act - regain possession, little trick and move the ball on for us to go forward was exactly what we discussed - be the player that shows your team mates you aren’t afraid, make that statement - thank you Beth.
As I said at the top, we will have harder days on the pitch - but whilst the sun was shining, the crowd were celebrating and our opposition were telling us how much they enjoyed the game, we should take the plaudits…

Thank you to all 13 players and the parents, siblings and partners supporting us - Saturday was a good day.

POTM - Emily Calver