As you sit down for your pre match shredded wheat, here's some inspiration from the Women's 5s, Men's 3s and the Boys U14s from last weekend. The Men's 3s had a classic and the Women's 5s seem to love Coach Wrinch so much he keeps on getting DoD.

Enjoy and best of blue today! Tickets go on sale for the end of season bash on Monday.

Men's 3s v Bury 3s 4-1
With Culford school hogging the pitch (do they think they own it?!) until our pushback we'd warmed up a tad earlier than necessary but the youngsters enjoyed a game of hockennis to keep them occupied. It certainly helped with getting their eyes in as we started strongly pinning Bury back into their third. It wasn't long before we were rewarded with a short corner that Batman slotted the rebound in. With Charlie up front turning the Bury defence inside then outside and runs from Adam down the left wing Ipswich were looking in control - the Bury keeper was kept busy and had a great match denying us several goals. With a great bit of passing through the bury defence Adam got on the end to send it into the back of the net for our second. A couple of short corners later there was a clear opportunity to use the right slip and Adam got on the end of the ensuing cross to claim his second. Unfortunately Charlie then twisted his knee and was helped off to sit out the rest with ice packs - get better soon Charlie. Half time 3-0.With Bury swapping themselves about a bit the second half saw a much closer contest with Bury getting one back before Dylan got our fourth following a strong run down the right and into the D. The defence seemed to be busier than usual but Jake, Tommy, Oli, Charlie and Storm in rotation kept the blockade up and Fraser tidied up behind. Batman, Will, Alex and Dylan in midfield all worked to help build the play up the pitch getting the measure of the Bury style of play and overcoming some strong challenges. With Charlie off up front Simon stepped in to run some great lines and trouble the Bury backs, it didn't look like he'd never played up there before! Motm was hotly contested with Dylan taking it this week for strong play and getting the better of a cynical left back who seemed to want more than the ball at times - well done.

Mentions to Adam who had a great game with two well finished goals, Alex for more than holding his own against a strong Bury midfield.Dotd was a beige affair this week with no stand out candidates, Storm takes it for swapping out of centre back with Oli saying "you're more solid than I am" only for Oli to then pass it straight to the Bury centre mid! You were doing just fine in the middle Storm and I'd not passed to the centre forward all game up until then!!Well done all. Roll on Felixstowe 2s next week

Women's 5s
On a stunning sunny morning in Suffolk, Ipswich Women’s 5s traveled to Felixstowe to take on their Women’s 2s in what promised to be a tough encounter. Aware of Felixstowe’s strong standing near the top of the table, Ipswich approached the match with determination and resilience.

The game began with Felixstowe showcasing their attacking prowess, using strong hits to drive forward into Ipswich’s defensive circle. Unfortunately, Ipswich conceded the first goal in controversial circumstances when a back stick strike eluded the umpire’s attention and found the back of the net. Undeterred, Ipswich fought back with impressive defensive efforts from Linda and Eliza, who made crucial tackles, interceptions, and clearances to keep Felixstowe at bay with Emily and Leanna at pivotal game makers to move the ball towards our forwards.

Despite Ipswich’s defensive resistance, Felixstowe managed to breach the backline again, slotting home a second goal before the halftime whistle.
At halftime, Ipswich regrouped with spirits still high, receiving valuable coaching from James, who emphasized the importance of picking up the ball early on Felixstowe’s slow pitch. With renewed focus, Ipswich emerged stronger in the second half, showing increased aggression in both attack and defense. Leanna and Sukie linked up brilliantly down the right flank, threading passes to Kassia, Frankie, and Alice to drive the attack forward, while Laura and Zoe made excellent pickups on the left to continue the momentum.

The second half also saw Nareen inject fresh energy into the defense, working alongside Linda and Eliza to frustrate Felixstowe’s attacking advances. Ipswich dominated much of the latter period, showcasing improved passing and tactical discipline. Despite their efforts, no further goals were scored in the match, but Ipswich emerged from the second half as the stronger side, finishing with a performance to be proud of. Clara and Isla stood firm in goal, providing reliability and confidence at the back.

Players of the Match: The mother-daughter duo, Leanna and Sukie, for their seamless passing combinations and excellent execution of roll-outs.

Doh of the Day: James Wrinch, for correctly informing the team about challenging the umpire on the back stick decision, but unfortunately doing so within earshot of said umpire on a pitch that doesn’t feature a video umpire. The Women’s 5s will continue to aspire to Pro League standards one day!

A valiant effort from Ipswich Women’s 5s, who can take great confidence from their performance in the second half and build on this momentum for future matches.

Boys U14 v triangular with Bedford (4-1) and Old Loughts (2-2)
Losing our 12th man to tonsillitis in the morning wasn't the best start to the day but 11 intrepid u14s did join the expeditionary force to old loughtonians hockey club. Bedford were first up and the team worked well, finding plenty of balls through to Elias and Ollie up front who enjoyed testing the Bedford keeper. Elias had brought his best reverse hits along and. Rufus played a level headed game in the middle distributing the ball intelligently. Alfie in goal and the defence of James, Joshua, Henry and Barnaby worked to keep any attacks under control with only one goal conceded, I think off a short corner. Lewis and Otto had plenty to do up and down the sides winning balls and linking with Kishen and the forwards.Old loughts were next and tougher opponents, but the boys were not to be out done - equalling the efforts of OLs. Elias getting the two goals both on his reverse, the second after a lovely linking move down the left with Rufus, Otto, Kishen and Ollie all playing their part to set Elias up with a one on one with the keeper.It was great to see the older players supporting the younger ones, as we'd taken some u12s along to experience full pitch games. After all the running I bet they all slept well Sunday night, well done to all.