The Men’s and Women’s 1s both had disappointing home draws. Your correspondent could only follow online this weekend but the feedback came in thick and fast – missed opportunities. Elsewhere, the Men’s 2s continue their turn around and are aiming for mid-table, the Men’s 3s, 4s, 5s all impressed, the Women’s 3s excelled the Women’s 5s had a hard fought draw and the Women’s 4s went down to a strong Colchester team. The Women’s 2s regrettably had to concede – player availability last weekend due to external commitments was a serious problem. As the season progresses it feels like we’re in a mid-table moment across the club and with now 11 adult teams out most weeks, having a season with no relegations but with all teams cementing their positions in their leagues would still be resounding success. It will also mean we must balance players across all teams if we don’t have teams in with a promotion shout, something we will manage after Christmas. Do remember we had 8 teams and a small junior section roughly 5 years ago.
On the junior front the U12 boys and girls had their Tier 1 tournaments over the weekend. Also, our U16 boys representing the school – Freddie, Austin, Charlie, Ben, Callum, Aiden and Johann won their indoor regional tournament and are now off to the national school finals this Friday – well done!

Some belting reports below – thanks to everyone who makes the effort to submit and share what their teams are up to.

Women’s 1s
The Ladies 1 had their fast back-to-back home meet against Cambridge City 2s. Both teams are separated by just a point, meaning a big game for the both of them. The girls had a positive week of recognising their mistakes and taking accountability from the previous game.

An early steal from Ellie Scott off the Cambs City pushback allowed Ipswich to attack up the right and almost gain a circle entry. Ipswich needed to quickly organise in the press due to City almost sitting in a back five. In doing so Ipswich won the ball on the middle to break their attacking 25. Ipswich kept working hard in their press but Cambridge find their way through and Ipswich now get to outlet the ball. Finding midfielder India Goodman who used her pace to find the circle but no outcome. Ipswich keep the pressure but lose control with a hopeful ball straight into a Cambridge stick. They try again and this time win a short corner from Captain Emma Rix, and off a rebound an almost goal. Back deep into defensive half, Ipswich work some great passes back up the pitch but not quite executed. A missed foul then lead to a penalty corner for Cambridge City and then a controversial goal. Ipswich reset and kept their heads on, creating another positive chance. Ipswich become a bit too nice with 50/50 balls and Cambridge capitalised on that which came as a soft goal and Ipswich go 2-0 down!

Ipswich then win a corner of their own to get back within a chance and that they did. A classic India slap met the Cambridge backboard and Ipswich get back within one. 1-2
Ipswich kept the pressure high on Cambridge and worked the ball up the pitch again, another chance created but not quite an outcome. Another chance came from a strong pacy effort from Georgia Harrold and it almost gave Jas Vincent a chance.
More hard work in the press for the forwards and it worked, with pickups from Kate Wingar and Chloe Williams on the side. A big effort to finish off the first half but ultimately Ipswich still were chasing the game.

Ipswich stepped up on their press with Lizzy Wheelhouse leading it from the front. Some slick dribbling skills from POTM Poppy Dring-Richardson gave Ipswich really strong attacking chances throughout the game. Ipswich found some good opportunities down the left and pinned Cambridge deep into their half. The ball stayed up with Ipswich and finally paid off, with Lizzy Wheelhouse scoring the equaliser.

Cambridge inflicted the pressure deep into Ipswich half, but dealt well. Ipswich outlet well with Kat Wrinch dominating the full back position. The game opened up with some nameless passes from both teams into the centre of the pitch. More strong and confident passages on play gave Ipswich better attacking opportunities than Cambridge. A good carry from Georgia Harrold won them a penalty corner but not enough to get the necessary upgrade.

Ipswich played out a hard fought draw. While the result showcased the teams resilience in a comeback, there was a lingering sense of frustration at missed opportunities to secure the win. The match was marked by periods of strong build-up play, but crucial chances went begging in key moments. Despite this, the team maintained structure and showed determination to secure a positive result. Players held their energy and effort, yet the game underscored the importance of focusing on the basics—clinical finishing and sharper passing. Ipswich will aim to build on this result in their final game before the Christmas break. They meet Cambridge City 3s now on the road. Can Ipswich get the 3 points they need as an early Christmas present.

Women’s 3s
The ladies 3s took to the pitch after back to back draws for our men’s and women’s 1s, determined to take the match to the Framingham side and pick up 3 points. A solid warm up and a typical Daley-esque rousing team talk, “Do it for the club!” While we started the stronger, we were not finding the goal and Fram’s counter attack lead to them winning a short corner and scoring against the run of play. Enter Daley, super sub to do Daley super sub things, aka score…this time a deflected attempt looped over the keeper and in off the far post.

We kept up the pressure and some excellent play between Millie and Jane resulted in a shot saved by their very busy keeper and Rixie was the quickest to pounce, no dive, onto the rebound and put us ahead. At half time, we were reminded that 2-1 is a dangerous score and came out ready for battle. But not as ready as Fram who came out really really hard with wild sticks – so much so it is hurting to type this report . Before the whole team were felled by the attacking opposition, super sub was at it again, this time a far more deliberate and classy finish past the goalkeeper and through the legs of the scampering covering defender. The Ladies 3s march on to our big derby with IES next weekend a buoyant lot. MoM, no prizes for guessing…Super sub Daley.

Women’s 5s
Drama, Determination, and Feisty Flair for Womens 5’s against IES4
The Ipswich Women’s 5s took to Rushmere for a thrilling match that will undoubtedly be remembered for its intensity both on and off the pitch. From the very first whistle, the drama was palpable, starting with an unexpected fashion faux pas involving coach James’s attire. A Navy ensemble raised eyebrows among the umpires, leading to a bib debate (pink? no. yellow? definitely no.), before a borrowed black jacket finally settled the matter. With sartorial peace restored, the action commenced.

First Half: A Moment of Magic
The opening half saw both teams battle for possession in a fiercely competitive midfield. Ipswich’s defensive structure held firm, and their determination to win the ball back resulted in some crisp attacking plays. One such moment came from deep in Ipswich territory: a brilliant series of passes down the right side, orchestrated with precision, led to a stunning breakaway. Leanna, ever the composed playmaker, drove the ball into the D with pinpoint accuracy, where Liz was perfectly positioned to deflect the ball into the net. A textbook goal put Ipswich ahead, much to the delight of their supporters.
With a 1-0 lead, the team showed incredible composure despite questionable calls from the umpires. Their focus and solidarity carried them into halftime with their lead intact

Second Half: Fireworks on the Field
The second half began with heightened intensity, and it wasn’t long before the game turned physical. Warnings were issued as players from both sides engaged in some rough-and-tumble action, and tensions flared when trash talk from the opposition ruffled Ipswich feathers. At one point, even the ever-steady Ipswich captain felt the heat of the moment, letting her hockey passion shine through in a fiery exchange.
Amid the chaos, Ipswich didn’t lose sight of their game plan. They maintained their balance between attacking flair and defensive grit, working tirelessly to shut down opposition advances. However, a congested D on Ipswich’s end created an opening for the home team, who capitalized with an equalizer. At 1-1, the match hung in the balance, but Ipswich refused to back down.

Feisty and Fierce to the End
What followed was a true showcase of Ipswich’s resilience. Short corners came and went, injuries and tumbles were shrugged off, and the team continued to battle with unrelenting determination. Despite the physicality, Ipswich played with a newfound edge—gritty, feisty, and fiercely committed. The final whistle saw the match end in a hard-fought draw, but the 5s walked off the pitch with their heads held high, proud of their collective effort.

Player of the Match
This week’s honors go to the spirited duo of Suki and Eliza, whose energy, determination, and fighting spirit exemplified the heart of the team. Their performances were an inspiration and a reminder that grit and teamwork are at the core of Ipswich hockey. The Women’s 5s demonstrated not only skill and tenacity but also an unshakable unity in the face of adversity. With moments of brilliance, a dash of drama, and plenty of passion, this match was proof that Ipswich 5s are a team to be reckoned with. On to the next battle—black jackets packed and ready!

Men’s 3s
Men's 3s v Colchester 3s 3-1A clash of the tractor boys and the Essex agricultural massive! With only 12 for half the game a youthful team came out on top - but it wasn't all plain sailing! Colchester started strongly with age and experience on their side, a high press from them stopped us settling into the game. Inside ten minutes they'd beaten the defence and passed to the empty far post to isolate Fraser and get an easy tap in. This gave us the wake up call we needed. The rest of the first half was played at a frantic pace, with turnovers at both ends. Harry and Benji both worked tirelessly up and down the left and right with Sam and Adam getting into the D frequently. We were denied several times by some outstanding goal keeping both in open play and at short corners. Eventually a move down the left saw the keeper finally beaten with Benji getting the final touch to guide it home.

Half time 1-1.Coach James then controversially rearranged us to 3-4-3, a hushed team concentrating on his notepad for the half time talk! Dod nominations were coming thick and fast with Oli walking back on to the pitch having been subbed! With five minutes left of his pass out Sam E worked all over the pitch before the ankle bracelet beeped just as Sam B guided a drag flick past the keepers right ear to make it 2-1 and Oli could get back on the pitch again! With the other half time message to calm down and treasure the ball the team all had listened and passes were made earlier and to safer options, all making it harder and harder for a tiring Colchester to get any traction. Jake had stepped into the bottom of the midfield with Martin stepping forward a bit more. Johann continued to cause trouble for the Colchester defence and eventually got his reward with our third goal. Motm the match goes to Harry this week for all that work and particularly the second half where he stepped it up a notch and laid the ball off after beating his first defender opening up some great attacks - well done sir.

Mentions also to Johann, Benji and Jake. Dotd was more than a one horse race for a change! Coach James took me to one side before the game to let me know how average and immobile their keeper was, Sam E for arriving late and leaving early, Oli for walking onto the pitch after half time and it taking Harry to tell him "shouldn't you be off!". So in a change from normal Oli hasn't won it this week but James takes a glorious victory for being so, so wrong about their keeper!!Another really enjoyable game of hockey with the youngsters stepping up another notch which is great to be a part of.

Men’s 5s
This was a significant day for the 5ths, after several 'final games' , Ian has finally left us to emigrate North of the border, and it was Roger's 75th birthday, made captain for the day, and celebrated with beer and cake. Thank goodness we have some youngsters coming through, Chris C, Howard, Mike, and Dan! We welcomed Chris W for his goalkeeping debut, he made a number of excellent saves to record a clean sheet, first of many no doubt. Early play was quite cagy without either side creating too many chances but gradually Ipswich began to dominate and the excellent skills of our real youngsters began to torment the Colchester defence, this resulted in many penalty corners but without a goal although Peter should have scored when his attempted sweep missed the ball! The Colchester goal had a few close calls as their GK made several excellent saves, as well as a last ditch clearance off the line. We started the second half with confidence but it was the visitors that took the play to Ipswich who were grateful for a number of saves from Chris in goal. About 15 minutes into the second half a superb move turned the game, Toby moved the ball onto Elias, he controlled it a tapped the ball onto Peter, unmarked in the circle he neatly tapped past the oncoming GK. This gave Ipswich confidence with Josh and Kishen tormenting the opposition defence. This resulted in a penalty corner, it had been spotted that our injector was not being marked and so the plan was to pass back, Kishen controlled and neatly returned to Elias to flick home.

We soon won another PC and the same 2 worked the ball for Josh to convert. Ipswich totally dominated the closing stages and Ben was rewarded for another hard working performance as he broke free, and made his finish look easy from a narrow angle. Absent captain Neil should be well pleased with his teams performance as he seems content to remain on his luxury yacht, sunning himself and drinking cocktails for another week.

Men’s 4s
M4s Vs Bury 5s (A)3-1 Win for Ipswich. Coming of the back of an incredibly dominant performance at Harleston last weekend, confidence was high in the M4 Camp. Whilst we weren’t quite fielding as strong a team as last week, there was certainly a great opportunity to build on last week’s efforts. Ipswich started as we left off with a dominant display for the first 20 minutes, barely giving Bury anything outside of their half. Composure in front of goal from one particular forward could have made the score 3 or 4 nil, something to work on for sure. After the relentless pressure we were awarded a penalty corner, which Sampo expertly slipped left to James Schollar who fired home at the near post. 1-0 Ipswich. We continued to work hard in the first half but Bury fought a spirited battle in midfield which we at times struggled to clamp down, leading to a couple of breaks from Bury which in the end came to nothing. Half Time 1-0 to Ipswich.

From the off in the second half it seemed as though we were going to run away with the game, relentless pressure from midfield, particularly from Will (my pick for MOTM), quickly led to another strong break down the right. Will picked the ball at the top right of the D, drove in and deftly scored through the keepers legs. Things started to even out at this point, Bury began to string together some meaning stuff in midfield and were soon given a penalty corner, from which they scored a good touch at the far post. 2-1 Bury continued this pressure but their willingness to give the ball away was pounced upon by Connor at right back who drove well down the right wing, slipped an inside ball to James who drove into the D. Ed was running in from the middle and finished brilliantly after James sent it his way. 3-1 Ipswich. Bury had a flurry of short corners in the final minutes which came to nothing, one of which was cleared out to James on the half way line who was given space to run hard at the defence, getting to the byline and passing under the shoulder to a very unlucky Frank who was denied by the post. Final score 3-1 Ipswich, could have been a lot more but 3 points it is. Overall a really strong performance, always things to learn from and improve but we should be happy with the result. MOTM - Will, another tireless effort in midfield. DOTD - James, for running out of talent too many times in front of goal. North Norfolk at TR next weekend, if they decide to turn up. JS

Men’s 1s
Ipswich vs Old Southendians
This Saturday saw Ipswich M1’s final home game of the first half of the season, and their penultimate match before the Winter/Indoor break. Due to adverse weather conditions, Ipswich were only able to train once this week, leading to an extended team talk from Manager/Non-Playing Player Coach Foxy (aka Cyclopse), where plenty was discussed. Both teams started strong, but it was Old Southendians who took the lead against the run of play, capitalizing on a quick counter-attack. Trailing 1-0, Ipswich continued to push forward, with Southgate, Fry, Collins, Edwards, Beales and Dykes controlling the ball from the back and sending long, laser-like passes to forwards Hunnable and Trouty. Despite multiple attacking opportunities, Ipswich struggled to click in the opposition's circle. Their first short corner was intercepted, and Southgate was caught off guard, failing to get in position to block a deflected drag-flick routine from Cutting. Ipswich found themselves down to 10 men towards the end of the first half (tut tut, Mr. Fry – you know better!), but they dug deep to keep the pressure on. However, Old Southendians capitalized with two more breakaway goals, extending their lead. Just before the break, Ipswich won a short corner. With Wiid injured and Cutting resting on the bench, Ipswich switched to Plan B. Although Southgate’s pull-out was slightly off, El-Capitan Fran-Pan reacted quickly, playing a one-two with the injector before slotting the ball into the bottom corner just before halftime.

At the break, Ipswich were down 3-1. The team regrouped, wounded Wiid provided some whiteboard wisdom while Foxy kept spirits high, reminding everyone to keep the Ipswich ticker going. Undeterred, Ipswich came out of the blocks hard after halftime, refuelled by Foxy's packet of sweets and a motivational look. The sugar rush was too much for Dr. Bale, who flew into a tackle a little too hard, earning a short rest on the sideline. Down to 10 men once again, Ipswich maintained possession, and some quick midfield passing earned them a short corner. Following strict instructions from Wiid at halftime, Cutting executed his signature drag-flick into the bottom corner, bringing the score to 3-2.Ipswich’s blue ticker was now fully operational, causing disruption in the Old Southendians camp. Soon, Ipswich earned another short corner, and Cutting replicated his earlier effort with another perfect drag-flick, bringing the score to 3-3. Some slick movement from Ipswich’s Cypriot International and newly-crowned Moroccan Ultra Runner, Lyne (aka Tagine), alongside midfield maestro Wells and 3D Pete, created space in the CAM pocket for Cutting to receive the ball at the top of the D. His reverse-stick shot narrowly missed the target. However, the umpire had “apparently” blown the whistle 5 seconds before, resulting in a yellow card and a 5-minute sin bin for Cutting. (CONCENTRATE!)Old Southendians soon pressed, firing the ball across Ipswich’s goal. Debutant goalie Warnes made several solid saves, but a lapse in concentration allowed one of the shots to deflect into Ipswich’s net, giving Old Southendians the lead once again. Ipswich, however, kept fighting and earned another short corner just as Cutting returned to the field. With perfect timing, he converted once again, finding the bottom corner thanks to a slick injection and stop from Southgate and Fry. The score was now 4-4 with five minutes to play. Ipswich went on the attack, pushing for the win. Pressing hard, they won several turnovers. Cutting had another reverse-stick shot saved by the keeper, but Hunnable had an open goal to finish—yet, unfortunately, the hockey gods were not on his side, and he air-shot the opportunity. Two minutes later, Hunnable won another short corner, and Ipswich lined up for a final chance. The first attempt was run down by the Southend defence, and on the second, Ipswich tried a new routine, but the defence broke it down. The game ended in a 4-4 draw.Looking ahead, Ipswich will face Letchworth away in their final game of the first half of the season this coming week. M/NPPC Foxy has said:

This roller coaster of a match surmises our whole season to date. It was raw and scrappy at times with moments of absolute quality. I’m proud of the whole squad for the desire and commitment showed to come back from three goals down. It’s a measure of how far we’ve come and there’s so much more to come.
MOTM: Cutting – Hat trick
DOTD: Cutting – Get that ear wax removed.