ISLE OF WIGHT HOCKEY CLUB
THE first games of the new season got underway, with both the men’s and ladies’ first teams facing opponents at Smallbrook, while the men’s seconds travelled away.
ISLE OF WIGHT MEN 6, TROJANS III 4
The newly-promoted Islanders recorded a convincing win over the Trojans in an entertaining game.
The opposition were unable to cope with the speed and skill of the Island players, which allowed Ed and Tom Turney to put themselves on the scoreboard early on.
With new players, returning faces and formation changes, the home side’s composure fell away at times, which the Trojans took advantage of.
Fantastic saves from player of the match, Steph Boyd, and a solid backline of Patrick Butt, Lewis Heaven-Gandy, Adam Payne and James Moody, preserved the Islanders’ advantage and allowed them to keep possession well — even when pressed.
Left half Stephen Woodford bagged two goals and stunned the side-line supporters with a reverse ‘stick pick’.
The match continued in similar fashion in the second half. Both sides continued to knock in the goals.
Joe Arnold, Tom Gould and Nick Goode were impressive in attack and, with captain Payne also scoring in a solid start for Isle of Wight.
ISLE OF WIGHT LADIES 2, ROMSEY 3
Newly promoted Isle of Wight ladies faced a strong Romsey outfit and were unlucky to lose.
Using a new formation to challenge Romsey’s defence, Isle of Wight went behind.
The Island continued to press, creating multiple chances in the opposition’s D, but against the run of play, Romsey doubled their lead.
The home team fought back, and were unfortunate to see an effort stopped on the line by a Romsey foot resulting in a penalty flick, but Kirsty Fraser stepped up and fired over.
After numerous short corners, one was eventually converted by Jaimie Payne.
From the restart, Isle of Wight kept the attacking momentum and scored again with a reverse strike from Sarah Shaw to level it before half-time.
Isle of Wight continued looking strong in attack after the break, but failed to capitalise on their short corners.
Then against the run of play, Romsey scored with ten minutes left. Despite their best efforts, Isle of Wight were shut out.
HAMBLE III 0, ISLE OF WIGHT MEN II 3
The men’s seconds got their campaign off to a flyer at Hamble.
Despite Hamble historically being challenging opponents, the first half was very much an even affair, thanks to the Island’s solid backline soaking up plenty of pressure.
Island keeper Lewis Wells notably made several outstanding saves to keep Isle of Wight in the contest, while forwards Nathan Bruce and Thomas Young both came close to scoring.
Finally, Steve Holbrook dribbled past the entire Hamble defence to set up Finn Woodford for his first of two goals to lead at the interval.
Isle of Wight kept the momentum going in the second half, but Hamble came close.
Seasoned forward Thomas Young eased the pressure by doubling Isle of Wight’s lead, with Woodford adding his second to make the game safe.
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