THERE was a packed fixture list for the Island’s men’s and women’s hockey teams last weekend, with mixed results and many notable individual performances.
Nicky Richardson (in blue, nearest ball) in action for the Isle of Wight Ladies I against Yateley.
Isle of Wight Ladies I, Yateley 6
THE ladies succumbed to a demoralising defeat against a solid Yateley team, with all six goals arising from slick, short corner routines that left the normally solid defence standing.
There was plenty of endeavour, but the Islanders’ solitary moment of magic came when Saffron Hart fired a great ball into the D, which Harriet Mack deflected, to loop over the goalkeeper’s head and into the far corner.
Harriet Mack scored a great goal for the Isle of Wight Ladies I in their heavy loss against Yateley.
Fleet and Ewshot II 1, Isle of Wight Ladies II 1
ON their travels to Aldershot, the seconds — confident after two successive wins — faced a team in third place in the league.
IW had the better of the play and frustrated Fleet with their solid defence and performance of keeper Sophie Bruce.
After a goalless first half, IW’s midfield pushed Fleet and were eventually rewarded when man of the match Emily Lord beat two players and smashed the ball home.
Fleet equalised from a goalmouth scramble.
Helen Hunnybun (with ball) in action for the Isle of Wight Ladies I against Yateley.
Alton 2, Isle of Wight Ladies III 1
WITH a depleted side against a full Alton squad, it was always an uphill battle for IW.
Alton threw everything at the Island defence, but superbly shut them out in the first half.
The Island, who started with nine, lost another player through injury, but against the run of play, scored when Megan Turner played a neat ball into the D for Amber Wilmott, who calmly rounded the keeper.
After pushing for a second, tired legs took their toll and Alton scored twice.
Saffron Hart (in blue) in action for the Isle of Wight Ladies I against Yateley.
Isle of Wight I 7, Weymouth 2
THE Island, in a relegation battle, needed the three points to avoid plunging into the bottom three — and came up trumps.
After going a goal down, they responded with a quick break — Liam Roberts setting up Tom Young to slam the ball in from a tight angle.
Great teamwork led to further goals from Stephen Woodford and Rio Penn-Grice for 3-1 lead at half time.
IW played their best hockey of the season in the second half, controlling midfield, coupled with the unmatched pace of Roberts down the right and great efforts by juniors Tomas Turjanica and Bailey Woodford.
Benefitting from good team play, man of the match Young added another hat-trick to his growing tally and James Liddiard scored from the D.
Nicky Richardson in action for the Isle of Wight Ladies I against Yateley.
Isle of Wight II 2, Trojans 0
TOP spot in the league was secured by the seconds, despite a rocky start against Trojans.
Superb attacking manoeuvres gave the Island opportunities, but it remained a goalless first half.
Following a tactical switch, a neat interception forced a defensive foul and, sensing his chance, captain Mike Dodds found space and smashed home.
Trojan attacks were thwarted by the hard work of Steven Holbrook and Steve Macknight, and IW’s second goal followed — Carl Joyce brilliantly converting a reverse stick volley over the grounded keeper.
Trojans forced a fine save from Lewis Wells and a goal-line clearance by Archie Clark at the end.
Helen Hunnybun (with ball) in action for the Isle of Wight Ladies I against Yateley.
TOMORROW'S FIXTURES (SATURDAY)
Hampshire Division 4: Isle of Wight Ladies II v Winchester IV (bully-off 11am).
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