The first weekend of the league fixtures saw a clean sweep of victories for both of the ladies teams with the 1s and 2s winning in style. Whilst the men had mixed results with only the 3s managing to bring home 3 points.

Men’s 1st XI vs UoB
The Mens 1s opened their league campaign with a tough opening fixture against an unpredictable UoB side. They will be disappointed that it didn’t quite come together today and will rue some of the missed opportunities in front of goal which, if converted, could have easily changed the result of the game. Captain Adam said “It’s disappointing to lose the first fixture of what is a big season for us. We were hoping to come away with 3 points today but there were flashes of good hockey that we didn’t capitalise on”
Result: 1–3; goal from O. Myers
Player of the Match: J. Hodgetts

Ladies 1st XI vs Redditch
A very strong start to the league season for the ladies 1s who will cause issues for lots of teams this season. It was a very calm and collected game from the girls who dominated the game from the first whistle. This game could easily have finished with even more goals for the home team who will be incredibly proud of the performance which was rounded off by a goal from new signing J. Impey. Captain Ella said “We absolutely dominated the game and didn’t let them have a look in”.
Result: 5–0; goal from M. Kelly (2), K. Wilkinson, s. Atherton & J. Impey
Player of the Match: Isabelle P

Men’s 2nd XI vs Hampton-in-Arden
A disappointing day for the new-look Mens 2s who started the game well and matched the home side for the first 20 minutes of the game. The team battled well with J. Thomas and C. Hardy making their respective returns to 2nd team league hockey after several years of absence. Captain Nick said after the match “We need work on converting our opportunities and will definitely come out stronger next week when we play UoB”.
Result: 0-3
Player of the Match: J. Moroney

Ladies 2nd XI vs Redditch
A dominant performance, unfortunately not reflected by the score line, with the game almost being played entirely in the opposition half - a defender’s dream! Isabella R finally got the goal that has eluded her after a strong pre-season showing and a welcome return for A. Ryan who, at one point, was penalised for “tackling too strong” Captain Jess said “It is great starting the season off on the right foot. All the girls put a shift in and ultimately had fun throughout. We are looking forward to our first home game of the season next week.”
Result: 1–0; goal from Isabella R
Player of the Match: Isabella R with an honourable mention to Serena W (playing her first game outfield)

Men’s 3rd XI vs Olton & West Warwick
The 3s began their league campaign against a team of a similar make up of youth and old heads. Hales dominated the early exchanges and scored from an improvised penalty corner routine as Captain Steve deflected into the Olton goal. Hales dominated the rest of the half but couldn't take advantage of promising positions. The second half was a more even affair but Hales managed to stretch the lead when Captain Steve again managed to finish from close range. Olton pressed hard to get back in the game but the combined experience of J. Brooke and B.Hughes thwarted most of the danger. Olton pulled back a consolation goal with moments left of the match. Player of the Match was awarded to young Charlie G who kept things very tidy in midfield throughout the game
Result: 2–1; goals from S. Charlton (2)
Player of the Match: C. Goff

Men’s 4th XI vs Worcester
The first league game for the Mens 4s saw them travel to the Worcester International Hockey Centre and were unlucky to lose the match. There were lots of positives in the game including a great goal from M. O’Connell. Captain James was quick to praise the team saying that “I was pleased with the effort levels from everyone particularly when passing and moving the ball”. The standout performance was from P. Swainson who showed some ‘top class defending and communication’ at the heart of the defence. The team will be keen to keep building for future weeks.
Result: 1–3; goal from M. O’Connell
Player of the Match: P. Swainson