Islanders win match against Hamble with only 10 men

IW Men’s 2XI 3 v Hamble 3s 0

The men’s 2XI hockey team hosted Hamble 3s. With last minute changes, the Island side lined up to play with 10 men. They started strongly, leading to many opportunities. Adam Churchill’s runs allowed scoring chances for forwards, Nathan Bruce and Richard Christensen, but, sadly, they couldn’t convert. John Pearson also entered the field to take position up front. The Island continued to create chances and dominate, with the defensive line of Reuben Smallwood-Butler, Steven Holbrook, Carl Joyce and John Bagshawe mopping up any advances Hamble attempted to create. Chances came in multitudes for the Island’s forward line. Sadly, their only goal of the first half was disallowed due to the ball not moving ‘five’ from a free hit, before being played into the D.
The Island continued to pile on the pressure in the second half. This paid off, after a short corner, Mike Dodds smashed the ball into the bottom corner. Hamble also came back strongly into the second half, forcing some great saves from Island keeper, Lewis Wells. Finn Woodford continued his impressive form, displaying some impressive play down the left-hand side. As the minutes ticked by, Aaron Hoare entered the game, which allowed Mike Dodds to move upfront and reassert the Island’s dominance. Another short corner was soon won. Aaron Hoare converted the ball at such speed the eye couldn’t follow, but the clang of the ball as it ricocheted off the back post cemented the Island’s lead.
Hamble continued to create chances of their own but were kept at bay by the midfield attacks of Tom Gould. Minutes later and the Island was back on the attack and Mike Dodds found himself through on goal once more, slotting the ball into the bottom right corner. The Island saw out the remainder of the game with some lovely professional play.

IW Ladies’ 2XI 1 v Chichester Centurion 1s 5

In their final game of the season, the Ladies’ 2XI welcomed Chichester Centurions on to home turf. Despite 100% effort by every team-mate, they found themselves on the wrong side of the score line. Solid play saw Megan Bridger earn the ladies’ and consolation goal.

The IW Ladies’ 1XI won 2-1 in an away match with Portsmouth with goals from Saffron Hart and Pip Spibey. The IW Men’s 1XI won a decisive victory 13-0 over Haslemere 3s. Goals came from Stephen Woodford (4), Tom Young (3), Adam Payne (2), Will Mew (2) and Tomas Turjanica (2).