It was a winning weekend for many of Bedford Hockey Club’s 14 adult squads.
There were further points for top of the table, Ladies’ 1st XI, when they took the victory away to Broxbourne.
The first quarter saw both Bedford and Broxbourne exchange goals, with the division’s leading scorer, Kate Costin gaining another for Bedford.
Bedford regained their lead early into the second quarter, as Alexa Wilson converted a penalty corner; an advantage which was maintained and then extended in the 41st minute as Kate Costin bagged her second, and despite a late strike for Broxbourne, Bedford held on for a 3-2 win.
The Men’s 1st XI also headed to Broxbourne, and they too returned home with points after securing a 3-3 draw.
The opener for Bedford came from first team debutant, Cameron Brown who gave Bedford the lead just eight minutes into the match; a lead that was extended further in the opening minute of the third quarter when Harry Pybus scored to make it 2-0.
Broxbourne pulled a goal back shortly after and then, with two penalty corner conversions, went into the lead.
As the final whistle was about to blow, Bedford were awarded a penalty stroke and Richard Evans stepped up to the penalty spot and calmly found the back of the net, drawing the scores level again.
Whilst the men travel once more next weekend, heading to Ipswich, the women look forward to the support of a home crowd when they return to Chester Road to take on bottom of the table, Cambridge University.
There were a win and a draw for the 2nd XIs.
The Ladies travelled to Broxbourne, returning 5-3 victors, with two goals from Becca Budd leading the way, alongside Bella Holt, Amelia Godwin and Harriet Potter who added the rest.
It was a 2-2 away draw against Sudbury for the men, with Joshua Oakley and Adam Priston bagging the goals.
Whilst the Ladies’ 3rd XI gained a 2-1 win over Harpenden, it was a devastating end to the match for the Men’s 3rd XI.
Just as it looked as though Bedford were going to take the win in an incredibly fast-paced and competitive match against Stevenage’s 1st XI, Bedford’s 4-3 lead slipped away as Stevenage pulled level in the 64th minute.
Under five minutes later, Bedford looked on in disbelief as Stevenage were awarded a penalty corner in the final seconds of the game and stole a 5-4 victory.
The Ladies’ 4th XI continue to struggle this season, with only two wins to their name, and it was another loss for them on Saturday, suffering a 5-0 defeat against Stevenage’s 1st XI.
The Men’s 4th XI are having greater success and added to their tally of wins after beating Harpenden 2-1.
There were also wins over Harpenden for the Ladies’ 5th XI; both goals coming off the stick of Taryn da Silva as well as for top of the table, Men’s 5th XI, as goals from Keith Sohl, Tony Gammon and James Pagliaro gave them a 3-0 victory over their Harpenden opponents.
It certainly wasn’t Harpenden’s day, Bedford’s Ladies’ 6th XI beating their Harpenden opposition 4-0 thanks to goals from Fadzie Mamenemuno, two for Charlotte Goodson and Danielle Shaw.
The Men’s 6th XI are holding their own in the same Division as their 5th XI club mates; a 2-2 draw against Stevenage see them in a comfortable eighth place in the table, with both of Bedford’s goals coming from Tim Brewer.
It was a bye week for the Ladies’ 7th XI, but the men were in action, beating Broxbourne 2-1.
Words by Jean Fitch
