It was a top of the table match for Southampton and as they met with Rover Oxford. Rover started well and caused the Southampton defence some difficult moments. However Southampton worked hard to get back into the game and exerted continuous pressure for most of the remainder of the first half. In the 24th minute Sue Crowley collected the ball on the 25 and drove towards goal where she spun and had a first time shot which was neatly deflected over the goal keeper by Bex Sharr. Southampton started the second half well and continued to look in control but Rover managed to break behind the Southampton defence and equalised. This encouraged Rover who exerted further pressure and were eventually rewarded with a deflected goal at a penalty corner 10 minutes from time.
The second team had a friendly with Worthing and took the opportunity to look at new players Naomi Dunn and Ali Omell. Both showed their ability as the side showed excellent team work to cut its way through the Worthing defence. Goals coming from Naomi Dunn, who collected a hat trick, Liz Walker, Kay Whittington, Jenny Kimber and Skipper Karen Jordon. Final score 7 - 1.
The thirds also had hat trick heroines in Suzanne Quinton and Kelly Brinkler (returning after injury) as they travelled away to Worthing. Skipper Jill Stokes is spoiled for choice for goal scorers as others were added by teenager Anna Skelton, Annie Day and Claire Butcher. Final score 9 - 1.
The fourths went one down against Chichester before coming back to 2 - 2 at half time with goals from Lyn Price and Karina Christiansen. The game remained tight with both sides adding a goal apiece before Southampton came into their own with a late burst of three to make a final score of 6 - 3. Other scorers were Maria Blake and Sophie Mitchell.
The fifths however had a less fortunate match as the went down 10 - 3 to an Eastleigh second side strengthened by four first team players. Owing to it being half term Southampton were forced to blood a new keeper, Clare Lincoln in goal. Despite her making several good saves Eastleigh's experienced players capitalised on her inexperience to collect rebound goals. Southampton's head were not down as they kept fighting back and had fortune smiled on, them they too could have had more than three goals. The scorers were Anna Greaves, Sian Glaze and Natasha Hart.
It was a tough local derby as the firsts met with Hamble. Southampton took the lead in the 14th minute when Richard Watts took advantage of a loose ball in front of the keeper. Hamble were back on even terms by half time. However Southampton continued to work hard and pass the ball around in an effort to break down the well organised Hamble defence. Their efforts were rewarded when a Hamble player stopped the ball short of the goal line with his leg. Skipper, Ben Fitch's penalty stroke deserved a goal but the ball hit the cross bar and rebounded to safety. It looked to be a stale mate until 10 minutes from time when Southampton were awarded a penalty corner. The Hamble goalkeeper saved Fitch's first shot well but had no answer as the ball was flicked high into the net for a Southampton 2 - 1 win. Thanks to the first eleven who, took the time to ring me with the result.
The seconds also met with Hamble as first and second in the league, both with 100% records. Southampton proved the more cohesive side as they moved quickly into a two goal lead by half time, with Chris Stokes getting both. Southampton should have added to their tally but fine keeping and the post kept the score at 2 - 0 at full time. Late in the game Paul Howarth pulled off, what has been described as a power rangers save, (explanations welcome).
Unusually for the modern game the thirds game with Southampton University was abandoned owing to a waterlogged pitch. Apparently mud was coming up through the pitch.
The fourths, reduced to ten players following a late drop out, enjoyed a 1 - 0 win over Basingstoke Beavers thanks to a Matt Southgate goal.
The fifths met with a Fareham side blended with the experience of former indoor international Guy Lawson and Hampshire's Nigel Cook and several good juniors. It was the old heads that ruled as Cook put Fareham into the winning seat 2 - 0.
Sixth eleven - game cancelled.
A pulled muscle did not hamper Paul Meacher as he fired three goals for The Masters in their match with US Portsmouth. He grabbed two from short corner strikes and his third playing the high striker. Ronnie Mascaraneous added the fourth and Richard Harris slipped the ball home two minutes from time after Mascaraneous slipped the keeper. Final score 5 - 2. A professional foul saw Rob Bone given a yellow card and five minute suspension.
Old Walcountians proved too strong for the senior Vets as they won 6 - 0.
The Otters fell to Petersfield Vets 5 - 2 with Henry Swzinto and Robert O`Brien collecting for Southampton.
On Sunday Southampton first team Ladies met with stiff opposition in Oxford Hawks in the National Cup. It was an opportunity to give pitch time to Jenny Kimber, Naomi Dunn and Allie Omell. A Naomi Dunn touch secured the opening goal for Southampton after 24 minutes with Sue Crowley adding the second from a short corner 6 minutes into the second half. A deflected short corner late in the second half gave Oxford some hope but Southampton's defence, orchestrated by Fiona Jarman, foiled any danger. Good play from teenager, Charlotte Gallagher as she took over the central defender role.
The men's second had a stormer as they met with Woking seconds in the Cup. Woking from a league above took the lead but a Matt Mayes' equaliser and then a Pete Graham short corner strike put Southampton ahead. However sustained pressure from Woking, together with the umpire dishing out yellow cards (4, I think) and short corners for every stick tackle, eventually saw them equalise 10 minutes from time and then to go on and win the penalty shoot out 3 - 1. Hard luck gents, tremendous performance and some excellent hockey.
The under 14 boys first team lost 1 - 0 to City of Portsmouth whilst the second team beat Winchester 5 - 2, with David Stokes (2), Josh Lambert (2) and David Salmon scoring.
The under 14 girls drew with Yateley in a friendly.