On Saturday the second team met with newly promoted Petersfield (who started the day one above them in the league) and continued their good form with a 6 - 1 win. Hero on the day was Liz Walker who grabbed herself a hat trick with Naomi Cambell, Jenny Kimber and Karen Jordan helping with one apiece.
The thirds met with table topping Eastleigh and had to put their 3 - 0 defeat down to lack of experience at this higher level, following promotion last season.
The fourths were due to meet second in table Alton but the game was cancelled owing to Alton being unable to field a full side. Southampton leap-frogged above them with points being awarded to the home side.
The fifths enjoyed a 2 - 0 win over Romsey 3s who sat one ahead in the league. Southampton exerted continuous pressure for most of the game but Romsey's Ann Bonham marshalled her defences well. However Southampton's pressure eventually told when Amy White beat the keeper with a close range shot. Southampton's second was scored by Clare Lincoln (last week's hero in goal) when she slapped home the ball at the far post. Good start to the season with a large mixed squad.
The first team travelled to high flying Weymouth and took the early initiative by going 2 - 0 up with Richard Watts converting two Rhobet Willams' crosses. However Weymouth came back into the game when Southampton's skipper, Ben Finch pulled a hamstring and left the pitch. Weymouth forced two late goals to earn a 2 - 2 draw.
The seconds moved 6 points clear at the top of their league when they beat Weymouth seconds and, close rivals Hamble lost to Aldershot. Southampton took early control and never looked in danger as Eric Holt earned himself a hat trick with Steve Matthews (2), Chris Stokes, Pete Graham, Matthew Mayes and John Freckleton scoring. (No need for soaring backward dives this week).
The Thirds proved the formbooks right as they overcame lowly Haslemere 6 - 2. Luke Knight leading the scoring with 2 helped along by solo efforts from David Holt, Miles Williams, (others to be confirmed by anybody in the Thirds please).
The fourths stayed level at the top of their league as they beat Lavant 2 - 0. Teenager, Mike Woods opened the scoring with Ed Thorn helping out late in the game.
The fifths were also in fine form as they overwhelmed Eastleigh 3s 6 - 3 to record their first win in the league. Will Ferguson getting a hat trick, supported by goals from Mike Foulds (2) and Simon Brownlie.
The sixths continued their steady progress for their first season by winning against a Young Salisbury Swifts for whom Sam Hiscock and Julian Owen shone. Score 1 - 0 with James Wise scoring. Our thanks to Neil Pidgeon, who has taken over temporarily the manager's role whilst he is waiting for his hand operation.
The senior vets had the beating of Newbury but by the slenderest of margins. Martin Wood claiming the only goal with a reverse stick flick midway through the first half.
Chichester maintained their fine record against the Masters as they won 1 - 3 with Paul Meacher scoring for Southampton for the third week running.
Otters Result to follow when somebody tells me. Did not see anybody back in the clubhouse.
The Ladies first eleven had a national Trophy match with Exeter. Exeter offered strong and determined opposition but Southampton looked the stronger side in the first half and should have taken the lead when Sue Crowley's short corner strike was deflected high into the net but was disallowed as neither umpire saw the defender's touch. Exeter took the lead just before half time when the Southampton defence failed to clear the ball and Exeter pounced to force the ball home against the run of play. After the interval Exeter looked stronger as their free running forwards harassed continually and were eventually awarded a short corner from which they scored. Despite Southampton working hard they could not penetrate and Exeter eventually grabbed a third to win 3 - 0.
The Men's first team moved into the next round of the national trophy with a 1 - 0 win over Phoenix and Ranaleigh with Gary Watts scoring in the first half. A consolidated defence led by Paul Eastwood and Ed Danby saw off late pressure from Phoenix.
The under 12 boys played a coached match with Fareham and despite leading for most of the game, a late flourish from Fareham saw them win 1 - 3 with Josh Lambert scoring for Southampton. Coach, Jill Stokes took the opportunity to use all the members of her large squad.
The under 19 girls first team played some excellent hockey to beat New Milton 6 - 0 with Sarah Batchelor, Becky Mortimer, Hollie Nutt, Emma Winstone, Charlotte Gallagher & Mary Ann Mulligan.
Meanwhile the under 19 second team enjoyed a win over a young Romsey side. Amy White, Lisa Flemming, Jenny Wotherspoon, Sarah Russell, Kath Harley, Aveni Sheath & Charlotte Leathem scored the goals.
The under 12 girls had their first ever league game in the under 14 league second division and came home victorious with goals coming from Hannah Jenvey and Alice Dibben.
The mixed team had a disastrous visit to Wimborne as they went down heavily 5 - 1 in the rain.
The U16 boys travelled to Farnborough and although dodging the showers put in a damp performance to go down 0-2. Apart from some penetrating runs from Tim Ashworth and fireworks from Sam Gibbs (for which he received a green!!) the team never really got going.