The highlight of Bedford Hockey Club’s performances over the weekend must surely be that of the Ladies’ Masters Over 45s.
The squad had a trip to Broxbourne on Sunday, for the next round of their England Hockey Tier 2 Championship match. Whilst the Broxbourne keeper is reported to have made some impressive saves, Bedford’s persistent bombardment proved overpowering.
A double hat-trick by Andrea Mason, a hat-trick from Kelly Bingham, two goals apiece for Cheryl Harding and Joy Leeson, and a further goal from Katherine Winger brought a 14-0 tally.
The victory takes the team on to the next round on 23 February when they head to Rugby.
It was another high scoring fixture for the Men’s 1st XI in their Premier Division match in King’s Lynn, taking on the Pelicans.
With the score line sitting at 4-4, a goal in the 63rd minute from Vincent Pretorius clinched the 5-4 victory for Bedford. Bedford travel away next weekend to battle it out with Saffron Walden, who sit second in the table above Bedford in 3rd.
The Ladies’ 1st XI got off to a strong start in their match against Cannock; goals from Emma Pinny, Kelly Bingham and Catalina Granger giving Bedford a three goal lead.
It was a lead Bedford held right until the final ten minutes of the match, when three penalty corners in quick succession ended in goals for Cannock.
Bedford were left devastated at having to settle for the 3-3 draw when the taste of victory had come so close. They will be back in action on the 22 February when they head to Oxford Hawks.
A thriller of a match had been predicted for the Men’s 2nd XI as Bedford hosted top of the table, and previously undefeated, Luton Town with Bedford sitting in second place.
The prediction became reality from the outset, Bedford opening the scoring with a converted penalty corner, just five minutes into the match.
A highly entertaining and competitive encounter followed with Bedford holding on to their 1-0 lead until the end.
The victory puts Bedford level on points with Luton, although seven goals behind on goal difference. Bedford will hope to close that gap with a goal scoring bonanza this weekend when they travel to 11th place Letchworth.
There was a dominant victory for the Ladies’ 2nd XI; their Bishop’s Stortford opposition having travelled to Chester Road.
Bedford opened the scoring eight minutes into the match, extending their lead throughout the second half of the game to 4-0, with goals from Alice Challacombe, Andrea Mason and Esmée Challacombe.
Josh Dixon showed his goal-scoring prowess when he opened the scoring for the Men’s 3rd XI in the first half of their match away in Welwyn Garden City.
His teammates followed up on his opener with two further goals in the second half to take the match 3-0.
A goal within the first minute of the match and a second in the closing stage of the game gave the Ladies’ 3rd XI a 2-0 victory, away to Welwyn Garden City.
The team also saw action on Sunday when they played the next round of their England Hockey Women’s Tier 3 KO Championships but lost 3-1 to London Edwardians.
Without even stepping out on pitch, the Men’s 4th XI take the points after Potters Bar conceded their match. It will be a tough fixture for the team next weekend though, when they host 3rd place Hertford.
The Ladies’ 4th XI maintain their top spot, after a 3-1 victory over Bishop’s Stortford.
A late consolation goal by the Men’s 5th XI failed to make a dent in the lead Harpenden had taken, leaving Bedford 4-1 down at the close of play, while the Ladies 5th XI also lost at St Albans.
The Men’s 6th XI were hoping to build on their dominant victories in their last two matches but will be disappointed with their 2-1 loss away to Blueharts.
The Ladies’ 6th XI had matches on both Saturday and Sunday.
Saturday saw them take a 3-0 victory over Saffron Walden, thanks to a hat-trick from Charlotte Goodson, whilst Bedford drew a blank at Hertford despite multiple chances. The 0-0 draw has Bedford sitting in second place in the table.
A goal in the first half, by top of the table Blueharts, left the Men’s 7th XI with a 1-0 defeat, while the Ladies’ 7th XI fell 1-0 at Bishop’s Stortford.
The club’s Ladies’ Over 35s and 55s will be hoping to match their Over 45s clubmates this coming Sunday when they continue their journeys, looking to reach the finals of their England Hockey Championships.
The Over 35s head to Sutton Coldfield, whilst the Over 55s have an early start to travel to their Canterbury opponents.
Words by Jean Fitch
