It was definitely a case of home advantage as the league season got underway on Saturday, with huge wins across the board for Bedford’s hockey sides.
Only the Ladies 5th XI, who drew 1-1 against Stevenage, failed to pick up a home victory as the Chester Road outfit stamped their authority early on across the divisions.
The Ladies’ 4th XI set the bar high with a phenomenal 14-1 domination over Saffron Walden.
On the adjoining pitch, the goals were also flowing for the Men’s 2nd XI, with the Bedford team taking a solid 6-2 win over their Potters Bar opposition.
Not to be outdone by the youngsters, Bedford Men’s Veterans took on the goalscoring challenge, with a 7-1 victory over Hertford.
The dominance continued with the Ladies’ 2nd’s also hitting seven against Waltham Forest while the Ladies’ 1st XI – in a final friendly before the National League kicks off – netting 2 goals to Harleston Magpies’ 1.
The fortune wasn’t to be translated to the away games; the Men’s 3rd’s losing 8-3 to Letchworth and the 6th XI losing 4-1 to Potters Bar.
The Ladies’ 3rd XI were also defeated as they went down 3-1 against Stevenage.
Next Saturday, the club’s Chester Road ground will see 7 home fixtures, including the Ladies’ 1st XI, who open their National League season against local rivals St Albans.
The remaining 6 teams will travel away, with the Men’s 1st XI match being played on Sunday away to Lichfield.
Matches begin from 11.30am on Saturday, with the Ladies’ 1st XI in action at 1pm.
