A hugely successful weekend saw 40 goals, nine wins and three draws across the fourteen Bedford Hockey Club teams in action, without a single loss in any of the home games.
On Saturday, all the adult teams, barring the Ladies’ 1s had fixtures.
The home matches at Chester Road started with the Men’s 5s holding Southgate to a 2-all draw. On the second pitch, a solid defence kept a clean sheet for the Ladies 6s, dealing calmly and efficiently with Potters Bar’s offensives. Meanwhile, Bedford’s attacking line-up made multiple advances being unlucky not to score more than their final three goals.
Next up were the Men’s 4s and Ladies’ 2s. The men’s game witnessed a high goal tally, with Bedford notching up the winning total of six goals to the four scored by Hertford. The ladies, also demonstrated their strength overwhelming their Ipswich opposition with a 4-0 domination.
The Ladies’ 4s then stepped up for their encounter against second in the league Cheshunt who displayed a competitive spirit. Although Bedford were disappointed not to score and both teams remained goalless.
On the show pitch, there was another exciting contest, this time featuring the Men’s 1s and Cambridge City. The action was end-to-end but Bedford gained the final edge over Cambridge to take the game 6-3.
The concluding home challenges of the day brought two further victories for Bedford.
The Men’s 6s successfully defeated Berkhamsted with a 1-0 victory, whilst the Ladies’ 7s had a landslide 5-0 win over Chiltern. This scoreline is even more remarkable when the age range of Bedford’s players is taken into account.
With just two sixteen year-olds and the rest of the team going down in ages to a couple who are yet to hit their teens, the result was absolutely phenomenal.
Away from Chester Road, there were two further wins, both played at Bishops Stortford.
The Men’s Vets had a decisive 4-1 triumph and the Men’s 2s maintain their top of the table position after a victorious 2-0 game. The Ladies’ 5s, meanwhile, held Chiltern to a 0-0 draw.
Not to be overshadowed by the senior sides, Sunday saw the Under 16 Girl’s in dominant form in their league match against St Neots. The final outcome a 6-0 sweep.
Bedford Hockey Club is enjoying a period of rapid growth and is seeking additional sponsorship for the 2019-2020 season, in order to be able to promote its development still further.
There are a range of opportunities such as sponsoring a match ball, an individual player, team kit, or major corporate sponsorship packages. Anyone wanting more information, please contact the Club Chairman at chairman@bedfordhockeyclub.com.
Words, Jean Fitch
