The mild weather has seen a return to a full hockey schedule with fifteen teams in action for Bedford over a very productive weekend for the club.
Both 1st XI’s returned from their winter break in friendly fixtures as they prepare for the run-in, with the Ladies especially well placed to make a charge for their National League title.
A 2-2 draw against Cambridge City was good preparation for a key fixture next weekend, as the Ladies – who sit in 2nd place – travel to third-placed St Albans.
The Men, who sit in fifth in their division, coasted home to a 4-1 win against Hampstead and Westminster as they prepare to host Lichfield next weekend.
Elsewhere across the club, it was another good weekend for the Ladies who strengthened their league standings.
The 2nd XI and 3rd XI were both comfortable victors; the 2nd’s thrashing Brentwood 5-0 while the 3rd XI went one better in seeing off Blueharts 6-0.
The Ladies 4th XI are still in second place in their division despite a 1-1 draw against Bishops Stortford.
The 5th XI and 6th XI had contrasting fortunes in Division Five, with the 5th XI scoring a mighty twelve past West Herts, giving them immense confidence ahead of next week’s top of the table clash with St Albans.
The 6th XI, following last weekend’s superb victory against Rickmansworth, were unlucky in not gaining more points after conceding a late winner against Chiltern.
The 7th XI, who travelled with a squad of just 12 players also showed great character in beating Letchworth 4-0.
There were less fortunate results for the Men; the 2nd XI going down 3-1 to Blueharts although they will hope to bounce back against second from bottom Brentwood next weekend.
Victories for the 3rd and 4th XI were comfortable, with the 3rds putting five past Broxbourne while the 4th XI saw off Bishops Stortford 2-0.
The 5th XI fought valiantly against Hertford, continually fighting back before finally losing 5-3 while the 6th XI pulled off a superb 2-0 win against second in the table, Letchworth.
There were also additions to the points tally for the Men’s 7th XI and the Vets who both secured 3-3 draws to round off a goal-filled weekend for Bedford Hockey Club.
