Men’s 1s: 4-1 win vs Norwich City 4 (Away)
(Dawson 2, Pears, Skelton)
Men’s 2s: 3-4 loss vs Norwich City 5 (Home)
(Wade 2, Harrington)
Newmarket Men’s 2s eventually went down 4-3 to Norwich City in a feisty encounter which saw numerous cards, including several yellows and a City red card for violent conduct.
A much-altered 2s side that saw the return of talismanic skipper Drew Wood and keeper Seth Bailey found itself 2-0 down within minutes, the tactical switch to three-at-the-back somewhat backfiring on the home side. Despite this early setback, Newmarket battled on and found goals via Ollie Wade and a Simon Harrington set piece. Wade further went on to strike the frame of the goal twice and saw another effort ruled out, but failed to add to his tally. City managed to grab a further two goals before tensions boiled over and a spate of yellow cards followed, three to Newmarket and a red card which was shown to a Norwich player for violent conduct. This late fracas unfortunately ruined the game somewhat, and the score ended up an unchanged 4-3 to City meaning relegation is now a real threat to the 2s. Man of the Match went to Matt Smith for a solid performance out wide, while the highlight of the day was a no doubt a touching gesture from Harrington and Louis Hrebeniak to fluorescent midfielder Simon Donald. This tear-jerking gift took the form of a delightful personalised redecoration of his stick to reflect his true feelings toward midfield colleague and ginger soulmate Andrew Beardon. We wish you the greatest happiness together. #FriendGingerFriend
Ladies’ 2s: 0-8 loss vs Horncastle 1 (Away)
Newmarket Ladies 2s suffered from a defeat with the score line ending on an 8-0 loss.
With 2 goals going in within the first 10 minutes, one from open play and one from penalty corner, Newmarket defence were called to stand strong. Steph Heslop, back from injury, found her bossy in Centre Back and Hannah Rowley, back from injury and supporting developing L4s, caught on to the rehearsed play of Horncastle, marking tightly but falling foul of ball-to-foot manoeuvres.
With the pressure on, the use of small and quick passes were necessary to make sure the ball kept moving, with lovely one-twos being played between Zoe Bailey (the ever-so-fearless captain) and rising star Milou Ottolini, the ball did make it to the forwards in the opposition D several times but Newmarket lacked finish and Horncastle were quicker on the turn-around.
Newmarket should thank Horncastle for the penalty corner defence routines they were able to practice. 18 times. There were goal line saves from Jess Allen, making just her second appearance in L2 defence but looking totally at home, and Phoebe “Phlick” Peacock once again showing her dedication to interception and 3D skills when it mattered: the crowd were entertained; the gasps were more akin to a firework display than a hockey game. We cannot forget the grace and skill of goal keeper Jersey Bennett who with her acrobatic talent, saved the day more than once or twice. Her Man of the Match was well deserved as not only her physical presence but mental strength meant that she ensured the penalty stroke was sent just wide of the post in the 2nd half.
This defeat will not get the better of the L2s, they will bounce back, the will to fight is strong and they are more ready than ever to face Pelicans!
Ladies’ 3s: 0-3 loss vs Cambridge Nomads 2 (Away)
This week saw the Newmarket Ladies’ 3s side take on top of league Cambridge Nomads 2s.
Ladies’ 4s: 0-13 loss vs St Ives 3 (Home)
Skipper Jess Boyle was justifiably very proud of her Ladies’ 4s as, despite succumbing to a heavy defeat against second placed St Ives, they fought so valiantly that it was impossible to award Man of the Match as everyone played so well. With only ten players on the pitch for the whole of the match, the girls really showed how to put up a top quality fight against all odds. Next week NHC L4s face top of the league Bury St Edmunds at home in another tough clash.