HAVING started just over a week ago, the domestic hockey season was in full swing last week with a host of teams in action.
James Wetherall, president of Jersey Hockey, said: “We had a couple of games start midweek last week, but things really kicked off this week.
“We’ve got two men’s divisions, two ladies divisions, and we do junior hockey on top.
“There’s even a touring side over this week, Pallatics, to play some social hockey.”
There is some incredible talent at the top of the Jersey Hockey ladder, including Mike James – who had international caps for Wales, and Ed Hodgson – who is an exciting young player on the England pathway.
The two competed on opposite sides of the field early Saturday morning, when Crusaders met Victoria College 1st XI at Les Quennevais.
Crusaders looked in control for the majority of the early game, going two goals up courtesy of Tom Millar and Nat Watkins.
Vic’s Hodgson managed to pull one back with a screamer of a reverse-stick strike that left everyone in awe.
Both sides pushed each other until the international experience of James gave Crusaders a two-goal buffer once again, allowing them to play more freely for the remainder of the game.
Elsewhere, the Ladies Island 1st XI drew 2-2 against Hunters in the Men’s League Division 2.
Jamey Henderson and Chloe Cutting scored for the Ladies, whereas Tom Coward and Louis Le Poidevin equalled their efforts for Hunters.
It’s not only elite hockey, however. Jersey Hockey also cater to many different levels, offering many pathways for new or returning player to get involved: “We start from prep-school age,” Wetherall explained.
“We offer a super minis program on a Sunday morning, which follows through into minis hockey and eventually our adult hockey.
“On the adult side we offer our ‘Back to Hockey’, which Ali Hall has been instrumental in running the past few years.”
If you are interested, Jersey Hockey can be emailed on contact@jerseyhockey.co.uk or through their socials.
You can also visit their website at jerseyhockey.co.uk for any additional information.
MATCH OF THE WEEKEND, WRITTEN BY PHIL CUMING.
Rathbones OV Convicts got their title defence off to a good start with a comprehensive win against LGT Hautlieu.
Convicts dominated in the early possession and created myriad chances, alongside the midfield trio of Chris Thomas, Eddie Rothwell and Ed Hodgson launching several counter-attacks.
The first goal came after 10 minutes when Sam Habin was illegally denied while shooting.
A penalty corner was awarded and Convicts’ routine saw a shot from the right of the circle converted by debutant Rhys Thomas.
Their lead was doubled after 23 minutes, again off the back of a penalty corner.
Having initially lost possession off the corner, Convicts scrambled for the ball and, upon regaining possession, Pete Millar struck low into the bottom right corner past the Hautlieu goalkeeper, Matt Cooper.
Following the restart, Hautlieu threatened when Nathan Maguire’s shot was charged down by Anthony Kay, forcing him to strike wide at the near post.
This was quickly followed up by a smart save by Convicts’ new ‘keeper, Archie Scate, from Tiaan Kruger’s tomahawk.
In the closing stages of the first half, Convicts managed to double their lead further with two quick goals.
Following good build-up down the right by Patrick Filleul, Hodgson struck from the top of the circle into the bottom right-hand corner.
The fourth came after Louis Bell played the ball down the left to Phil Cuming, whose effort on target was smartly deflected in front of Cooper by Charlie Reid.
Hautlieu started the second half stronger and pulled a goal back after five minutes.
A move down the left resulted in Kruger striking past Scate.
Kruger further reduced the deficit when his drag flick at a penalty corner went high into the net.
With Hautlieu firmly back in the match at 4-2, Convicts regained dominance of possession and control of the match, with Beau Johnstone and Hugo Gomersall carrying the ball out of defence well and helping the midfield create opportunities.
Convicts put the match beyond doubt with eight minutes left to play.
Edo Van Eijden started a move down the right and Hodgson beat a couple of players before firing the ball to the far post for Cuming to tap in and guarantee the points for the champions.
