Hooray! Well done class. The Men’s 2s and 5s in particular celebrating their first league wins.
As we know there are no losers here, however there were a few ‘non-winners’.

Scores

In order of receipt (thanks to the early birds – it’s appreciated)…

Men’s Otters vs East London 7s

First goals, and first points of the season for the M5s after a composed and committed team performance in which we controlled the game to the extent East London 7 didn’t manage a shot on goal to speak of, while our two goals came from Aamir. While it marked the last 5s game for a few players who are moving up to the 4s, it was the very first matchfor Nate, the latest of our youth players to join the 5s squad, as we try to keep the production line rolling. A fitting Man of the Match in that context was another 13-year-old, Daniel, who not only performed admirable defensive duties at right back but also provided excellent runs and support in attack.

Ladies’ 5s vs Brentwood 5s

With some nervousness, the newly formed Ladies 5s teams went in to our first match ever with a positive frame of mind. With two members of the ABCs who have only been playing for 3 weeks and the majority of the team having either never played a match or not regularly playing, we knew but were in for a fight but were nevertheless full of excitement!

The scoreline is not important in this match report and I have a horrible tendency to forget it (!) but one of the Brentwood players commented on our ‘enthusiasm’ when our one goal was scored! Mass excitement could probably describe it!

As a team we gelled more and more as the match went on and everyone played to their full potential. Most importantly though, we all had a great time and really enjoyed our first match. Much positivity is abound for future matches and we fully anticipate to be winning shortly! We have some great skills to build on, a fantastic team spirit and boundless enthusiasm.

Our Lady of the Match was Leonie and rightly so. Huge thanks to Leonie for stepping into a kicking back role with absolutely no training and some great blocks on goal! Also thanks to Roly, Phil and Ash who were very patient with us as umpires and took the time to explain their decisions which really helps with our knowledge of the game.

Ladies’ 1s vs Sevenoaks 3s

It didn’t take long for Waltham Forest to start scoring with Jenny Field taking the first goal just after 5 minutes into the game from a turn over in the defensive 25 and with quick two touch hockey the first goal was scored. The second goal was scored with 15 minutes played by Charlotte Pether and the third and fourth quickly followed with Phil Laguen de Lacroix scoring a great flick from the left of the circle and the fourth goal scored on 20 minutes again by Charlotte Pether with a strike from top of circle.

The fifth goal was scored again by Charlotte Pether who completed her hatrick with a reverse stick tap in just before half time. With a 5-0 lead at half time, Waltham Forest had to maintain the lead for the whole of the second half and despite a few good counter attacks from Sevenoaks the ladies managed to hold on to the win with Hannah Dobbin also adding to the score sheet with a tap in shortly after the second half to secure a well deserved 6-0 win.

EHB Cup Men’s 1s vs Cambridge City, 2-6

Sunday morning saw the men’s 1s gather together at the Academy to take on a daunting task in the national league team, Cambridge City. Having travelled to Felixstowe yesterday there were many tired legs, however these were quickly shaken off as the game started at a high tempo. Both teams demonstrated composure transferring the ball around the back and looking for openings. Playing an experienced and internationally infused team, was always going to be a tough ask for the Men’s 1s but the team were determined to play their style of hockey.
The play flowed back and forth with both teams creating pressure and finding some early opportunities. It was Forest to score first with a quick break down the right before crossing the ball in for a simple tap in, the supporters went crazy!! The lead was short lived as Cambridge quickly replied. The game continued back and forth with some inspired passing between the team as they grew more accustomed to the tempo and feel of the game. Cambridge City then scored one of their several well executed short corners, a low drag flick right in the corner. Forest not letting their heads go down fought back and scored a second after some fluid passing and good moment off the ball. With the half approaching Cambridge had a quick counter attack after a turnover and despite hitting the cross bar with a reverse undercut the ball rebounded awkwardly and crossed the line. The reprieve was brief as again Cambridge won a shortie which they executed well, meaning they headed into the half 4-2 up.

As legs tired in the second half the pressure on the defence grew, yet there was a good resolute teamwork being displayed with everyone working hard. As both teams tired more mistake started and both teams had quick counter attacks. Cambridge won another short which again a slick routine resulted in a goal. Going the other way Forest worked hard and created several chances including winning a short that the umpire agreed should have been a flick. Ultimately the game finished with the more experience and slightly fitter team winning, but neither team had found the game easy. Forest had given Cambridge a real scare in the first half and played some excellent hockey in the process. Hopefully this can be taken into the league and will be converted into some good wins.

Men’s 1s vs Felixstowe 1s

Forest were struck down by the “tardiness” bug on Sat when they visited Felixstowe for their second game of the season. Not only did keeper Jake Ledbrook keep the team waiting for 45 minutes before the journey to the east coast, but Sean Carey’s pedestrian driving meant that the team arrived with little time to fully prepare for the game ahead.

The lacklustre pre-match warm up reflected the first half performance from Forest who made a number of mistakes early on and conceded within 5 minutes from a short corner. This appeared to wake Forest from their slumber as they gradually got themselves in to the game and Rich Lowe managed to equalise after a scramble in the d – his first league goal for the club. The scrappy nature of the game continued, however, and an aeriel over the top caught Forest napping with Felixstowe’s striker finishing a one-on-one neatly with a reverse stick shot.

The second half saw a stronger performance from Forest, but they lacked the cutting edge in the final third to create any real clear cut opportunities. Felixstowe contained Forest well to limit their chances and a fast and furious second half ended with the full time score of 2-1. Forest rode their luck at times at the back and the absence of 6 first team regulars was obvious from the below par performance of the team. Forest need to up their game next week against local rivals Crostyx to ensure their season starts to gather some more momentum.

Men’s 2s vs Upminster 3s

Forest bounced back from their opening day defeat with a big win against newly promoted Upminster.

Missing several key players debuts were handed to Jon Jones and Jonny Reiss. Stand in captain Rich Mills also broke the emergency glass and brought Will Gilkes out of retirement.
Forest started well playing in Upminster’s half and soaking up the occasional counter attack. The breakthrough came from a short corner as Gilkes’ effort was selected over a despairing keeper by Mills. Gilkes immediately departed to apply the magic sponge.

Upminster started to press higher up the pitch, which left them exposed to Forest counter attacks. Immy grabbed one for himself before setting up Welsh flyer Jones for a debut goal. Immy finished the half by picking the pocket of a dawdling defender and cooly slotting past the keeper.
At half time the freeze spray came out as numerous silver foxes held their backs. It was all to much for Gilkes who grabbed an icepack and hobbled back to his car leaving Forest with a bare bones 11.

The second half resumed with a flurry of goals, Guy galloped onto a through ball and unexpectedly provided his second near post finish in 2 weeks. Luce smashed home a rebound and provided a drilled cross for Mills to make it 7-0.

The defence of Gynn, Reiss and Cheng was looking unbreachable, but as the team tired Upminster took advantage with 3 quick goals. Immy responded with a fine solo effort and after that the game petered out without incident.

Apart from Luce getting hit in the balls, that was funny.