1sts versus 2nds inter-club clash

MEN’S 1STS met Men’s 2nds in the second round of league fixtures as Newark Hockey Club put friendships aside for 70-minutes.

The 1sts ran out as expected winners, but the 2nds worked hard and kept the score within one goal in front of an all-Newark support.

1sts started the match more composed and kept the 2nds camped in their own half.

Their strength was clear to see but they failed to find the killer touch to make their handful of chances count.

At half-time, the teams were tied at 0-0 and, the second-half followed a very similar pattern to the first.

Building from a solid defence, the 1sts eventually found a break-through when a scramble in the D fell to Steve Beardsmore, who smashed the ball in from close range.

Newark Ladies 3rds drew 2-2 at home to West Bridgford 2nds after failing to hold out their lead.

The team took a while to get into the game as they trialled a new formation.

A break from Gabbi Lucas on the wing led to a cross into the opposition’s D, and a scrap in front of the keeper led to a goal from Alex Olivant.

West Bridgford replied with a slick goal from a penalty corner.

After half-time, despite several missed opportunities, Newark went 2-1 up with a goal from Sophie Chambers, supported by Tash Gresswell and Ann Crockett-Mclean.

Newark held the lead until the final four minutes when West Bridgford equalised.

Newark Ladies 4th team experimented with positions as they lost 2-1 at home to Arnold.

Led by Imogen Kennett and Kate Revill, the new look side, full of young faces, showed great skill.

A fortunate penalty corner put the visitors ahead after a Newark foot was judged to be in the circle.

Despite conceding another goal moments before half-time, the 4ths continued to battle and stunning work by Felicity Taylor-Peck, who had moved from right back to centre forward, fired Newark back into the game.

Taylor-Peck’s second-half performance earned her player of the match, but it was not enough rescue the draw for Newark.