Ups and downs for Newark and South Nottinghamshire hockey teams as the season gets into it

It was a tough weekend for Newark Hockey Club as four of their five teams suffered defeats.

There was a heavy defeat for Newark men’s 1sts as they lost 10-0 against a Nottingham Trent University side.

And the 2nds did not fare much better also failing to find the net as they went down 4-0 to Belper.

In the ladies’ section, Newark 1sts lost to Matlock Baileans 2-0 and the 3rds lost narrowly to local rivals Southwell Brincliffe in a tight game that ended 1-0.

The only winners were the ladies’ 2nds, who beat Nottingham Players 1-0.

At the NoDe tournament, the club’s younger teams fared well fielding two under-10 and one under-12s team.

One of the Newark under-10 mixed teams won one game, drew two, and lost one.

Their other under-10 mixed team won two, drew one, and lost one game.

The under-12 mixed team won two matches, drew one, and lost the other.

The Newark under-14 girls’ team were unbeaten in their NoDe tournament. They finished with three wins and a draw.

Bingham-based South Nottinghamshire 1sts were beaten by Derwent 2nds 4-2, despite initially taking the lead from a penalty corner.

South Notts goals were scored by Tom Crossland, Dan Recaldin.

The team travelled to Matlock to take on Derwent after a 3-1 victory against Beeston.

Strong performances from Sam Clough and Dan Recaldin in the centre of the pitch gave the visitors the ability to retain and transition possession well. This strategy led to a penalty corner against Derwent, converted by Tom Crossland to allow South Nottinghamshire to lead 0-1.

Derwent fought back to make it 1-1 and Dan Recaldin fired in another for the visitors to lead 2-1.

The South Nott’s defence capably kept out wave after wave of Derwent attacks to lead at the break.

In the second-half, Derwent equalised and managed to scramble two

more to make it 4-2 to Derwent.The planned opposition from Newark Ladies could not raise a side, so the South Notts Ladies used the opportunity for those present to play internally, in a full 70 minutes, six a side match on a full-size pitch.

This had the added benefit of improving match fitness.

Captain Eleanor Wallace took the chance to welcome four new club members, Sophie Atkinson, Rose Cartwright, Alex McCusker-Stevenson, and Laura Turner who she said were wonderful and impressive additions to the squad.

South Nottinghamshire men’s 2nds beat Derwent 3rds 3-0 with a good, dominant display.

The South Nottinghamshire 3rdss took on the third team from Players where they managed to win 7-2 in a game that showcased solid defence, a resilient midfield, and an attacking force that piled on the goals.

Derwent 4ths defeated the South Nottinghamshire 4ths 4-0 in a game that was closer than the score indicates.