The Saturday Round-up - 16/9

The ladies 2’s kicked off the weekend with a resounding 4-0 win over South Shields. With a new style of hockey from last season the team gelled quickly and soon asserted their dominance. A physically bruising game with numerous players taking balls to feet and shins the team kept bouncing back up. Goals came from Debbie and Freya who both scored a brace each. Assists came in the form of three from Elle and one from skipper Emma. The team sit third in the league on goal difference and next week travel to Bishop Auckland 1’s for a 14:00pb. Player of the match was given to captain fantastic Emma, with Lucy taking the DOTD for taking 2 hits to feet, requiring 2 ice packs!

The ladies 1’s had a tough act to follow when they took on Newcastle 3’s in the middle match slot. The team started well and transferred the ball well enabling gaps to open in the opposition defence. A resulting short corner was duly put away by Kait, taking a 1-0 lead which the team would hold onto for the remainder of the game. The game wasn’t short of drama with ‘MVP’ Katie taking the spotlight, and in her own words… (taking a dramatic exit off the pitch). The real player of the match was awarded to Gaynor for totally bossing the midfield on her debut for Norton. No surprises that the team voted for Katie as their DOTD… Next week the team head to Newcastle Medics looking to maintain the good start. 

The only away trip of the day saw the Mens 1’s heading off to Gateshead. The game got off to the perfect start with Luke scoring a ‘Goal of the Season’ winner… but the lads dropped intensity and soon were 4-1 down. Another goal by Luke before the end meant the team start the season with a 4-2 defeat. Not the start they wanted but the only way is up and the lads will fight for that! Man of the match rightfully awarded to Luke for the goals as well as the work rate whilst nursing a severe hangover. DOTD unanimously given to Oli for his unfortunate open goal miss… he’ll want that one back for sure. The team have a free Saturday next weekend before travelling to Tynedale in 2 weeks time. 

The Mens 2’s finished off the home schedule with a tight 2-1 loss to Gateshead 2’s. Having scored the opener through Callum the team went into half time 1-0 up. However after a cracking half the team conceded a second with about a minute to go meaning Gateshead left with all 3 points. Lots of positives to take for the team with no less than 7 youngsters taking to the pitch and battling hard. Man of the match went to Aaron playing just his second game in goal, DOTD is unknown however there could be the usual candidates nominated amongst the team… Next week is a local derby vs Stockton 4’s so they will look to bounce back there!

Next Saturdays fixtures…

Mens 1’s - No game

Mens 2’s - Stockton 4’s Away

Mens 3’s - Marton Furness 4’s Home

Ladies 1’s - Newcastle Medics Away

Ladies 2’s - Bishop Auckland Away

Ladies 3’s - Newcastle 4’s Home