2025/26 Season - Week 5

Blueharts Hockey Club experienced a weekend of highs and lows, with impressive wins, hard-fought draws, and valuable lessons learned across all teams.

Men’s 1s beat Broxbourne 6-4 at home to go top of the league. Blueharts survived some early pressure, but Player of the Match, Ben Bayley, scored two goals in quick succession to put them ahead. Pete Cornell added a third, and Seb Walton Adams made it 4-0 at half time. Blueharts eased off the pressure, allowing Broxbourne to score three after the break. Bayley completed his hat trick before Will Lawler sealed the victory with a well-taken goal late in the game.

The Ladies' 1s remained unbeaten with a 4-1 victory over Colchester away. The first 10 minutes saw Blueharts dominate in the attacking 25, but they couldn't convert their chances. After injuries to Lucy and Meme, Colchester took the lead. In the second half, Gabrielle Sillis equalised with a fantastic goal from the right, followed by goals from Harriet Marsh, Olivia Byford, and Caz Kumar after a series of short corners.

The Men’s 2s returned to winning ways with a dominant 6-0 home win against Stevenage. Rory Williams continued his impressive goalscoring form, bagging two goals. Addison Scott and Graham Burr also found the net, before Tom Sadler converted a penalty flick. Williams then turned provider, setting up Adam Wells shortly before the final whistle. Alec Gadsden made a notable debut, and Cam Gregg's fine saves contributed to the team's strong performance, putting the 2s clear at the top of the league.

The Ladies' 2s put in a strong performance against Hertford 1s away but lost 1-0. They dominated possession in the first half, thanks to excellent transferring and distribution from Carly Madders and the Sophie Featherby and Sophie Woods. However, Hertford capitalised on a counter-attack to score the only goal of the match. In the second half, the Ladies 2s stepped up their game, creating several promising chances, with Ella Lock, Kate Sherwood, and Ally Antoniou all going close. Ella Lock was named Player of the Match for her tireless work rate, commitment, and creativity in attack. Special mentions also go to Rosie Ross for her relentless effort in the screen, and to Sophie Featherby for a fantastic tackle.

Despite injuries, leaving them with no substitutes, the Ladies' 3s showed grit and determination to win 4-0 at home. It was their best performance of the season to date. Scorers were Amy Williams, Ella Blackmore, Fiona Hutchings, and Alice Winton. Ella Blackmore was named Player of the Match.

The Men's 4s started strong away with two goals from short corners by Joel Davey (deflection) and Raymond Lin (straight flick), followed by a goal from captain Matthew Maylin (deflection at the back post). In the second half, Ray scored again with a strong hit under the goalkeeper, and Matt completed a hat trick with a back whack into the side netting and a last-minute short corner deflection, earning him Player of the Match.

The Ladies' 5s won 2-1 against Letchworth away, with a brilliant opening goal from Megan Thomson-Wells, closely followed by a goal from Danielle Flood. Letchworth managed to score from a short corner, but Blueharts held on to the lead for the rest of the game.

Men’s 5s drew with Letchworth away. Philip Britton scored an early goal, but Letchworth equalised midway through the second half, preventing the team from achieving their fourth consecutive win.

The Ladies' 6s  secured a dominant victory at home, with Francesca Woolley opening the scoring within minutes. Goalkeeper Ruth Hicks made a crucial save to prevent Stevenage from equalising. Pedzi Gororo scored a penalty flick, and the team displayed superb teamwork, passing the ball around Stevenage players with tenacious finishing. The final score included goals from Francesca Woolley, Annabelle Hone, Freya Pledge, Pedzi Gororo (2), and Hannah Ross (2). This win ensures that the team remains at the top of the table with an improved goal difference, providing great preparation for next week's top-of-the-table clash with Bishop's 9s.

The Men's 7s lost 3-2 away against Welwyn Garden City. They allowed Welwyn to take a 3-0 lead in the first 30 minutes before Bobby Bridges pulled a goal back before half time. Stuart Gadsden scored a second with 10 minutes remaining, but they couldn't find an equaliser. Charlie Nissen was Man of the Match and Blue of the Week for volunteering to play in goal for the first time.

The Men's 8s extended their 100% start to the season with a 4-2 win at home against Shefford & Sandy 3. A much-improved first half saw them take a 2-goal lead into the break, with Rob Trotter and Dan Holder combining for the first, and Alex Macbeth and Will Michie for the second. A third goal from Alex Macbeth should have made things comfortable, but two excellent goals from their opponents resulted in a nervous finish, until Zac Thomas wrapped up the points. This fifth successive win sees Blueharts Men’s 8 increase their early lead at the top of the division.

A weekend of varied results, showcasing the depth and spirit of Blueharts Hockey Club.