Saints Men’s Sides Deliver Big Wins as Relegation and Promotion Battles Heat Up

Two crucial victories for St Neots’ Men’s 1s and 2s headline a reduced fixture list, with a dramatic late comeback keeping the 1s’ survival hopes alive and the 2s strengthening their promotion push. The Women’s 2s were narrowly beaten, while the Men’s 3s suffered a tough afternoon against league leaders.

Only four fixtures went ahead this weekend following earlier postponements, but there was no shortage of drama for St Neots Hockey Club.

Men’s 1s Fight Back in Thriller

The Men’s 1s produced a stunning comeback to secure a vital 3–2 away win at Cambridge South 2s in a must-win clash between two sides battling near the bottom of the table.

The hosts struck first midway through the opening half and doubled their advantage early in the second period, leaving Saints with a mountain to climb.

Phil McMorris sparked the revival, pulling one back to shift the momentum. As the match entered the final ten minutes, McMorris struck again to level the contest and breathe life into Saints’ survival hopes.

With time running out, Nick Hipwell found the decisive goal to seal a dramatic turnaround and a hugely important three points in the fight to avoid relegation.

(Photo: Phil McMorris, who scored twice. Credit: Warren Gunn.)

Men’s 2s Edge Closer to Promotion

The Men’s 2s also recorded a key victory, strengthening their push for promotion with a 2–1 home win over Cambridge South 4s.

Saints opened the scoring from a penalty corner, Ant Holmes firing a low drag flick into the net. They doubled their lead just before half-time when Owen Edwards’ strike from a short corner was deflected in.

Despite dominating possession for much of the second half, Saints struggled to break down a resilient South defence. With promotion rivals Bourne Deeping 2s watching from the sidelines, tension crept in when South pulled a goal back late on, setting up a nervy finale.

Saints held firm to secure the win and maintain pressure at the top end of the table.

Tough Afternoon for Men’s 3s

Promotion hopefuls Bourne Deeping 2s showed their title credentials in emphatic fashion in the following fixture, defeating the Men’s 3s 16–0 to underline why they currently top the league standings.

Narrow Defeat for Women’s 2s

The Women’s 2s were also in action against Cambridge South but were edged out 3–2 in a closely fought contest.

South took an early lead before Abbie Glover equalised for Saints. In the second half, Sue Glover struck twice to put Saints ahead and raise hopes of victory.

However, a quick-fire double from the visitors turned the game on its head, and despite late pressure, Saints were unable to find another equaliser. The result leaves them seventh in the table.

A mixed weekend overall, but with two vital men’s victories, Saints’ survival and promotion ambitions remain very much alive as the season enters its decisive phase.