Tough weekend for St Neots Hockey Club sides

St Neots Hockey Club endured a difficult weekend across several teams, with only the Women’s 2s picking up a point from their fixtures.

The Women’s 1s face a tough battle to avoid relegation after a 5–2 defeat away to Sudbury 1s. Saints made a positive start and took the lead through Marie Quintilla, looking comfortable in possession during the early stages. However, two quick goals from the hosts just before half-time turned the game around. Sudbury extended their lead shortly after the restart, before adding two more goals midway through the second half to seal the win. A late penalty corner from Paula Bingham was little more than consolation, leaving Saints bottom of the table with two games remaining.

The Men’s 1s also find themselves in a difficult position following a 4–1 home defeat to local rivals St Ives 1s. The visitors took an early lead, but Saints responded through Phil McMorris from a penalty corner to level the score at half-time. St Ives came out stronger after the break, scoring twice to take control before adding a late fourth goal as Saints pushed forward in search of a way back into the match. The result leaves the Men’s 1s needing two wins from their final two games to avoid relegation.

The Women’s 2s were the only Saints side to collect a point, drawing 2–2 away at Spalding 2s. After a goalless first half in which both teams created chances, the hosts took the lead early in the second period. Saints quickly responded through Sue Glover, although Spalding restored their advantage soon after. Glover then scored her second of the match to ensure the points were shared.

Promotion hopes took a blow for the Men’s 2s after a narrow 1–0 defeat away to Newmarket 2s. Saints created early chances but were unable to take them, and an injury before half-time left them a player down. Newmarket capitalised in the second half after intercepting a loose pass to score the only goal of the game. A second injury reduced Saints to nine players, but they continued to push for an equaliser, only to be denied by the home goalkeeper.

Elsewhere, the Men’s 3s were beaten 7–0 at home by Cambridge South 4s. Saints defended well early on and trailed just 2–0 at the break, but fatigue set in during the second half as the visitors added five more goals.

The Women’s 3s also suffered defeat, losing 4–1 away to Newmarket 3s, with Francesca Kite scoring Saints’ only goal of the match.

The Men’s 4s were beaten 4–2 at home by Ely City 3s despite a determined performance. Steve Moore and Gethin Phipps were on target for Saints.