Game one of a four game club day special on the hottest day of the year so far. As US arrived the pitch glistened as it was watered for the second time already. Captain Reece corralled a mighty men’s 3s team ahead of push back, and a spine tingling team talk set the precedent for the rest of the game.

In typical friendly hockey fashion US threw the ball towards Gosport to start the game. US pressed high up the pitch from the get go and held a lot of the possession in the early stages of the game. After a spell of attacking play from US and some excellent link up play US went 1-0 up with a goal from Lewis Cartmell!

Determined hockey from Gosport pushed US right to the wire, with some well worked short corners that put US under pressure. A nicely worked routine put Gosport level, 1-1.

US quickly regained the lead through Callum Stoyles who slotted a shot home after a great cross from Ben Organ. 2-1.

Half time 2-1. Water on, team talks and back for the second half.

Tired legs and the smell of tasty, free bbq food both teams have 100%. Lots of turnover play as choreographed set plays were swapped with 60 yard hit and hope balls.

A burst of energy and a weaving run from Ben Russell resulted in a bobbling shot which nestled into the left corner! 3-1.

Gosport weren’t down and out, and responded with a goal of their own against the run of play. 3-2.

The game fizzled out towards the end as both teams were exhausted, great shift from both teams.

Final score US 3 - 2 Gosport.

Player comments:

Anonymous: Ken is my hero, what a guy #waterboy

John Anderson: I love rum and raisin ice cream. Arguably my favourite.

Stanley: did you know I’m getting married soon?

United Services M2 Vs Poole M2

A sweltering HMS Temaire eagerly awaited the arrival of Poole HC for their second pre-season friendly. Eagerness, soon turned in to boredom as due to the A31 being closed they took the scenic route.

Finally under the mid day sun we were ready to go.

Early pressure was fairly well dealt with, Hopkins directed to work on his kicking calmly catching the ball between his legs and sending to the side.

As ever this reported was too far away and couldn’t see the Poole goal, but it would have been awesome or the US defence who had been solid would have defended it.

After a short corner there was the small issue of the umpires awarding a flick! Outrageous that when the chap in blue used mostly his foot, but a little bit of stick between the posts, on the lines that this was awarded… resulting in 2-0.

Mikey Pugh decided to even it up a little bit, reminding everyone why he’s a solid M2 player and the ones can’t have him by shimmering in to the D from the left and smashing the ball in to the top right of the net!

The final 4th, the mid day sun and Pooles tactic of making us wait for 2 hours came in to force as Poole snuck a goal.
Final score 1-3

Overall impressive play in the first three quarters, passing moving and good attacking play. With the ability to stop dribbling and make a pass going to feature at future training sessions. USPHC M2 are ready to enter the season in the higher league to build on last years success.

Ladies 1s vs Poole 2s
On a sweltering September Saturday, US held their Club day and US ladies played a friendly against Poole Ladies 2s.

The match started with US dominating possession and having various chances in th D but no luck in converting, the Poole GK was on top form.

Poole got the turnover ball and run it up the pitch, curving around the D to shoot. US stand in GK, Robynne (me), saved the first shot but missed the rebound, 1-0 to Poole.

Poole tried to attack again but US defence worked hard to get back, running hard in the sweaty hot weather which I was very grateful for!!

A rousing half time chat from Co Captain Gill Glover-Bell have US the spurr to bounce back. Working the ball all the way from defence with some ace passing between Lauren, Evie, Hayley and Jen, US scored, 1-1.

US continued to work together, passing between midfield and the forwards, working around the oppo. A few short corners were given and a cheeky pass from Harriet to Hayley and BAM, 2-1 as Hayley snuck in a rebound shot.

On a high from coming back from 1-0 down, Jen passed the ball down the wing to Hayley who ran it around the D, slipped the ball past Poole GK and bosh, 3-1.

By the last quarter, it was very hot & sweaty (especially in a keepers kit) and I was slightly delirious so can’t remember how the fourth goal came about other than it was a scorcher from Hayley - what a comeback for someone who said they would be rubbish

Full time US 4-1 Poole 2s, It was great to be back

US men’s 1s vs Poole

The final game of our super Saturday club day rounded off a fantastic day of hockey. A class act of Urwin and Organ umpired, and members of the crowd commandeered the speaker. International water break rules were introduced to speed up the breaks between quarters. With the day coming to an end some M1 players had to depart early, and others picked up injuries in the previous game US fielded a reduced team of 12.

US started positively, controlling possession well and finding acres of space in the wide areas. An altered formation gave the wing backs of Tom and Tom more space in attacking phases and more license to roam, whilst Jamie found space of his own as our 3 attackers pressed high up the pitch.

In the first 10 minutes of the game US looked dangerous, winning multiple short corners and keeping the Poole goalkeeper occupied with a few testing shots.

Soon after, another successful surge from the attacking US force worked the keeper, a great save which was kicked wide towards the stand. Fortunately it was swept up by Angus, who took one touch to control, and another to slot the ball away near post. 1-0 US.

US continued to work hard for each other, but a lack of subs caused tired legs and tired passes. Momentum changed hands and Poole had their first spell of possession. US defended well, remained composed, and stuck to our game plan. Tired players led to a lazy tackle, resulting in a free hit to Poole just outside the 25. Quick thinking from Poole caught US napping and a wondrous strike fizzed past the outstretched pad of Gumpy and bulged in the back of the net. 1-1. Towards the end of the half a yellow card was shown to our very own Miles Dior for a deliberate trip of the opponent whilst trying to make a tackle.

Half time was a welcomed break to get water onboard and talk tactics. The mood in the dugout was positive and US sensed an opportunity to snatch the win. A slight tactical alteration was made in an attempt to reduce the mounting pressure from Poole.

US called a half court press to see out the duration of the yellow card, and settled well into the second half. The tactical change meant Ben Russell had more freedom in the middle of the pitch to gain yards, whilst Tim and Ryan were able to offer easy passes out before switching the play.

A scrappy 3rd quarter from both US and Poole saw few chances created by either team. Despite this, US created a great chance, which landed at the feet of Jamie Martin, who reacted like lightning to squeeze it past the keeper. 2-1.

In the 4th quarter the game turned into counter attacking hockey for both sides and Poole made some last ditch attempts from Poole to draw level. A short corner was the result of a dangerous looking attack for Poole.

With only minutes to go Poole opted to drag flick towards the left post, but it was defended bravely on the line by Tim, but the umpire deemed the stop illegal as it bounced down and hit his knee. Penalty stroke awarded. Step up Gumpy. Cool as a cucumber, and as majestic as a dolphin he dived the wrong way, but an outstretched leg deflected the ball off the back line. Hero of the game.

The dying embers of the game were seen out as a frustrated Poole chased possession from US who were playing keep ball.

Final whistle, US 2 - 1 Poole.

Player comments:

Angus: Miles Dior has only been playing hockey for a season, can you believe it?

El Fez: wish I didn’t leave this team after that performance

Dave Muzzy: there better be some food left, I haven’t eaten for a week! #studentliving

Tom Miller: I need to stop smoking, blowing out my arse.