After 2 years of promotion after promotion, should we draw a line in the sand early on – will this season see a lot of consolidation and maybe not see Ipswich knocking the opposition for six every week? Try telling that to Oli Pipe's 3s. What we’re expecting are hard-fought victories, tough opponents, and players pushing themselves to play at a higher level, many for the first time. Ipswich will answer that call, and with an influx of new young players to complement some of the older guard, I feel we’re in good shape. I spent much of the weekend at Tuddenham, and on Saturday and Sunday, there was a real buzz about the place, ably helped by good weather and it was pleasing to see the sideline support for all of the teams.

Before I share this week’s reports, I’d like to take a moment to point out where we are with our juniors presently:

On Sunday, we had our second junior session of the season; we welcomed 95 juniors from U8s to U14s to training. It’s pleasing progress. This season, we’re blessed with the administrative capabilities of Dave Cooper, who is pulling more strings than we knew existed. I’m also delighted to welcome Emma Winchester formally, who is leading the U8s – no small task to get this age group started. We’ve also got the hardcore regulars, many of them being elected unwillingly like the Speaker of the Commons, but knowing they will be there to help both their children and others develop. Too many to mention but their leadership over the years is filtering through to all our teams. Also, on a Sunday we are ably supported by a number of 14-18 year-olds who give up their time to come down and help support the coaches in coaching the youngsters. The junior section and their parents are now also able to get tea/coffee/bacon baps on a Sunday morning, which will be even more welcome as the cold comes in. We’ll be asking for more help from senior players as the season progresses and would expect all top-level players to be able to help coach at least one Sunday. A club cannot be successful if we have to rely on the same faces again and again, so please be prepared to help once or twice a season. We'll be raising funds for the juniors again this year and are indebted to SEVEN for their sponsorhip and I must also thank Margaret Bryant for her donation when she came to visit us on Club Day.

Back on the pitch, no EHL matches this week, so just eight games to report on; the Men’s section won one, drew one, and lost one in their new leagues. Special mention must go to the Men’s 3rd XI, who dismantled Newmarket under Oli Pipe’s leadership. The Women’s section faced some stern opposition but acquitted themselves very well in their matches with two narrow losses away and two very exciting matches at home for the Women’s 3s and 4s. I saw them both, and while they lost to strong opposition, they looked well-drilled and will be in good shape this season. Both these teams and the Women’s 2s have been promoted in the last two seasons.

Women's 2s: L0-1

Women's 3s: L2-5

Women's 4s: L2-4

So, a brand new season and a new-look women’s 4th team, all excited to get started with their first game of the season against IES 2nd team.

Strong attacking play down the right side led to an early goal from Vicky Wiles to put Ipswich ahead. Unfortunately, IES got back into the game through a lapse in concentration, ending the 1st half with a 1-1 scoreline.

The 4s continued their momentum from the first half and kept their width well, but with the sun shining and just one substitution, gaps in the middle started to appear. IES had a spell of pressure which saw them score their second goal. This spurred Ipswich on, and they managed to score through a screaming strike by Lorna from the top of the D, finding the backboard following a deflection from Min hitting the crossbar.

Although the final score was 4-2 to IES, there were a large number of positives to take into the next few games of the season and heaps of potential for another cracking season ahead.

Women's 5s: L0-1

On a baking hot Saturday lunchtime, the Ladies 5’s started their season full of enthusiasm and fight against Christchurch Ladies 2’s. They had some new faces who made some brilliant debut appearances.

The match was very even for most of the game. Helena was fantastic in goal as always. Jia stepped up to be a forward and had some serious shots at goal. This certainly worried the opposition who became quite hot under the collar, with one of their players seeing “green” then “yellow” with sticks being thrown around. Sadly, Christchurch scored a lucky goal in the last 5 minutes, leaving the final score as 0-1.

Men's 2s: W2-1

The 2s started life in Division 1 North by welcoming Kettering to a sunny Tuddenham Road. Despite the interplay between Seth, Elliot, Pete, Windy, and Wardy creating some good initial opportunities, Ipswich fell behind when Kettering put a short corner rebound away. This allowed Kettering to grow into the game, and Paddy's debut clearance off the line stopped a 2nd rebound goal from going in. Ipswich's tackling was a bit overzealous, resulting in a green card and Baler receiving a yellow for Chopper's tackle.

The half-time team talk focused on Kettering being there for the taking, and they were. A devastating five minutes shortly into the 2nd half saw Wardy unfurl his new reverse stick shot into the roof, and Chopper wrong-footed the goalkeeper with his 'strike'.

Ipswich always looked the more likely to score, but a green and yellow card in the 2nd half disrupted this flow.

The team was thankful to Jez for a wonder save to keep Kettering out towards the end.

Overall, a hard-fought win.

Men's 3s: W8-1

In an exhilarating display of teamwork and skill, the Men's 3s Ipswich team secured a dominant victory over Newmarket with a resounding scoreline of 8-1. The game highlighted Ipswich's prowess, with a combination of experienced and young players delivering on the field.

Freddy Weller stood out as the top goal scorer, finding the back of the net four times. His poaching abilities were evident as he robbed defenders near the goal and deftly deflected goals in. Other scorers included Tom, Joab with a double, and Henry with a solo goal.

The Ipswich side was particularly reinforced this match, featuring five players from the second team. Their quality shone through, elevating the gameplay and setting the tone for the day. This influx of talent was complemented by the youthful vigor of players like Sam Bairstow and Adam. Their tireless running and determination paid off, notably with Sam's impressive sprint to the corner, setting up a beautiful assist for Freddy Weller's goal.

However, the match wasn't without its tensions. Newmarket's players displayed visible frustration towards certain umpiring decisions. This agitation mirrored a previous encounter with Newmarket, where they benefited from what seemed like one-sided umpiring. The irony wasn't lost on the spectators, especially when their dissent led to at least one yellow card.

While the Ipswich side dominated most of the game, it wasn't without its moments of lapse. The lone goal for Newmarket came off an unfortunate ball from Ollie Pipe, which was promptly capitalized upon by a Newmarket forward.

As the reporter, I must apologize for missing some goal details as I had to step in as a medic due to a couple of injuries on the Newmarket side. Nonetheless, the day belonged to Ipswich Men's 3s, and they can walk away proud of their monumental victory.

A significant highlight was the harmonious partnership between David Cooper and Sam Edwards in the defense. Their synergy was palpable, a result of rigorous practice sessions during the week focusing on formation and ball distribution. Their patience in moving the ball around, methodically dismantling the Newmarket press, was particularly commendable. It’s a style of play and discipline that the coaching staff would undoubtedly be proud of.

Men's 4: L0-3

M4 - a decent but scratch M4 team ventured to Colchester on a hot day to be faced with a very strong and full-blown adult version of the team they beat 6-1 a couple of weeks ago.

Colchester were all mid-30s to 50s, strong, well-drilled, and knew how to pass the ball at pace. Ipswich weathered the storm for a few minutes and slowly grew into the game and possibly could’ve bagged a goal in the 10th minute with Ant open in the D with no one to beat (including the keeper) but the ball just never made it to him.

Colchester scored a few minutes later with a simple goal. 1-0. Shame.

The sun beat down, and Colchester scored again a few minutes later with a nicely worked goal round the back of the Ipswich defenders and then slotted across to be swept in again. 2-0.

On the break, Jack hit the ball into the D from distance, it rebounded off the post, but Ipswich were slow to react, so it was easily cleared. Another goal from Colchester just before half-time to make it 3-0. Tireless work from everyone in that half and in that heat.

The team talk at half-time had a pretty good impact, and Ipswich had much more possession in the second half. A couple more short corners, some nice possession play, and some calm skill and composure by Evan who, despite his size against the burly opposition, grew very much into the game.

A short near the end for Ipswich resulted in a sweeping goal by Tom O, only for it to be ruled out by VAR as Jack had unfortunately not let the ball come outside the D fully before passing it back into Tom. A tight decision but was the correct one.

A 3-0 defeat, but many positives to take away and a few lessons. Ball pace is key, as is accurate passing quickly. Slow balls and taking too long to move it on, as well as potent attacking up front, were the Achilles' heel today, despite lots of effort and determination.

MOM was Will Stottard, and equal call out to all four youngsters for their first adult league hockey debut, and it was in Div 4. Callum in goal, Richard, Jack, and Evan.

Next week it's Sudbury, who also got promoted last year at TR. A game we’re looking forward to.

Men's 5: D1-1

A great performance considering they had a lot of new players, all of whom need a bit of bedding in over the next few games. Some good hockey, especially in the first half with good passing and movement off the ball. What a great goal as well, and even more so as it came from one of our new youngsters, Tom R, who scored 10 seconds into his Ipswich debut. What a start to his career. A great deflection following a quick hit into the D from Peter G, young and old linking up, long may it continue. Again, all of the new players played well with them playing all over the pitch. Things are looking really promising for the future. Plenty to work on in training, but very happy with the performance and the 1-1 score.

Men's 1s - friendly.

Ipswich men's first eleven travelled away from home for this years big East Anglian Derby. Albeit a pre-season warm up game both teams were keen to prove themselves east Anglia’s finest. Ipswich started the most promising with strong play from a young and solid midfield but Norwich soon found their way into the game with both teams now matching each other with their intensity and vigour.

The first quarter finished without a goal with both teams frustrated that they couldn’t capitalise on their opportunities.

It wasn’t long in to the second quarter that some great work through the middle resulted in Dillon Hatcher getting on the ball in the D and fired a reverse stick cross past the keeper finding an effervescent Josh Cutting with an easy tap in. This goal only encouraged Norwich to go through their gears resulting in Ipswich having to soak up the increasing pressure. The steadfast Ipswich defence could only hold out for so long with Norwich finding themselves playing increasingly in the oppositions final third and after couple of missed opportunities Norwich drew themselves level with some silky attacking play. Not long after Norwich scored again taking themselves into the halftime break with a 2-1 lead.
Both teams began the third quarter displaying some great skill and determination but Norwich had the edge in the middle of the park and continued to apply pressure with quick breaks from their defence. A over enthusiastic, misjudged tackle from Ben Dykes resulted in a yellow card which saw his team have to work extra hard for the five minutes he was sat out. After a rapid break from Norwich down their left side, James Southgate was misjudged to have purposely knocked the ball off the goal line with the back of his sticky resulting in a penalty flick that was confidently dispatched by Norwich. Norwich 3 Ipswich 1.

Ipswich went into the final quarter looking a little deflated but it wasn’t long until they found a spring in their step and their hard work and perseverance paid off with a succession of short corners with one inevitably being converted by the power house that is Craig Wiid. Some spectacular saves from Thomas Cherry kept Ipswich in the game but after some unfortunate deflections and ricochets the ball landed to and unmarked Norwich player with an easy tap in to make the score 4-2. Norwich were beginning to enjoy themselves playing their brand of hockey but try as they might they just could get the ball past Thomas Cherry in the Ipswich goal. Ipswich still trusted in their methods and kept strong with some excellent play at both ends of the pitch. Their hard work and perseverance earned them a short corner in the dying moments of the game and after a goal line safe the ball fell to Josh Fry which he lashed over the line. The game finished 4-3 to Norwich with both teams full of praise for one another. Ipswich now look forward to their final friendly on Tuesday evening at home to Harleston Magpies.

Stats

Nothing major to report on yet after so few games (notwithstanding Fred Weller’s 4 goals). We will be looking to run the golden stick again this season and also the golden glove for the meanest keeper. More to follow.

Finally, if you are at the club this week please take a moment to say hello to Ali Barham and Sam Edwards your Women's and Men's Club Captains. They've done so much behind the scenes throughout the summer and we wouldn't be on the pitch without the work they've put in during pre-season.

To Goals! Wardy