It could hardly be tighter. The Men’s 1s head into Christmas level on points at the top, trailing only on goal difference after a commanding 7–0 win on Sunday. The Men’s 2s sit three points off the summit, while the Men’s 4s are sniffing promotion. At the halfway stage, the Men’s 1s have been the standout side, and a place in the National League is within reach. It will not come easily. Magpies, Pelicans and Blueharts are circling, and this promises to be a contest of nerve as much as skill. It has been years since the East Premier League produced a table like this. Now we have one. Who will blink first?

Elsewhere, congratulations to the Women’s 2s, who claimed their second win with an assured display on Saturday. Special mention to Jules, who turned out for the 6th XI development side before pulling on the goalkeeper’s kit for victory at Tuddenham Road. The Women’s 4s are fighting hard to stay afloat after promotion, but they were edged out 2–1 at Woodbridge. The Women’s 1s fell just short against leaders Bedford in a 4–3 thriller on Sunday. Injuries have taken their toll, and the league is congested from third to ninth. A couple of good results and a slice of luck could yet see them climb into the top half. Hats off to the development teams as well, the W6 and M6. I had the pleasure of helping the W6 on the sideline on Saturday (albeit I could not help them to victory); they are a top bunch and really impress me with how they are helping develop some of our youngest players as well as their own games.

A juniors mid-season report will follow before Christmas. They have been relentless: U8, U10, U12, U14, U16, U18 and now indoor for some. Hats off to the coaches and volunteers who turn up week after week to nurture the next generation. Speaking of juniors, if anyone knows an Olivia who decided our scoreboard needed her autograph in permanent marker, please send her up there with cleaning fluid. Or perhaps her brother, who may be playing tricks.

M1 W7-0
M2 W4-2
M3 W6-3
M4 D1-1
M5 W9-0
M6 L w/o
W1 L3-4
W2 W4-3
W3 L2-5
W4 L1-2
W5 L0-2
W6 L0-6

Reports from the Men’s 1s and Women’s 1s below.

Men’s 1s
W7-0 (Milo x2, Wardy x2, Wiid x1, Lyon x1, Cookie x1)

The men’s 1s knew what was at stake: a resounding win would put them top at Christmas on goal difference. They set up to go on the offensive, determined to dismantle Cambridge South, who sit at the foot of the table. After a sharp warm-up from an impressive squad, Ipswich came out with purpose, pressing high and squeezing the opposition defence.

The breakthrough was swift. Milo, whose hands might just be the finest in the club, glided past a couple before firing a cross for the evergreen Wardy, who deflected home for 1-0. Moments later, Craig stepped up at a corner and delivered with precision to make it 2-0. The quarter ended 3-0, courtesy of a stroke won after Uncle James threaded a laser ball to Coops, who turned and released Cookie. Milo obliged from the spot, calm as you like.
The second quarter brought more of the same: relentless pressing, strong tackles and possession that spoke of control. Dykesy freed Chopper, who waltzed into the D and let fly; the keeper saved, but Sammy was first to react, finishing with composure for 4-0. Cookie, eager to join the party, produced a fine finish after slick interplay between Seth, Milo and himself for 5-0. Then Cookie crossed for Wardy to tap in, making it 6-0 at the half. Ipswich were dreaming of double figures.

The second half, though, lacked the fireworks. Cherry, the goalkeeper, even had to make a sharp save. Ipswich pressed and probed but, perhaps guilty of trying too hard, couldn’t break through in Q3. No penalty corners were won after the break—a lesson in profligacy. Possession was plentiful, but too many flat sticks for Fry and Thom’s liking. Still, they found a seventh: Cookie’s reverse stick was saved, Milo on hand to finish with trademark composure.

The forward line has impressed this season, poaching, pouncing and punishing. But after 12 games, the defence deserves equal praise: mature, solid, hard. Like a tough English cheddar—the kind that bites back.

Equal top at Christmas. Can they go on and secure promotion to the National League? It won’t be a runaway season, but 12 games in, it’s entirely in their hands.

Women’s 1s
A massive team effort

Second time around of the season starts before the Christmas break. Ipswich headed to Bedford, having taken their only loss of the season so far. Bedford currently sat top of the league.

Ipswich started well; playing forward with purpose and creating early chances. A few narrow misses but they kept the pressure on. Trying something new in the press, Ipswich took a little time to settle with a few balls sneaking through but GK Emma Kwan held steady and kept the game goalless. First goal was scored by Ipswich with Taylor Ball’s (likely) unintentional lob of the goalie in the 15th minute.

Bedford came back out after the first quarter is such fashion that Ipswich were left a stumped after 2 goals in 3 minutes, then blinked and it became 3-1 just before half time.
Ipswich stayed strong and responded well and early, with Millie Hodgkinson scoring her first goal for the Ipswich ladies 1s. Bedford made Ipswich work really hard for any chance to attack but everyone worked as one in both areas of the game. A particular mention to POTM Esther Sheldon who ran her heart out, jumping back to win the ball again and excellent passing the allow Ipswich to play forward. Sublime.

7 minutes later and a wonderful aerial over the lines from Sophie sexton, picked up and passed onto Rixie, who fired it across the circle for Taylor Ball to get her second of the game and make it all square at 3-3. A great team goal.

But it wasn’t enough, Bedford fought back and took the lead again just before the final quarter. Ipswich then turned it up even more and aggressively pinned Bedford in their deep defence. Struggling to get out but also Ipswich struggling to get the final phase right. A final chance was awarded when Sophie Sexton wins Ipswich their only penalty corner of the game with 30 seconds on the clock. Ipswich came so close for a near side tap in but it wasn’t meant to be.

From the performance they put in during the game, Ipswich deserved to come away with at least a point. Although they came away with nothing, Ipswich played some of their best hockey against top of the league. It was never going to be easy and Ipswich made it difficult for Bedford to claim the 3 points.

That concludes the first half of the season. Overall, a mixed bag in results but strong performances and team building across the board. They go for a well earned break (except those of them playing in the indoor next weekend) before the restart at TR against St Albans in 2026…

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year ?