Ladies 1st (4-1 win)
Nothing but 3 points was expected from the Ladies 1st team this weekend playing against a side who are yet to win this season. Vagrants took the lead through Ola Jama (playing in her 2nd ever League game for the 1st team) demonstrating her versatility by slotting home from a rebound reverse stick. Bowden then equalised, before EJ Macleod pounced on a loose ball in the D to regain the advantage. The next 2 goals showing Vagrants’ fire power on the break with Marianne Hunter receiving the ball on the half way line from centre back, Gilly Gibbs-Blythe, to slot the ball past the Bowden GK. The 4th goal was a similar play with Laura MacLeod sending the ball up the left wing to Maz for her to connect with fellow student, EJ for the final goal. Ali Smith keeping the conceded goals to a minimum with some instinct saves from both sides!! The Ladies 1st overtake Deeside to go top of the League after Deeside lost their League game. Urmston are the visitors next weekend to the Vagrants.

Men’s 1st (3-0 win)
The Men’s 1st team made it 3 wins from 3 securing a much deserved away win against Lytham St Annes. Vagrants started very lively with Pete Cornell creating space in the circle and winning a penalty stroke within 2 minutes. Unfortunately the stroke went wide but the team weren’t affected by the missed opportunity. Vagrants dominated the first half, leading 2-0 at half time. The opener came courtesy of a Pete Cornell reverse stick strike low into the corner. The 2nd goal coming from a lovely flowing move from the defence to attack finished by Jack Townsend at the back post. As anticipated Lytham came out strong in the second half with wave after wave of attack only to be matched by GK, Matt Greasby and the Vagrants’ defence. With 15 minutes left, a surging run from Jonny Woodhart created some space for him to find Phil Robinson to secure the 3 points, deflecting the ball high into the Lytham net. The scoreline flattered Lytham, and the Men’s 1s are improving week on week so a good performance is anticipated against West Derby next Saturday at home.

Ladies 2nd (4-2 win)
As with the Ladies 1st, the prospect of gaining maximum points from the game was high with Brooklands Poynton Ladies 3rd only winning 1 game from 7. Brooklands weren’t complying with the script however and took an early lead and put Vagrants under some continued pressure. Vagrants then started to play some good hockey, and made amends with Lisa Holland slotting the ball under the GK from around the penalty spot for the equaliser. Vagrants went into half time with the upper hand scoring 2 more goals through Cate Whitehouse and Mel Brooks. Gabbie Harvey (daughter of Cate) starting the move for her Mum to score! Brooklands got a goal back to put the score at 3-2, but the victory was sealed from a short corner routine involving Lisa, Nat Stevenson and goal scorer and player of the match, Vic Lee. Big game next week – top 2 in the League battle it out at Golborne.

Men’s 2nd (2-0 win)
Still seeking their first points of the season, the Men’s 2nd team started the game against Manchester Men’s 1st team very brightly, controlling the possession with some excellent play down the left wing from Fred Dobberson and Nat Cain. As the first half progressed, Manchester came back into the game forcing GK Shenton to pull off a number of high quality saves. Eventually the continued possession paid off, and a goal resulted from a move involving Fred Dobberson and on his 2nd team debut, Bruce Forrester, for Forrester to put the Vagrants 1-0 up. Pleasingly, Vagrants went into the half time break in front for the first time this season and came out in the second half determined to get that first win. The 2nd half contained more continued Vagrants possession with Shane Warren impressively controlling things from the midfield. The lead doubled through the ball being sent down the right-hand side, for Matt Kennerly_Ryan to launch a blistering strike to put distance between the 2 teams. Manchester came back strong, but Vagrants defence remained strong and with some cute game management, directed by Steve Bourne, Vagrants made sure the victory was safe. The Men’s 2nd team face Chester away next week.

Girls’ U14’s (4-2 against Triton & 6-1 against Winnington Park)
Taking part in the 2nd England Hockey Development League fixture at Triton, our under 14 girls got another perfect opportunity to show their talents this weekend. Unlike the first fixture, we were able to field a full team this week which included a GK. Making the most of the 40 minute games, Vagrants put 4 goals past Triton and 6 goals past Winnington Park. Goals galore for Isabella Escott and one for Eleanor Saignes who scored from a well earnt penalty corner. New to the side and clearly benefitting from some specialist GK session, Abi Gilchrist showed promise with some excellent saves throughout both games. Also playing in her first U14 game was Jess Whittingham who displayed some excellent tackling skills. Midfield maestro’s, Molly Pheasy, April Roome and Morgan Zwijnen displaying strength and agility, and Rachel Fairfield demonstrating class and bravery in defence.
Many thanks to all our proud supporters on the side lines, Jen Zwijnen for helping to organise the team and Rod Thomson for his umpiring again.

Ladies O35’s
The quality of the game between Vagrants O35’s and Sale O35’s didn’t suggest it was a 2nd round fixture. Individual skill, the ball moving at pace, thumping diagonal balls, and aerial balls in abundance today. Sale dominated possession in the first 15 mins but it was Vagrants who took the lead through a quickly taken free hit just outside the D. Laura MacLeod blasting the ball past the keeper. Helen Potter made it 2-0 equally blasting the ball past the ball from a breakaway move. Sale managed to gain 1 goal back just before half time. Soon into the second half, Vagrants won a penalty corner and converted through the injector, Vic Lee who was ideally positioned to angle the ball into the goal at the back past. Sale applied added pressure in search of a second and third goal and their second did result from the tactic. The game was put out of Sale’s reach 5 minutes from time with sweet lifted strike from Sarah Pengelly on the right hand side of the D. Next round is drawn tomorrow.
Thanks to the supporters who made the trip over and to Lois Lee who will be challenging the usual manager, Zoe Franklin for the role for the next round!