As I penned these words on a damp Monday morning on a London-bound train, the glorious weather of pre-season seemed a distant memory. Indeed, Saturday was most likely the dead-cat bounce of the summer, a final glorious day to get the season started. Pre-season, let’s not forget, was pretty intense and let’s not lose sight of that – new coaches, new players, new kit, new juniors, new chef, clubhouse on the march, a tournament at Tuddenham Road and some pretty high ambitions for the club.

So how did we fare this weekend?

The weekend’s team of the week was the ladies 5s. Last year the newly formed 5th XI were finding their feet and in many cases finding their way back to hockey. On Saturday they beat Framlingham 5-2, a super performance and a testament to all the work going into the coaching and developing of every team across the club. This really is a good start and they should all be very proud.

Elsewhere, the Men’s 4th XI ended up drawing 1-1 draw vs. Thetford in the late slot at Tuddenham. They got off to a flying start with a debut goal by Offord in under 5 mins. Thetford equalised a few minutes later but for the rest of the game, Ipswich dominated. That said, anytime the youthful Fraser Jarvis (in goal for his debut) was called into action he dealt with it well. The 4th XI are a fine blend of youth and experience (the midfield has plenty of young legs) and they dominated play – the skill level on show from the boys was exceptional. That said, there was one thing missed – goals. For all the possession, Ant Harper’s team lacked the killer instinct in front of goal. However, there are many positives to take from the game, and plenty of reasons to be optimistic for the season ahead not least how the youngsters are being developed and supported (special mention from some of the spectators on the sideline for Matt Lang).

The ladies 4th XI, newly promoted and facing some experienced opposition in Colchester 2nd XI, went down 2-0. However, this was a very impressive performance especially in the absence (a temporary one) of a number of key players who helped achieve promotion last season. Claire in goal was called into action on numerous occasions as were a very youthful defence. The team left the pitch disappointed but pleased that their performance points towards them securing their place in their new league this season. Thank you also to a number of the ladies who stayed behind to watch matches throughout the day giving their support to their clubmates.

In pre-season East hockey couldn’t quite decide whether the Ladies 2nd XI had actually achieved promotion or not, and in a space of a few weeks they went up and down more times than the Grand Old Duke of York. However, the Ladies 2nd XI were finally confirmed as promoted and stepped out in Division 2 under Pete’s tutelage to take on City of Peterborough. It really was a fine start to the season – they ran out 3-0 victors with two goals from Williams and one from Goodywn. The team certainly seem to be in good shape and Wing reported on how pre-season has helped get this team ready for success this year. Post-promotion, the first priority is to secure your place in a new league and the Ladies 2nd XI have started well.

The Men’s 3rd XI took on the journey to Pelicans; it’s never been an easy place to go and win for numerous reasons; in fact, it’s always been a banana skin for many a team. No slips up this week though with a performance which shows lots of promise. Training clearly has paid off with Stretch’s men having plenty of possession in the first half and going 1-0 up early doors. Pelicas bounced back and scored through a penalty flick to level the game 1-1 at half time. The second half started with an early breakdown at the back putting Ipswich behind, no doubt making everyone fear the worse. However, Ipswich fired back with an equaliser through Greg Bott. The game tensed up, Ipswich kept pushing with a high press and were eventually rewarded with a 3rd goal breaking Pelicans resistance; a 4th followed shortly after to seal 3 well-earned points for the furthest away fixture of the season. Youngman scored on his debut for the 3s, Bott scored 2 and Hartman with the 4th.

The ladies 3s, depleted through availability, this weekend romped to victory with a 6-2 win over Felixstowe 1st XI in Division 3 North-East. Again, the benefits of a long and hard pre-season with good coaching in place shone through. Scorers to follow in the stats round up next week, but with the strength in depth the ladies teams appear to have, could this be the season for promotion for the Ladies 3s? We certainly hope so, but wins against 1st XIs are never easy to come by so it is a fine start.

The Men’s 2s (Windy’s Wonders) are quietly optimistic about a promotion charge. I say quietly, because they really are a well-mannered bunch. Especially Felix. I saw Felix on my train the other day, he had a certain debonair, the quality of gentlemen you would entrust your children or your wealth to. Needless, to say that opinion crumbled having watched the red mist descend (along with this stick) as a flick was awarded against; his rage was brought about not because of a last minute winner for Bury, but because he was keen to have a clean sheet. Sterner tests await, but a 7-1 victory was a good start (Midwood x2, Windy x1, Smart x1, Wardy x3). Foxy was particularly selfless and most impressive with his movement and there were some pleasing debuts from Midwood, Banks and Mullholland. The 2nd XI look the team to beat in their league.

At the top end the Ladies 1st XI lost 1-3 to Hampstead and Westminster. Your correspondent watched the match along with a good crowd; I expect it was a good game for a young team to learn from. Hampstead had some very talented and experienced players, some of whom will also grace their 1st XI this year and play alongside internationals. The first half was one-way traffic – the movement and the pressure applied by the opposition was intense and Ipswich struggled to get out their own half after wave after wave of attacks – the 1st XI went in 0-3 at half time. The second half however, was a different affair – Ipswich pressed high and hard, passed around players and gradually they started to dominate affairs. They pulled one goal back and were inches away from a deflection that would have made it 3-2 and could have made for a very interesting last 5 minutes. As it was, the game finished 3-1; it was entertaining and I will praise the ladies for how they changed things in the second half – it really was quite a stern test for their first game.

The Men’s 1st XI, like the Ladies 1st XI, went down 3-1. They lost away to promotion rivals Chelmsford. Craig Wiid on his debut (second time around) scoring Ipswich’s only goal. Reports on the game have yet to reach my desk but from the few points I’ve heard, the opposition were effective in snuffing out our midfield and took their chances well. After a strong pre-season there is little doubt the Men’s 1st XI will be very disappointed – it’s now about how they handle an early reverse and get the season up and running with a win next week.

We’ll endevaour to keep weekly reports coming out but length and detail may fluctuate! We’re also going to try and add in a weekly ‘stat attack’; so far, played 9 won 5, drawn 1, lost 3, GF 13, GA 7 – to make it most effective we’ll also need goal scorers so captains please do get results, scorers and a bit of colour about your match to your Club Captains after each game.

I counted at least 50 non-playing spectators at Tuddenham Road on Saturday throughout the day – thank you! Your support really makes a difference to all the players and teams and it really was pleasing to see the bar busy upstairs and some really rather good teas being served (a fine curry!). Pre season social dates should also be out this week – listen out for more.

Finally, on Sunday, the juniors packed out Tuddenham Road once again – they looked resplendent in their new kit and this week were sporting brand new sweatshirts. Thank you to SEVEN for their support in helping with the juniors this season; it really is pleasing to see so many youngsters at the club. Next weekend is their first fixture with an U12 tournament taking place at Ipswich High. Thank you also to many parents who are now helping out make our club a vibrant place to be.

Wardy (and Wing),

Your Club Captains.