Hockey: Masters team defeated in Formby 

First game for IoM sides in English Hockey Championships

Report by Manx Hockey Association:

The Isle of Man English Hockey Championships campaign commenced at the weekend with the Women’s Masters Over 45s team taking to the pitch. 

They were drawn against Tier 1 stalwarts Formby in Round 1, who regularly make appearances in quarter finals and beyond in this competition.

Injuries and unavailability meant a more defensive Island team took to the pitch on Sunday (12 October) and together with several new players being introduced to the squad meant a slightly unsettled start to the fixture for the IOM side.

Formby, a well drilled side, were held by the Manx ladies as they stepped up their game and began to play a more attacking style of hockey, with Sam Franklin and Ros Lynch pushing forward from the midfield. 

The defence marshalled in the centre by Jan Lewis held tight until the half hour when Formby found the net to take the lead. 

Formby soon had their second with the first of four superbly executed corners saw them go into half time with a 2-0 advantage.

A decision to move Niamh Goddard and Sharon Pope from the midfield to up front and joining forces with Elaine Wiseman led to a more attacking formation and the Manx were rewarded with a goal from Kirstie Guy.

The defence held tight with Jenny Lantry joining Lewis in holding off numerous attacks from the very talented Formby forward Line. 

Keeper Jo Hicks pulled off numerous saves to keep the Manx side in the game until the 45th minute when more well drilled corner routine of Formby paid dividends in the second half which saw the home side take the win 5-1.