Match Reports 15th November 2025

Women’s 1

Clwb Hoci Eirias Women’s 1  ( 1 v 2 ) Browdon Women’s 3

After last weekends success, the ladies 1s faced top of the league Bowdon 3s which was another huge test.

The first half we held them well until we got caught out on the break where they got a goal off of Martha’s foot in the D which put us 1 goal down. We didn’t let our heads drop though with great runs up the line from charlotte and great passes from daisy and Nel. We had a great defence within short corners with nel, Lauren, Kira, Martha, daisy and effi putting a great shift in but unluckily a straight shot from the top saw Erias Ladies 1s going 2-0 down.

Half time finally came and we were able to recompose and reunite with Tams beloved whiteboard. The ladies 1s still had belief they could pull it back and get some points in the bag.

In the second half it was tense and we saw a lot of stick tackles which after a long time coming, saw effi sent off the pitch with a green card. The back line carried on getting battered with short corners which were defended brilliantly and we were even able to make a great counter attack with Libby scoring at the other end. Although these short corners also meant Kira decided it was a good idea to get cheeky with the umpire which saw her receive a warning for arguing. Ella, Fflur, Sophie and Ali were running rings in our midfield creating space everywhere they went and our forwards Steph, Rach and libs carried on pushing the Bowdon defence and keeper but sadly there was no luck to be had. Rach also picked up a late yellow card which saw her on the bench for 5 minutes.

In the end it finished 2-1 to Bowdon 3s with a great shift put in from both teams. Thank you to everyone on the sidelines for turning out and supporting especially our very own Lilo and Lily.

POTM: Ali- for her great positioning and super passes. Turkey: Kira- for trying to get herself a card but not quite managing it (not deserved at all)

Goal scorer - Libby Thomas

Green card - Effi Jones

Yellow card - Rach Faragher

Women’s 3

Clwb Hoci Eirias Women’s 3 ( 0 v 0 ) Chester Women’s 4

A Hockey Drama told in 3 acts.

Act1: Prelude. A soggy Rydal was the venue for our young dev team this weekend against Chester 4. On paper there was nothing between the teams, who have almost identical records against the same opposition. The opposition did not seem to get the memo about kit colours though, as they arrived (fairly late) wearing blue shirts. This did not impress our umpires, and Chester begrudgingly accepted the offer of neon yellow bibs that I found  in a pile in the sports hall. Then, somewhat farcically, their goalkeeper donned a blue jersey. Stern words were exchanged as they were instructed to find an alternative top before game start.

Act 2: First Half. From pushback it was clear that this was going to be a close game. Chester was able to  find time and space to bring the ball forward, only to be met with stern resistance from our defenders Jess, Ella, Lacey, Violet, and Holly. This allowed us to hit back on the break with pace through Eryn, Lexi, Niamh, and Grace. After 10 minutes of sparring, good work in the opposition D from Georgie, Annie, and Tilly saw us get a chain of penalty corners. Despite the best efforts of a range of shooters, these were either blocked, saved, or cleared. Growing in confidence, Eirias started to dominate possession and territory, but couldn't turn this into a goal. Chester started to become a threat on the break thanks to a skilled midfielder who was able to find time to move the ball, leading to Caitlin being called into action to make a double save one on one, and also to react quickly to a deflected shot hitting the post. A few ambitious shots from a tight angle were never going to beat her though. Half time, and a useful debrief from firsts captain Steph and visiting Emily. The message was to give the skilled Chestermidfielder less time and space. Interlude: Haribo was consumed.

Act 3: Second Half. The first half was free flowing and open. The second half wasn’t. Giving Chester less time and space on the ball turned things rough and scrappy. Chances for both teams were few and far between, with plenty of tackles going in. The opposition were clearly getting frustrated, and a little verbals started. Things came to a head in two stages. First, Ella, in making a legitimate play for the ball led to a Chester player ending up with a nasty arm injury. Secondly, the Chester coach was warned for giving unwanted opinions. My nerves weren't taking it well, so I can only imagine what you lot were going through... then, suddenly, potential disaster. In closing down a Chester break into the D, Jess used a little too much force. The attacker hit the deck, and a penalty stroke was awarded, much to the joy of the Chester coach. After the situation was explained to the opposition, they eventually chose a shooter, who stepped up confidently, expecting to win the game. She clearly underestimated our tiny goalie though, who was able to flick her leg out and turn away the low stroke, much to the joy of the Eirias players. With only minutes to go, space began to appear all over the field as players tired, leading to a few last desperate pushes from the Eirias girls – but clean shots were not presenting themselves. The final whistle went, and the game ended a nil-nil draw. A fair result, hard earned. Far more exciting and dramatic than the score suggests.

Cone of shame: Jess, for conceding the penalty stroke.

POTM: Caitlin, for saving the penalty stroke. Epilogue: I hope nobody got salmonella..

Men’s 1

Clwb Hoci Eirias Men’s 1 ( 4 v 2 )  Preston Men’s 2 Hello gentlemen and pink canoes, I’m going to tell you a little story about how a group of 13 they/them/he/she’s travelled down to the great wonders of north Wales and were met by an almighty force know as, The Ultras. This group of players known collectively as Depreston, tried to keep optimistic heading towards the battlefield. Coming prepared by bring sticks and wearing padded protection, attempting to meet this force head on. But quite frankly, they knew their fate was sealed. And were handed a cheeky fish and chips because A BATTERING AT THE JUNGLE was the only thing on this menu. Anyway, enough about the opposition. It’s a glorious day and the vibes were good. Eirias felt a win was needed after having a few unfortunate weeks, in hope of bringing a good old boost of moral. Miles having picked up an injury decided to play a role where he thrives, as “MaNAgEr”. He got the boys going with a great warm up which showed going into the first 15 minutes of the game where we dominated, looked sharp and got ourselves an early goal from our very own dirty sl*pper ‘can you hear me willz’ 

. This planned, well drilled short corner routine of top D slapped to outside left post and a deflection into top bins was something we felt confident in and felt we knew would work. Fortunately for us. our Ash can’t make a pass to save his life and Ash slotted a pass into the bottom left. Bosh 1-0

We shortly followed up with another master class short corner routine with an ulmighty dragy, scoopy, pushy, flicky, slappy thing from Draco Malfloy who took full advantage of an open left post. Bosh 2-0. Deprestons gobby striker actually scored a blinder of a goal. Good stop, good turn and smashed it home. Credit where credit is due. Nevertheless, 2-1 Our Yorkshireman JD was on top form on the pitch and had Depreston chasing nothing but the his back end. How the turns table, weaving in and out of players and dare I say it, using 3D skills to take on players and he got himself a blinder of a deflection from our El Captaino Tbone. 3-1 up. Lots more happened. Depreston kept getting cards. Their striker scored another belter but couldn’t help himself getting sent off for constantly moaning to the umpires. Poor little fellow. Jen was great but got harassed by their “ManAgEr” after the game.

Our forwards had around 100,000 chances on goal. Bruno did not score again. Probably no need to mention that as everyone knew prior to the game the fool wouldn’t bag one anyway.

Cal scored an average goal and only just. He nearly missed an open goal. 4-2 lol. Lewis Sanford was unreal all game. Kept Owen Fielding out the mire and pretty much held the defensive line together. Some say there’s talks of him being knighted from the king. Not only for being such a great, handsome bloke but also a fantastic hockey player. He selflessly took one for the team and wore the frog outfit to save Ci diddy from wearing it two weeks on the bounce. Legend, hero ahh just a really nice guy. Big up papa Sanfrodo 

Special mentions: Bryn and his goal tally 0. Cian and his continuousness bromance with the side line. “maNaGeR MiLeS” sorting out things 

Beavo getting the boys discounted subscription.. Big Boy machine moving more than normal. Ethan akechan, Andy 3.14, Terrylee Boylee and Yorky rips setting a solid midfield. And Ioan proving why he should have a spot in the 1st team. DOTD “Lewis legend Sanford” 

MOTM: JD Goals: Willz, Malloy, JD, Noakes Cards 0 Assist, Tez x2, Lewis, Bryn

Men’s 2

Birkenhead Men’s 2 ( 2 v 1 ) Clwb Hoci Eirias Men’s 2

After arriving at a revised pitch location with one additional player due to the cancellation of the L2s Eirias 2s had a productive warm up. They started the match playing the same level of interplay hockey seen in last weekends back to back wins putting the opposition on the back foot.

Scrappy play in front of the Birkenhead goal saw the ball pop up in front of Max who pushed it into the bottom corner opening the scoring against the second place in the league.

Unfortunately the quality of play dropped and became unconnected and saw unforced errors across the pitch but Eirias managed to maintain the lead when the half time whistle blew.

Subjected once again to some dubious umpiring at both ends it was pleasing to note that the majority of the verbal challenges to the umpires was from the Birkenhead players. An act of hotheadedness by players from both teams resulted in yellow cards for deliberately kicking the ball away reducing both teams to 10 players. The tempo picked up and the physicality was left unchecked by the umpires seeing Willa floored and Will taken out by a ridiculous sliding tackle on the edge of the Birkenhead D neither of which were punished.

The equaliser came from a dubious PC following great saves from an energetic Finn in goal who sadly couldn't be everywhere he was needed. Minutes later a moment of I'll discipline from Neil resulted in another PC which led to the winning goal for Birkenhead.

The committed running, tackling and passing of both Mike and Will rightly earned them MoM nominations and once again the efforts of Finn kept the score down. Top of the table next week at home is another opportunity for Eirias 2s to demonstrate the potential that is bubbling under the surface.

DOTD: Neil MOTM: Mike and Will Goal scorer: Max

Men’s 3

Oxton Men’s 4 ( 2 v 4 ) Clwb Hoci Eirias Men’s 3

 Eirias 3 delivered an excellent performance away at Oxton, coming out 4–2 winners in a fast-paced and competitive match.

Eirias started strongly, immediately putting Oxton under pressure with sharp passing and aggressive pressing high up the pitch. The early dominance paid off when Tom S opened the scoring, finishing confidently to make it 1–0. The momentum continued as Teddy produced a superb reverse-stick strike from the top of the D, doubling the lead.

Oxton responded well and pulled a goal back to make it 2–1, but Eirias stayed composed. Teddy struck again with another impressive reverse finish, restoring the two-goal cushion at 3–1 heading into half-time. During the break, Dave delivered a calm, focused team talk to keep the side sharp for the second half.

 Eirias came out strong again and it wasn’t long before Teddy completed his hat-trick, scoring yet another reverse-stick effort to extend the lead to 4–1. Oxton battled throughout and managed to score again, narrowing the gap to 4–2, but Eirias remained disciplined until the final whistle.

Defensively, Otto, Dave, and Jacob were dependable and controlled the back line superbly. In midfield, Tom S and Tom W worked tirelessly, dictating play. Ryan ran himself into the ground up front, constantly pressing and creating space. Senan, Alfie, Gethin, and Mark added pace and energy on the wings. In goal, Jacob W was outstanding, making key saves and providing a steady presence throughout.

 A strong team performance and a well-earned 4–2 victory.

MOTM: Teddy

Goal scorers: Teddy x 3, Tom S

Men’s Development

Bebington Men’s 3 ( 3 v 0 ) Clwb Hoci Eirias Men’s Development

 Saturday served up a real test for the Development Boys as they travelled to face league leaders Bebington. With a reduced squad of just 12, it looked to be a daunting fixture on paper! Bebington fielded a strong, experienced side, more “Developed” than “Development”, but that didn’t faze our lads one bit. They embraced the challenge with grit and determination.

From the first whistle, the Boys impressed with sharp first touches, crisp passing, and intelligent movement, clear signs of the progress made in recent training sessions. We kept Bebington honest early on, restricting them to half chances while our defensive unit of Harrison, Ash, and Noah, backed by Glenn’s calm authority, stood like a brick wall. Three short corners were conceded and three defended brilliantly, each one sparking a counterattack that had Bebington scrambling.

 In midfield, Owen, Theo, and Johnny worked tirelessly to knit play together, spreading the ball wide to Ethan and Jacob, whose runs caused real headaches for the home side. Up front, Zach’s relentless pressing dragged defenders out of position and opened space for teammates. Several slick moves carved open Bebington’s backline... on another day, we’d have been celebrating goals.

 In the end, it took a moment of individual brilliance from Bebington, (a sharp turn and a rocket into the bottom corner) to break the deadlock. At halftime, the score read 1-0, but the performance told a very different story.

The second half mirrored the first: teamwork, pressing, and resilience. With only one substitute, fatigue inevitably crept in, and Bebington capitalised with two scrappy late goals. The final whistle blew at 3-0, but the game felt far closer, more like 1-0 in spirit.

 Full-Time Reflections

Against an unbeaten side at the top of the table, this was a performance full of pride and promise. The Boys left nothing on the pitch, proving that results are just around the corner. Harrison and Noah, the defensive duo who kept Bebington’s attack quiet for most of the game, shared Player of the Match honours.

Although the final score favoured Bebington, the real victory was in the Development Boys’ progress. Week by week, they’re becoming a force to be reckoned with. Bring on Sunday’s tournament, this squad is ready to make some noise!!