The rain thankfully abated just before pushback which allowed the few puddles of standing water on the pitch to clear and let the team stretch their weary legs after the long drive.

The team consisted of a mixture of old heads (carrying numerous injuries between them), young, exciting talent and two debutantes in Kanad Nikam and Robert Aryeetey.

Urmston won the toss but allowed Buxton to take the pushback. This was all they would get from Urmston though.

The start of the game saw Urmston quickly take control and win an early short corner. This was converted by Oliver Cooper.

The same pattern followed throughout the half with our two new teammates showing exactly what they were capable of by seamlessly combining with the rest of the team as if they had been there all season.

The half came to a close with Urmston being 0 – 5 up thanks to Oliver Cooper (3), Kanad and Andrew Shenton (whose goal came from the best move of the game and was deftly finished by the man himself and not through a series of ricochets in the oppositions D).

Thanks go to Martin Smith, Richard ‘Chad’ Gorman and Oliver for playing through injury. It is appreciated.

We sincerely hope that our two new teammates enjoyed their experience and look forward to teaming up with them again in the following weeks.

A special mention also goes to Steve Holland for getting the train to the game – now that is commitment.

Player of the Match went to both Kanad and Robert for their excellent performances and transition into the team.

Wally of the Week went to Zak ‘Attack’ Ahmed for voting for himself and for getting Steve Coupe sent to the halfway line for breaking too early in the D.

Urmston Women’s 1s v Oxton 1
3 – 1

Urmston hosted Oxton in the first of two home games at the weekend.

Oxton came out strong as always, pushing Urmston back at every opportunity.

Urmston were strong and patient winning a short corner half an hour in. This was converted by Amy Querlioz. Two minutes later, Urmston were on the attack again with a goal being scored by Charlotte O’Toole.

Whilst Urmston were 2 – 0 up going into the second half, they knew that Oxton would not give up.

Oxton kept up the fight and managed to get a goal back, but this was quickly countered as Urmston won another short corner which was well executed in the pass by Emily Fell out to Becky Dean to make it 3 – 1.

A number of short corners were awarded to Oxton in the closing minutes of the game, but these were solidly defended by Urmston to secure the win.

Player of the Match went to Amy Querlioz for her constant running and effort throughout the game.

Wally of the Week went to Emma Brady for the slowest fall ever staged on a hockey pitch.

Urmston Women’s 2s v Timperley 6
1 – 2

Urmston faced top of the league, Timperley, at the weekend. Timperley started the game without a goalkeeper, but it took Urmston a little while to find their rhythm and settle as a team. Despite some early chances, Timperley managed to take the first goal.

In the second half, Grace Wilson went on a brilliant run and passed to Moe Rothwell at the top of the D who slotted it home to bring Urmston level.

A huge shout out to Rosa O’Boyle who made her 2s debut on the right wing. Rosa worked tirelessly, tracking back and putting in a strong defensive shift whenever Timperley pressed.

Maisie Power was rock-solid at right back, helping to build a strong wall in defence.

The game finished 1 – 2 but the last 20 minutes saw Urmston really come together as a team with a lot of positives to take into next week.

Player of the Match went to Georgia Boothroyd who really found her confidence this week with some strong runs through the midfield and driving the team forward into an attack.

Wally of the Week went to Moe Rothwell who hilariously jumped over a ball coming her way, but then, with lightening reactions, recovered instantly and turned it into an attack.

Brooklands Manchester University 3 v Urmston Men’s 1s
9 – 0

Urmston Men’s 1s faced top of the table and unbeaten Brooklands Manchester University 3 at the weekend.

Despite an amazing energy and some high intensity from Urmston, they were defeated 9 – 0.

There were a number of opportunities created by the attacking players for Urmston, but these were not converted into goals with Brooklands being clinical in the D.

Overall, a good, competitive game. A good challenge for Urmston and a lot to take away.

Player of the Match went to Aaron Kelly for fantastic tackles throughout the game.

Wally of the Week went to Martin Stonehouse for an aerial outside the pitch.

Bolton Women’s Development v Urmston Women’s Development
3 – 4

Urmston travelled to Bolton on Sunday with a mixture of youth, experience and a brand new player.

Urmston started well with a lot of the attack with Laura Cotter linking in down the left flank with Ella Boothroyd and Ciara Carruthers.

Bolton were quick on the counter attack, but Amanda Cuttell, Maisie Power and Jas Stainton were able to snuff them out on most occasions.

Urmston got the breakthrough when a loose ball came across the D and debutante Debra Laurence slotted the ball away.

Bolton had one more attack before half time and despite Urmston’s best efforts, they scored against the run of play.

Going into the second half, Urmston stepped up and Lucy Ross reinstated the lead, with Moe Rothwell making it 1 – 3 from a short corner.

Player of the Match, Ciara Carruthers, then made it 1 – 4 with a solo goal.

Bolton came back into the game scoring a goal to make it 2 – 4 then gaining a short corner on the final whistle which was converted.

A well deserved 3 – 4 win for Urmston.

Junior Training
Star of the Week went to Daniel who always gives 100%. A very good team player who loves to win!!

Under 8s Tournament
Due to illness, Urmston merged with Sale for the Under 8s tournament.

A super performance by all resulted in two wins, two draws and one narrow loss. Well done, team.