Owen Edwards writes the weekly report for St Neots Hockey Club.

St Neots Women’s 1s kick started their 2024/25 season with a 1-0 away win over Dereham 1s.

Their return to Division 1N didn’t begin the way they hoped last week, but set their intent on winning their first away game from the start.

Saints were disappointed not to be leading at the break after missing a number of clear chances but remained on the front foot in the second period.

As the game entered the final quarter, Saints finally took the lead. Kira Herbert scoring the 1s first goal of the season.

There could have been more goals and had it not been for some brilliant saves from Saints keeper Karen “Mooch” Perkins, the result would have been different.

The Women’s 2s put in a dominant display to beat derby rivals St Ives 2s 4-0 and pick up back-to-back wins following relegation.

Sue Glover opened the scoring after five minutes to already double her tally of last season’s injury hit campaign.

Thea Crook and Glover’s second gave Saints a comfortable lead going into the break.

In the second half Glover went one better than her daughter did last week and completed her hat-trick and seal the three points.

The Women’s 3s have also made a fantastic start the new season as they picked up a 2-0 win over Huntingdon & Northstowe 2s. Esther Cove and Katie Biggs each scored one either side of half-time.

The Men’s 1s couldn’t build on last week’s win as they fell to a 3-1 loss away to Newmarket 1s.

The Men’s 2s picked up their first win of the season, beating Kettering 2s 2-0. Chris Butterworth ran with the ball nearly the entire length of the pitch before dispatching the first, while Jack Percival scored the second from a short corner.

The Men’s 3s also secured back-to-back clean sheet wins winning away against City of Peterborough 6s 3-0. Shahbaz Ali opened the scoring for Saints halfway through the first half. Anthony Holmes doubled the lead just after the break and Nick Hargrave secured the three points finishing in the final few minutes.

The Men’s 4s were beaten 2-0 at home to City of Peterborough 8s.