Focus on youth powers best ever S&S season

It has been an endorsement of the club’s investment in youth in the last few years.

The Mens 1s failed at the final hurdle to win the Division 2 North title losing out on goal difference to Norwich City. The important fact is though that they will be playing hockey in Division 1 following consecutive promotions and it is a great achievement.

In the final game St Ives played well and edged S&S out 4-3 in a tight match, the goalscorers were Alyn Meredith (2) and Elliot Jones.

For the S&S Mens II it was a game of two halves, and in many ways it encapsulated their season, with a 1-1 draw at Cheshunt II. It has been a good season though with the target of consecutive promotions achieved.

The first half was even but Cheshunt scored the only goal midway through.

The second half was completely different as S&S dominated as the lively midfield and forward lines launched attack after attack. Ethan Pennington hit the post and Lewis Bridger’s run and goalbound shot was brilliantly deflected past the post by a Cheshunt defender.

Ryan Devlin, Peter Reed and Chris Joannou were also foiled. S&S finally got their equaliser, James Morris producing a sublime bit of skill on his reverse to open up space to slot in from close range.

S&S Mens III, runaway leaders of Division 8SW, ended the season with another win, 3-1 over Winchmore & Enfield III. Goals came from Alan Warren and Steve Ashdown (2). Senior pro Ashdown ended the season as the Mens section’s leading scorer.

The Mens 4s ended with a double over Southgate Tankards and confirmed sixth place, an achievement after finishing bottom last year. 1-0 was a fair result, Paul Angell was outstanding in midfield. James Pearce’s goal came midway though the second half from a short corner.