Old Georgians Hockey Club is off to an exciting start this season, with the Men's and Ladies' 1XI teams making their mark. The Men's 1XI sit comfortably at the top of the Premier Division, having won all four opening games. They've demonstrated their dominance in the league by scoring a remarkable 31 goals and conceding only 5. Standout performances, including the 12-1 thrashing of Richmond and a key 5-2 away victory over Holcombe, have highlighted their potential as defending champions.
Sam Ward has led the charge for the men, having already bagged ten goals in just four matches. Ward's clinical finishing has been vital, but the leadership and stability provided by captain James Albery and Ian Sloan at the back have ensured the team remains defensively and offensively organised. However, despite their attacking prowess, Old Georgians are still seeking their first clean sheet of the season, an area they will look to improve in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, the Ladies 1XI have had a more mixed start to their campaign in the Women's Conference East. Currently 5th in the table, they've experienced one win, one draw, and two losses in their opening four matches. A highlight for the Ladies was their impressive 2-1 victory away at Canterbury, a match that showcased their ability to perform under pressure. However, their most recent result, a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Wapping, demonstrated their struggles in converting chances into goals despite dominating play for large stretches of the game.
Nikki Lloyd has been key to the Ladies' performances and has anchored the midfield with her leadership and tactical awareness. Captain Gemma Doran continues to inspire the team with her energy and ability to galvanise the squad in crucial moments. Another standout has been goalkeeper Roxy Feather, who has been exceptional this season, proving why she is considered one of the best in the league. Her crucial saves have kept OGs in games, but the challenge remains translating possession into goals, which has limited their progress so far.
One common theme for both teams is their ambition to push higher in the league. The Men's 1XI, having dominated early on, now face a critical test as they welcome Beeston to St George's College this weekend. Beeston, who sit 4th in the league, will be a tough opponent, but Old Georgians will look to maintain their unbeaten run and secure that elusive clean sheet. Their upcoming match against 4th-placed Spencer is a pivotal fixture for the Ladies, providing them a chance to climb the table and gain momentum after a few inconsistent results.
Despite the challenges, Old Georgians have plenty to be optimistic about. The Men's 1XI remain on course to defend their title, with their attacking firepower continuing to unsettle defences across the division. Meanwhile, the Ladies, with a bit more sharpness in front of goal, can push into the upper echelons of their league.
As the season progresses, both teams will be looking to refine their performances and build on the positives. With key players like Sam Ward, Nikki Lloyd, James Albery, and Gemma Doran leading the charge, Old Georgians Hockey Club is set for another exciting season of competition. Both teams are targeting strong finishes, and with the unwavering support of their fans, it promises to be a season full of thrilling moments and achievements.
The weeks ahead are crucial, with important fixtures lined up, and OGs will need to remain focused if they are to continue their impressive form and climb the ranks in their respective divisions.
In addition to the Men's and Ladies' 1XI, the Old Georgians 2XI teams have also made strong starts to their seasons. The Men's 2XI currently sit in 2nd place in their league with one game in hand. They've played three matches, securing two wins and one draw, with an impressive goal tally of 9 scored and only two conceded. Leading the line for the men is Thabang Modise, whose sharp form in front of goal has made him a standout player early in the season. With their solid defence and potent attack, the Men's 2XI are well-positioned to continue their push for the top of the table.
On the other hand, the Ladies 2XI are currently 8th in the South East Division 1 West, having played four matches with one win, two draws, and one loss. They've scored 12 goals but conceded 10, reflecting a team capable of attacking brilliance but still finding consistency in defence. One key challenge has been the absence of Joce Glynn, the team's star striker, who has missed two matches this season. In the games she has played, Joce has been instrumental in leading the attack, and her return to regular action will be crucial as the team aims to climb the table.
Both 2XI squads have shown promise in their campaigns so far, and with influential players stepping up, there's much to look forward to as they seek to build momentum heading into the next round of fixtures.