ST IVES Hockey Club returned to action after the summer break with the first of two weekends of friendly matches ahead of the league re-start on September 23. Preparation was not ideal as many players were unavailable, leading to the sides fielding somet

ST IVES Hockey Club returned to action after the summer break with the first of two weekends of friendly matches ahead of the league re-start on September 23.

Preparation was not ideal as many players were unavailable, leading to the sides fielding something well short of anticipated first choice line-ups.

St Ives 1sts 1 Letchworth 2nds 2

The men's first team were denied by one of their own as Letchworth took the spoils, with university-bound Alex Slater guesting as goalkeeper for the visitors who were unable to provide a keeper of their own.

Slater was beaten early on as Mark Clinton's cross-shot was deflected home by Mark Sibson, but from then on he continued to defy his team-mates with a string of saves as the firsts failed to make their first-half domination tell.

Letchworth grabbed an equaliser from a penalty corner, then a winner as the home defence, short of several regulars, failed to get as tight as it could have done to visiting forwards.

Letchworth 3rds 0 St Ives 2nds 2

SAINTS' second string braved a disrupted journey down the A1 to record an impressive win. There was barely time for St Ives to sort out team formation and tactics after a late arrival, yet a dream start was achieved with teenage winger Peter Holland converting a half-chance at the far post.

Saints wasted several further chances before Richard Corbett flicked home to confirm victory early in the second half.

Letchworth 5ths 1 St Ives 4ths 7

FOUR second team players dropped down to help Saints record a comfortable victory over a weak Letchworth outfit.

Teenage midfielder Chris Bollom caught the eye with his first senior hat-trick, with further goals from Adrian Speed, Richard Corbett and two from Howard Weir completing the scoring.