28/09/2026
26th September 2026 – Southampton 2s v Blandford & Sturminster Men’s Hockey (2-3)
Following last week’s narrow loss, Blandford were keen to bounce back against a vibrant Southampton side. On what was a suspiciously hot day for September, Blandford showed the potency of their new front-foot style.
After a mere 2 minutes, Nathan Hertz broke down the left-hand side and slipped the ball through the Gareth Hardiman. Gaz held the ball, before turning the keeper and reversing the ball in to give Blandford an early lead which they carried into the second quarter.
However, the lack of substitutes on such a hot day was making it difficult for Blandford to commit to their customary high-press and a momentary lapse allowed Southampton to equalise on the 20th minute.
Southampton’s combination of youth and substitutes was proving hard to match and Southampton took the lead on the 27th minute through Tom Saunders.
Blandford showed grit and determination and worked their way back into the game. A ball through to Gaz Hardiman was struck viciously, pinging off the keeper’s helmet. Gaz collected the rebound and coolly lifted it through a sea of bodies to Theo Browning who ‘helped’ it into the back of the net.
Blandford remained resolute in defence and some lively tackling from both sides detracted from the flow of the game. Efforts from the Southampton strikeforce were matched by a wild reverse strike from Theo and a shot from Gaz that flashed past the right post.
Then, with five minutes to go, Tom Tridgell broke into the D, before slipping the ball past the keeper into the path of Paul Cross. Paul set his feet before pushing the ball into the empty net to give Blandford a well-deserved victory.
MoM: Nathan Hertz – full of running in very challenging conditions.
DoD: Paul Cross – His match-winner paled into insignificance against his inability to locate Wally.
