Boys' 1st XI v Norwich

Result: Won 3-2
Review: A tough school week, a long journey, 5 minutes warm up, a couple of players missing, a disciplined and physically strong opponent, a cold easterly breeze. The feint-hearted were preparing a list of excuses. But no! A mentally tough Felsted arrived and played with composure and patience against a tough opposition that proved difficult to break down. Norwich controlled possession for much of the game without really threatening. Felsted looked dangerous on the break and at set pieces. Burns at left half was faultless; George Halls, new to the side, looked like he'd been playing 1st XI for a few seasons; Hutchinson - a goal scorer with his first touch in 1st XI hockey. Some lapses in concentration late in the game squandered the two goal lead as a number of clumsy challenges gave away a succession of short corners. A tense last ten minutes ensured. Cometh the hour, cometh the man. Sam Malins, the self-professed New Marvin of the side, tireless in his work rate up front, was there at the right time, finishing off a superb team move. 

Star Player: Rorie Burns

Boys' 1st XI v Bishop's Stortford College

Result: Won 5-0
Review: The 1st XI put in their best performance of the season so far with a win against a typically strong Bishop's Stortford College side. Losing a player to another yellow card was again a disappointment but Felsted responded well by controlling possession until the XI was restored. This control of possession continued as did a number of flowing attacks resulting in five goals in total. A well-organised Bishops Stortford also had their moments but Pohle-Vasquez in goal was up to the task on each occasion. Ollie Lane was back to his best in the centre of midfield and gave a commanding performance, as did Brooks-Ward who linked play excellently at inside forward.

Star Player: Ollie Lane

Boys' U15 v Bishop's Stortford College

Result: Won 3-0

Review: The U15Bs started very brightly, attacking down the right hand side and winning a short corner in the first couple of minutes. The ball was stopped on the line with a foot, resulting in a Felsted flick. Up stepped Dom Sheehan who put the ball away for an early lead. We continued to attack down that right flank, with Roshan Soomro causing their left back all kinds of problems. It was particularly pleasing how easily we were able to play the ball out from the back, with Reid and Duke offering great width at left and right half, while Ollie Grayson linked up the play brilliantly at centre half. It was a Grayson shot after a good move down the left involving Reid and King, that was heading for the bottom corner when Soomro, with a forward's instinct poached the goal for a 2 goal lead. In the second half, it continued to be a dominant Felsted display, and full backs Pranjal Roy and Ollie Williams both enjoyed a couple of charges up the field. Soomro was able to add one more goal to his tally with a good finish from 15 yards. An excellent display from the boys, and a well deserved win.

Star Player: Roshan Soomro

Boys' 1st XI v Tonbridge

Result: Draw 3-3
Review: Another improved performance for the 1st XI saw Felsted take the lead on three occasions only to be pegged back to a draw by the end of the game. Felsted struggled to control the ball for long enough parts of the game, but when they did they were a threat. An excellent start to the match by Will Malins lead to inroads early on and the pressure exerted by the front 3 troubled the host side. At the times when this work rate decreased Tonbridge were able to control possession and dictate the game. Felsted were indebted to the cat-like reflexes of Pohle-Vasquez in goal who turned in another polished performance

Star Player: Pohle-Vasquez

Boys' 1st XI v Bloxham (Boarding Schools' Cup)

Result: Lost 2-3 AET

Review: The 1st XI exited the Boarding Schools' Cup in the first round away to Bloxham School. After a strong start and early control of possession, Felsted went a goal up before being drawn into end-to-end skirmishes for much of the match. A lack of discipline led to Felsted losing two players to yellow cards at crucial stages of the game. The first yellow card for a Felsted 1st XI player in 3 seasons. Felsted played their best hockey midway through the second half with Sam Malins and Hamish McLaren combining well. Hugh Fillingham started well at the back as did the excellent James Padfield making his 1st XI debut. Conceding a goal with the last hit of the game, a place in the second round was decided by extra time golden goal. Going down to 10 men in the first minute of extra time made life difficult and the golden goal was conceded. Some important lessons learned and several solid individual performances promise much for later in the term.

Star Player: James Padfield