This year, UEL Hockey not only have both a men’s and women’s team competing in BUCS leagues, they have also successfully managed to put together a mixed team, who this year have and will continue to compete in the LUSL league.
There are two mixed LUSL leagues and the Blue’s, being newly established, applied to be entered into the lower of the two, Mixed Intermediate.
But, before the season had even started they were immediately thrown into the deep end when they were placed into the higher league, Mixed Competitive.
Slow Start
The East London based teams first mixed competitive game in the LUSL league was a clash against Middlesex University on 21st October.
UEL had arranged a later push back time than originally planned, but unfortunately Middlesex fell through and did not have facilities booked for the fixture. This was seen as a walkover which resulted in Middlesex taking all 3 points and UEL receiving minus 3 points.
The following weekend, (29th October), UEL lost 8-1 at home against City University of London. Despite the result, it was a good performance all round in the team’s second match together. Goal scorer, Paddy Wilkins was glad to get his first goal for the team this season.
The team were without all captains for their game. The Men’s Captain, Isaac Charles, Vice-Captain, Grant Shepherd and Women’s captain, Laura Pakenham were all unable to play, resulting in UEL Men’s defender, John Binks given temporary captaincy for the game.
The absences of these key players was noticeable as UEL were unsuccessful in their attempt to gain their first win.
Recent Results
More recently UEL achieved their first point of the season. The blues were able to draw 3-3 away to Kings Mixed Competitive 1st.
UEL were 3-0 down at half time, but thanks to an encouraging team talk at half-time from Women’s Captain, Laura Pakenham, the team were able to claw back 3 goals and secure the point.
UEL currently sit on minus points, second bottom of the league, but the team are hopeful in improving as the season progresses.
Unfortunately, last Sunday another match for UEL did not go ahead. University of Greenwich were unable to field a team for the fixture for 11th November.
The game has been postponed, with both teams looking to reschedule in the near future. The Blue’s took advantage of the pre-booked home facilities by getting more training time together as a mixed team.
What’s Next?
UEL’s next fixture is on 25th of November where they face St Georges Mixed Competitive 1st, the only team below them in the league.
There is yet to be a scheduled push back time, but the fixture is a home match at Lee Valley Tennis and Hockey Centre where UEL will look to improve upon their previous results.
