Solent’s men’s and women’s hockey sides joined forces as they achieved a 4-1 landmark victory over Winchester in their inaugural mixed-gender fixture.
The new format meant there was an even number of men and women on the field at all times and despite the players having only ever trained together, the united Solent side romped to a statement win.
Solent brought the intensity from the first whistle with the rapid passing and speed of the ball to the front players making it seem as if the side had been playing together all season.
An early ball into the box from Josh Taylor was met by his South African compatriot Josh Coetzee who lifted the ball over the stunned keeper into the net.
However, the fast start was quickly stunted with the hosts levelling the scoring with a counter-attacking goal against the visiting side.
Some choice words from the Solent goalkeeper, Joe Candy, along with a realisation that they had to remain switched on resulted in the away team grabbing a grip on the match and controlling the tempo.
With the Solent attack relentless, the ball was zipped into the edge of the striking circle by Ella Leach with Taylor collecting the ball and sending an emphatic reverse strike into the back of the net to restore a one goal advantage.
This time the leaders were not complacent and continued to apply pressure to the strained Winchester defence and were rewarded when striker Molly Pates deflected a travelling ball into the goal to make it 3-1 going into half time.
Solent spent the majority of the second half in the Winchester half with frequent darting runs and crosses being spurned by poor finishing in front of goal.
The bombardment of the Winchester area continued and eventually the Southampton based side were rewarded when Pates converted her second goal through a timed overhead smash past the goalkeeper.
The two goals added from player of the match, Pates, ensured a 4-1 win for Solent in their landmark first mixed gender match victory.
It has been confirmed from the Solent men’s captain, Fraser Craigen, that the mixed fixtures will not be a one-off and will continue in the new year.
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