Salisbury Hockey Men’s first team pushing for promotion

Laser-focused on moving back into South Central’s South Division 1 following their relegation at the end of last season, Salisbury has been putting on strong performances week-on-week since September - and Saturday’s game was no different, beating the opposition Bournemouth 8 – 1.

Bournemouth began looking the better of the two sides, looking dangerous up front in the first five minutes. But Salisbury responded immediately, securing a deflection goal by star forward Mike Gallagher.

Men's first team in action (Image: Public)

This was followed in quick succession by two more goals – both from short corners – from Tom Bolam and Max Stevenson.

Salisbury were momentarily caught off guard by Bournemouth, getting a quick counter attacking goal on the scoreboard.

However, pushing straight from the restart, 14-year old Oscar Barnes finished a well-worked move for a goal on his debut!

League table (Image: Public)

4-1 at half time, Salisbury spirits were high which provided important further momentum for the second half performance. It proved to be the Mac Stevenson show; with some incredible hockey on show, Stevenson scored a hat-trick in the second half. Supported by another goal for Tom Bolam, this sealed the deal, with eight goals secured by the full time whistle – a superb display leaving Salisbury flying high in the league in second place.

With a decisive lead in the table on goal difference, the team just narrowly misses top spot by two points, and it’s all to play for.

Salisbury play away this weekend, facing Romsey. With their opponents currently 11th it looks good on paper, but Salisbury are in no two minds about the importance of nailing another win, critical if they want to maintain their position at the top.

Wimborne, currently third and snapping at Salisbury’s heels, look favourites to win against Portsmouth which, if Salisbury draw or lose, will push them ahead.  

While the Men’s 1st team may be playing away this weekend, across the club Salisbury HC have a host of exhilarating games on at home at Salisbury & South Wilts Sportsclub.

Making good use of the bar, the sidelines will no doubt be full with spectators cheering on the local teams. Every Saturday, the clubhouse is open to all - games start at 10am and run through the day:

Saturday November 18 home games:

1. 10:00 Salisbury Women’s 3s vs Swanage & Wareham 1s
2. 11:30 Salisbury Women’s 2s vs Chichester 2s
3. 13:00 Salisbury Women’s 5s vs Eastleigh 2s
4. 14:30 Salisbury Men’s 2s vs Southampton Uni 3s
5. 16:00 Salisbury Striders vs Andover Diamonds

Saturday November 25 home games:

1. 10:00 Salisbury Women’s 4s vs Romsey 4s
2. 11:30 Salisbury Women’s 1s vs Sonning 1s
3. 13:00 Salisbury Men’s 3s vs Chichester Friars
4. 14:30 Salisbury Men’s 2s vs Southampton 1s
5. 16:00 Salisbury Men’s 4s vs Southampton Uni 5s