Pelicans Hockey Club launched their season on Saturday, with a bumper morning of junior training followed by a packed programme of senior fixtures.
More than 120 children aged six to 12 filled the pitches from 8.45am, watched proudly by parents.
Chairman Stuart Olley said: “It’s so good to see our pitches full on Saturday morning. The kids love coming back to the sport, and the young leaders and coaches provide a safe place to learn what hockey is all about.”
On the senior front, the Ladies’ 2nds set the tone with a convincing opening-day win.
Under new captain Rosie Booth, and with coaches Martin Metcalf and Kaylim Bowers De Lima guiding them from the sidelines, the side wasted no time finding its rhythm.
New signing Alice Barnes was the star, scoring five of the team’s seven goals to seal victory and earn player-of-the-match honours.
The Men’s 2nds followed with an emphatic win over Long Sutton.
Despite falling behind early, goals from Matt Southby and Gavin Johnson put the Pelicans ahead at the break, 4-2.
The second half was one-way traffic as Jackson’s half-time words inspired five further goals, including a Southby hat-trick. Johnson, Archie Rowe, Seth Walpole and Joseph Reed were also on the scoresheet.
Rowe was named player of the match.
A reshaped Men’s 3rds also made a winning start, blending experienced heads with emerging youth.
Cambridge South pushed them hard, but teenage prospect Will Eagle impressed in front of the back three, scoring a superb drag-flick at a short corner.
After a 1-1 half-time score, two well-taken goals from the unlikely source of defender Lee Dowers secured a 3-1 victory.
Eagle’s composed performance earned him the player of the match.
On the road, the Ladies’ 1sts battled to a 3-3 draw away to Cambridge City.
Pelicans showed character to hit back quickly after conceding an unlucky opener, before equalising late on.
With time almost up and trailing 3-2, they won a short corner, which Clair Morton coolly converted after fine work from South African recruit Bowers De Lima.
Emily Pluck’s tireless display earned her player of the match.
The Ladies’ 3rds were beaten at St Ives but returned in high spirits, with Philippa Hingley recognised as their standout performer.
Meanwhile, the Men’s 4ths faced a tough opening assignment at Bourne Deeping, coming up against the opposition of relegated 3rds.
With a mix of seasoned players and league debutants, new captain Nathan Rollings saw his side fall 6-2 but take plenty of positives.
His brother Josh took the player-of-the-match award.
