By Lucas Ball
Holcombe are looking for a third consecutive Division One South win as they travel to face Kent rivals Sevenoaks on Saturday afternoon (1:30pm).
Nick Bandurak’s side recommenced their outdoor campaign with a 2-1 home win over Southgate at East Grinstead Hockey Club courtesy of a Phoebe Steele brace on Sunday as they moved back into second place with Barnes also losing to Team Bath Buccaneers to back up their win over Wimbledon 2s in November in the last Division One South fixture.
Holcs have a game-in-hand on Barnes and are currently above them on goal difference as they look to seal an immediate return to the Premier Division after winning promotion from the Super 6s Division One to the Premier Division in January.
Holcombe won the reverse fixture 3-0 in October at Holcombe Park courtesy of goals from Hattie Jones, Lottie Bingham and Emma Bandurak.
Sevenoaks have scored less than half the number of goals that Holcombe have, having played a game more – Sevenoaks have scored 15 compared to Holcombe’s 35, the highest tally in the division.
The hosts have the second-best defensive record in the league, only behind Surbiton 2s (10) with 15 – Holcombe sit third in the defensive ranks having conceded 17.
Hannah Bond could face her former club for the second time this season, while ex-Holcombe player Jo Westwood could also face her old club on Saturday afternoon.
Other Division One South fixtures (Saturday, 10th February, 2024):
12:00pm – Wimbledon 2s vs. Canterbury
12:30pm – Slough vs. Barnes
3:30pm – Surbiton 2s vs. Southgate
Sunday, 1:30pm – Harleston Magpies vs. Team Buccaneers
Image: Becci Woodhead