Ipswich Ladies escaped Harleston on Saturday with 3 points, a tight match saw a goal-less first half, and it took Ipswich 54 minutes to score the first goal of the match from a penalty corner, Annika Broster once again getting on the scoresheet. The victory was sealed in the last minute through an open play goal from ex-Magpie Jessica Bloom.

Points in the Prem went to Sudbury who beat Ipswich 2’s at home 2-1, which secured their first points of the season, leaving them at the foot of the table on goal difference. Lowestoft defeated Wapping away 4-1, taking their points tally to 7. In all probability, at least one side will drop out of the National League and be replaced by the winners of the Prem, however, with so many East sides in the National League East conference, if the 9^th placed team was to be relegated via the relegation play-offs it would mean that 5 teams would be relegated from the East Prem to accommodate the extra team dropping down. (If anybody has seen anything wrong in my logic feel free to email me at lloydy@suffolk-hockey.org).

Ipswich-East Suffolk broke their duck as they beat Cambridge City 2’s at home 1-0, they travel to Lincoln this weekend where hopefully they can convert some of their good home form in to some away points. Ipswich 3’s managed a 1-1 draw at home to Cambridge University. Both Suffolk sides are fighting for survival at this level, hopefully they can both pick up some points before Christmas.

Carlton Park defeated Christchurch 3-2 to keep themselves 1 point behind the leaders Yarmouth, promotion could be turning from a pre-season dream to reality if they continue this form. Haverhill were defeated again at home to Sprowston 1-6, hopefully November will be there month as key home fixtures against fellow strugglers University of East Anglia and Loddon could impact their season dramatically. Newmarket Ladies have won two games this season, their latest being this weekend beating City of Peterborough 2’s, however due to a 3 point penalty they are bottom of Division 2NW.

Sudbury 2’s and Grasshoppers lead the way in Suffolk Premier, both winning again on the weekend, this league is still wide open however, with anyone still in it from the top two, to Felixstowe who currently occupy 8^th place with a couple of games in hand.

Ipswich Men’s 1’s lost narrowly to Cambridge University 3-2, they now sit in 10^th and need to beat 11^th placed Wapping to avoid getting sucked in to a relegation dog fight after Christmas.

Bury St Edmunds were beaten 5-3 against Old Southendians, this Saturdays home fixture against Dereham 2’s is now a must win. Felixstowe continued their good start to the season, beating Cambridge City 2’s 2-1, they have climbed up to 3^rd with no signs of this good run of form ending, and if no East teams drop out of the National League, 3^rd place will be good enough for them to earn a place in Premier B, and achieving 3 promotions in a row!

Ipswich-East Suffolk weren’t put off by the long trip to top of the table March Town, they knocked them off their perch and down to 6^th place with a 5-2 victory, which shows how tight Division 2N will be this season. They will face a strong Harleston Magpies side who’s 1^st XI having a break this weekend will surely mean a good week of availabilities for them.

Division 3NE is currently the league to watch, Sudbury 1’s taught UEA 1’s a lesson, beating them 5-1 to remain 2 points clear, but their 2’s couldn’t do them a favour as they lost to 2^nd placed Gorleston 1’s 4-0. Ipswich Cranes are in 3^rd thanks to a 1-0 win over Bury St Edmunds 2’s, Ipswich 3’s dropped to 4^th after only managing a draw with Harleston Magpies 4’s.

Lowestoft Railway beat Harleston Magpies 5’s and have stretched their lead to 5 points. Felixstowe 2’s are now 3^rd with a game in hand after they beat North Walsham 2’s.