Lowestoft Railway 3, Evergreens 2

HOCKEY: Evergreens were expecting this to be a tough match following Lowestoft’s domination in Division One last season, which earned them their promotion to the Premier Division.

Evergreens dominated the first five minutes and were rewarded with an early goal from Sam Turner with a tricky reverse-stick finish.

Evergreens then temporarily lost two players through injury which allowed Lowestoft to take control of the game.

Lowestoft’s first goal came from a short corner mid-way through the first half. The initial shot deflected off a defender and looped over the keeper into the back of the net. Their second goal came just before the break to make it 2-1 at half-time.

After a shake-up during the break, Evergreens again started strongly and created several good chances.

Jess Shand got Evergreens’ second goal with a great solo run from the halfway line, weaving through a field of players before finishing with a strike into the corner of the goal.

Lowestoft fought back and increased their pressure on the Evergreens’ goal. Keeper Su Hoogendyk made several good saves to keep the home team at bay but they finally broke through with a strike from a short corner to finish off the game.

Players-of-the-match: Sam Turner and Su Hoogendyk.