Old and new come together for day of celebration

Hockey

Past and present Ashford players gathered at Ball Lane on Sunday for the club’s annual Celebration Day. Becky Thomas got the winner as Flo’s Fillies beat Ashford 1st Xl 5-4 in the ladies’ match, while Bobby’s Boys won the men’s contest with a 9-5 win over club captain Ben Davis’ team. Laura Jakeman and skipper Annie White put Ashford Ladies 2-0 up before Jo Thompson and Sarah Kerly scored for the Fillies to make it 2-2. Sophie Hunt and Emma Bains hit two more for Ashford, with Vicky O’Sullivan and Cara Brogan on target for the Fillies. Sophie Pinney set-up the winner, seeing her shot bounce off the keeper for Thomas to score. Bobby’s Boys included several retired Ashford players from the last two decades as well as the likes of former captain Sam Handley, now playing for rivals Folkestone. Matt Reeve put Davis’ side ahead, before the guests went in front with two quick strikes by Ronan Taggart and Will Spain. Rory and Robin Miller made it 3-2, the Boys getting a third before half-time. Phil Wise grabbed a secondhalf-hat-trick for the visitors, Handley adding two more, before Mike Wood made it 9-3. Stu Wise then hit two more for Ashford. Matt Carter’s mixed club social match also featured plenty of goals in a 5-4 scoreline.

Ashford’s men’s team (blue) line-up alongside Bobby’s Boys ahead of the game which Bobby’s Boys won 9-5

Ashford Ladies and Flo’s Fillies