What a difference a week makes.

Even though both sides were able to pick up maximum points last weekend, we’d be kidding ourselves if a 1-0 and 2-1 respectively were fair reflections on the standard of our squads and seasons to date.

9 Holcombe Goals across the two games was brilliant and gave a swagger back to Holcombe Park and the Terrace at a crucial time of the season.

The terrace is a great place to be at Holcombe Park on Game Day and it’s always great to have when you’re on the pitch. For both sides to put in performances that not only got the points but gave the terrace something to cheer about was fantastic.

There proved to be large, vocal crowds for both games over the weekend which makes a huge difference to the players on the pitch.

The women were completely dominant in their clash with Reading on Saturday night. In fairness, the visitors had a difficult time of it. They’re a young and vastly inexperienced side for a Premier League outfit. Add to that they were short on numbers and suffered a nasty injury mid-game and the odds were always stacked against them.

Regardless, Grace had probably 1 save to make throughout the game and the girls played at an intensity that denied any opportunity or even glimmer of hope that may otherwise have been afforded to them.

It was about as professional a performance as you could have hoped to see under the circumstances. You can only beat the side that’s put in front of you and we managed to do that without any drama or nerves and secure another massive three points. A playoff spot is almost secure now but it’s vitally important to keep the momentum going through to April.

For the men, we were able to get back to the ways we’re accustomed to. Having an additional two players was huge for us this weekend. Fortunately, those two just happened to be two of the best in world hockey.

Regardless, it allowed us to play at an intensity we simply haven’t been able to since the turn of the year. As a result, we played some good hockey across the 70 minutes and dominated the second half when our opponents began to tire and chase the game

If we’re being critical of ourselves, we’d have liked to convert more of our chances but we scored some classy goals under pressure and turned in a strong performance against a side that have been performing well this second half of the season.

As a result, we too, are almost guaranteed a playoff spot. We have a tough 3 games remaining however with East Grinstead, Beeston and Hampstead & Westminster all vying for a playoff spot of their own. With 2 of those 3 fixtures being away from Holcombe Park, we still have a big month to go before we can start to think of anything else beyond.

This coming weekend, the Terrace has a well-earned rest as both sides are on the road. The women travel to a struggling Slough knowing a victory will guarantee a place at Lee Valley. We travel to an East Grinstead side sitting just 3 points behind fifth in a close race for the final play-off place.

Pictures supplied by www.groutphotography.co.uk