17/12/2025
Pre Christmas Match Reports:
Mens 1XI vs Trojans
With the wind speeds back below 5 mph, and the pitch freshly swept, Purbeck Sports Centre deemed the surface playable. It was time for the men’s 1s to stop blundering the league title.
As with all good match reports, we’ll start at minute 10, when I arrived. A veritable bank had formed on home bench, with many of the usual cobs yielding their places to some cygnets. Anyway, back to the hockey.
Swans were all over Trojans, with early pressure leading to a 1-0 lead courtesy of the omnipresent Ben Thomas, but the opposition fought back well to earn a short corner and an equaliser. No doubt, this was just a clever ploy to allow Sam smooth as Butterfield’s goal to feel all the more sweet. A goal drought for the next half an hour kept tensions high, ended only by an arial assist from Mike Salmon on to Jack Thompson who turned four players and mashed the ball bottom right.
The final goal a rare strong side drive from quite possibly the divisions highest goal scorer Sam Waker to see out the game. Trojans pushed hard right up to the final whistle but ultimately were not able to change the outcome. Thanks all for a great last game of the year. See you all after the break.
Swans sports correspondence Chris Jones reporting from the Swannery.
Ladies XI vs Chichester
The Ladies 1st XI made their final trip of 2025 this weekend, travelling to Chichester to face their Ladies 2nd XI.
The Swans got off to a slow start, beginning the match with only 10 players and conceding two early penalty corners. However, strong defensive work and an excellent save from goalkeeper Leah Rutter kept the score at 0–0.
Chichester continued to apply pressure and, eight minutes in, managed to convert a penalty corner to take a 1–0 lead. The Swans kept their heads up and held Chichester at bay despite sustained attacking play. Goalkeeper Leah Rutter was in top form, making save after save, supported by solid defensive performances from Jess Hale and Niamh McKeown.
With just nine minutes remaining in the half, the Swans won a penalty corner and capitalised on the opportunity with a brilliantly executed routine. Eden Crook, playing at the top of the D, unleashed an absolute rocket towards the left post for midfielder Robyn Murray to sweep home, levelling the score at 1–1 as the teams went into the break.
The Swans returned from half-time with renewed vigour and converted another penalty corner in the first minute of the second half. Once again, a well-rehearsed routine saw Eden Crook deliver the ball for Robyn Murray to finish clinically, putting the Swans 2–1 ahead.
The team fought hard to the end, with forwards Daisie Lumley and Evie Binns creating chances but just missing out on further goals. The Swans managed to hold their lead for most of the half, thanks to a huge effort from midfielders Kate Black, Kate Thomson, Robyn Murray, and Naomi Blowes, who worked tirelessly throughout the match.
Unfortunately, with just five minutes remaining, Chichester managed to pull one back to equalise, bringing the final score to 2–2.
A sterling effort from the Swans, playing a player down, sees them head into 2026 sitting fourth in the league.
