SVHC 8:0 MHC

Sutton Valence Hockey Club 1st XI signed off their home campaign in emphatic style on a bright and warm March afternoon, sweeping aside Maidstone Hockey Club 2nd XI with a commanding 8–0 victory. The result not only showcased Sutton Valence’s attacking flair and defensive resilience, but also secured a guaranteed third-place finish in Invicta Division 1—an impressive achievement in their first season following promotion.

The hosts wasted no time asserting their dominance. After just two minutes, Barney Hall opened the scoring, reacting quickest inside the circle to slot home and set the tone for the afternoon. With Lewis Mitchell pulling the strings from left half and Dickie Turnill orchestrating play through the middle, Sutton Valence controlled possession and territory with confidence.

The second goal arrived in the 14th minute, when Andy Turnill finished clinically from close range after a precise assist from Mitchell, whose distribution consistently caused problems for the Maidstone defence.

Just over ten minutes later, Mitchell was again the provider, threading a perfectly weighted pass to Fred McVarish, who made no mistake in doubling the advantage further.

Moments later, captain Dan Brooks surged forward from right back to add a fourth, capping a dominant first-half display and giving Sutton Valence a 4–0 lead at the break.

Defensively, Ali Carter, Matthew Luksich, and Josh Houston were assured and composed, snuffing out any Maidstone attacks, while Stewart Young in goal remained alert when called upon.

The second half continued in much the same vein. Just four minutes after the restart, Alex Stamp produced a moment of brilliance, unleashing a thunderous strike from the top of the circle that rocketed into the roof of the net.

The home side’s momentum never dipped, and midway through the half Andy Turnill grabbed his second of the game with a well-executed penalty corner.

Dan Brooks, leading by example throughout, added his second and Sutton Valence’s seventh goal with another powerful run and finish.

Stamp then rounded off the scoring with his second of the match, demonstrating sharp movement and composure in front of goal.

A standout defensive moment came when Stewart Young made a superb one-on-one tackle just outside the circle, denying the Maidstone centre forward who had broken clear after a midfield turnover and outpaced Chris Johnson. It was a fitting highlight in an otherwise quiet afternoon for the Sutton Valence goalkeeper.

All three substitutes—Chris Johnson, Ted Ervine, and Tom Millington—made valuable contributions, bringing energy and maintaining the team’s high tempo.

Man of the Match deservedly went to Dan Brooks, whose leadership, defensive solidity, and attacking contributions from the back were instrumental in the comprehensive victory.

Goals: Andy Turnill , Alex Stamp x2, Dan Brooks, Barney Hall, Fred McVarish, Richard Turnill, Edward Ervine

Report By: Lewis Mitchell

Team:
Stewart Young (GK); Ali Carter (LB), Matthew Luksich (CB), Josh Houston (CB), Dan Brooks (RB, Capt); Lewis Mitchell (LH), Fred McVarish (RH), Dickie Turnill (CM); Barney Hall (LW), Alex Stamp (RW), Andy Turnill (ST).
Subs: Chris Johnson, Ted Ervine, Tom Millington
Manager: Aidan Sleeman

Final Match:Ashford (A) 14:30