The Repton Mens XI resumed their East Midlands Premier league campaign this weekend with mixed fortunes; a double header vs. table topping Nottingham Trent University (NTU) on Saturday and Leicester Westleigh on Sunday. NTU ran out 4-1 winners in a fast paced high quality game from the two teams at the top of the table. The University scored within 5 minutes and were a constant threat with their pace and well organised style of play.  They extended their lead  at the end of the first half to go into the break 2-0 up.  Repton had been competing well and had their chances, but were perhaps showing signs of rustiness after the mid-season break. Repton’s Captain, Joe Fell, scored a good goal making the game a real knife edge contest for most of the second half.   As Repton pushed for the equaliser NTU scored decisive goals in the late stages of the contest. Dan Darby had made some excellent saves to keep Repton in the game and Repton’s finishing did not match the high standards set during the first half of the season wasting five penalty corners and a number of other opportunities.  

On Sunday the Mens XI hosted Leicester Westleigh in a pre-Christmas weather affected rearrangement.  Repton benefited from the previous days experience and took a 5-0 half time lead after scoring very early on in the match. The match ended 7-1 with goals from six different scorers including two for Tomas Landa, making his league debut joining Repton as a player and junior coach.  The result closed the gap between NTU and Repton to 2 points at the top of the table with a game in hand.

The Repton Ladies XI continued to dominate the Derbyshire Division 1 league with a 17-0 win vs Phoenix.  Hannah Davey the captain helped herself to 8 goals taking her league tally to 19 which brought her level with leading goal scorers Ann Johnson (2 in the match) and Claudia Swain (rested).  Alice Bennett, the Welsh U18s player, also contributed with 4 goals and new signing Lullie Marelli scored her first for RHC.  Marelli will be joined by fellow Argentinian Junior International Rosario Villagra for the next league game vs. Burton Ladies 2nds on 27th January. The team now have 14 wins from 14 games but can afford no let up with Staveley closely following behind, having only dropped three points themselves this season.

Finally, our U18 girls enjoyed a friendly fixture against Leicester HC U18 Girls. In a useful preparation match for the girls' challenge in the National Plate competition Repton HC ran out 2-0 winners . With thanks to Leicester for making the journey over to Repton and wishing them good luck in their continued Cup campaign!