Every season there are games that you mark on your calendar. Games that you know are going to have that little bit more grit, and bite to them. The ones that you know carry that little extra weight of expectation, where 3 points may just mean a little bit more. In years gone by, this has always been the clash with Old Georgians. There’s ancient history there, propped up by it being a local derby. But this season, everyone had one eye on a different fixture. With more recent history in mind, a large contingent of the team were chomping at the bit for this week’s fixture, and going head-to-head with league newcomers Woking.

A team coached by an ex-Hawks coach, with a set approach to how he coaches sides, this was set to be a great battle. The home side, conditioned to play that way for two years under their former coach, they’ve continued to adopt some elements of that style, albeit with more freedom now that they're once again under the guidance of club legend and ever-present player-coach, Mark Collins. And they would face off against an away side who have made a fighting start to life in Div 1.

Both teams know they play a similar style of hockey. This game had all the hallmarks of a box office clash. A battle for pride, honour, and those all important three points. Set to go down to the wire.

The Hawks started the brighter of the two teams, but Woking were no slouches. A young side, and 5 subs waiting to provide fresh legs from the bench, getting that first goal was going to be key to setting the tone for this clash, and the Hawks were desperate to ensure that they drew first blood. And they did. Young centre half Dan Littlefair stepped up, reacting quickest at a short corner to fire a rebound past the Woking keeper. The Hawks quickly settled into their stride from there, and with skipper Matt Chappell leading the line, he quickly put his first of the afternoon away to double the lead.

And from there, the dye was cast. The Hawks put Woking to the sword, with Chappell netting two more to complete his hat-trick, and earn himself the man-of-the-match award. And frankly, not the bite, grit, or fire that some of the squad were hoping for. The game fizzled out like a damp firework over Goldsworth Park. 4-0, and a clean sheet for the Hawks.

We spoke to Nick Browning after the game, who took the chance to thank his sponsors, MC17 Hockey, before telling us how much that win meant. “Look there’s very recent history here, and we were absolutely fizzing for this one. We sent the message we wanted to with that display, and now all eyes are firmly on next week's fixture. To be totally honest I was hoping for a bit more fire and passion, but the only real sign of any fight came after the final whistle. We move on, and get ready for our next fixture”

Next up, the Hawks face Lewes, another new team to the league.

This match report was brought to you by Little Italy, Thames Street. Italian homemade food in the heart of Lower Sunbury.