1-1 great game
Ricky Lee scored at 17min
They equalised at 53min

A fresh squall of Spring rain made stormy progress across Chelmsford HC park. Crisp air prepared the ground for SHC M2's first Summer League game of 2026.

Some firsts to remember.

Goalkeeper & report writer in his first game as Captain. Enthusiastic, and pitchero wide-eyed.

Youth striker Greg in his first summer league game, carrying thirst-quenching drinks / freshly prepared chilled honey-watered orange segments. Eager. He wanted to cycle here.

We arrive first. Soon joined by the Chelmsford youth keeper Aiden and his mum, outside the locked gates. It is his first Summer League game as well - she's not sure what to expect. Some delightful pre-match hockey banter; positively reinforcing the stage today. Aiden certainly gave his all, an engaging and dominant performance.

Steve Roach began the influx of our prompt arriving Seasiders -- so close today to a spectacular goal. Wing runs, track backs, and team cries of "Roachie !" ahhhh love all that.

Jaimie Playfair next, onward to
fine strong hold / distribution play, and some oh-so-near strikes on goal.
pre-match: sharing thoughts on our youth involvement was appreciated.

We had newbies joining us with their first foray feels into 2026 M2 SL.
With kit stretched over hockey formed patina'd structures of human steel, these three lads forgot the requested jelly babies. errrrrrrr.....

Phil's strong laughter-filled punch runs & passes opened the eyes of the recipients and opposition. Name nature combined. Bright eyed, bushy tailed.

Ben's strong calls and drive gave the Captain flashbacks of Steve Batchelor; albeit Steve didnt sport Ben's facial attire. As a previous winner of Movember, I wholeheartedly approve of Ben's top lip growth maintenance. If the whole team can together emulate this for just one summer league game, well, my word, ***INSERT SUPERLATIVE HERE ***

Summary of my misty-eyed Chapman life moments:
1988: Tracy Chapman sang "Fast Car".
1995: Lee Chapman made a singular appearance for Southend United FC (on loan).
on-going: Mr Anthony Colin Bruce Chapman (Lotus Cars) has intertwined +ve influence inspirations and events throughout my life.
2026: What does Tim Chapman have in store?
Well, Talk About A Revolution! He's only gone blown the Ash away with hockey CB doors WIDE OPEN, and off Esprits in a lovely display Russell Crowe Master & Commander. Yet, the Maynard Jelly Babies remained on the shelf. More to come. Loved the bronze matchy matchy pub carpet.

Ok, enough of newbies and onto Bedini: Our Club Captain Hockey Laureate. Pitchero doesnt have the word limit max character space for this guy. An early knee twinge in warm-up to resolve our focus. Delectable reverse stick sweeping blocks. Grace, posture, roof-down breeze distribution. If Iron Maiden's Eddie is the Dark, Southend Hockey Club's Eddie is the Light. ❤️?

Kaspar Williams. Our currently qualifing out-of-youth majestically framed RB. "I force no friend, I fear no foe". Yup. Thank you for your service
today. The rare occasional glimpse to prior years, my brief nostalgia replaced by excitement and recognition of a taller-than-me great. Obviously, Kevin at The Car Hospital, Sutton Road has yet to meet him (or
his dad who owns the car).

Carl Birchall. In another life, we met on the sidelines, and I cannot remember it. This missed opportunity on my
behalf grates to this day, and I am always grateful for our moments I
do actually remember and positively engage in. Oversharingly
awkward, I do really look forward to these, and you did not disappoint this evening at The Beehive. The lunging hard-graft battling and team support. a call of "good save goalie". Yay!

Dan Bisgrove -- the AI Jelly Baby convertor turned you purple. Your hard working, structured discipline spread its Bisgrove themes throughout the team. Bright colour always accompanies this -- it's
great to see. Thanks.

Charlie Glew -- The Outside / Inside Tardis Of Hockey. How can such a large goliath of a man twinkle toe little dainty dance amongst Chelmer Midfielders I just stand aghast and with pride. Every time. Blimey.

Charlie Felton - Southend and Brighton feature strong in Felton. So here are a few common seaside city based facts:

ROCK solid inspiring performance.
CANDY FLOSS'd his way thru the Chelmsford defence in many occasions, nearly CHIPS the goalie.
helped TRAIN the youth (ok
brighton have a tram, apols).
a-PIER-ed just prior to push back.

Ricky Lee -- watching from afar onto this driven hustling gunna-score-a-goal guy is always a pleasure. Its a goal! Couldnt see quite what happened but its a goal. Who scored it? Ahhh there's that Ricky smile and teammates pile in with the celebrations. Cheers and thank you, Ricky!

And with that, thanks for reading this far. Thoroughly enjoyable game.