​MR Cricket East Hockey League 2026/27: M4s vs. Blueharts 9

​Stevenage M4s kicked off their 2026/27 MR Cricket East Hockey League campaign at Nobel, taking on a newly formed Blueharts 9 side.

​The match saw league debuts for three new players: Jacob Oliver, Harry Umney, and Craig Shorrock. Mike Hamid started in goal, protected by a defensive line of Graham Spicer, Kal Singh, Tony Farnan, and Jon Parker.

​Blueharts caught the M4s off guard early on, striking twice in the 2nd and 6th minutes. Despite the early set-backs, Stevenage kept their composure. Midfielders Mehron Kirk and Matt Oliver controlled the tempo with sharp passing, while Craig Shorrock and Xavi George created width on the flanks with energetic runs.

Up front, Enzo Kirk and Jacob Oliver pressed hard, making intelligent runs into the Blueharts D. Both sides created further chances before the break, but the score remained 2–0 at half-time.

​The second half began similarly, with Blueharts adding a third early on. However, M4s showed great resilience. Kevin Robbins provided stability in central midfield, while Simon Russell delivered a solid performance at centre-back to shut down further threats similarly Harry Umney had chances up front.

M4s pushed hard for a goal late in the game—highlighted by a fine solo run into the D by Xavi George in the final moments—but were unable to convert.

​The game finished 3–0 to Blueharts. Despite conceding early goals in both halves, it was a confident, promising performance from a developing M4s side....MoM Harry Umney
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