Swanage and Wareham Hockey Club began their first season in South Central Division 2 with an encouraging 2–2 draw against a strong Isle of Wight side on Saturday.

Fresh off their recent promotion, the Swans were eager to make a statement at the Swannery and looked lively from the first whistle. Dominating early possession with slick passing and composed build-up play, they created several chances but were unable to convert.
Isle of Wight, who finished third in the league last season, gradually found their rhythm and struck first through a well-executed short corner, drag flicked into the top corner with precision. Swans goalkeeper Theo Smith – one of three new signings from Poole – had little chance of stopping it.

Theo was joined in the lineup by fellow new recruits Rob Maidman and George Collen, both of whom recently represented England in the Over-45s European Championships in Valencia.
The Swans responded impressively, regaining control and pinning the visitors back for much of the first half. Their persistence paid off when Josh Lightfoot found himself perfectly placed at the back post to tap in the equaliser. Moments later, Sam Waker surged into the D and rifled a low shot into the bottom corner to make it 2–1 going into the break.

The second half proved more evenly contested, with both sides creating chances. Midfielders Ben Thomas and Dave Green worked tirelessly to disrupt Wight's flow, but the pressure eventually told. A short corner deflected off Swans keeper and struck Ed Ellwood on the line, resulting in a penalty flick which was calmly converted to level the score.

Despite late pressure from Swanage and a number of near-misses, the match ended 2–2 – a fair result, though many in the home crowd felt the Swans had done enough to earn all three points.
Man of the Match honours went to Theo Smith for his assured debut performance in goal.
Swanage and Wareham travel to Basingstoke next weekend before returning to the Swannery in two weeks’ time. Supporters are encouraged to come along – entertaining hockey is guaranteed