THE long-awaited hockey game against Diss Ladies v HAB's (Husbands and Boyfriends/Brothers) was played on a breezy Sunday afternoon over at Breckland Sports Centre.

The HABs started determined to beat their better halves and started very strong with a quick run down the right wing from Andy Woods catching the Diss midfield off-guard.

But the stalwart defence of Charlie Everett, Di Marshall, Emily Comer and Pam Keeley were determined not to go behind so early on and cleared the ball up the pitch for the midfield to redeem themselves with a quick counter attack passing to Toni Glover.

Diss hopes ran high, however the HAB defence stood strong though and denied them a chance at goal.

The game was fairly even with Diss having the skill but HABs had strength, speed and determination on their side.

Jack Glover and Sam Comer played some pretty neat hockey and ran at the Diss defence with Sam Comer leaving Sue Moore in the Diss goal no chance and the HABs went one up. The remainder of the first half was fairly even with no further goals at half-time.

Diss came out fighting in the second half with some great midfield play from the usual trio of Sam Howard, Gaby Rolingson and Livvy Cates and it was the latter that crossed the ball strongly into the D for Sarah Woods to convert.

Diss then kept on attacking but the defence of Paul Marshall, Paul Chenery and the great goalkeeping skills of last-minute stand-in Dan Bartram just wouldn't let Diss net the ball.

The HABs stayed strong and firm and counter attacked with Glover scoring – this time not Diss' highest goalscorer Toni but her brother Jack!

Diss tried to come back but with the speed of Tommy Allen, Dave Thornton and the solid defensive play of the golden oldies, Tansley Rolingson, Archie Moore and Sinclair Glover Diss just couldn't break through and it was the HABs who scored again through Dan Waterfield to seal the win at 3-1.

The game was played in great spirit and a great time was had by all.

This was a fun fundraising game to aid Diss's pitch hire for next season and along with the quiz night that was held last week Diss raised just under �950. They thank all the businesses in the town who donated raffle prizes to aid fundraising.