Newly-promoted Winchester 1st XI have arrived in South Central League Premier Division 2 full of optimism after a tidy pre-season campaign. Wins against Havant II, Portsmouth 1st XI and a draw against Division 1 opponents Haslemere, have held them in good stead ahead of their opener against Oxford Hawks III's on September 21.

The Haslemere game, played at Kings School where the premier men's teams will once again be hosting league matches, was a final test for the squad. Player-coach Ben Hibberd put the home team ahead in the first five minutes as his penalty corner attempt crept over the line after a half-stop. Winchester had begun the better team but this soon swung the other way as Haslemere started creating some solid chances. This finally paid off in the dying moments of the first half when they snuck the ball home from a narrow-angle to leave matters tied.

A similar fine-angle goal midway through the second period after some brilliant approach work put the visitors ahead. With both teams then missing gilt-edged chances, Winchester's final goal attempt, deep into injury time, saw Kieran Malloy sweep home from a penalty corner after a switch left to salvage a draw.

Reflecting on the season ahead, new captain Nick Clark said "I am very excited to be leading this team. We have a good balance of youth and experience with five Under 18s vying for positions along with a number of players with National League experience and an important returning player in James Pauley. We start with the ambition of competing towards the very top of the league."