magpies ladies 4ths

LADIES’ 4THS CLINCH TITLE WITH WIN IN HOLT

The Ladies’ 4ths knew they had to beat Evergreens at Gresham’s School last Saturday to clinch the Norfolk Premier League title on goal difference from Magpies’ 3rds and they duly did so with just one first half alarm winning 4-1.

They had the boost of a goal after two minutes from Kathryn Bullen who later hit a post. After Evergreens equalised on fifteen minutes Magpies were back in the lead ten minutes later with a shot from the prolific Laura Tibbenham which appeared to catch the Evergreens’ goalkeeper unsighted. Shortly afterwards Rachel Holloway made it 3-1 with a firm shot from the edge of the circle to give Magpies a welcome cushion.

Kathryn was unable to play after the interval due to injury when Magpies continued to rely too much on the long ball out of defence. Midway through the half Evergreens won a flurry of penalty corners which came to nothing and in the last minute Laura made it 4-1 with her 38th goal of a remarkably productive season. Phoebe Preece once again played well in midfield for Magpies with Krystal Jenkins and Rosie Blackmore prominent in defence.

After the final whistle the bubbly was soon being sprayed about in celebration of this triumph. At the luncheon in Holt after the game it was suggested to me that the 4ths are the club’s league team of the season. I said the Ladies’ 3rds had to be considered together with the promoted Men’s 6ths but after being given an Easter Egg by skipper Treacle Griffin could I really disagree?!

It is congratulations to Treacle (voted unanimously as Duchess of the Day!), coach David Brook and all members of the squad on their title and promotion and to Lucy Field and the 3rds who also had a splendid season. Both teams together with the Men’s 6ths have done the club proud.

It is best wishes to our club members who are Down Under playing in the FIH 2016 Masters Hockey World Cup which began today in Canberra. They are Kath Johnson (England O40s), Tristan Baynes (England O40s), Phil Cobbald and Andy Law (who guests for the club’s O55s) representing England O55s and club chairman Murray Graham who is playing in goal for Scotland O55s. Please see http://hockey.org.au/Events-Comps/Masters-World-Cup (which I prefer) or http://www.imhacanberra2016.com/

Best wishes also to 4th team captain David Blackmore who will be playing for England O60s in the World Grand Masters in Newcastle, NSW in early May.

Also don’t forget footy lovers Euro 2016 is coming up – who to bet on? England are still looking good despite their narrow home defeat to the Netherlands, they have a really strong squad. It should be an excellent tournament to watch this summer.

I had intended to spare us all a Musings this week but I am sure you will agree the above deserves to be recorded as soon as possible.

With kind regards

Mike Denham
[email protected]
29/3/16

PS.
Please see the Latest News page of the club’s website for details of the following:

(a) Introduction to Hockey Coaching at Langley School on Sunday 24 April.

(b) Magpies May Day Weekend Hockey Festival (Saturday 30 April and Monday 2 May) and how to enter teams.

(c) Magpies summer training for Boys and Girls 2016.

(d) Level 1 Umpire Course at Bury St Edmunds HC (Culford School) on Sunday 8 May.