LAST MINUTE DRAMA THIS WEEK
Last week I was reporting on first minute drama for the Ladies’ and Men’s 1sts. This week I comment on drama once again involving both teams but this time in the last minute of their games last Saturday but with contrasting outcomes. The Ladies’ went down 1-0 away to Hampstead and Westminster while the Men grabbed an equaliser with seconds to spare at home to West Herts.
The Ladies played well and deserved a draw from their game but after surviving one late penalty corner they conceded another and this time they had to pick the ball out of the back of their net. This coming Saturday (2.30) they have a vital match away to Ipswich who are also on one point after two games following their 0-0 draw away to Chelmsford.
The Men’s 1sts took the lead in the eighth minutes against West Herts when player-coach Ben Wright rifled home a reverse stick shot only for the ever-dangerous Dan Webster to deflect home a penalty corner for the visitors four minutes later. West Herts took the lead just before half time following a flowing move and they created a few more chances after the break. However, they were unable to take them in no small part due to some fine work by the Magpies defence in which MOTM Andrew Bedwell, skipper Leigh Sitch, Matt Riches and goalkeeper John Livings were in particularly good form. At the other end Magpies forced three penalty corners which tested the West Herts’ defence without reward. With time running out West Herts delayed taking a free hit and with the umpire judging it to be time wasting Magpies took advantage of his change of decision to get the ball swiftly into the circle where Ben forced home the equaliser to the delight of the home supporters. This Saturday the team are at home to Sevenoaks (2.00) who have started the season with two wins including a 4-3 victory over Oxted last Saturday.
The Girls’ Development were first into action at Weybread last Saturday and they beat Dereham 1-0 with a goal by Georgie Cantrell. This was an excellent win for the team as manager Sandra Elliner was fielding six players new to the team this year, namely Tabitha Borrett, Holly Hanrahan, Olivia Lapage, Ellen Pope, Ruby Pottruff and Alyssa Walker. Emma Williamson who also made her debut the previous week was unavailable for this match. This week the team are away to Norwich City (4.45). Meanwhile the Men’s 5ths, who had taken the lead against Dereham 3rds through Jack Newberry before falling behind, got a late equaliser through veteran Stuart Peters with an even older veteran Simon Bardwell (one of the heroes of the O50’s run to the national final last season) modestly claiming assists for both our goals! Next into action were the Men’s 6ths who went down 3-1 (Toby McManus) to IES 5ths.
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CHILLI AND QUIZ NIGHT
Saturday 10 October, Clubhouse, 7.30pm
Tickets £10 from behind the bar or on the door. Please come!
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Also at home were the Men’s 2nds and they made a good start against Norwich City (who had ex-Magpie Rees Leonard in goal) before going behind against the run of play at a penalty corner. As the game progressed their cause was not helped by some miscued cross-pitch passing which gifted the lively visitors some chances which they eagerly accepted on their way to a deserved 7-1 win. The Magpies’ consolation goal came through captain Dickon Taylor in the second half. Despite the score line the team, who are away to Saffron Walden on Saturday (2.00), can look forward to a good season if they are able to blend the promising young players with the group of experienced members.
I am even more confident in predicting a good season for the Ladies’ 3rds and after taking the lead through Laura Betts against Norwich City 2nds a win was never in doubt. Alice Woollatt put them further ahead and after City pulled a goal back Anna Harrod made it 3-1. Only hesitancy in front of goal prevented them adding to their score in the second half.
Away from home there were also good wins for the Men’s 3rds, the Ladies’ 4ths and the Boys’ Development and a narrow defeat for the 10-men Men’s 4ths who went down 3-2 (Ben Kilburn 2) against Newmarket 2nds. The Men’s 3rds were two goals down at half time against Pelicans 2nds before the words of captain Matt Brand inspired a comeback with a goal by Gavin Cole and a brace by Fabian Mitchell putting them ahead. After Pelicans drew level through a penalty stroke Andy Johnson got the winner at a late penalty corner. Meanwhile three goals by Rhe Colman and a strike by new member Rachel Holloway ensured the Ladies’ 4ths came away from Dereham 3rds with the points to get their season up and running after their defeat by Magpies’ 3rds the previous week and the Boys’ Development got the defence of their Norfolk League title off to the best possible start with an assured performance producing a 6-0 win away to Dereham with goals by Jude Pottruff (2), Ben Emms (2), Seth Read and Archie Derbyshire. Meanwhile the Ladies’ 2nds were having a tough start to their season going down 8-0 to Norwich Dragons and it is to be hoped their fortunes change this Saturday when they host Cambridge University (12.00). Please see the Latest News page of the website for the complete list of fixtures. Good luck as always to all our teams.
BEST WISHES TO FRANCES TAYLOR
Last week I bid farewell and good luck to Kristina Smyth and this week I express the same sentiment to Frances who will be leaving us at the end of October for career pastures new away from the delights of the Harleston area. Frances has been a tower of strength at the club both on and off the field of play since coming through the club’s junior ranks. In her second year as captain of the Ladies’ 2nds she played a leading part in securing the team’s promotion to the East Premier and in the past two seasons as captain she played a vital part in securing the team retained its status. In addition she played her part in the success of the Mixed team last season with her calm and resolute defending and for several seasons she has been a hardworking and enthusiastic member of the club’s Social and Fund Raising Committee. Frances’ departure is a big blow to the club but I’m sure all members will wish her well with their thanks for her outstanding service. She will always be very welcome back at the club.
JRPC TO TIER 1
Congratulations and best wishes to the following members who after attending Junior Regional Performance Centre coaching sessions during the summer have been selected to represent Bury St Edmunds in Tier 1 matches against the other two East centres, namely Northwood (North London) and Tonbridge. The first matches were held last Sunday with the second set of matches this coming Sunday. The U15 and U17 matches are being played at Merchant Taylors’ School with the U16 and U18 games at the Lee Valley Hockey Centre.
U18 Girls – Maria Andrews, Eleanor Tennant
U17 Girls – Abby Gooderham, Olivia Locke
U16 Girls – Holly Riches, Lauren Rowe, Molly Redgrove, Anna Tighe, Victoria Findlay
U15 Girls – Mia King, Charlotte Summers, Amelia Preece
U18 Boys – Donnie Archer
U17 Boys – Zaman Akhter, Alex Emsden, Myles King, Jolyon Summers
U16 Boys – Archie Winter, William Donsworth
OTHER NEWS AND COMMENT
Last week I wished several young members all the very best as they go off to university andI have since been informed that May Bowden and Hamish Harvey will soon be joining them. So it is also best wishes to May and Hamish; they will always be welcome back at Weybread. amish Harvey
This Saturday (10.00am to 1.00pm) the club will have a display at the Swan Hotel as part of Hooray for Harleston 2015. The event, using venues across the town, will enable many sporting and social groups to promote their causes.
I recently bid farewell on behalf of the club to Matt Collinge. I have since learned Matt has joined Dereham.
From memory I didn’t moan last season about rubbish (including bottles) littering the pitches but I am now! A simple question to the culprits; are the bins invisible?!
With kind regards
Mike Denham [email protected]
22/9/15
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