WELCOME RETURN – BUT FOR HOW LONG?
In my final Musings of 2010 there is plenty to comment on from last weekend’s welcome return of outdoor hockey. However, we might not be so lucky this coming weekend with the threat of a return of the cold weather although the emphasis will be on more indoor hockey after last Saturday’s and Sunday’s excellent youth performances.
At Weybread last Saturday the Boys’ Development played extremely well to record their first win of the season over Dereham with goals by Sol Barker, Kieran Peters (showing centre half Dad how it is done!) and Archie Winter (2). Meantime the Ladies’ 2nds were gifted an early goal against Watton only to be pegged back in the second half by a fine strike from the edge of the circle. Despite going close on a number of occasions Melissa Hunter and her team were unable to find the winner in an evenly contested match.
It was then the turn of a strong looking Men’s 2nds to go one better than the Ladies when they took on Norwich City but it was not to be. After early Magpies’ pressure City – who exercised their right to decline the invitation to play on the water-based pitch after it came available at short notice – scored a lucky looking goal but there was no luck about their well worked second after the break and, with their good tackling and goalkeeper in top form, they ran out deserved winners. A 2-0 defeat was a disappointing result for Magpies, who were missing Robbie Kinsella, after their good run of form. Shortly afterwards the Men’s 6ths and Ipswich Cranes 2nds grabbed the chance to play on the water and with skipper Kevin Ridley inspiring his young team with a display of hard running and accurate passing the 6ths ran out 3-1 winners of a very enjoyable match also notable for a mishit shot from Jonathan Aldridge which eluded the keeper. It was a toss up as to who was the most embarrassed, the keeper, Jonathan or, even, the ball as it reluctantly went over the line!
Away from home the Men’s 3rds scored a vital 4-2 win over second placed Norwich City 2nds with goals by Philip Cobbald, Gavin Cole (2) and skipper Matt Brand edging the team away from the four relegation spots, while the Ladies’ 4ths and Ladies’ 5ths beat Pelicans 3rds (7-3) and Broadland 2nds (3-1) respectively to cement their places at the top of their league. The Men’s 5ths went goal crazy away to North Walsham 2nds winning 10-0 with Chris Thornton leading the way with five goals supported by James Goodson (2), Rob Goodson, Joel Nelson and skipper Will Main.
On Sunday the Men’s Veterans beat Indian Gymkhana 6-2 to move into the last 16 of the EHB Cup in the most eventful and enjoyable game I witnessed all weekend. Magpies were twice behind but goals by Philip Cobbald (2), the second a thumping short corner on 35 minutes, and Jonathan Aldridge ensured we were 3-2 up at the break. Thereafter further goals came from Roger Kent, Stuart Peters and Martin Reader with keeper Murray Graham making a vital save at 4-2. The first half was especially notable for a ‘green’ given to Roger Kent for ‘simulation’ in the Indian Gym circle. Did he fall over his shoelaces? A cruel teammate suggested at tea (to friendly merriment) that it would be the only card Roger receives this Christmas!!
On Saturday the U16 Boys got our indoor season off to a great start by winning their three matches to clinch the East championship in Colchester thereby qualifying for the national finals to be played in Wolverhampton on Saturday/Sunday 22/23 January. On Sunday at the same venue the U16 Girls made it a Magpies’ double by also becoming East Champions when they won their three matches to join the Boys as national finalists. Congratulations to the players and managements (and supporters!) of both teams.
Good luck to our U18 teams (Boys and Girls) as they seek to emulate the U16s when they play in their East championships this coming weekend at Colchester – namely the Boys on Saturday and the Girls on Sunday. Meantime it is ‘good luck’ also to the Ladies’ 1sts (Saturday) and Men’s 1sts (Sunday) as they compete in their respective East championships (Kelsey Kerridge Sports Hall, Cambridge – please see website for fixtures) in preparation for the two weekends of the national league (Div 1) commencing on Saturday/Sunday 8/9 January.
Please also see the website for details of the five rearranged Ladies’ outdoor matches it is hoped we will be able to play this Saturday. Good luck, of course, to our teams.
The Durham University national league first teams will be paying a training visit to the club on Monday/Tuesday 10/11 January (following matches in London) and will play practice matches against our first team squads with the Men playing on the Monday and the Ladies on the Tuesday – both matches to start at 7.15pm.
I hope that all members, parents, supporters and other readers of this column are able to have a happy and peaceful Christmas. Musings will be back in January. In the meantime the Home Page of the website will be updated with any significant developments.
Mike Denham 01603 506925
[email protected] 14/12/10
