I gave pride of place to the U12 Boys last week and it is between them again this week and the O50 Men’s Veterans captained by Phil Cobbald who play in the final of the EHB Masters Cup on Sunday. But I will give it to the U12 Boys for winning the East Minis at Weybread in fine style last Saturday. After drawing 0-0 with Old Loughtonians in their opening pool game they moved into top gear with wins over Cambridge City (4-0), Ipswich (3-0), Hertford (3-1) and Spalding (10-0). They then had a tough semi final against Bury St Edmunds winning 1-0 before a rematch with Old Loughtonians in the final. This time their shots were on target but not before goalkeeper Freddie Dixon was called upon to make a vital save with the game still goalless. However, it was soon 3-0 to Magpies with two further goals coming in the second half. This was another outstanding performance by a talented squad coached by Stuart Peters and they now represent the East – together with Old Loughtonians – in the national finals at Cannock HC on Saturday 12 May. Congratulations to Stuart and the squad. For the record their goals were scored by Archie Winter (9), Jolyon Summers (7), Kieran Peters (5), Cameron Woodcock (2), William Donsworth (2) and William Simpson.
I take this opportunity to thank the many members (endorsed by chief organiser Fiona Wheeler) who helped to make the two days of the East Minis at Weybread so successful including Kirstin Cumming and Philippa Taylor and their catering team, Nick McAllen, the Master of Ceremonies on the microphone, Robert Stimpson and Ewie Cumming behind the bar, Shirley McAllen who helped the East officials with the scores etc during the two exhausting days and everyone who made the car parking surprisingly enjoyable. I was meant to be in charge of the car parking team but my decision to park the cars at right angles to the clubhouse was immediately over-ruled in favour of parallel to the clubhouse and thereafter I was effectively demoted in a car park coup!
But back to Phil and his O50 squad who take on Richmond in the EHB Cup final at Cannock HC on Sunday (11.00). They have reached this stage of the competition with four outstanding wins and one walk over with all the wins being away from home including the fine 3-1 semi-final victory over Bowdon. During this run they have played some fine attacking hockey scoring 24 goals with just 3 against and it is to be hoped they will produce more of the same on Sunday. Good luck to the squad which is Phil Cobbald (captain), Ian Absolon, Jonathan Aldridge, Keith Alexander, David Blackmore, Jerry Blackmore, Clyde Camburn, Peter Dolton, David Fairhead, Peter Finnie, Murray Graham (GK), Jeremy Podd, Bob Skinner, Jim Stather, Jon Wells, Tiger Young, Robert Stimpson (manager).
The inaugural and well attended Senior Teams Awards Evening was held last Friday in the clubhouse and it is ‘thank you’ to the organisers (Tristan Baynes, Kristina Erith, Philippa Taylor, Jose Tibbenham – and the team captains for their assistance) and everyone who attended and congratulations to the following winners at the end of another outdoor league season.
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Team
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LADIES
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GENTLEMEN
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Player of season
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Top goal scorer
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Player of season
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Top goal scorer
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1
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Louisa Greenacre
(Betty Whipps Cup)
(Young Player Of The Year – Sarah Brook)
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Emma Lee-Smith
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Richard Gill
(Leeder Cup)
(Young Player Of The Year – Elliot Smith)
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Ben Wright
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2
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Anouska Hipperson
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Krystal Bishop &
Anouska Hipperson
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Lawrence Baynes
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Lawrence Baynes &
Martin Fields
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3
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Frankie Eaves
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Jemima Jacobs
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Tiger Brice
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Gavin Cole
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4
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Sarah Legg
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Sarah Legg
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Jonathan Payne
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Elliott Ashurst
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5
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To be presented at Youth Evening
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To be presented at Youth Evening
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Tim Allen
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Special prize –
George Moore
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6
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Ruth Melton
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Vanessa Vigrass
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Gavin Kiernan
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James Bensley
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7
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N/A
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N/A
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David Blackmore
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Jon Wells
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Congratulations to:
a) Lucy Hayman and Duncan on the birth of Toby (with, of course, our best wishes).
b) The Ladies’ 1sts on winning the Women’s East Conference Hospitality Award (voted by the visiting teams) due in no small part to the ‘meeting and greeting’ and catering of Kirstin Cumming. With Kirstin fully occupied with the East Minis the award (which includes a cheque for £150) was kindly accepted on behalf of the club last Sunday at Reading HC by Nigel, Heidi and Kira Wooltorton during the national league pay-offs.
With kind regards
Mike Denham
18/4/12
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