MURRAY’S MAGNIFICENT MARVELS
Played 20, Won 20, Goals for 118, Goals against 18, Goal difference of plus 100 – what a record! Congratulations to the Men’s 7ths who rounded off their superb season on Saturday with an 8-1 home win over IES 4ths to become the most successful team in all of the 28 East men’s leagues. Only Sudbury in Div 3NE matched their 100% record but they could only manage a mere 84 goals while conceding 20.
Enormous credit for this outstanding success story must go to skipper Murray Graham for his leadership and organisation and to Simon Bardwell for his tactical input. In front of a select and knowledgeable crowd an early Iain Cumming goal settled nerves on both sides of the fence and thereafter other highlights against a good IES side included the far post dive and goal by Roger Kent, the crisp tackling of Man-of-the-Match Peter Finnie (who must think he needs a passport to cross the half way line!), the strong midfield performance of Peter Dolton (yes – I am praising you Peter!), the all-round play of David Blackmore and the excellent umpiring of John Adams (IES) and Mr Umpire Graham Ramm. I could go on in praise of all members of the squad but I won’t except to say ‘very well done’ to Murray’s Magnificent Marvels. No doubt they will continue to keep their bodies in fine physical trim in readiness for sterner tests next season.
Earlier the Ladies’ 2nds played extremely well to beat IES 2-1 (after rare pitch watering problems for which I blame the wind) with two goals by Jess Howland but with Pelicans beating Ipswich 3rds it was not enough, sadly, for the team to avoid relegation. After 17 points from the first half of the season a mid-table position seemed assured. However, since Christmas the team has struggled but in the other East ladies’ leagues in which there are four relegation spots 28 points ensured safety. The team can, therefore, feel themselves unlucky – but not too downhearted I hope. It was good to see Micayla Tootill at the game and to learn that she is recovering from her nasty knee injury.
These two matches and the defeat of the Boys’ Development away to Norwich City (at the end of their successful inaugural season) brought the curtain down on another good league season for the club but there is still more hockey to be played and enjoyed this Sunday. The U14 Girls are playing in the East Finals hosted by Pelicans HC where in Pool A they take on Dereham (10.30) and Ipswich (2.10) with the winners of Pools A and B (Old Loughtonians, Pelicans and Saffron Walden) contesting the final (4.15).
Good luck to our girls and to skipper David Francis and the Mixed team who entertain Phoenix in their EHB Trophy last 16 clash. The two sides have met several times in recent seasons with the team from Sussex having the edge so another close encounter is to be anticipated on Sunday (1.00).
Stuart Peters has asked me to mention that Boys’ training has now finished for the season.
Important dates for your diary please –
· Sunday 10 April – Level 1 Umpire Course (10.00 – 4.00 in the clubhouse). Two places are still available for this course (£30, £20 U18s including rule book, whistle and umpire cards). Please contact Jose Tibbenham (07881 811259) by this Wednesday if you would like to attend.
· Saturday/Sunday 16/17 April – the East club mini championships hosted by HMHC.
· Saturday/Monday 30 April/2 May – Magpies Tournament.
· Friday 6 May – End of Season Party at the Apollo Club in Harleston (7.30pm). For tickets (£15 each including disco and buffet supper) please contact Philippa Taylor (01379 852210) or Jose Tibbenham (07881 811259) by Monday 11 April.
· Sunday 26 June – Strawberry Luncheon (to be kindly hosted by Julian and Philippa Taylor in Starston).
· Friday 8 July – 50/50 Auction at the club.
· Thursday 28 July – Golf Day at Bungay GC (please contact me for more details)
NB. Further details of these events will be issued in due course as appropriate.
With best wishes
Mike Denham [email protected] 5/4/11
