Match Reports & Results
| Sunday 25th April 2010 |
Ladies' Result
1st XI 5 - 3 Gravesend 1st XI - Kent Plate Final at Holcombe HC
(Crowley 2 [2FG], Johnson [FG], L Kember-Hollands [2FG])
Ladies' Report
1st XI 5 - 3 Gravesend 1st XI - Kent Plate Final at Holcombe HC
Having been runners-up in the Ladies' Kent Plate final two years previously,
BBHC 1st XI were looking to go one better and take home the plate. In
their way stood a strong Gravesend side, whom had beaten BBHC twice in
the league this season.
BBHC started the game slowly, struggling to string passes together as they adapted their play to the turf. They were made to pay for this by a confident Gravesend, who converted their first short corner in the bottom left hand corner. 1-0 and the signs were ominous. Gravesend continued to dominate the game keeping the BBHC defence under constant pressure. However, resolute defending limited Gravesend's opportunities to a minimum. Eventually, after a period of sustained pressure, the lead was extended deservedly from yet another short corner. 2-0 and BBHC's final was looking over with already.
As the half progressed, BBHC's confidence began to grow. They moved the ball around fluidly and with the experienced heads in the middle of Sue Moore and Jeanette Grabham, combined with the youthful exhuberance and pace on the wings from Leah Kember-Hollands and Sorcha Crowley began to pay dividends up front. Several short corners came and went, with Sally Wallace coming close from a well rehearsed routine.
Gravesend continued to create chances and a three on two situation nearly resulted in a goal if not for a good save by Sarah Brine on her reverse. Just before half time, BBHC grabbed a goal back after some good work down the flank ended with Leah Kember-Hollands finishing from close range.
The second half began as the first ended with BBHC in the dominance. Moving the ball around, and pinning back Gravesend for extended spells an equaliser looked a certainty. However, it was not until midway through the half that the second goal came, after a break down the right. The Gravesend keeper managed to make an initial save but could not prevent Hannah Johnson from following up.
Two minutes later disaster struck. A rare attack resulted in another short corner to Gravesend, which was duly converted courtesy of a deflection. This was a huge blow to BBHC, having worked so hard to fight their way back into the game they required another goal in the remaining fifteen minutes. Heads did not go down and BBHC continued to play the better hockey.
Chances came and went but it was not until the last few minutes that the scores again drew level, with Sorcha Crowley grabbing a deserved goal. The scores remained level until the final whistle, presenting the crowd with the exciting prospect of extra time.
With seven and a half minutes each way after a gruelling seventy minutes both teams were looking tired. BBHC had the best of the first period play but failed to test the opposition keeper. The second half though saw the young legs in BBHC pay dividends. Content to soak up the pressure from Gravesend, BBHC caught them twice on the counter attack. Sorcha Crowley grabbed her second after a surging run down the left flank giving BBHC the lead for the first time in the game, sending the small BBHC crowd wild. As Gravesend pushed players forward in an attempt to take the games to flicks, BBHC again caught them on the counter, this time on the right resulting in a second for Leah Kember-Hollands.
The last minutes BBHC were content to sit back and defend until the final whistle was blown. A fantastic performance and a well deserved win.
[Alex Webster]
| Saturday 17th April 2010 |
Men's Results
1st XI 0 - 3 Worthing 1st XI (H)
2nd XI - no fixture
3rd XI 1 - 1Holcombe 4As (H)
4th XI - no fixture
5th XI - no fixture
6th XI - no fixture
| Saturday 10th April 2010 |
Men's Results
1st XI 1 - 1 Sevenoaks 2nd XI (H)
2nd XI - no fixture
3rd XI 3 - 2 Holcombe 4As (H)
(Ian Cole 2 [FG, PC], Rohan Chana [FG])
4th XI - no fixture
5th XI 5 - 5 Holcombe 5th XI (H)
(A Humber 2, T Golding 2)
6th XI - no fixture
| Saturday 27th March 2010 |
Men's Results
1st XI 2 - 3 Sevenoaks 2nd XI (A)
2nd XI 4 - 2 Sevenoaks 3rd XI (H)
3rd XI 3 - 5 Cliftonville 2nd XI (A)
(P Harvey [PC, PS], Rohan Chana [PC])
4th XI 1 - 4 Old Bordenian 4th XI (H)
5th XI 1 - 6 Old Bordenian 6th XI (A)
6th XI - no fixture
Ladies' Results
1st XI - no fixture
2nd XI 3 - 2 Old Bordenian 1st XI (H)
3rd XI - no fixture
| Saturday 20th March 2010 |
Men's Results
1st XI 6 - 0 Holcombe 2A (H)
2nd XI 2 - 4 Holcombe 3rd XI (A)
3rd XI 2 - 1 New Beccehamian 2nd XI (H)
(Ian Cole [PC], Jon White [PC])
4th XI 3 - 3 Herne Bay 3rd XI (A)
5th XI 3 - 10 Canterbury Griffins (H)
6th XI 0 - 2 Ashford 8th XI (A)
Ladies' Results
1st XI 1 - 4 Upminster 1st XI (A)
2nd XI 2 - 3 Marden Russets 1st XI (A)
3rd XI 0 - 4 Canterbury 3A (H) - Game conceded by BBHC
Colts' Results
U12 Boys at the Kent U12 Boys Mini Championships(Canterbury HC, Polo
Farm)
0-8 Tunbridge Wells
0-3 Bromley & Beckenham "A"
0-6 Herne Bay "B"
0-2 Gore Court
0-8 Canterbury "A"
0-3 Ashford
Men's Report
3rd XI 2 - 1 New Beccehamian 2nd XI (H)
Now well ensconced in mid-table, BBHC's Men's 3rd XI looked to maintain
their push for 4th place with a comprehensive win against strugglers New
Beccehamian 2nd XI. Instead an edgy performance ensued thanks to tardiness
from the usual suspects, holding up the team preparation of the punctual
ones.
The visitors were largely veterans and the pace of the hockey was pedestrian but rather sloppy. This suited new boy Phil WIlliams, who replaced the unavailable Rohan Chana up front, and allowed him to adapt to the 3rd XI more easily. Chana's guile and quick turns were missing and BBHC laboured to prise open the Becc's defence. The game didn't seem to be helped by the over-officious New Becc's umpire - some contentious moments arose but he was perhaps proved correct when the 2nd half proved to be smoother flowing.
The BBHC breakthrough came when Ian Cole converted froma short corner - his strike rising at first but its subsequent dip confused the keeper and it slipped through satisfyingly! 1-0 to BBHC.
The 2nd half was better, with Tarin Chana producing one of his best performances all season by using his pace at relevant times to beat players after some fine midfield moves from his colleagues. New Becc's were left to hit on the break but found Peter McArdle virtually on fire with some tackles and distribution that many thought alien to him earlier in the season. And when he wasn't enough, goalkeeper Danny Major flicked a goal-bound shot onto his right post with his toe.
A controversially-awarded penalty corner to the vistiors was converted firmly inside the unguarded right post, bringing the scores level 1-1. And insult turned to injury when captain Paul Harvey undercut a hit at his defensive partner, hitting Andrei Mendis painfully on the right knee from 2 metres away! Some ice treatment eventually resolved matters, thankfully.
BBHC soon were awarded an equally-contentiour short corner, when the visitor's defender seemed to execute a successful, stout forward defensive cricket stroke at a Chana cross. HIs umpire thought it flicked his foot. Jon White duly converted the set piece and home side closed out the win without siginificantly improving their goal difference.
Next week, the beloved trip to Ramsgate to play the one class team of Kent Open Premier B - Cliftonville 2nd XI. One wonders whether they will play their 1st XI keeper again....?
[Andrei Mendis]
6th XI 0 - 2 Ashford 8th XI (A)
The 6s started the day with 11 players and no umpire, but confident that
the hosts would be able to provide two to blow the whistle. Meeting at
the club a problem quickly became apparent as Ted Kay didn’t turn
up** – not just a player down, but a transport problem. So it was
decided to squeeze 9 players into two cars, the second one driven by Rob
Tyler’s girlfriend, get to Ashford to meet the 10th player, and
play on bravely.
** Ted had been taken ill and was in hospital. I understand he is now on the mend – Ted, we wish you well and hope to see you soon.
However, one car got lost. There are, apparently, two Ball Lanes in Ashford, so much for Sat Nav – perhaps my nickname needs to be transferred! With time ticking on, 6 BBHC with three guest Ashford players started the match. On the back foot from the off, Sunny Neta made several saves, culminating in a triple save that was eventually forced over the line. Just prior to this our missing car had been located and directed in by ‘phone and with the able assistance of Howard, a young Ashford player, we were back to full strength.
No inspiring speeches, but an excellent analysis of how to blunt the Ashford attack from Howard, and the second half was upon us. Short corners at both ends, more great saves from the keepers, until a shot that Sunny had well covered was neatly deflected from in front of his pads. Despite a valiant attempt to adjust, the ball still found its way into the goal.
Again, a sterling fight by the 6th XI ended with nothing to show, except in Francis’ case, a badly bruised elbow.
An excellent tea, or rather lunch, was littered with discussion about how to kidnap Howard and keep him in Bexley until next season, but it came to nothing!
Many thanks to Ashford for assisting with players, traffic directions and umpires and to Jon Rooks for agreeing to drive back to Bexley rather than go to watch Dover beat Bromley 1-0 in the Blue Square South thus allowing Rob Tyler to go to Hastings to run the half marathon the following day.
MotM – Sunny Neta (and Howard)
DotD – For getting lost – Rob Tyler.
Final Score Ashford 2 BBHC 6th XI 0
[Martin Mason]
Ladies' Report
3rd XI vs Canterbury 3A (H)
Well dear reader what can I say politely about the frustration felt by
eight loyal and committed players who found their last game of the season
pulled late on Friday night. It's such a shame as we were determined to
go out with a bang, and so in true end of season style I would like to
make the following announcements.
A huge thank you to all of the team who turned out every week to play hockey that was inclusive, fun (at times), and showed immense commitment to BBHC.
Well done to a fabulous captain Kirsten who enabled the season to run smoothly and kept everyone informed and at the games early- even before the oppo sometimes!
Well done to the defence who kept battling against some right stroppy characters who quite frankly needed to get over themselves! Injuries heal and bruises fade girlies!
Well done to Emma, Emma and Katrina who played their first season with BBHC and added to the talent within the team.
Special thanks go to the midfield- Hannah, Jackie, Hayley, Lisa, Lou, Caitlin, Olivia and Lauren who worked incredibly hard every match to try and keep possession.
Thank you to Reg who umpired for us again this season, and to Alex and others who guest starred in Reg's absence.
Thank you to Debbie and Sam and Ali who helped with much needed players and advice.
Finally even though we are relegated we have a team of players wanting to play next season and will be pushing for automatic promotion. Bring it on.
[Chrisy Brookes]
Colts' Report
U12 Boys at the Kent U12 Boys Mini Championships (Canterbury HC, Polo
Farm)
BBHC's U12 Boys squad travelled to Polo Farm, Canterbury, for the Kent
round of the National Mini Hockey Championships. There were 14 teams entered
in 2 groups and we were drawn in a strong group that included the eventual
winners Canterbury A and runners up Tunbridge Wells.
In the first game it took a while for the boys to get going and Tunbridge Wells were full flow giving them a 8-0 victory. After a brief rest and regroup the boys got played much better and made Ashford earn their 3-0 victory. Despite a battling performance Canterbury "A" showed what they could do and ran out 8-0 victors. Heads didn't drop and the boys came out determined to improve. They gave BromBecks "A" a hard time and only conceded goals towards the end in a 3-0 defeat. The positive play continued and the boys gave Gore Court a hard game and again only conceded goals towards the end to lose 2-0. The final game was against Herne Bay B and with the continuing improvement the boys pushed on but were caught on the break several times to lose 4-0.
The boys were a bit disappointed with the results but it was a really good effort to the end, especially considering we had the smallest and youngest team in the tournament. All the boys got stronger and their team work improved as the matches went on. Joseph Neighbour, in his first matches as goalkeeper, played outstandingly with a string of good saves, even the other coaches applauding one stick save.
Thank you to Debbie Henderson for assisting with the coaching, Phil Williams for joining the umpiring team and all the parents for there support and encouragement.
[Steve Hawes]
| Saturday 13th March 2010 |
Men's Results
1st XI 3 - 6 Sutton Valence 1st XI (A)
2nd XI 4 - 3 Ashford 2nd XI (H)
3rd XI 3 - 1 Gore Court 4th XI (A)
(Karan Chana [PC], Jon White 2 [FG, PC])
4th XI 4 - 2 Old Williamsonians 3rd XI (H)
5th XI 1 - 5 Sevenoaks 5th XI (A)
6th XI 0 - 2 Sevenoaks 6th XI (H)
Ladies' Results
1st XI 0 - 9 Blackheath 1st XI (H)
2nd XI 3- 2 Remnants 1st XI (H)
3rd XI - No fixture
Colts' Results
U14 Boys vs Burnt Ash (A) - game conceded by BBHC, unable to field a
team.
U16 Girls vs Burnt Ash (H)
Men's Reports
3rd XI 3 - 1 Gore Court 4th XI (A)
Before the game, BBHC's Men's 3rd XI needed 2 points to be safe from the
threat of relegation and faced the Kent Open Premier B's bottom side.
Things didn't start well when influential midfielder Matt Thurlow dropped
out on the morning of the match due to illness, leaving the squad with
just 10 players. This included BBHC old boy Derren Westbrook, back from
the West Country for the weekend, however.
Gore Court kindly supplied both umpires. Thankfully only one noticed the 1-man disadvantage but did not tell the home side. BBHC started largely nervously, conscious of this. However, much of the 1st half was played at walking pace and the hockey was perhaps the most boring of the season. The pace of the young Gore Court forwards was matched by their inexperience, so the visitors dug themselves out of trouble when required. Meanwhile, Karan Chana contrived to miss an open goal, before dispatching his next opportunity from a short corner to put BBHC 1-0 up at half time.
The second half saw more fluent play from BBHC, pinning Gore Court in their half thanks to fantastic interchanges precipitated by Ian Cole and Danny Eyre. Rohan Chana continued his impressive work up front, working smartly off Jon White and bringing his brother (Karan) and cousin (Tarin) into play from wide midfield.
Jon White was on hand to convert a short corner to bring the conversion rate to 50% for the match and the game looked sewn up at 2-0. A firm short corner strike by the home side brought them back into contention, but BBHC kept their nerve and snuffed out all open play attacks.
The icing on the cake came when White jinked his way into the D from the left, dribbled along the baseline and slotted home from the angle impressively, deceiving the keeper and his defence.
Final score 3-1 to BBHC, with 27 points seeing them uncatchable by 2nd-bottom team Tunbridge Wells 3rd XI.
MOM = Rohan Chana - for his tireless front-running. He and Jon White tied in the voting - both shockingly refused the statutory dance-off and Gore Court captain Doug decided matters.
DOD = Matt Thurlow - Man 'flu victim.
[Andrei Mendis]
6th XI 0 - 2 Sevenoaks 6th XI (H)
A day that dawned in stark contrast to the first game against today’s
opposition before Christmas which threw rain, hail and snow at us.
So it was under the late afternoon sun that a side, still buoyant from its performance yet smarting from defeat seven days earlier against Deal, started briskly against Sevenoaks. Slowly however the visitors took control and tested the defence from open play forcing several short corners. Only great defensive work from Francis Saldanha kept the scores level at half time.
Great leaders have given great speeches at important moments – Winston Churchill: “We shall fight the on the beaches”; Martin Luther King: “I have a dream”; etc Half time was crying out for just one more – “We’ve gone two halves of hockey without conceding a goal. Admittedly we haven’t scored either, but we can correct that in the second half”.
Thirty seconds into the second half and a goal – for Sevenoaks -if ever there was a ‘What could possibly go wrong now’ moment, it had occurred at half time!
An even second half saw chances come and go at both ends but eventually space left at the back allowed Sevenoaks to forge one last chance and score a second goal to take all three points.
Thanks to Barry Chivers and Andrew Mendl for umpiring and the Sevenoaks side for coming back to the club for teas – a rare event this season.
The evening saw a dozen, mainly 6th XI players, enjoy a curry in Plumstead.
MotM – Francis Saldanha
Final Score BBHC 6th XI 0 Sevenoaks 2
[Martin Mason]
| Saturday 6th March 2010 |
Men's Results
1st XI 2 - 1 Blackheath 1st XI (H)
(Barr [PC], K Ing [PC])
2nd XI 9 - 1 Blackheath XI (A)
3rd XI 3 - 3 Gillingham Anchorians 2nd XI (H)
(Eyre [FG], Jon White 2 [FG, PC])
4th XI 0 - 5 Bromley and Beckenham Men's 5th XI (A)
5th XI 1 - 1 Burnt Ash 5th XI (H)
6th XI 1 - 2 Deal 2nd XI (A)
(Barnett [FG])
Ladies' Results
1st XI 0 - 1 Gillingham Anchorians 1st XI (A)
2nd XI 3 - 2 Ashford 1st XI (H)
3rd XI 0 - 2 Gore Court 3rd XI (A)
Colts' Results
U14 Boys 1 - 1 Tulse Hill & Dulwich (H)
(P WIlliams [FG])
U16 Girls 1 - 2 Tunbridge Wells "B2" (A)
Men's Report
5th XI 1 - 1 Burnt Ash 5th XI (H)
A game between two sides battling it out for the wooden spoon this season
was sportingly played out at Erith School as the sun dropped towards the
western horizon.
Both sides’ composition was that of several younger players and a few much older ones, and by the time the BBHC keeper Jim Jackson had arrived and substituted himself onto the pitch, relieving Sunny Neta of unexpected duties, the game was well underway.
Both sides created many openings throughout the game, and it was only in a two minute spell of madness that each keeper was beaten once, leaving the score at half time and the end of the match at 1 – 1.
Echoing recent comments in match reports, it is a pity when the opposition don’t return to the home side’s clubhouse, even more so when they’re in the same borough.
Final Score BBHC 5th XI 1 Burnt Ash 5th XI 1
[Martin Mason]
6th XI 1 - 2 Deal 2nd XI (A)
A fairly early start was required for the trip to Deal for an 11.30 game
at Duke Of York’s School, Dover. It turned out to be earlier for
some who though the meet time was 9.15 and not 9.45 and so were at pitch-side
in plenty of time for the start.
Determined to remedy the perceived injustice of their first meeting this season the game started with the visitors pushing into their host’s territory. Deal soon began to find their playmaker with moves through the middle of the field and soon won several short corners from which James Breaker in goal made some excellent saves.
Excursions into the opposition half were rare but on one of these occasions good work down the left saw Tom Barnett work the ball into the D and with a reverse stick sweep strike the ball into the top of the goal via the keeper’ pads. 1 – 0 to the visitors.
With only 5 minutes left on the watch in the first half Deal finally converted one of their many short corners and then encamped themselves in the 23 and with the watch showing, in football terms, 35+2 minutes, they scored a second. A brief conversation between the umpires to check the time ensued, and immediately after the restart, half time was blown.
The second half started with a man marking job deployed on the playmaker, and this enabled BBHC to enjoy more possession as it restricted the Deal defence an outlet, but despite the bulk of territorial advantage, indeed, Deal didn’t manage a shot on target in the second half, neither an equaliser nor a winner was forthcoming.
MotM – James Breaker for keeping us in the match in the first half.
DotD – Martin Mason for not ending the first half when he realised
his colleague had lost track of time.
Final Score Deal 2nd XI 2 BBHC 6th XI 1
[Martin Mason]
Ladies' Report
3rd XI 0 - 2 Gore Court 3rd XI (A)
Thirteen (yes I know how many?) players braved the cold wind and the stupidly
early start to travel down to Sittingbourne. We waited around for the
charming opposition who made us change shirts right at the last moment!
It was a hugely frustrating game as the weather conditions, general lack
of movement and the oppo hunting in packs made fluid play nigh on impossible.
Still full marks to all the girls for trying to play right up until the
very welcome final whistle. To be honest I have no idea how or when Gore
Court scored their 2 goals as I spent most of the play either being hauled
to the floor or wacked in the face by a stick! Never mind.
Next week yet another slip date and then the final match at home to Canterbury.
Bring it on
[Chrisy Brookes]
| Saturday 27th February 2010 |
Men's Results
1st XI 3 - 5 Worthing 1st XI (A)
2nd XI 2 - 1 New Beccehamians 1st XI (H)
3rd XI 1 - 0 Holcombe 4A's (A)
(Jon White [FG])
4th XI 6 - 3 Gillingham Anchorians 3rd XI (H)
5th XI 0 - 11 Holcombe 5th XI (A)
6th XI 5 - 0 Old Williamsonians 5th XI (H) - game conceded by Old Williamsonians
Ladies' Results
1st XI 2 - 1 Tunbridge Wells 2nd XI (H)
2nd XI 1 - 1 Old Bordenian 1st XI (A)
3rd XI 0 - 2 Old Williamsonians 2nd XI (A)
Colts' Result
U16 Girls vs Maidstone (H) - game conceded by Maidstone (unable to field a team)
Men's Report
5th XI 0 - 11 Holcombe 5th XI (A)
With no 6th XI fixture this week (opposition conceded) the 6s formed the
bulk o BBHCs team travelling to Holcombe Park for this morning fixture.
Starting with just 9 players, and supplemented with the 3rds goalkeeper towards the end of the first half, this was never going to be easy against a side containing a couple of very capable colts and experienced senior players.
Despite several good saves from Sunny Neta in goal, including one off the face mask that cleared the netting behind the goal, Holcombe converted their first two short corners and passed the ball around the BBHC defence to create three other goals in the first half, including one well struck into the top right hand corner.
The second half followed a similar pattern with BBHC mainly on the back foot, and despite several drives down the centre of the pitch from Phil Williams and Rajpal Chaggar, the home keeper was not troubled and more goals came from the home side, culminating in a comprehensive victory. BBHC fought all the way and merit should be given for those from the 6th XI who stepped up a couple of leagues for this game.
MotM – Rajpal Chaggar and Phil Williams.
Final Score Holcombe 5th XI 11 BBHC 5th XI 0
[Martin Mason]
6th XI 5 - 0 Old Williamsonians 5th XI (H) - game conceded by Old Williamsonians
This was a fixture that was over before it had begun with Old Willies
unable to raise a side the fixture was conceded Thursday evening, thus
denying the 6th XI the opportunity to avenge their defeat from earlier
in the season.
Walkover: 5-0
Next week: Deal away, who some may recall we defeated at Erith but then had to concede the result on a technicality.
[Martin Mason]
Ladies' Report
3rd XI 0 - 2 Old Williamsonians 2nd XI (A)
Well dear reader, what a frustrating result, as the two goals were against
the run of play. But as they say, 'points make prizes', and Old Willies should
feel incredibly fortunate to have taken all of them.
BBHC started very brightly and had a fair bit of goal action. Great play by Katrina and Olivia who made great progress up the field and gave Old Willies' defence problems.
All of the team played very well, and their keeper and defence had to fling themselves around to deny Emma, Katrina, Louise, Olivia, Hannah -( I think the damm post got in the way), Jackie, Ang and Caitlin. So you can see dear reader, with two games to go we've finally found the end that gives goal scoring opportunities!
Finally I must mention some outstanding ( and quite frankly impressive) running from Ruth and oh yes me with some hits into the D having run the length of the pitch.
Next week an 8.45 AM start away to Gore Court!!! Enough said.
[Chrisy Brookes]
| Saturday 20th February 2010 |
Men's Results
1st XI 2 - 1 Lewes 1st XI (H)
(Bradley [PC], K King [PC])
2nd XI 0 - 1 Gillingham Anchorians 1st XI (A)
3rd XI 2 - 2 Holcombe 4th XI (H)
(I Cole [PC]], Jon White [PC])
4th XI 0 - 5 Canterbury 5th XI (A)
5th XI 2 - 5 HSBC 3rd Xl (H)
6th XI 1 - 3 Old Bordenians 7th Xl (A)
Ladies' Results
No fixtures.
Men's Report
3rd XI 2 - 2 Holcombe 4th XI (H)
Unusually for a 3rd XI game this season, all the goals came from short
corners. However, all BBHC talk of keeping things tight in the opening
exchanges proved in vain as the same Holcombe corner-striker put them
2-0 up within 10 minutes. Both were straight strikes. Thie first squeezed
underneath Danny Major's pads, the second placed just out of his reach
inside the right post as Ian Cole had left his station.
With the pressure on, the home side found their feet and kept most of the hockey played until half time away from their 25 yard line. Much of this thanks to Rohan Chana's fine movement up front in only his 3rd game for the 3rd XI. Persistance paid off when a BBHC short corner was lifted home by the wily Jon White with 7 minutes to go before the interval.
BBHC hoped to build on this progress but much of the second half belonged to Holcombe. The ball was turned over repeatedly and the visitors broke with ease into the BBHC "D". Fatigue was clearly a factor, as most BBHC teams that day played without substitutes. Thankfully, one defender always stepped up to the plate and clear the danger, else Major was back to his best and kept the clean sheet for the half.
With time running out, BBHC regained their composure and tightened things up as the game entered the final phase. Patience drew a well-deserved reward when the third of 3 successive short corners was converted. Ian Cole's effort from the second of these was a stunning strike which hit the inside of the left post but rebounded out to safety. Skipper Paul Harvey stepped up for the third to add some guile and drew an instand dividend - his pass found Cole 5 yards from goal and he made no mistake. 2-2 it ended.
Notably, BBHC maintained better discipline than in most weeks this season and questioned far fewer umpiring decisions. This was not always matched by 2 of the older Holcmbe heads, but the game was played in a good spirit mostly and all was forgiven at the final whistle.
The only real sour note was that yet another team failed to return to the BBHC clubhouse after the match. Mind you, it has always been a rare occasion when a Holcombe player has stepped up for a chat unprompted at Holcmbe Park. How is the social side of the hockey to be maintained when such a simple gesture is not maintained? The last entire squad to return the Bexleyheath Sports Club after a 3rd XI match was Canterbury Millers (which included Rolly, Kerly and Batchelor) after their pre-season friendly.
[Andrei Mendis]
6th XI 1 - 3 Old Bordenians 7th Xl (A)
The return fixture to what was one of the 6ths best performances in the
first half of the season saw them come up against a very different side
to the one that played at Erith School on 7th November.
Undeterred a good start was made to the match, repelling the home side’s attacks and forcing chances at the other end, but it was the hosts that took the lead with a short corner and who then capitalised on this from two more short corners before half time, to lead 3-0.
The second half saw the game move into a more even contest with BBHC dominating for spells leading to a well worked move down the left wing and a shot come cross from Tom Barnett which was deflected past the keeper by Clayton Little – 3-1.
Was there to be another comeback like last week against Anchorians? It seemed not as yet another short corner from the home side led to their fourth goal.
MotM – Ben Nowell for consistently good work down the left.
Final Score Old Bordenians 7th XI 4 BBHC 6th XI 1
[Martin Mason]
| Saturday 13th February 2010 |
Men's Results
1st XI 2 - 2 Brighton & Hove 2nd XI (A)
(Ashenden [FG], K King [PC])
2nd XI 3 - 1 HSBC 1st XI (H)
(Sains [FG], Alex Webster [PC], Wrake [FG])
3rd XI 2 - 1 Tunbridge Wells 3rd XI (A)
(Rohan Chana [FG], Jon White [FG])
4th XI 1 - 2 Marden Russets 3rd XI (H)
5th XI 0 - 4 Gravesham 2nd Xl (A)
6th XI 2 - 2 Gillingham Anchorians 6th Xl (H)
1st XI 3 - 5 Gloucester 1st XI (A) - EH Men's Trophy 4th Round (Sunday
14th February)
(D Humber [FG], K King [FG], Pyke [PC])
Ladies' Results
2nd XI 2 - 2 Old Williamsonians 1st XI (H)
3rd XI 0 - 7 Dartford 1st XI (A)
Colts' Results
U14 Boys vs Sevenoaks (H) - game conceded 5-0 by Sevenoaks.
Men's Report
1st XI 2 - 2 Brighton & Hove 2nd XI (A)
A double header weekend for BBHC Men’s 1st XI began with an away
fixture on Saturday at Brighton. Alas this was not a picnic down on the
beach. Both teams started brightly with forages into both teams D’s.
Brighton played with intensity and pressed their players to play high
into BBHC’s half. This stretched the midfield, leaving gaps for
the Brighton Centre Back to hit long / direct passes to there forward
players. The pressure built up and Brighton took the lead with a well
worked Penalty Corner, a deflection into the roof of the net beating the
Cookie Monster.
Back came BBHC. A quick pass from Lego Head Ben Bradley found Horse; a shimmy there, a twist here beat two Brighton players; played the ball to Sam Ashenden; Sam to Dave Humber down the left; Humber runs it down the left wing, cuts inside and plays it to Sam (who continued his run into the Brighton D) and coolly finishes. 1-1 at half time.
Second half and BB is taking the game to Brighton. They win a short corner and a goal is scored by none other than KK with a deflection low into the corner. 2-1. BB is on the ascendance playing good passing hockey. The ever reliable and impressive Data and KK combine with a storming one-two down the left flank, ghosting past no fewer than two Brighton players. It would have been three if KK had not fluffed his lines. (A touch of nerves in front of a crowd maybe!)
During the second half there were two decisions that left the visiting team struggling to understand the Sussex umpiring process. One was a Penalty Flick claim that came from a Short Corner and the second was a borderline assault (shove in the back on KK whilst at a canter) in the Brighton D that went without a card, PC or PF. Such decisions left the match finely balanced. And low and behold with time running out, a mis-controlled ball from Lego Head flew up in the air and looped towards the BB D. With The Cookie Monster stranded and a touch blinded by the sun, Brighton slotted the ball home to equalise.
Final score 2-2 and BBHC will feel that this was two points lost.
[Andrew Horsman]
1st XI 3 - 5 Gloucester 1st XI (A) - EH Men's Trophy 4th Round (Sunday
14th February)
After a cold (very cold) shower, BBHC 1st XI continued on their journey
toward the second chapter of their weekend with a drive to Gloucester
for the last 16 round of the HA Cup. Such is the professionalism of the
BBHC 1st Team, upon their arrival the team checked in and went for a team
meal consuming healthy nutritional produce and then retiring for an early
night!!!!!!!!
Back in reality, the team met up Sunday morning at the Gloucester pitch in good cheer with lots of banter about their Saturday night exploits in the town of Gloucester. Our Foreign Player for the season, Data, continued in his English education, being tutored in how to engage members of the opposite sex through conversation and mime!
The team took to the pitch with their captains well chosen pre-game motivational words ringing in their ears. The Gloucester team looked assured and positive and began the game well. However it was BB that scored first with a well taken goal from the young David Humber, reacting swiftly to coolly finish in the far corner from a tight angle.
This galvanised Gloucester attacked with speed and purpose. Their equaliser came from a Short Corner, turned in by their injector. Their second came soon after. A burst of pace by Lego Head up the right flank was neutralised and Gloucester countered. Moving swiftly, they entered BB’s D and passed it around the Monster. 2-1.
Jamie Senior was a constant thorn in the Gloucester side and he really tested their left back on numerous occasions. With half time approaching BB needed something to lift them, a moment of class duly arrived. This time Lego Head took a self pass, looked up and played a delightful direct ball into the Gloucester D where KK (showing the forwards how to do it) got in front of his man and beautifully, with the faintest of touches, deflected the ball goal bound. Half time, 2-2, game on.
BB started the second half with real purpose. The centre midfield partnership were dominating proceedings and chances were being created. An early score was needed and it came in the shape of David Pyke. A Short Corner was smashed home and BB was in front for the second time. 2-3. BB were on the up and even Lego Head thought the confines of the pitch were too small and of no match to his silky skills that he attempted to beat the watching spectators with a dummy. BB, who had been reduced to using Baldwin as a sub due to a foot injury and using the Young Jamie in rotation up front, began to show signs of fatigue. The Gloucester team, who perhaps get fitness training from the Duracell Bunny, kept going on and on and on……
Ultimately BB started to let lapses in concentration and tactical indecision creep into their game. As the match approached the final 10 minutes the Gloucester fight back was executed with directness and left a bad taste in the mouth. Seizing on BB errors, they quickly equalised and then took the lead. The nail in the coffin followed and BB went down 3-5 to the hosts. It was a sad end to a very enjoyable match between two teams, played in the spirit in which cup games should be.
Final score 3-5.
Next season target – get beyond the last 16
[Andrew Horsman]
2nd XI 3 - 1 HSBC 1st XI (H)
BBHC's Men's 2nd XI have put in some encouraging performances since the
Christmas break but have been constantly denied the points. Saturday saw
BBHC host league leaders HSBC, who had previously only dropped 4 points
this season - two of those against the home side. BBHC were in desperate
need of points, sitting precariously above the relegation zone but knew
any result would give bitter rivals Burnt Ash hope for their promotion.
Well aware of HSBC's strengths, BBHC started with a defensive formation and soaked up the visitors' pressure early on, content to let the visitors ping the ball wide and then back into the centre again before probing the attack. Both sides were looking to play free flowing hockey but struggled in parts to constant stoppages for minor infringements. HSBC were having the better of possession putting the BBHC back four under pressure, leaving the home side to surge forward on the counter. HSBC took the lead after a hopeful ball was struck into the D and deflected by the forward through Andy Mendl's legs and and past the unsighted Steve Porter in goal.
Unperturbed, BBHC continued to play some good hockey and attack on the counter. It was fifteen minutes into the game when Allan "Chuckie" Sains picked the ball just outside the 25, having beaten the final defender he drew the keeper out of position before rounding him and blasting the ball home nearly ripping the net. The scores were now even but the momentum was with the home side. Several short corners came but the solid HSBC defence, quick off the line, were more than a match.
Five minutes before half time, BBHC snatched the lead from a hit just outside the D. Good movement from Kevin Wrake gave him two yards space at the top of the circle. A quick pass gave him a free shot at goal, firing the ball through the crowd at knee height leaving the opposition keeper no chance. BBHC went in at half time happy with their performance and looking to avoid a mad 10 minutes in the second half that had lost them games before.
The second half started with HSBC dominating the play with BBHC making things hard on themselves by giving the ball away cheaply with misplaced passes. However, the home defence was standing strong with some good tackling and when required saves from Steve Porter. Debutant Sumeet Dhinsa was having a particularly good game at right back making some crucial tackles and retaining possession of the ball.
A seemingly innocuous collision between Dhinsa and the HSBC forward off the ball resulted in HSBC reduced to 10 players. BBHC looked to take advantage of this extra man by pressing forward and pressurising the HSBC defence, HSBC were reduced to 9 men when a quick free hit taken on the left with a self pass was prevented by the defender. A yellow card and a short corner. Again the pace off the line from the HSBC defence caused the attacking set up of BBHC problems. Having got caught at the top of the D a clash of sticks resulted in Chuckie also being yellow carded. With three players on the side line, there was plenty of space to play and the game became an end-to-end affair. As the HSBC players returned, BBHC were put under long spells of pressure but good communication and hard work limited the opposition chances.
Having caught HSBC out with another counter attack, BBHC won a well deserved short corner. With Chuckie still in the sin bin, the normal options were unavailable. A one-two between Alex Webster and Andy Tither took the defensive runner out of the game and the ball was cooly slotted home by Webster under the sliding keeper.
Three - one up with ten minutes remaining HSBC were desperate for something to keep their title ambitions on track. They threw everything at BBHC but some resolute last-gasp defending and at times good luck saw BBHC hang on for a vital win.
[Alex Webster]
3rd XI 2 - 1 Tunbridge Wells 3rd XI (A)
The first league game with Tunbridge Wells before Christmas was the season's
turning point for the Men's 3rd XI. The return fixture at Hawkenury Road
astro was another 6-pointer - 3 points for BBHC would take us another
stride into mid-table, a loss would threaten to draw us into a close fight
with 5 other teams to avoid 11th spot.
Thankfully, the home side forwards proved to be easy to deal with and much of the pressure belonged to BBHC. This despite Sumeet Dhinsa's late call up to the 2nd XI. Luckily, Belvedere HC old boy Alex Banbury was on-hand to fill his shoes at right back, albeit with less pace!
The defence stood firm and the midfield bossed the show, with Matt Thurlow oozing confidence and put in his best performance of the season. Jon White gave BBHC the lead with another assured finish, and Rohan Chana made it 3 goals in 2 games with a scrambled effort.
2-0 with 10 minutes to go and BBHC deserved more. However, a brief loss of concentration saw James Isteed beaten at his near post after T Wells maintained possession from a broken down short corner. Some solid defending from the back 4 calmed nerves and the visitors shut the game out, despite temporary left back Ian Cole's desire to raid forward.
19 points and 7th place with a game in hand is a healthy position to be in.
[Andrei Mendis]
6th XI 2 - 2 Gillingham Anchorians 6th Xl (H)
The match against Anchorians in the first half of the season was the only
one not fulfilled by the 6s before Christmas, so it was an unknown opposition
that turned up to Erith School.
A slow start by BBHC handed Anchorians the advantage early on and Sunny Neta, in goal for the 6s for the first time, was soon called into action but after ten minutes the visitors were 2 goals to the good.
Shaken into action BBHC began to take control, but found visits over the opposition 23m line few and far between, but despite Ben Nowell and Dan O’Brien combining well down the left hand side, and the presence of Clayton up front, half time arrived without any reduction in the deficit, but also without conceding any further goals.
An inspirational half time talk, (we shall fight them on the beaches, this is not the end, nor the beginning of the end, etc...) saw the home side push early from the restart knowing that an early goal was likely to force the visitors to shut up shop and hold for the win. The breakthrough came with Rob Tyler forcing home after a spell of pressure and the anticipated reaction from the visitors was forthcoming.
The central midfielder dropped back to sweep in front of the defence leaving more room for the home side and with opportunities opening a rare sortie forward from left back Jon Rooks saw a strike from just outside the top of the keeper by Dan O’Brien for his first league goal for the club.
From here-on the game opened up as both sides attempted to find the winner. The visiting keeper made excellent saves from Mason and Little for the home side and a great reflex save by Neta to keep out a shot that he had otherwise covered but was deflected by Rooks maintained parity.
To date this was probably the 6s best performance, and shows the improvement made since the beginning of the season. Thanks to Barry Chivers for umpiring.
MotM – Dan O’Brien (and special to Ben Nowell for a great game too).
Final Score BBHC 6th XI 2 Gillingham Anchorians 6th XI 2
[Martin Mason]
| Saturday 6th February 2010 |
Men's Results
1st XI 1 - 1 Holcombe 2nd XI (H)
(Pyke [PC])
2nd XI 1 - 2 Maidstone 2nd XI (A)
3rd XI 4 - 4 Kings Alleyns 3rd XI (H)
(M Chana 2 [2FG], Rohan Chana 2 [2FG])
4th XI 2 - 5 Maidstone 4th XI (A)
5th XI 1 - 1 Sutton Valence 4th Xl (H)
6th XI 0 - 6 Sutton Valence 5th XI (A)
Ladies' Results
1st XI 1 - 1 Canterbury 3rd XI (H)
2nd XI 3 - 6 Holcombe 2nd XI (A)
3rd XI 0 - 2 New Beccehamian 2nd XI (H)
Colts' Results
U12 Boys vs Ashford (H)
U12 Girls vs Tunbridge Wells vs Ashford (at Tunbridge Wells)
U14 Boys vs Marden Russets (A) - game conceded due to lack of coaches
U16 Girls 1 - 0 Tunbridge Wells "B1" (H)
Men's Report
1st XI 1 - 1 Holcombe 2nd XI (H)
BBHC 1st XI welcomed Holcombe 2's at their home pitch of Erith School.
Followed by last week 3-1 win, BBHC's target was to serve up a similar
winning result.
BB kept running, making good passes and putting pressure on their opponents these brought BBHC good mood. Jamie Perfitt won a spate of short corners in the middle of the first half. With the pressure too much for the visitors, David Pyke made a goal from a well taken short corner. After getting the score, BB allowed Holcombe to earn some short corners of their own, but Lee Cook, standing in as captain for the day, showed us great saves and did not let Holcombe make a score.
During the half time interval, BB realised that Holcombe’s formation could changed as they chased the equalising goal. BB responded accordingly, coping well with the visitor’s pressure. BB managed to control the momentum they had created in the first half with Sam Ashenden controlling the game and creating good passages of play. As the half wore on, Holcombe gradually worked their way back into the game. BB allowed Holcombe to make a quick attack, which caused the home team to face five continuous short corners. The fifth short corner brought a goal for Holcombe, which upon reflection GK, Lee Cook would be disappointed to have let creep through the otherwise resolute BBHC defence.
The game was over 1-1.
BBHC is getting good experiences and creating their own strategies which moves BBHC over to a higher rank.
Next Sunday, BBHC travel to Gloucester to play in the next round of the England Hockey Trophy.
[Yasu (aka Data)]
Ladies' Report
3rd XI 0 - 2 New Beccehamian 2nd XI (H)
What can I say this week dear reader another week, another loss.
Mind you the positive spin is that New beccs started very swiftly and
had scored two goals with in the first ten minutes. Now New Beccs seem
to have invented a new rule which involves going for the stick or the
player before, or even instead of, the ball. To be honest, it's very effective!
Kirsten had some fine saves to hold a stroppy oppo at bay for the remainder of the half.
Unfortunately with our midfield playing upfront we were unable to convert any chances but once again managed to hold New Beccs from once again scoring- grand work by the defence!
Special mentions must go to Ruth - back after a rather stomach churning finger injury, Olivia- a fine debut and Mel who travelled all of the way from Wales to watch a home game, only to find herself lost and stressed in Bromley!
Next week away to Dartford
Dan as I said on Saturday night we really are trying to win at least one game before the end of the season!
[Chrisy Brookes]
| Saturday 30th January 2010 |
Men's Results
1st XI 3 - 1 Crawley 1st XI (A)
(Ashby 2 [2FG], K King [PC])
2nd XI 2 - 3 University of Kent 1st XI (H)
3rd XI 1 - 1 Wellcome 1st XI (A)
(D Cole [FG])
4th XI 1 - 3 Sutton Valence 3rd XI (H)
5th XI 0 - 2 Gillingham Anchorians 4th Xl (A)
6th XI 0 - 5 Holcombe 6s (H)
Ladies' Results
1st XI 0 - 3 Gravesend 1st XI (A)
2nd XI 5 - 2 Meopham 1st XI (H)
(Hollands [FG])
3rd XI 0 - 2 Greenwich Polygons 1st XI (A)
Colts' Results
U14 Boys 3 - 1 Holcombe (H).
(Rohan Chana [FG])
Men's Report
1st XI 3 - 1 Crawley 1st XI (A)
BBHC 1st XI travelled to Crawley for a must win game following the
embarrassing 7-0 defeat to Marden the week before. With BBHC’s captain,
Kevin King, leading from the bench the team started positively and were
soon causing the home side problems. The early pressure soon told and
Mark Ashby put the first goal in after a good move down the right wing.
BBHC continued to put pressure on Crawley and Lee Cook in goal was a spectator.
The pressure told and after several short corners Kevin King, fresh from
the bench for a brief cameo, converted. Following an earlier injury Ben
Bradley then returned to the pitch and put over a delicate aerial for
Jamie Perfitt to run on to and to set-up Mark Ashby for the third goal.
At half time a score of 3-0 was well deserved and BBHC went out for the second half keen to finish the game off, however Crawley fought back and after some sloppy play in midfield won a few short corners which resulted in a goaline save from Rob Porter. BBHC could not assert their authority in the second half and after several errors Crawley bagged a goal. For the next ten minutes the game was frantic as BBHC’s composure was tested but they managed to hold on for a morale boosting victory. However much more will be required next week if the team are to overcome Holcombe.
[Ben Bradley]
Ladies' Report
3rd XI 0 - 2 Greenwich Polygons Ladies 1st XI (A)
As you may be aware dear reader, Greenwich Poly are our nemesis team
and although we started positively, realistically our best hockey was
virtual rather than actual! Due to some rather fine saves from Kirsten,
it was nil nil at half time. Although we had a full squad, (I know two
weeks on the trot!!), it was mostly made up of fresh faced colts. Two
goals later and a rather mardy umpire and we once again had to concede
defeat.
Next week a home fixture against New Becks in Bromley!!!
[Chrisy Brookes]
| Saturday 23rd January 2010 |
Men's Results
1st XI 0 - 7 Marden Russets 1st XI (A)
2nd XI 0 - 1 Canterbury 4th XI (H)
3rd XI 3 - 1 Ashford 4th XI (H)
(Ravi Chana [FG], P Harvey [PS], Jon White [FG])
4th XI 3 - 4 Folkestone Optimist 4th XI (A)
5th XI 0 - 5 Ashford 5th XI (H)
6th XI 1 - 2 Wellcome Unicorns (A)
Veterans 0 - 1 Canterbury (H) - Kent Veterans Cup 1st Round (Sunday 25th January 2010)
Ladies' Results
1st XI 4 - 1 Basildon 1st XI (H)
2nd XI 1 - 4 Sevenoaks 4A (H)
3rd XI 0 - 3 Burnt Ash 3rd XI (A)
Colts' Results
U14 Boys 4 - 2 Tunbridge Wells "D" (A) - Game conceded to BBHC,
training games played.
U16 Girls 0 - 2 Marden Russets B (A)
Men's Reports
1st XI 0 - 7 Marden Russets 1st XI (A)
BBHC faced Marden Russets trying to avenge the loss to Horsham the
week prior. Due to unforeseen traffic issues, travel plans were hampered
thus meaning that the squad arrived in the village of Marden late and
with only 35 minutes until push back. With the absence of Captain Kevin
King, the pre-match chat was left to VC Lee Cook.
After an indifferent warm up, BB actually started the stronger of the two teams spraying a number of passes around and pinning the home side back into their own half. This culminated in a short corner which flashed past the post from David Pyke. From this BB's day went down hill faster than Eddy the Eagle himself.
First came a rather week short corner goal that managed to sneak in between
Cookie, Data and the far post. From the restart, BB looked shocked and
a numerous of lapses in concentration left the defence high and dry and
the Marden forwards through on goal again, 2-0. Buttler received a harsh
yellow card from the umpire, and BB were down to 10 men for 10 minutes
in which time they conceded again before the end of the half. 3-0
Disheartened but not out. BB went into the half time team talk with a
few errors to rectify. Stand in coach Sarah Smith tinkered with the line
up and gave BB a pressing strategy which seemed to give BB the impetus
they required at the start of the second half.
Unfortunately after a bright start the second half saw a repeat of the first. BB's passing at times, was crisp and looked pretty. However BB lacked, in Penetration, poise and passion. A cutting edge was sorely lacking in the final third of the pitch. Whereas Marden were rather more direct in both passing, running and goalscoring. Hitting BB on the counter attack, time and time again.
Cookie in goal was not having the most fantastic game but could hardly be blamed for most of the goals. Final score Marden 7 BBHC 0.
BBHC need to work on fitness, Tactics, discipline and the ability to
break down oppositions down who are happy to sit back and soak up pressure.
The Team will be looking to forget this game as soon as possible and move
on to the next game which really is a must-win. Crawley away.
[Author NEIL BARR]
6th XI 1 - 2 Wellcome Unicorns (A)
Ring out the old, ring in the new. Well I for one am numerically
a year older than the when I played the last league match so this didn't
quite hold true, and the players that turned up at Dartford Technology
College had a couple of young fresh faces amongst them.
Determined to further the improvements from the weeks leading up to Christmas a positive start was made to the game against a side that had defeated us 6-0 in October. From the start pressure was put on the home side with good work between the midfield and forwards. This came to fruition with a ball slipped into Clayton Little at the near post who's deft touch kept the ball in play and then following the ball across the face of the of the goal showed a remarkable turn of speed and as the keeper logged and the ball drifted wide of the far post struck the ball firmly into the goal, still rising as it hit the net. 1-0 to the visitors.
Wellcome, clearly upset by this turn of events stepped their game up and following good advantage play by the umpire following a defensive foot, the ball arrived in the D within reach of a forward and the ball was simply slotted home for the equaliser.
Half time came and went with a reminder as we re-took the pitch to play to the whistle. Unfortunately the whole of the back four omitted to heed this, (strange as one of them actually said it!), when a cross from the left caught a toe, went via a different defender's calf to Wellcome forward who, you guessed it, scored with a well taken shot.
No amount of pushing forward could create any chances on the home side's goal and the final whistle went with the ball being passed around their D and still failing to create the necessary opening.
Thanks to Barry for umpiring, Wellcome for what all agreed was a very sociable game and their hospitality. It must be said that we are continuing to improve. Next week - Holcombe at home.
MotM - Clayton for the goal.
Final Score Wellcome Unicorns 2 BBHC 6th XI 1
[Martin Mason]
Ladies' Report
3rd XI 0 - 3 Burnt Ash 3rd XI (A)
Well what can I say dear reader about yet another loss, plus the
fact we are now firmly rooted to the bottom of the table. I can't say
we played well in the first half and had precious few chances to get the
ball anywhere near the D. Three nil down by half time and some sharp yet
stirring words from Kirsten and Kim and a much improved side jogged out
for the second half.
We were able to hold Burnt Ash in the second half and some great balls into the D by the defence ensured shots on goal by Emma, Jackie, Hannah and Katrina.
Great midfield play by Jackie and Lisa enabled us to draw the second half!
Next week Greenwich Poly at the Priory (oh joy, oh rapture)
[Chrisy Brookes]
| Saturday 16th January 2010 |
Men's Results
1st XI 2 - 3 Horsham 1st XI (H)
(Ashby [FG], K King [PC])
2nd XI 3 - 4 Burnt Ash 1st XI (A)
3rd XI 4 - 0 Sevenoaks 4A's (A)
(P Harvey [PS], Stanley [PC], J White 2 [2FG])
4th XI 2 - 0 Sevenoaks 5A's (H)
5th XI - No fixture
6th XI - No fixture
1st XI 1 - 8 Sevenoaks 1st XI (A) - Kent Cup 3rd Round (Sunday 17th January 2010)
Ladies' Results
1st XI P - P vs Maidstone 2nd XI (A)
2nd XI P - P vs Remnants 1st XI (H)
3rd XI 1 - 3 Blackheath 3rd XI (H)
Colts' Results
U12 Boys vs Herne Bay (A) vs Maidstone - CANCELLED
U12 Girls vs Maidstone (A) vs Herne Bay - CANCELLED
U14 Boys vs Herne Bay (H) - CANCELLED
Men's Reports
1st XI 2 - 3 Horsham 1st XI (H)
After not playing for over a month and with so many games and training
sessions cancelled due to 'the big freeze' there was a certain amount
of anxiety as the team stepped onto the field. We began with a shakily,
conceding a goal early on before remembering our form and began to play
with more confidence.
A period of good play and several well worked breaks earned us a short corner. Neil "Butler" Barr''s drag found the crossbar and was then expertly converted by quick reactions from Kevin King to get us our first goal. Team confidence restored we began to play with more belief and had a number of close chances on counter-attacks until the halftime whistle.
The weather wasn't much better than previous weeks with torrential rain for most of the game. As the match continued the weather got worse! A special thanks to Peewee for coming to watch in such poor conditions and undertaking to do the substitutions.
Early in the second half a couple of mistakes on which Horsham capitalised soon saw us fall behind again to 3-1. Following a second uncertain start the team found it's feet and had Horsham pushed back in their half for a time. During the match Cookie executed some impressive 1 on 1 saves preventing Horsham from stretching their lead further.
During one of our best periods of play David Pyke found Mark Ashby with a long ball from our 25 to their D, a smooth pick up and well executed undercut from the forward found the back of the net and the game was back to 3-2. Despite some sustained pressure in later parts of the game we struggled to penetrate into Horsham's "D" and failed to get that elusive equaliser.
The game ended 3-2 to Horesham, this was not the start we had been hoping for however there were positives to draw from the match in that fitness levels were not as bad as we had feared.
[Josh Pendergast]
1st XI 1 - 8 Sevenoaks 1st XI (A) - Kent Cup 3rd Round (Sunday 17th
January 2010)
This was a game which was always going to tough, especially considering
that Sevenoaks were fresh from not having played the day before and had
been playing indoor throughout the Christmas break.
In comparison our preparation was a team bonding exercise intended to heal the wounds from Saturdays near loss.
Our second match of the week end saw Sam Ashenden and Steve Porter brought into the fold as we bolstered our team for a second big fitness test. As with Saturday's game it took us an early goal by Sevenoaks to find our feet and begin playing at a higher pace. By the end of the first half we were handling the pace much better and had relaxed enough to play some of our own game.
One of our successful counter attacks led to a ball being fired in from the right wing to find Mark Ashby waiting on the penalty spot who guided it in to give us our first goal. Halftime score line; 4-1, Cards; Data being given a green card for aggressive tackling, and injuries; Ben Bradley taking a ball to the thigh from a Sevenoaks undercut.
The second half saw a far better all round performance by the team. We conceded only 3 goals in the half but enjoyed a little more possession and more penetration into the Sevenoaks D. Unfortunately we were unable to convert, but tighter marking and a higher work rate raised our performance from the first half. The final score was 7-1, injury sustained by Andrew "Horse" Horsman who took a ball to his "intimate area" mid-second half, the injury was characterised by the compassion and empathy shown by both teams in response to his pain.
Negatives; on occasion the umpires were seen to out-pace some of our players!
Positives; fitness will definitely have benefitted from the amount of running involved and the pace of the game forced us to play with more quality than Saturday.
Special praise goes to Butler for out-pacing Sevenoaks' Pete Turner, and thanks to the loyal fans who made it down to Sevenoaks to watch. Well done to all who participated and see you all on Wednesday.
[Josh Pendergast]
4th XI 2 - 0 Sevenoaks 5A's (H)
This week we took on Sevenoaks after the extended break. They had
beaten us convincingly at the beginning of the season and we were anxious
to return the favour. The first twenty minutes were largely uneventful
with a goal for us that I still can't remember (That's because you
didn't turn up until 20 minute in! Ed). Then, about twenty minutes
in, the game came to life. We pushed on and had a series of good chances,
including several short corners. The second goal came eventually with
a good move converted by Martin Hickman.
The second half stated very differently as the Sevenoaks team must have had some serious energy boost as they looked like the strongest team, exploiting the legs of the youthful team. However, we held on and they failed to penetrate the defence until late into the match forcing only two saves out of the goalie. During the second half, BB rallied and replied with some extraordinary passing moves from the two wings and the two fall-backs.
All of this, however, didn't change the score and it ended 2-0 to us.
MoM - Rohan Chana for fantastic performance
DoD - James Isteed for turning up late and being the least threatening
option.
[James Isteed]
Ladies' Report
3rd XI 1 - 3 Blackheath 3rd XI (H)
Happy New Year dear reader, another decade of hockey for us all to
enjoy!
With our game going ahead amidst many being called off a full ( YES FULL) squad turned out on a very wet and windy morning determined to restart the season with a shock win over Blackheath. As you have probably deduced that didn't happen, but it wasn't for the lack of commitment and desire. It was end to end stuff with Kirsten making some fine saves. Vicky Jones slotted in a fine goal to allow us to keep pushing on for a win, but 2 goals in the second half sealed our fate.
Great performances in spite of the 6 week break were from, Caitlin, Lisa French and Louise Fearne.
Next week away to Burnt Ash.
[Chrisy Brookes
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