Match Reports & Results (2007/08 season - part 1)

 

Wednesday 26th December 2007

Men's Reports

The Wildebeest Cup: Veterans vs The Youngsters
It was Benjamin Disraeli who said "I never was a great admirer of a merrie Christmas, even when a boy. I always hated factitious merriment in the form of unnecessary guzzlement, and those awful inventions, festive games". Clearly Mr Disraeli was not a former member of BBHC, neither would he have been welcome here had he chosen to become so. Unnecessary guzzlements? Some years ago, the veterans of BBHC had an unacceptably-contrived nickname, a nickname which was actively and successfully buried by Jagi's predecessor, but if your correspondent were forced to select another, rather more apt, sobriquet for our veteran band of brothers it could fittingly be 'Unnecessary Guzzlements R Us'. And as for festive games, for many of us the Wildebeest Cup is the highlight of the festive season, even more precious than time spent with the relatives. There were many festive games played this year during our annual Boxing Day jamboree. There was of course a hockey match, within which were other seasonal contests, cameo activities, which the trained eye could enjoy. Amongst these trivial pursuits were many games-within-games such as the ever-popular 'Fell-the-Youth' (a game in which points are awarded for obstructive practice resulting in youthful muddy knees - bonus points are awarded if assaults occur when there is a very great distance between one's allocated youth and the ball. The game of 'Fell-the-Youth' is won when said youth begins to weep); 'None-Shall-Pass' (a bit like Pass-the-Parcel, but more violent, and without the parcel); and 'Quick-Boy-Incapacitation' (a game drawing on the horse-racing tradition in which anyone deemed to be running too fast is given a handicap, this handicap in our case taking the form of a friendly battering, usually from Simon Brown, although there are several other skillful exponents of this robust parlour game, not least Clayton Little and Dave Eastgate, who each bring an impressively broad and subtle repertoire of infliction to this genre).

This, astonishingly. was the seventh Wildebeest Cup, and we were sorry that its instigator, Shaun Lanigan, was not with us to contest the event. After the game a toast was proposed in his honour, but it would have been better to have had his svelte-like midfield presence on the pitch. Perhaps next year. Over the seven years, your correspondent has often been concerned that the umpires have not been taking the event seriously - fancy dress has previously been the order of the day for our officials, but this year I am pleased to report that Alan and Colin wore proper umpire's accoutrements, adding some gravitas to the day's proceedings.

And so to the game. I have to report that it began badly. Speedy youths ran about speedily and youthfully, and within 3 minutes of the game beginning we were a goal down. All was not lost however because five minutes later Andy Humber did the decent thing and all was right with the world again. Two minutes later Koki saved off the line (via stick and post) from a shot so forcibly struck no one could believe it had been saved. Some more goals were scored in the first half, not all of the them at the end that we would have liked, but at half time we were 3 - 2 up - Andy Humber scoring all three of ours, and some other blokes scoring theirs.

Second half. Tired legs. A goal was scored against us. 3-3. Then disaster. 3 - 4 to the spotties. Desperate defending. Alex 'but-I-shot-at-the-goal' Webster shot on goal. The youngsters favour shooting theatrically, always aiming for the top corners (indeed I suspect that if we simply sat a player on the bar above each post, stick and feet hanging down obstructively, this would be an effective defensive strategy against this particular team). On this occasion the ball rose fiercely straight at Koki's throat. He did well to avoid greater damage, but the ball struck him mercilessly on the collar bone. We were all expecting Alex to prostrate himself before Koki, fervently craving forgiveness, but instead he (Alex) just accepted the resulting short corner (awarded by Alan, who clearly was suffering from a temporary loss of pity). Subsequently, no harm was done to the score line, but Koki looked a bit shaken. Two minutes later, Alex 'but-I-got-the-ball' Webster bore down on your correspondent in what he claimed was a shoulder to shoulder challenge (he is 8 foot three, I am 4 foot eleven). Your correspondent's ears were collected and returned to him by shocked onlookers. We were all expecting Alex to prostate himself before your correspondent, fervently craving forgiveness, but instead he just accepted the resulting censure (given by Colin, who clearly was suffering from a temporary loss of red card). When you hear tell of the dubious tactics adopted by the veterans during this fixture, do not believe it. Instead, please bear in mind the conduct of the youngster's captain. It is truly said that a team adopts the characteristics of its captain, and I make no judgments about Master Webster's behaviour - I merely faithfully report what happened. Some of us are lucky not to have been hospitalised. If the game became robust in nature, let us look no further than Master Webster for the cause of any over-enthusiasm.

It must be said that the youngsters have not yet learnt to defend a lead. They attack; they invest players in forward positions irrespective of the score, and it is true that they deserved to score again when a break away attack saw an open goal, tenuously struck, enabling Steve Webster (a man who plays the game sportingly, properly and well - how can he have sired such a monster as the aforementioned youngster's captain?) to clear off the line. By this point in the game of course a break-away does not have to be very quick - most veterans were only able to walk by this point, particularly those who had had anything to do with Alex 'but-I-went-for-the-ball' Webster. At 3 - 4 down with ten minutes to go a change of tactics is required, and Dave Eastgate (having won several games of 'Fell-the-Youth'), tired of listening to the weeping all around him in his defensive positions, decided to put your correspondent's comments from previous games about playing up front to the test. He had only adopted an advanced position for two minutes when the ball fell to him in the D. A clinical finish was required , and was produced. Youthful defenders and goalkeeper anticipated a shot into the roof of the net and threw themselves upwards. The ball was kept low. The back board sounded a mighty thud. The score was 4 - 4. Five minutes later (after frenetic and legal defending on our part) the final whistle sounded. After a game during which we had been in the lead at no point, the trophy had been retained! Hoorah!

This was as good a Wildebeest Cup game as we have seen - sportingly played and effectively umpired. Yes, there was some inaccurate consternation from Master Webster about the number of players on the pitch (it is your correspondent's opinion that captains should confine themselves to worrying about how many players they have themselves brought on the pitch, and let the umpires count opposition numbers. The fact that one umpire was seen with a stick in his hands at one point is incidental), but the vets began with eleven players, and finished with eleven.

Two Dorises and one Morris were awarded. Dorises went to Alex 'but-that's-not-fair' Webster and to Ian Brine; the former for grave conduct already reported, the latter for constantly referring to the umpire as 'Dad', which suggests bias. The Morris went to Koki for two superb saves, one with a stick and one with a collar bone. Dorises could well have been awarded to two vets players who left quickly after the game, but without paying a contribution to the kitty. Names will not be named, but you know who you are. Frankly, we prefer the conduct of Master Webster.

Thanks are due to Colin and Alan for umpiring, and to Koki and Jagi for providing samosas, spring rolls and kebabs, all of which were excellent.

I am delighted to report that a challenge has been received for next year, and has been accepted. Umpires have been appointed. Sadly, not two hours after the game finished, only Barry Chivers, Suzanne Chivers, Clayton Little, Arthur Skiddy, Martin Mason and your correspondent remained in the bar. Perhaps next year we might consider playing this contest on the Saturday after Christmas.

[Mark Beteney]

 

 

Saturday 15th December 2007

Men's Results
Veterans v Burnt Ash

Ladies' Results
3rd XI - ???

 

Men's Reports

Veterans
It is a truth universally acknowledged that the day was an unhappy one when we first viewed the fixture list for this season. The source of this unhappiness was of course the absence of Burnt Ash. How great was our rejoicing then; how deeply felt our celebration, when Roy (stalwart fellow) was able to announce that a special fixture against the auld enemy had been arranged. 13 players rallied to the call, and although we would have preferred that the score had been more kind to us, a thoroughly good time was had by all, and there was talk of a repeat fixture this year, or next. Hoorah!

And so to the game. It was good to have Graeme back in goal (his newly acquired Gambian suntan looking remarkably out of place on a freezing afternoon in Bexley). Having said that, his position in goal was not an automatic choice because Clayton has performed with aplomb in Graeme's absence, and long and alcoholic was the discussion in the bar between the two players to determine which of them should take the pads, this lengthy discussion obliging Graeme to be the last player onto the pitch by a margin of approximately fifteen minutes. Ian, Alex, Peter, Arthur, Francis, Koki, and Martin were all missing for this event (the core of a very good team you will agree), and these athletes were greatly missed, giving Jagi a bit of a headache with regard to positions, but he chose wisely on this occasion, selecting your correspondent to play up front. I have to mention this because in 33 years of playing hockey I have never before been selected for this position, even when I myself was selecting positions. How many of us have always looked on from defensive or midfield positions, awe-struck at those for whom goal scoring seems to come naturally? How many have placed on a pedestal those who possess sufficient creative skills to be able to shoot at will on target? How many have secretly worshipped as incisive passes have been converted into goals, knowing full well that such goalkeeper-slaying glory was not for the likes of us? Humility is ours. Goal scoring is theirs. We have pretended, have we not, to content ourselves with phrases such as 'It takes eleven men to score a goal". How many of us have rarely strayed beyond the opposition's 22 yard line, preferring to content ourselves with lesser roles - being mere destoyers, instruments of obstruction, defenders of short corners?

Well for those of you who are nodding modestly, thinking "Amen. Yes Mark, you speak the truth. Say on", I have a surprising message. Playing centre forward? It's a piece of p*ss. For all these years I have been running myself into the ground so that some other b*stard can tap it in after leaning on his stick for twenty minutes. Do not be decieved. As long as he had the sort of service I got, an arthritic sloth could score week in, week out. Your correspondent scored twice in this game, as much as doubling his previous record for a single game. Admittedly there is a bit of unrewarded running about to do up front (but I would have done that anyway, just to keep warm), and it can get a bit lonely, but really, I do not know what all the fuss is about. Martin Mason got another one (from a clinical short corner). Three goals against Burnt Ash! That doesn't happen very often. Unfortunately another thing that doesn't happen very often is that Burnt Ash score six against us. We will not contest the one that was given against us that even I (leaning on my stick on the half way line) could see had not crossed the line. We must acknowledge the one that was a flicked shot from a short corner which described a parabole so high that on entering the goal (barely under the bar) the ball plugged into the ground no more than six inches behind the line (it is rare to have to make such an allowance for the dip). We mourn the loss of a certain goal from Martin which was stopped on the Burnt Ash goal line by Barry's calf, rendering him (Barry) unable to continue. As is so often the case in sporting reversals, all the luck was theirs, and all the misfortune was ours. The score undoubtedly flattered Burnt Ash considerably, but it was a game played with perfect sportsmanship (if we ignore the talking to which Simon attracted from the umpire for over-enthusiasm in the dissent department, and the constant felling of one of our players, resulting in seriously muddy kit).

The Morris went to our centre forward for two goals. The Doris went to Barry, for obstructing the score, and for leaving the pitch without reference to the captain.

Thanks are due to Barry and Clayton for umpiring. A pitiful number of annual subs were received after this game. Players are urged to pay up, or non-selection will have to be enforced.

I have recieved a Christmas goodwill message to all the team from Guru (this is the first Christmas greeting I have recieved from a Sikh, and is all the more special for that).

Our next fixture is the Wildebeest Cup on Boxing Day!

[Peter Stanley]

 

Saturday 8th December 2007

Men's Results
1st XI 1 - 2 Trojans 1st XI (A)
(Labourt [FG])
2nd XI - No Fixture
3rd XI 1 - 4 University of Kent 1st XI (A)
(Sains [FG])
4th XI 6 - 1 Bromley & Beckenham 6th XI (H)
5th XI - No Fixture
6th XI - No Fixture
Veterans - No fixture

Ladies' Results
1st XI 1 - 4 Brentwood 1st XI (A)
2nd XI 1 - 2 Ashford 1st XI (H)
(E Kembers-Holland [FG])
3rd XI 0 - 2 Gore Court 2nd XI (H)

Colts' Results
U16 Boys 2 - 3 Bromley & Beckenham (H)
(T Chana [FG], Saunders [FG])
U16 Girls 2 - 2 Marden Russets (H)
(Annett [FG], Crowley [FG])

 

Men's Reports

1st XI 1 - 2 Trojans 1st XI (A)
On a windswept rainy afternoon BBHC Mens first team visited Southampton to play Trojans this weekend. The game was fairly tight in the early exchanges but Trojans were the first to breakthrough with a quick counter attacked which left Gareth Bayliss the BBHC keeper stranded and the Trojans striker cooly side stepped to slot the ball into the empy net. Half way through the first half and Trojans doubled their lead with another break away goal. BBHC kept going and came very close with chances from Kevin King and David Pyke but went in at the half time break 2-0 down. BBHC came out stronger in the second half and chances were had by both teams. Andres Labourt made an excellent run and finished clinically to bring the score back to 2-1. Chances continued but as the game progressed BBHC started pouring forward trying to get back into the game but the final whistle came too soon for BBHC leaving Trojans the 2-1 winners.

[Peter Stanley]

 

3rd XI 1 - 4 University of Kent 1st XI (A)
With positive result in the last few weeks hopes were high for the visit down to University Of Kent, despite the horizontal pouring rain.

With little time to warm up BBHC started off shaky with Uni of Kent creating some good chances. BBHC stood strong for the first 15 minutes but the inevitable happened when the defence failed to clear the ball and the students grabbed a goal.

BBHC had a great chance to level the score when Allan “Chuckie” Sains found himself through on the opposition goal but a good save from the keeper prevent BBHC levelling. Uni of Kent managed to grab another goal and extend their lead just before the half time whistle.

After a stern talking at half time BBHC came out determined to force their way back into the game. Some better play followed and some good play down the right by Andrei Mendis saw him cut the ball back to Chuckie who slotted it home low in the corner.

BBHC continued to push forward but chances were few and far between. BBHC continued to push forward but as more men were committed forwards BBHC were twice caught out at the back by Uni of Kents counter attacks.

A 4-1 loss and not a nice way to go into the Christmas break.

Guru: Andrei Mendis
Gimp: Vince Moore

[Alex Webster]

 

Ladies' Report

3rd XI 0 - 2 Gore Court 2nd XI (H)
This was the penultimate game of the first half the season before the Christmas break and the ladies entertained gore court 2s on a rather wet and windy day.

The game was pretty even from both sides with some great passing and movement but Gore Court made the most of their chances by converting 2 goals in the first half. The game from then was even with a few chances for each side and some good saves from both keepers.

The game finished 2-0 loss but a very good game to watch. Next week away to Canterbury, good luck girls.

[Matt Thurlow]

Colts' Report

U16 Boys 2 - 3 Bromley & Beckenham (H)
The Under 16s hosted a very strong BromBecks side on a cold and blustery Sunday morning at Erith School.

BBHC got off to the worse possible start conceding 3 goals within the first 10 minutes after some penetrating attacking play from BromBecks.

As the half progressed though BBHC began to string some passes together and create some chances of their own. They managed to grab a goal back just before half time after a hit outside the D was struck in by Joe Brown and swept in by Jamie Saunders on the far post.

BBHC came out in the second half fighting. They could have gone behind if not for some good defending from Nandip, Joe Brown, Sumeet Dhinsa and Phil Cratchley in defence and some great saves from James Isteed in goal.

Midway through the first half BBHC found themselves within touching distance of BromBecks after Sam in midfield won a free hit outside the D after some good solo play. Another accurate strike into the D saw the keeper wrong footed by a cunning touch from Tarin Chana.

With 10 minutes remaining BBHC threw everything they had a BromBecks but failed to find the equaliser.

A fantastic team performance from all against a solid opposition.

[Alex Webster]

 

 

Saturday 1st December 2007

Men's Results
1st XI 2 - 3 Epsom 1st XI (H)
(Labourt [FG]), Pyke [PS])
2nd XI 6 - 1 Horsham 2nd XI (A)
(Ashby 4 [2FG, 2PC], Tither 2 [2 FG])
3rd XI 2 - 2 Bexley Invicta 1st XI (H)
(A Humber [FG], V Moore [FG])
4th XI 5 - 0 Bexley Invicta 2nd XI (A)
5th XI 0 - 5 Holcombe 5A (H)
6th XI 0 - 5 Holcombe 6B (A)
Veterans 2 - 3 Kenley (A)
(Alan [FG], Anup [FG])

Ladies' Results
1st XI 0 - 2 Gore Court 1st XI (H)
2nd XI 4 - 2 Herne Bay 1st XI (A)
(Augustin [PC], Bilby [FG], Phipps 2 [2FG])
3rd XI 1 - 2 Greenwich Polygons 1st XI (H)
(H Prong [FG])

Colts' Results
U14 Boys 1 - 1 Holcombe (A)
(Rohan Chana [FG])
U16 Girls 0 - 3 Sevenoaks "B" (A)

 

Men's Reports

1st XI 2 - 3 Epsom 1st XI (H)
BBHC Men's first team entertained Epsom in a thrilling game this week. BBHC were forced onto the back foot in the early exchanges and conceded a goal from a short corner strike. Epsom doubled their advantage half way through the half from another short corner, which was flicked this time. BBHC gradually worked their way back into the game but went into the break 2-0 down.

BBHC continued the pressure on Epsom in the second half and pulled a goal back through Andres Labourt who, after a skilful run, slotted the ball home. The scores were drawn level when the Epsom keeper up ended Jamie Perfit, after a good dribble across the D, and David Pyke cleanly scored from the resulting penalty flick.

The game looked as though it would finish a draw but an uncharacteristic defensive slip by Ben Bradley meant Epsom nipped in to score. BBHC poured forward in the last few minutes but were unable to get back into the game, leaving Epsom the 3-2 winners. BBHC travel to Southampton to face Trojans next week.

[Peter Stanley]

 

2nd XI 6 - 1 Horsham 2nd XI (A)
The 2nd XI signed off for Christmas with a comfortable 6-1 win away to Horsham, and will sit at the top of the table over the festive break.

The away side actually started brighter and won a short corner within the first couple of minutes, but this was defended well and BBHC responded in the best possible way. They won their own short corner which Mark Ashby fired home, spotting a gap at the right hand post. The lead was doubled soon after as Mike Leigh found Ashby in the D, and, after the initial effort rebounded back to him, the striker lashed the ball into the top corner from an acute angle.

The home side refused to roll over and got themselves back into the game as a midfielder waltzed through into the D, around the defence and gave the keeper little chance from 8 yards. The B's were riled and hit back with another goal from Ashby, this time the defender allowed the slim-line, titian -wonder time to turn and get his shot away low past the hapless Horsham keeper. The away side did not stop there and added a fourth before half time, Lee Humber delivered a perfect set piece ,deflected home by Andy Tither.

The second half was more of the same from the visitors, controlling the game with good spells of possession and some crisp passing and movement. Horsham's defence was bowing under the pressure of the attacking pace of Westbrook and Tither, and more goals were imminent. BBHC's fifth came from another short corner, this time Ashby tip-toed past the runners and made no mistake with the finish. Tither rounded things off with a trademark strike, running across the D before firing low past the exposed keeper to claim his second of the match.

A good result on the road to go with a 100% home record this half of the season. The 2s have put themselves in another promising position, but must work hard next year if they are to avoid the disappointment they experienced at the end of last season.

Man of the Match was awarded to 4-goal supremo Mark Ashby, who has been rewarded for his strenuous training regime (that's right, he's about to join a gym!). Special mention to work-horse Rob Porter who gave great fight and effort to the cause, apparently.

[Mike Leigh]

 

3rd XI 2 - 2 Bexley Invicta 1st XI (H)
After impressive displays against two of the top three in previous weeks, BBHC's 3rd XI were hopeful in this week's contest against local rivals and top-of-the-league Bexley Invicta 1st XI - BI had only dropped four points in total this season.

The game started off at a frantic pace with both teams keen to grab an early advantage. And both had opportunities but it was BBHC who were the closer after a short corner was put into the side netting from a rebounded shot by Allan Sains.

Chances continued to come with the good movement and play from the forward partnership of Allan Sains and John White. However, the goal finally came from Vince Moore in midfield, who on a “classic” winding run found a gap in the sizeable defence and slipped in passed the rushing keeper.

Minutes later, BBHC doubled their lead after the experienced Andy Humber found himself with a one on one and after rounding the keeper powering the ball home on the reverse side.

Unfortunately, BI soon found themselves back in the game thanks to some poor sportsmanship whilst the umpires were unisighted. A hit from outside the D took a deflection from a BBHC stick inside the D and went into the goal, with the BI attacker too far away to have possibly touched the ball. The rally from the visitors continued until the end of the half, where they managed to grab another goal after a scramble in the BBHC D.

The second half saw both teams come out believing that a win was possible. But it was not to be for either side with no more goals coming. However, both teams came close with BI hitting the post and Allan Sains twice coming close for BBHC.

Another solid display from BBHC but the 3 points still elusive because the 3rd XI are still learning lessons in this new division.

[Alex Webster & Andrei Mendis]

 

Veterans 2 - 3 Kenley (A)
After our success at the Kenley tournament we were pleased to be returning thither. We had the bare eleven plus umpire, but all were solid players, and so (with the greatest respect to Kenley) we were expecting a good run around, but equally we were expecting to win. We were half right - we got a good run around. It must be said that we have a new-look team this year (I am not referring to Alan and Michael now - they have integrated with the ethos of the BBHC vets with such seamlessness one would think they had been here forever. No, I am referring to the captain's recently acquired beard which those of you familiar with the film 'The Mummy' will be able to invisage without pause. Our captain now has a sage and somewhat spiritual appearance, drawing on the Egyptian influence so fashionable these days, which those poor unfortunates who fall victim to his cavalier tackles find surprisingly incongruous).

Two things materially affected the score of this game. Firstly, Clayton went in goal for us. It is a position he does not like, but no one can ascertain why. He is brilliant in this role, and he had another magnificent game. For a man of robust proportions he has the most amazingly quick reflexes. He saved three certain goals in this game - two by good positioning (scaring the bejeesus out of any attacking player foolish enough to get anywhere near him), and one by astonishing swiftness of arm movement. The second factor was Kenley's selection policy. Any vets captain will tell you that from time to time under-age players have to be used to make up the numbers. Kenley had three very young, very good, very swift players which Roy (the Kenley captain - a man whom I admire for his general bonhomie, but not for his scurrilous selection policy) chose to play across the centre of a five man midfield. Had we won, this aberation would not have even got a mention, but we failed to win, and so peevishness abounds, at least on the part of your correspondent.

The game began, and we were immediately on the receiving end of considerable pressure for a long, long time, and when we conceded a goal to a short-corner we were all disappointed, but no one was surprised. We were being run ragged by youth and speed, and it looked for all the world as if this Kenley side was going to stuff us like a kipper. Your correspondent was reduced to performing clinically accurate tackles which were woefully misconstrued by an umpire and he (your correspondent) was required to receive an admonishment from Colin Brine which was considerably less pleasurable than the last on-pitch discussion they had shared (during the most recent Wildebeest cup). We in the vets do not condone any behaviour that results in player/umpire discussion. Alan and Michael were also spoken to during this game, and I suggest that they both take time to reflect upon their conduct. The game continued, and an amazing thing happened. We got into the Kenley half. Moreover we had chances. Kenley (not used to defending a lead, it must be said) went all defensive. Alan, going for glory, missed a sitter. Then Alex 'play-me-up-front-and-I-won't-let-you-down' McLaren missed another sitter. Kenley panicked. A short while later. Alan got a self-same, identical, carbon-copy tautological opportunity, and smacked it into the net (why he hadn't done this with the first chance, he was unable to explain). Half time was only two minutes away. Kenley were in disarray. BBHC were ascendent. The excitement was breath-taking. There was a goal-mouth scramble. Anup bashed one in via a boot, a stick and some poor bloke's chin. The half time whistle went. We were winning 1 - 2. Hoorah!

The next 20 minutes passed without incident, other than your correspondent being spoken to by a second umpire, for equally misconstrued non-malicious rigour. Then disaster. Bobby Brookfield (a man who has announced his retirement more often than Frank Sinatra, and who had been a key player in this game) pulled up with an injury. Since we only had eleven players he went up front (unable to move more than a few inches at a time) in place of Anup who dropped back to half back, but sadly this was not a happy transition. Bobby is great at marking, but not good at scoring via other men's chins. Anup has equal, but opposite, skills. During the last ten minutes Kenley's youth and fitness dominated BBHC's age and cunning. Unmarked gazelles were everywhere, and only Clayton's goalkeeping kept us ahead, but even his heroics were not enough. Kenley scored with two minutes to go. 2 - 2.

We live in target-driven times, and so your correspondent is the last to suggest that we should incorporate the devil's measurements into Saturday afternoon jollies, but I would like to suggest one such target for the BBHC vets. I think that when we concede with two minutes to go, we should aim to get the ball into the opposition's half from the restart. This would have the benefit of putting the ball nearer to their goal than ours. We failed to do this, and with one minute to go we found ourselves unsuccessfully defending a goalmouth scramble and the unthinkable happened. We had travelled to Kenley with a strong side, and lost.

And so to Morrises and Dorises. There was only one candidate for the Morris award, and Clayton quaffed this deserved merit manfully. The Doris was a surprise selection, chosen out of kindness by our newly-hirsute captain. There are three cast-iron ways to avoid receiving a Doris award. One is to play really well (rare). One is to go home before the awards (all too common). The other is to travel to way games by motorbike. Clearly Jagi was going to award this designated shame to a player who had been spoken to by more than one umpire, but wishing to avoid a fellow player's certain drunk-in-charge-of-motor-cycle death, he changed his mind and awarded it to a very surprised and outraged Alex 'play-me-up-front-and-I-won't-let-you-down' McLaren, who had played up front without scoring. Nobody said that Doris awards were fair (tee hee, titter).

Thanks are due to Colin for umpiring with his customary authority, and to those who drove.

Next week we are at home to an NPL side. It is a 2.15 start. Please confirm availability to Jagi if you have not already done so. By the way, we might like to consider paying our subs soon. The deadline is 30th November. Cheques are preferable, payable to BBHC. Bring your cheque books on Saturday. Jagi or I will provide you with a pen.

[Mark Betteney]

 

Ladies' Reports

2nd XI 4 - 2 Herne Bay 1st XI (A)
Against the run of play, Herne Bay scored the opening goal. BBHC battled hard, forcing three short corners which they failed to convert. BBHC soon drew level with an excellent goal from Chloe Phipps who controlled a rebound off the keeper. Herne Bay then picked up a loose pass & managed to score again just before half time.

As the second half commenced, BBHC applied great pressure & Herne Bay conceded another short corner. BBHC drew level through a stupendous strike from Jane Augustin, drilling it into the bottom corner. The game teetered on a draw, until Chloe popped up to score her second of the game bringing the score to 3-2, calming BBHC nerves.

The win was consolidated by a fourth goal scored by Vicky Bilby, who reversed stick flicked into the bottom right hand corner. Providing a sublime finish to the Ladies' 2nd team first win of the season.

[Hannah Johnson, Ellie Kember-Hollands & Ashleigh Davenport (aka 'the young ones') ]

 

3rd XI 1 - 2 Greenwich Polygons 1st XI (H)
Hannah Prong continued her fine season with another goal, lashed in from 1cm from her position next to the far post! She is comfortably out-scoring her husband and Men's 3rd XI captain, Adrian.

[Andrei Mendis]

 

Saturday 24th November 2007

Men's Results
1st XI 2 - 3 Rover Oxford 1st XI (A)
(K King [FG], Perfitt [FG])
2nd XI 1 - 0 Herne Bay 2nd XI (H)
(Ashby [FG])
3rd XI 1 - 2 Sevenoaks 4th XI (A)
(Sains [PC])
4th XI 2 - 3 Folkestone 4th XI (H)
5th XI 2 - 3 Sutton Valence 4th XI (A)
6th XI 5 - 0 Folkestone 6th XI (H) (Walkover)
Vets 1 - 9 NPL Desperados (A)

Ladies' Results
1st XI 1 - 0 Canterbury 2A (H)
(S Hall [PC])
2nd XI 0 - 2 Gravesend 2nd XI (H)
3rd XI 0 - 4 Sevenoaks 4th XI (A)

 

Men's Reports

1st XI 2 - 3 Rover Oxford 1st XI (A)
BBHC's Men's first team visited Rover Oxford this week. BBHC for the second week running had substantial territorial advantage in the first half but, unlike last week, were able to make it count.

After wasting early chances, BBHC took the lead though a well worked move that saw Jamie Perfitt receive the ball on the penalty spot, he swivelled and put the ball cleanly past the keeper. BBHC kept on the pressure and doubled their lead with Kevin King drawing the keeper on the by line throwing him a dummy and cutting inside to then finish in the corner.

Unfortunately BBHC then squandered several clear scoring chances before going in at the break 2-0 ahead. BBHC were made to rue the missed chances from the first half as the Rover Oxford strikers scored three clinical open play strikes from the top of the D leaving the BBHC keeper no chance.

BBHC entertain Epsom this Saturday.

[Peter Stanley]

 

2nd XI 1 - 0 Herne Bay 2nd XI (H)
BBHC 2's returned to winning ways after last week's shock result. They were out of the blocks at a furious pace and set about pressuring the visitors. However, unable to find the final pass or a clinical piece of finishing, BBHC grew frustrated with each-other which lead to further mistakes and even more frustration!

It wasn't until the second half that the Bs made the break-through. Mark Ashby's effort was blocked on the line by the body of a defender but the ball dropped and rolled just over the line. The game should have been over soon after this as the quick reactions of David Humber won a penalty stroke when the keeper missed the ball and sent the youngster flying. Ashby stepped up but saw his powerful effort expertly saved by the feet of the agile keeper...

The visitors never really offered anything in attack, and the game finished 1-0 to the home side. With Brighton on a fixture break this week, the result takes the 2s back to the top of the table.

Their last game before the Christmas break is away at Horsham next week.

[Mike Leigh]

 

3rd XI 1 - 2 Sevenoaks (A)
BBHC visited high flying Sevenoaks this week, looking to build on last week's impressive performance.

The game started at a high tempo with both sides moving the ball round well and playing good attacking hockey. Despite this, goal-scoring opportunities were hard to come by for both teams thanks to stubborn defending. John White was the catalyst for much of BBHC's attacking play by drawing home defenders to him and creating space for his team mates. However, it was Sevenoaks that came closest thanks to a well placed deflection which was well saved by Jim Jackson in goal. BBHC’s best opportunity fell to Vince Moore, who had broken free down the right but was unable to slip it past the sliding keeper.

The 2nd half saw Sevenoaks change up a gear. Constantly pushing an extra midfielder forward meant at times they threatened to overrun the BBHC. The goal eventually came for Sevenoaks when a mix up in the D saw the ball tapped into an open goal after GK Jackson had expected an umpire's whistle to be blown and stopped playing.

BBHC tried to fight their way back into the game and won several short corners but still found themselves pinned back for long periods with Sevenoaks threatening to extend their lead. They eventually did after the BBHC defence failed to clear their lines properly whilst they hesitated for another adjudication to be made. The ball was played round the keeper and fired home.

BBHC thought they had found a way back into it after a miss-hit short corner from Vince Moore was deflected onto the knee of a defender on the line and a penalty flick look inevitable but was unfortunately not awarded.

With nothing to lose BBHC bought changed formation and took off defender Dave King for Allan Sains to add to the BBHC attack.

With 5 minutes, to go the visitors grabbed a goal from a short corner, with Sains firing low into the bottom corner on his reverse stick. The last 5 minutes saw BBHC frantically trying to grab another goal but it was not to be.

GURU: John White

GIMP: Jim Jackson

[Alex Webster]

 

Ladies' Reports

1st XI 1 - 0 Canterbury (H)
This Saturday BBHC entertained the newly promoted Canterbury 2A's at Erith School.

Despite no previous match experience with the opposition, their consistent league performances to date and their comfortable positioning amongst the top of the table meant BBHC knew the game was to be a tough challenge.

With arctic-like weather conditions and only ten 1st XI players in the starting line up, we had certainly had our Weetabix for breakfast, and didn't Canterbury know it! BBHC started with all guns blazing, playing and moving as a unit with some excellent passing and vision. Canterbury were instantly taken aback and, as they tried to find their feet, BBHC relished the opportunities.

A number of early chances fell to Leah Kember-Hollands and Zoë Hubbard as they found themselves in acres of space but it wasn't until we were awarded a short corner after ten minutes that we took the much-deserved lead.

The usual short corner suspects performed their duties and as Julie Somers-Bayley was pressured at the top of the D, she chose to slip the ball right to Sorcha Crowley who crossed for Sam Hall to place perfectly between the keeper's legs and into the goal!

We continued to play well for the remainder of the half but were unable to convert anymore of our chances, with Sarah Harvey's superb shot creeping just above the cross bar and headed into half time 1-0 up.

It was imperative that the B's kept their heads, a task that had proved difficult in previous games. A tougher 2nd half commenced with Canterbury raising their game and creating a number of goal scoring chances. With 15 minutes to go and, after a number of unconverted short corners, Canterbury were awarded a penalty flick. In line with the season so far, this is where the opposition score, BBHC's heads go down and we end up losing all 3 points. But not today. Karen White stood tall in the goal and expertly saved the penalty stroke.

On the back of this, it felt like BBHC's day and, as we battled to keep our formation and discipline and somehow kept Canterbury from scoring an equaliser, it turned into just that. With the 3 points and Maidstone having postponed their game, the BBHC Ladies 1's have moved out of the bottom two and that is where we will stay! Final score BBHC 1 Canterbury 0.

Player of the match: Sue Moore

[Zoë Hubbard]

 

Saturday 17th November 2007

Men's Results
1st XI 1 - 5 Banbury 1st XI (H)
(Perfitt [FG])
2nd XI 1 - 3 South Saxons 2nd XI (A)
(D Humber [FG])
3rd XI 1 - 1 Marden Russets 2nd XI (H)
(V Moore [FG])
4th XI No Fixture
5th XI 1 - 5 Canterbury 6th XI (A)
6th XI 3 - 4 Cliftonville 4th XI (H)
(Bartholomew 2 [2FG], Kay [FG])
Veterans - No Fixture

Harrod UK Men's Trophy - 3rd Round (Sunday 18th November):
1st XI 7 - 1 Bury St Edmunds (H)
(Ashenden [PC], K King [FG], Labourt 2 [2FG], Perfitt 2 [2FG], P Price [FG])

Ladies' Results
1st XI 1 - 3 Broxbourne 1st XI (A)
2nd XI 0 - 5 Sevenoaks 3rd XI (H)
3rd XI Fixture Postponed

Colts' Result
U14 Boys 3 - 2 Herne Bay (H)
(Bartholomew 2 [2FG], Saunders [FG])

 

Men's Reports

1st XI 1 - 5 Banbury 1st XI (H)
BBHC's Men's 1st team entertained league leaders Banbury last Saturday. BBHC had a very strong first half and although they had the territorial advantage they were unable to create that many penetrations into the Banbury D. Late on in the 1st half a piece of slack marking allowed Banbury in for the opener undoing all of the good work that BBHC had put in.

Unfortunately BBHC were unable to keep up the good work rate in the second half and Banbury began to apply the pressure. A flick from a short corner and a quickly taken hit from an arguable decision put Banbury 3 up. BBHC hit back with Jamie Perfitt slotted home a cross from a good run down the right by Andres Labourt. Although this spurred BBHC on, Banbury scored two more goals to run out 5-1 winners. BBHC visit Rover Oxford next weekend.

[Peter Stanley]

 

Harrod UK Men's Trophy - 3rd Round (Sun 18th Nov): 1st XI 7 - 1 Bury St Edmunds 1st XI (H)
BBHC progressed to the fourth round of the Harrod UK Trophy with a resounding victory over Bury St Edmunds last Sunday.

BBHC got off to a great start with Sam Ashenden scoring from a drag flick and a good individual goal from Jamie Perfitt saw BBHC 2-0 up in the first 5 minutes. Kevin King went for the spectacular half way through the half when the ball sprang off the crossbar from a well struck LBZ. Andres Labourt added a brace making the half time score 4-0.

BBHC continued the good work in the second half with Jamie Perfitt getting his second and, Kevin King and Phil Price adding to the score sheet. Bury St Edmunds hit back late on for a consolation goal making the final score 7-1.

Next up are Devizes, coming to Erith from the West Country, on Sunday 10th February 2008.

[Peter Stanley]

 

2nd XI 1 - 3 South Saxons 2nd XI (A)
BBHC’s Mens’ 2s lost their first game of the season this week, and with it surrendered top spot in the Kent/Sussex Open Division 1.

An early breakthrough was gifted to the Saxons as a tame shot was deflected past the already diving keeper by defender Adrian Webster. BBHC were stunned and threw men forward in an attempt to get the game back on track. Unfortunately, the home side scored a good breakaway goal and doubled their lead before half-time.

BBHC were not about to lie down, and started to show why they were heading up the league with some fierce attacking spells penning Saxons in their own third of the pitch. They pulled a goal back as Mark Ashby fed in David Humber who neatly tucked the ball past the on-rushing keeper.

The away side sensed they could turn this game on its head and pressed for the equaliser. After many missed chances, Saxons made them pay with another well taken goal on the break. BBHC fought to the end, but couldn’t find that telling pass or clinical finish, the game ended 3-1 to the home side.

The 2s should use this result as a wake-up call, especially with memories of last year’s wasted chances costing them promotion. Next week they are at home to Herne Bay, 12.30 start.

[Mike Leigh]

 

3rd XI 1 - 1 Marden Russets 2nd XI (H)
BBHC's 3rd XI have been having a tough time of it over the past few weeks, with disappointing results in games where they would have hoped to pick up points. Therefore with the visit of high flying Marden Russets a tough game was to be expected.

The game started off well for BBHC moving the ball around the back well and penetrating the Marden D on several occasions. Several short corners were won but the goal did not materialise. The opposition were struggling to string many passes together with the high from BBHC suffocating there efforts. Marden did break of there half on several occasion and nearly scored when a hopeful long ball rebounded off the post but was well cleared by Adrian Prong in defence.

BBHC continued to create chances but were consistently frustrated by some stunning saves from the Marden keeper. So both teams went in at half time with scores level.

The first five minutes was a shaky affair for BBHC with some misplaced passes throughout the team which gave Marden chance to start several attacks. It was a misplaced pass from Alex Webster in defence that set up the Marden goal leaving Jim Jackson in goal with no chance.

The heads off BBHC did not go down though and continued to play some free-flowing hockey hoping that the constant pressure would finally pay off. It finally did when Vince Moore found himself in the D with his back to goal and with the keeper having gone to ground managed to slip the ball home.

The last 10 minutes of the game was a frantic affair with both teams hoping to grab all 3 points. Some end to end action saw both teams creating chances but neither managed to steal the victory with both teams going away with a point.

A solid performance for BBHC who will be looking for more of the same next week away at Sevenoaks.

Guru: Steve Neville
Gimp: Andy Humber

[Alex Webster]

Colts' Report

U14 Boys 3 - 2 Herne Bay (H)
BBHC's Under 14s welcomed Herne Bay to Erith School on a bitterly cold Sunday in their under 14s league match.

The home side started off the stronger pinning Herne Bay back for large parts of the half. Any Herne Bay counter attacks were quickly swept up by the solid BBHC defence. BBHC took the lead after some good solo work from Blake who broke away from the visiting defence and slipped the ball passed the keeper.

This lead was doubled just before half time after hard working midfielder Jamie combined well with Blake upfront and finished of with a sweep from 5 yards,

The second half saw Herne Bay come out all guns blazing and reduce the lead to 1 after some good attacking hockey. This woke BBHC up and they again began to play some good hockey, although missing some of the slickness of the first half. The lead was further extended after some more good work from Blake upfront saw him have a 1 on 1 with the keeper, with the ball just sneaking under the outstretched goalie.

Herne Bay did not sit back though and continued to push forward and were rewarded from a short corner that BBHC had failed to clear.

The last 10 minutes saw both teams create some good chances, with Herne Bay nearly snatching a point if it had not been for a good save from James in goal.

Final score 3-2 victory.

[Alex Webster]

 

Saturday 10th November 2007

Men's Results
1st XI 2 - 7 Tulse Hill & Dulwich 1st XI (A)
(Ashenden [PC], Labourt [FG])
2nd XI 2 - 0 Sutton Valence 2nd XI (H)
(Ashby [PC], P Harvey [PC])
3rd XI 0 - 2 Deal 1st XI (A)
4th XI 2 - 3 Gillingham Anchorians 3rd XI (H)
5th XI 0 - 4 Univeristy of Kent 3rd XI (H)
6th XI 0 - 5 Maidstone (A) (Walkover)

Ladies' Results
1st XI 1 - 5 Waltham Forest 1st XI (H)
(K Hall [FG])
2nd XI 2 - 5 Meopham 1st XI (A)
(Cole [FG], A Davenport [FG])
3rd XI 7 - 0 Gravesend 4th XI (H)
(Moremont 5 [5FG], Strickland 2 [2FG])

Colts' Result
U16 Girls 3 - 0 Tunbridge Wells 2 (H)
(Crowley [FG], Darby [FG], E Kember-Hollands [FG])

 

Men's Reports

1st XI 2 - 7 Tulse Hill & Dulwich 1st XI (A)
BBHC Men's 1st team visited Tulse Hill & Dulwich who are on a run of recent good form. The opening exchanges were fiercely contested but a couple of dubious short corners were awarded against BBHC which were excellently converted by the Tulse Hill drag flicker.

Two further lapses saw Tulse Hill go in at the break ahead 4-0, slightly flattering them as it had been a well contested first half. BBHC came out strong in the second half, looking for a way back into the game but Tulse Hill continually broke play down resulting in two of their players receiving warning green cards from the officials.

Tulse Hill extended their lead to five before BBHC pulled one back through Andres Labourt. BBHC pushed forward but were caught out twice more before Sam Ashendon scored a consolation goal from a short corner to make the final score 7-2.

Next week BBHC entertain top of the table Banbury and Bury St Edmunds on the Sunday in the 3rd round of the Harrod UK Mens Trophy.

[Pete Stanley]

 

2nd XI 2 - 0 Sutton Valence 2nd XI (H)
BBHC Men's 2nd XI continued their rich vein of form with a win against previously-unbeaten Sutton Valence at Erith School. The home side started the game at a furious pace and had won a penalty corner within the first minute, before the visitors had even touched the ball. Mark Ashby's strike was tipped past the post after a fine save from the Sutton Valence keeper.

The Bs should have taken the lead when Ashby was found alone in the D by a good long pass from Lee Humber, but the attacker powered his effort narrowly wide of the far post. The deadlock was broken soon after, however, as Paul Harvey converted a penalty corner. Harvey coolly finished after spotting a gap between the keeper's legs.

Sutton Valence battled hard and created a couple of chances, the best of which was expertly saved by the quick reactions of Steve Porter, diving across the line and sweeping away the ball with his stick as the striker looked certain to score from two yards.

The all important second goal came soon after the restart, this time it was Ashby who sent his flick high into the net from another penalty corner. The visitors couldn't offer much more, and the home side should have put the result beyond doubt after Ashby rounded the goalkeeper late on. Unfortunately, tired from the work he'd put in all game, the striker couldn't find the finish from a tight angle.

The game finished 2-0 and leaves BBHC 3 points clear at the top of the league. Man of the match went to Kevin Wrake, whose tireless running from the centre of midfield caused the Valence defence no end of problems. Next week the 2s travel to South Saxons as they aim to maintain their unbeaten record.

[Mike Leigh]

 

3rd XI 0 - 2 Deal 1st XI (A)
After last week's poor performance, BBHC Men's 3rd XI were looking for a more positive performance away at Deal.

The game started off an open affair with both teams playing some good hockey. BBHC created several opportunities with some good passing down the left hand side. Despite several short corners, they were unable to grab the lead. As the half progressed, Deal soon began to run the game from the midfield and just before half time grabbed a goal after some slack marking.

Still in the game, BBHC came out for the 2nd half positive of fighting their way back into the game. However, the hand working Deal midfield made it difficult for BBHC to string many meaningful moves together. Deal’s sustained pressure paid off eventually when they scored from a short corner midway through the half.

BBHC thought they had found a way back into the game when Andy Humber was fouled in a goal scoring opportunity but the penalty flick wasn’t awarded.

A patchy performance from BBHC in a game that could have been much different if the early short corners were converted.

[Alex Webster]

 

Ladies' Report

1st XI 1 - 5 Waltham Forest 1st XI (H)
After a disappointing result last week, the BBHC Ladies' 1st XI entertained Waltham Forest in the hope of returning to the form we had found of late.

Our mid-table opposition had always proved a difficult game and their impressive goal difference, so early on in the season, was a sign that this was going to be no different. Despite the seemingly ever-changing 1st team line up, the home side started well and settled quickly.

The first 15 minutes saw 2 goals, Waltham Forest scoring first and BBHC quickly responding with a well worked short corner from the left and a great deflection from Karen Hall. Despite our efforts, Forest began to take control of the field and took the lead shortly before the half time whistle.

At 2-1 down, BBHC had everything to play for but our good intentions were not evident in our 2nd half performance. Lacking basic skills and being second to every ball is not play that will go unpunished against such a high scoring side and as Forest took their opportunities well, BBHC found themselves 5-1 down at the final whistle.

Now sitting in the bottom 2, BBHC will be keen to leave this performance in the past and regain the form we know we are capable of. Every team has a off day right?!

Player of the Match: Jeanette Grabham

[Zoe Hubbard]

Colts' Report

U16 Girls 3 - 0 Tunbridge Wells 2 (H)
BBHC's Under 16s Girls team welcomed Tunbridge Wells' second U16 Girls XI on Sunday.

The game started off evenly with both teams playing well. BBHC pushed high and kept TW pinned in for long periods. However, as BBHC pushed forward for that opening goal TW managed to break out of the press on several occasions but failed to convert on the counter. BBHC finally broke the deadlock just before half time when Marnie Darby scored on her debut after the ball was cut back from the bye-line.

The second half started well for BBHC as they continued their good play forcing TW onto the back foot. They stood strong though and created several chances of their own. The last 10 minutes of the half though saw BBHC camped in the TW D, winning 6 short corners in a row of which two were converted. A sweep from the penalty spot from Sorcha Crowley and a strike from Ellie Kember-Hollands from the top of the D sealing the win and topping off a solid performance from all.

[Alex Webster]

 

Saturday 3rd November 2007

Men's Results
1st XI 0 - 4 Winchester 1st XI (H)
2nd XI 6 - 1 Kings College London 1st XI (A)
(D Humber 2 [2FG], R Porter 2 [2FG], Westbrook [FG], Wrake [FG)
3rd XI 2 - 5 Burnt Ash 3rd XI (A)
(A Humber [FG], Sains [PC])
4th XI 2 - 6 Wellcome 1st XI (H)
5th XI 2 - 5 Holcombe 6th XI (A)
(Hickman [FG], G Jones [PC])
6th XI 4 - 0 Wellcome 4th XI (H)
Vets 1 - 1 Addiscombe (H)
(Betteney [FG])

Kent Cup - 1st round (Sunday 4th November)
1st XI 1 - 3 Herne Bay 1st XI (A)
(P Price [FG])

Ladies' Results
1st XI 2 - 3 Gillingham Anchorians (A)
(K Hall [FG], S Hall [FG])
2nd XI No Fixture
3rd XI No Fixture

Colts' Results
U14 Boys 2 - 7 Old WIlliamsonians (A)
(Hollyhock [FG], H Johnson [FG])
U16 Boys 0 - 11 Sutton Valence (A)

 

Men's Reports

1st XI 0 - 4 Winchester 1st XI (H)
After last weeks unfortunate loss, BBHC XI were looking to bounce back in their South Premier League campaign with a victory against the visiting Winchester side.

The game started with a high tempo with Winchester making several probing attacks into the BBHC half. It was not long before Winchester were rewarded with a short corner which they converted with a slick routine which was completed with an accurate drag flick to the bottom corner.

BBHC kept their heads up and tried to move the ball about but basics were lacking and passes frequently went astray. Winchester continued to dominate and were rewarded again after some good stick work in the D led to the ball being slotted home.

It wasn’t until BBHC had conceded a 3rd that they began to string some passes together but as the team put forward they were caught out on the counter attack which saw Gareth Bayliss in goal beaten in the resulting one-on-one.

Some harsh words were obviously spoken at half time because the second half was a much better performance. BBHC moved the ball around and defended well. Despite this though the final penetration was lacking and BBHC were unable to score. However, the ability to prevent Winchester furthering their lead was obviously an improvement on the first half.

A disappointing performance from the 1st Xi who were missing the normal slick passing and movement that led to them being promoted last season.

[Alex Webster]

 

Kent Cup - 1st round (Sunday 4th November): 1st XI 1 - 3 Herne Bay 1st XI (A)
Perhaps the captain set the tone as the BBHC set off to Herne Bay, a lack of vision and wondering eyes resulted in a loss of a wing mirror before they had even left the club.

Things didn’t get much better for the 1st team as they conceded a penalty corner within the first couple of minutes, which eventually resulted in the loss of their central defender ‘Horse’ as he charged down a flick. From the resulting penalty corner Herne Bay took the lead. BBHC were forced onto the back foot with Herne Bay starting the brighter. After 15 minutes BBHC managed to get into the game and dominated in the opposition’s half creating some cleat cut chances, with Dave Humber actually putting the ball in the back of the net before some woeful umpiring cancelled the goal out.

The second half continued with BBHC dominance which was rewarded with a goal as Phil Price committed the keeper and coolly flicked from the top of the D into an empty net. However as BBHC went for the win they were caught on the break and conceded a further two goals. Despite a string of short corners BBHC were unable to find the net and were dumped out the cup 3-1 losers.

Horseman Award (DOD) – Phil Price

Jonty Award (MOM) – Dan Lucas

[James Baldwin]

 

2nd XI 6 - 1 Kings College London 1st XI (A)
BBHC's 2nd XI finally scored the goals they'd been threatening of late, with an assured performance that keeps them at the top of the league.

The slow and worn pitch threatened to ruin this match, but the game was played at pace and was open from the off. It didn't take the visitors long to go in front, David Humber made the most of a good advantage and hit a trademark reverse strike which was deflected in low past the keeper. The lead was then doubled after quick thinking from Paul Harvey allowed Mike Leigh to strike at goal, and his effort was bundled in at the post by the predatory instincts of Rob Porter.

At this point, Kings reminded their opponents that they were playing, and up for the battle. After winning a penalty corner, a sweeping (scything, if you will) tackle by Adrian Webster made contact with nothing but air, and the attackers made no mistake in punishing his sheer lack of discipline. Kings were looking better as a side as the confidence flowed through them, and some skilful runners in midfield started creating some promising opportunities. A combination of good saves and good fortune kept the Bs ahead, and on the break they scored a key goal at a key time. Webster atoned for his earlier moment of madness with a great pass into the D which was turned home expertly by Kevin Wrake. The sides went in 1-3.

BBHC were determined to put this game to bed, and began to turn the screw. Rob Porter popped up with his second of the game as he clinically punched the ball into the corner after the keeper could only block Andy Tither's strike into the midfielder's path. Some slick passing between David Humber and Mark Ashby allowed Derren Westbrook to burst into the D and place a slotted finish from his reverse to make it 5.

King's were visibly frustrated that this game had slipped away from them, and sticks started flying. One came in from 10 yards away and caught Webster square on his head (or should that be 'caught Webster on his square head'?), although some say he deserved it. Webster was ok, and on reflection the injury probably didn't warrant the grown man hitting the floor and rolling around like Didier Drogba's younger sister. Back down to business, and young Humber rounded off the win with another good strike from the top of the D. Final score 1-6.

Despite not receiving much of a write-up, the man of the match award was given to Steve Porter (yes, that's Steve, and definitely not Rob!). As one voter eloquently put it, Steve "made some good saves". The mens' 2s entertain in-form Sutton Valence at home next week, in what proves to be a key match early in the title challenge.

[Mike Leigh]

 

3rd XI 2 - 5 Burnt Ash 3rd XI (A)
What can I say? 5-2 tells pretty much all you need to know! However, this was a match pitting the 3rd XIs of 2 local rivals - Burnt Ash against BBHC - and you would have thought this would have been a passionate affair? Sadly, it was not the case.

The aural volume on the pitch from both teams was conspicuous by its absence. And the home side seemed to take things in their stride and went about their work efficiently, whilst BBHC were erratic and low on team spirit.

2 soft goals conceded from short corners in the first half began the rot and not even the constructive and impassioned team talk of Captain Adrian Prong could stem the tide. A lack of structure through the spine of the team, passes continuing to go astray, possession conceded cheaply and a penalty flick conceded and converted 5 minutes into the 2nd half compounded matters.

A 5 minute period of hope ensued thanks to the Ash superiority, and Andy Humber made space and finished superbly from a tight angle, 5 metres to the right of the goal. The game was back on at 3-1....but not for long!

As BBHC tried to press for more goals, the defence were caught on the half way line and the home side's U16 striker was left unmarked. He received a long pass from his defence and evaded Prong and Lee Humber as they tried to rush back and make amends. And from the top of the D all too easily scored with a straight strike.

BBHC short corners and shots were too often struck straight at the young Ash keeper, who expertly beat them away. After his side went 5-1 up with another soft short corner goal, he then made a fine save from Allan Sains' set piece drag flick high to the left of the goal. Sains managed to convert one with 3 minutes to go, but it was far too late by then.

Performances like this rarely went punished down in Kent Open Premier B. However, the bar has been raised with promotion to Premier A and the BBHC Men's 3's still need to step up their game.

[Andrei Mendis]

 

5th XI 2 - 5 Holcombe 6th XI (A)
Following Holcombe's agreement to supply both umpires for this home match, a full side took the field in the hope of gaining the first win of the season. It was not long before the visitors realised that this was not going to be easy as they were under pressure from the start and having survived early pressure, when one of their first attacks broke down, a goal was conceded when the defence found themseleves outnumbered by the young attackers. The visitors brought the scores level when a well struck free hit by Sammy Chana was neatly deflected into the net by Gareth Jones.

This spurred Holcombe to greater efforts and they soon demonstrated that they had mastered the art of taking penalty cornersby taking the lead through an almost unstoppable flick into the roof of the goal. They then stretched their lead further when another swift break from defence lead to the right wing cross being deflected past the advancing 'keeper.

After half time break, the visitors managed to keep the Holcombe attack at bay and the game flowed between the 25 yard lines with neither side managing to change the score line until late in the half when BBHC (politely) questioned an umpiring decision. Holcombe took advantage of the disarray in the defence and although James Breaker, in goal, managed to save the initial shot the follow-up flick gave him no chance. Further misfortune fell on BBHC when a crisp cross struck inside the 'D' was deflected passed the goalkeeper by one of his defenders - guilty party will remain nameless.

Despite these setbacks, futher attacks were made on the Holcombe goal, one of which resulted in the award of a penalty corner. The original shot was padded away by the 'keeper, but only as far as Gareth Jones whose flick was also saved. Fortunately Martin Hickman was at hand to complete the effort, scoring from short range.

[Steve Webster]

 

Vets 1 - 1 Addiscombe (H)
This week we hosted Addiscombe, a team strengthened from when we played them at last week's tournament by the addition of the man-mountain they call Whiskey. Frank was particularly apprehensive about this game because it was this self-same man-mountain that put him (Frank) out of action for 6 weeks last season (a rising ball to the thumb), and so he (Frank) was pleased to have come off the pitch only having been scythed to the ground by his (Frank's) man-mountain nemesis on this occasion. Apart form this one incident, it was a good-natured and sporting game, which finished 1 - 1. Frank will be walking again by Monday I expect.

As such it was a good game, although the pitch was its usual unpredictable self, and several players are today nursing bruises and cuts as a result of balls flying up off the ground at spectacularly random angles. I am sorry to say that visiting teams now know us 'the team with THAT pitch', which is not how we would choose to be identified.

Principal features of the game:

Alan lasted less than a minute before pulling a calf muscle. This was a considerable dent to the captain's game plan (we had one this week). Fortunately Alan is a welcome new player for us because he makes valuable contributions in the bar as well as on the pitch, so his injury was not totally terminal to a good day out, but it did signal a 69 minute sojourn on the side-line for Alan. Other players might have just gone home, but not Alan. He is happy to wait the best part of two hours if he thinks a plentiful supply of beer is to be had at the end of it. This is exactly the sort of attitude we like to foster in the vets.

We went one down after Addiscombe were quickest to react to a ball that on any other day would have gone over the goal line. Graeme pulled off great saves, but was unfortunate on this one.

Peter got into good positions but failed to convert a chance when it was easier to score (I have often rightly penned in these missives that it takes 11 men to score a goal, but equally, it takes only 1 player to miss one, or to let one in).

Peter got a green card (unforgivable) from Francis (unforgiving) for questioning a cast-iron decision (perversely Peter was assiduously questioning the award of a short corner in our favour). There followed a curious series of events. In a fit of what can only be described as pique (Peter would describe it as sportsmanship, but no one else would agree with him), Peter smacked the ensuing short corner straight off the pitch. Addiscombe made a complete hash of the put-in, the ball ran straight to your correspondent who ran with it for 15 yards, and in the surprising absence of any challenge, entered the D and smacked it into the goal. Some people (usually those whose work is confined to efforts outside of the D) have said that it takes 11 men to score a goal, but this is b***ocks. Today's goal was a magnificent individual effort, scored without reference to anyone else in the team.

It was a game in which at one point it looked as if we might lose, and then it looked as if we might win. As such the captain for the day had to make difficult decisions about substitutions, because it was a game that could have gone either way, and a change of personnel may have upset a tenuous balance. In the end one player was under-used, and in the ensuing conversation after the game, full and frank discussions were had, and not everyone came out of the situation well. Apologies were offered and received, but for a while it looked as if the captain might have difficulty dislodging his own stick from a robust insertion into a delicate orifice. Ah, the joys of captaincy. No wonder people clamour to do it.

And so to Morrises and Dorises. In a never-before seen pattern of selection, no Morrises were awarded, but there were four Dorises, almost all of them to Peter Richmond, who was to be found sitting on his stool in a decidedly precarious fashion ten minutes after the ceremony. The first went to Alan for failing to give a meaningful contribution to the game, in spite of being the only player to be seen doing anything like a conscientious warm-up and stretch before the game. Perhaps there is a message here from which we might all learn. The second went to Peter, for missing that goal, when it seemed certain he would score (after all, he usually does). The third went to Peter, for receiving a green card, and the fourth went to Peter, for behaviour unbecoming a short-corner taker. Somehow (perhaps suddenly emboldened by an alcohol rush) Peter was able to persuade the gathered brethren that since we in fact scored as a result of his reckless action the award should go to the goal scorer. My plea that the award should therefore be transmuted into a Morris award was greeted with universal disdain and derision, and this tells you everything you need to know about the camaraderie and collegiate ethos embraced by the vets. One thing though - at 6.15 when your correspondent had to leave (some 2 and a half hours after the game had finished), there were 10 BBHC players still at the bar, some more coherent than others. For all I know, some may be there still. It's more of a community than a team. Common values you see (all for one, and up yours to all!)

There was a fifth award, but the recipient had been required to leave before its receipt. It went to Simon Brown, who foolishly let slip that last Thursday he had inadvertently become 50 years old, making him eligible for vintage hockey. 50 is such a big number.

Thanks are due to Francis for umpiring, Frank and Martin for going to get the noodles, and to Frank, Roy and Clayton for washing up afterwards. Good clubmen all.

So the season so far. Played 4. Won 1. Drawn 1. Lost 1. Abandoned 1. Goals for 16. Goals against 9. hmmm.

Next week we are away to Purley, in what is generally agreed to be one of the more enjoyable but challenging away trips of the year. I am not available, and Jagi is still sunning himself somewhere hot, and so Francis is captaining the side (thus guaranteeing success). If you have not yet confirmed availability, please do so to Francis.

[Mark Betteney / Peter Richmond]

 

Ladies' Reports

1st XI 2 - 3 Gillingham Anchorians (A)
BBHC travelled to Gillingham Anchorians this week. From experiences in previous seasons and with Anchorians current position at the top of our league, we knew we were due a tough game here, and it fell nothing short of that.

Having lost a number of players from the squad this week, BBHC welcomed back 3 1st XI players from seasons past and, following some pre match preparations and explanations of the new system of play, we lined up for potentially our hardest game of the season yet.

From the off, it was a fairly evenly matched game. Good open play moves from both sides and chances at either end. Anchorians were the first to convert and took the lead after 15 minutes. BBHC kept their heads and played on, refusing to be bullied into a defeat by the opposition.

After numerous failed short corners last week, BBHC were determined to make them work against Gillingham and the next ten minutes saw two short corners and two BBHC goals, Sam and Karen Hall finding form on this occasion with one goal each.

Having learnt our lesson from Hertford, BBHC knew they could not afford to step down a gear as they headed into the second half in the lead. BBHC tried desperately to stay disciplined but a disallowed goal and 2 green cards left us feeling harshly treated. The riled opposition Anchorians got the better of us scoring twice before the final whistle.

A very disappointing result after another good performance. Final score Gillingham Anchorians 3 BBHC 2.

Player of the Match Jeanette Grabham.

[Zoe Hubbard]

Colts' Reports

U14 Boys 2 - 7 Old WIlliamsonians (A)
BBHC's U14 Boys team had a tough time today at Old Williamsonians. Missing a number of players, they had to field 3 U14 Girls to make up the 11 players in the match squad. The inexperienced side went 2-0 down very quickly but then suddenly rallied and Hannah Johnson and Ellie Kember-Hollands asserted themselves to help create some BBHC pressure. Patrice Kay, in particular, grew with the game, adjusting his play and putting in some firm tackles and distributing the ball well. However, a 3rd goal was conceded before half time thanks to some skilful hockey by the home side.

The B's came out in the second half with enthusiasm and Rohan Chana's top-D strike was saved by the keeper. The Old Will's defence was carved open by Michael Edwards, Johnson and Chana, but Jaymes Hollyhock suffered from some nerves and failed to convert 2 gilt-edged chances.

Two more goals were conceded before Johnson made yet another mazy run from the halfway line, showing the boys how to do it. Her route took her into the D and she learnt from earlier missed chances to slip the ball comfortably passed the keeper. 2 more goals for the home side were eventually answered by Hollyhock in the closing minutes. Johnson, again, scared the home defence with her confident running in possession. She slipped the ball to Edwards whose shot was parried to Hollyhock who made no mistake this time.

A 7-2 loss to a more experienced team is nothing to be unhappy about. BBHC can console themselves with the fact that they were able to create chances and just need to brush up on their tackling and passing.

Man-of-the match: Patrice Kay. Special mention to Jamie Clarke, making his debut, who suffered a couple of knocks but soon shook them off and was determined to keep playing!

[Andrei Mendis]

 

U16 Boys 0 - 11 Sutton Valence (A)
Visiting Sutton Valances colt section is never an easy affair and with several key players it was always going to be tough.

From the start the visiting BBHC team were put under pressure as S.V moved the ball around expertly probing the BBHC defence. Despite some resolute defending throughout the team S.V went in at half time 4 – 0.

The second half started badly with S.V scoring within 10 seconds of the restart but things went to bad to worse when Gareth Jones, (who had been playing almost every position on the pitch simultaneously!) took a stick to the chin requiring a trip to the local A&E. Down to 10 men , S.V kindly lent a player to keep the teams equal but this did not stop S.V to continue to fire goals home.

The last 10 minutes showed some improvement though and BBHC finally managed to string some passes together but were still unable to test the bored S.V keeper. Final score 11 – 0. Notable performances came from James Isteed in goal, who made some superb saves. Some tireless defending from Gareth Jones and Sukh Chager also.

A result that the Under 16s can learn much from both as a team and individual performances.

[Alex Webster]

 

 

Saturday 27th October 2007

Men's Results
1st XI 1 - 7 Eastcote 1st XI (A)
(Pyke [PS])
2nd XI 3 - 2 Tunbridge Wells 2nd XI (H)
(Ashby 2 [PC, PS], D Humber [FG])
3rd XI 3 - 0 Holcombe 3B (H)
(Galbraith [FG], A Humber [FG], Sains [FG])
4th XI 4 - 3 HSBC 2nd XI (A)
(Alex? 3, AN Other)
5th XI No Fixture
6th XI 1 - 2 Ashford (A)
(S Chana [FG])

Harrod UK Men's Trophy - 2nd Round (Sunday 28th October):
1st XI 5 - 0 Slough (A)
(K King 2 [PC, FG], Lucas [PC], Pyke 2 [2PS])

Ladies' Results
1st XI 1 - 0 Maidstone (H)
(L Kember-Hollands [FG])
2nd XI 0 - 6 Blackheath (H)
3rd XI 1 - 3 Old Williamsonians (H)

 

Men's Reports

1st XI 1 - 7 Eastcote 1st XI (A)
Severe traffic congestion on the A2 had a massive affect on the outcome of the BBHC Men's 1st team game, as they travelled to Eastcote this weekend. This resulted in them playing the first half with only 9 men. Even so, BBHC held their own for the majority of that period, with stand in goal keeper Kevin King making some good saves. A five minute spell half way through saw BBHC concede 3 quick goals. As the half drew to a close the remaining BBHC players arrived but Eastcote went into the first half break 3-0 the better.

BBHC pressed Eastcote back in the second half and got a goal back when Dave Pyke scored a fine penalty flick. With time running out BBHC committed players forward and were punished by some quick counter attacks from Eastcote who scored 4 more times late on to make the final score 7-1.

BBHC are at home to Winchester next week.

[Peter Stanley]

 

Harrod UK Men's Trophy - 2nd Round (Sunday 28th October): 1st XI vs Slough 1st XI (H)
BBHC Men's 1st team entertained Slough in the second round of the Harrod UK Men's Trophy this Sunday.

BBHC played some excellent hockey and took an early lead when Kevin King deflected the ball in from a well worked short corner. Dave Pyke made it two shortly after with a penalty flick and Dan Lucas made it three half way through the half with a great flick from a short corner. Dave Pyke rounded of a great first half team performance from BBHC with his second penalty flick of the game.

Slough made it harder for BBHC in the second half and it wasn't until the last few minutes of the game, with Kevin King making a diving strike to get his second, that BBHC sealed the game with their fifth goal.

BBHC progress to the 3rd round worthy 5-0 winners.

[Peter Stanley]

 

2nd XI 3 - 2 Tunbridge Wells 2nd XI (H)
Top of the table BBHC started this game in a confident mood and began dictating in midfield and create plenty of chances from the off. It was only a matter of time before the home side took the lead, and this was provided by David Humber who placed a reverse strike neatly into the far corner from the edge of the D. The Bs were soon 2-0 in front as Mark Ashby hit a venomous shot from a penalty corner that flew through the keeper, and smashing into the top of the backboard. Some slack defending gifted Wells the opportunity to get back into the game, and the sides went in with just the one goal between them.

BBHC were given a stern dressing down in the half time talk as plenty of chances and final-third possession had failed to materialise into a comfortable margin. So once again, the Bs threw men forward and peppered Wells' D. However, it was to be a similar story to that of the first half as Wells broke and won a penalty corner. The attempted flick was sailing high and wide, but was guided into his own goal by skipper Paul Harvey.

Another test of character for the 2s, and they stuck to their task. Wave after wave of attack, the only thing that could stop the home side winning this match was the clock. With 5 minutes left, the Bs won a penalty corner, and a goal-bound effort was stopped on the line by the body of a defender. Ashby stepped forward to despatch the stroke, 3-2.

This result keeps the 2nd team at the top of the table, still unbeaten. The man-of-the-match vote this week went to Mark Ashby.

[Mike Leigh]

 

3rd XI 3 - 0 Holcombe 3B (H)
After visiting Cliftonville last week and coming away with a well deserved point, a good result was on the cards for today with the visiting Holcombe side struggling so far this season.

BBHC dominated from the start and put the Holcombe side under some serious pressure with a repeatedly well worked press. BBHC where hungry to take advantage of this but none more so than Allan "Chuckie" Sains (who scored in every competitive game last season!) looking to open this season's account. The tenacious Steve Neville won possession in midfield and made tracks for left hand side of the D. He passed back to Andrei Mendis who switched play across the pitch to Mark "Bambi" Pellat cutting in from the right. Sains soon got possesion in the D where he unleashed a drag flick, which was saved by the keeper. However Chuckie siezed the rebound and roofed the ball just passed the keepers head leaving his gloves flapping around, swatting the clear air.

A good start so far and, with some forceful tackling, BBHC maintained the pressure. Five minutes before half time, Andy "Goals" Galbraith popped up and scored with a trademark deflection, squeezing the ball under the diving keeper. Good to see him back to his best after a two year absence!

The second half never really got going, with a scrappy game played in the midfield. The opposition finally managed to get a shot on target after finally breaking through the (until then) impenetrable defence. But they only succeeded in hitting the post of a bored Jim Jackson in goal! BBHC, sensing the game was all but over as a competition, never got out of 2nd gear and began to run with the ball instead of moving it about, to the frustration of the forwards. Midway through the half, Andy Humber scored from 10 feet out giving us a comfortable 3-0 over struggling Holcombe.

A solid and largely well-worked team performance puts BBHC in high spirits for next week's derby match, versus Burnt Ash.

[Matt Thurlow]

 

Veterans'XI
Your correspondent is not normally given to producing match reports after tournaments because too many things occur, but an exception has to be made on this occasion. Eleven good men and true travelled to the Kenley tournament this weekend. The weather was kind, the beer was plentiful, and the opposition was impressive. The big guns were all there (Wallington, NPL and Purley) as were Addiscombe and Kenley (tricky sides). I will not go into details, except to say that (to our great and pleasant surprise) we beat all of them except Purley (against whom we drew our last game after being 2 - 0 up). Purley beat everyone except draws against us and Wallington, and so the trophy was ours. Knowing that a draw was enough in our last game, the whooping and silliness on the final whistle would have become men half our age. I was actually pig sick about winning because during the 2 years of the previous captaincy we failed to win anything (except the Wildebeest cup of course, which counts, quite substantially). Francis captains the side for one bloody weekend in the absence of Jagi and a trophy is in the cabinet. It's not right. During the course of the day we scored ten goals (through 6 players but modesty prevents me from listing them) and let in three. That would win any tournament.

I say we were surprised because at the start of the day if you had said we would win it no one would have believed you (because we are sensible people, not given to accomodating the fanciful ideas of psychics or prophets, who, if they do possess such gifts, should employ them in the stock markets, not the trivial sporting pursuits of old blokes, but I digress). However, throughout the day we looked like a team who had a game plan (don't ask me to be specific about what the game plan was, but we did seem to have one). It must be said we are substantially enhanced this year by the addition of Michael and Alan (both risen from the ashes of the Phoenix Burnt Ash), and by Martin and Dave (both promoted from lower BBHC XIs), but we ran everyone ragged (including several of our own side). The day was enlivened by the usual assault and battery from Wallington, who also honoured themselves by claiming for goals that clearly had not been touched in the D, but apart from negotiating them, the day was pleasant from beginning to end.

And so to Morrises and Dorises, of which there were four. A Morris each went to Michael (surprising this, since he spent most of the day prostrate in those white boots, writhing around fruitlessly soliciting sympathy and punching the ground in agony after hitting himself on the knee with his own stick - I kid you not), Ian (surprising this after being the only one of our team to square up to a Wallington player, the two of them buffeting each other with their manly chests, strutting and charging at each other like over-ripe peacocks) and Clayton (unsurprising this because he went in goal - a position he does not relish - and pulled off some first-class saves - a genuine Morris at last). The Doris went to Francis for a 16yard free hit which went off the pitch without assistance from anyone else, but perversely leaving the field of play less then sixteen yards from the goal line. Scientifically this is not possible I know, but this is Francis we are talking about here. How Dorises did not go to Alan (for taking a short corner that propelled the ball such a short distance one defender fell over trying to change direction) or to Arthur (replacing Alan as short corner taker and having to take a run up to push the ball out, which may not even be legal) or to Frank (for finding a lost ball when we were trying to play out time against Wallington) I do not know. Everyone else (Dave, Roy, Martin, your correspondent) played faultlessly all day.

Next week we are at home to Addiscombe. It is a 2.15 start. In the absence of Jagi, I am putting the side together (Francis is resting from the captaincy, having peaked). If you have not confirmed availablity, please do so.

[Mark Betteney]

 

Ladies' Reports

1st XI 1 - 0 Maidstone 2 (H)
Due to the seemingly odd league set-up, this Saturday saw BBHC welcome Maidstone to Erith School. Having been only 5 weeks since our last meeting, the memories of losing 1-0 to them in the dying minutes of our first league game were still fresh - not a scoreline BBHC would let be repeated.

Frustrated by last week's performance, BBHC had found time for a mid week friendly vs Gravesend. The victory had raised confidence and given us a chance to work on our positioning. B's started well and dominated the first half. Despite great pressure and numerous short corners, we were unable to break the deadlock and headed into half time 0-0.

The 2nd half saw as good a performance as the first and we were finally rewarded with a goal. A Julie Somers-Bayley free hit found Leah Kember-Hollands waiting to finish the move, much to the relief of the team. The remainder of the game saw some excellent open play moves from BBHC and fantastic individual efforts from Sarah Harvey. However, a number of missed opportunities in the D (you know who you are!) meant BBHC could not improve on their lead.

Another solid, albeit slightly frustrating performance, another 3 points and another step up the table. Let's just hope we can keep it up. With key players being absent from the team in the coming weeks, and playing away to top of the league Gillingham Anchorians this Saturday, the pressure is on. Final score BBHC 1 Maidstone 0.

Player of the Match: Sarah Harvey.

[Zoe Hubbard]

 

Saturday 20th October 2007

Men's Results
1st XI 4 - 3 City Of Portsmouth 1st XI (A)
(Labourt 2 [FG, PC], Lucas [FG], Perfitt [FG])
2nd XI 7 - 1 Folkestone 3rd XI (H)
(Ashby [FG], J Henderson [FG], D Humber [FG], Leigh [PC], R Porter [FG], Westbrook [FG],
Wrake [FG])
3rd XI 2 - 2 Cliftonville 1st XI (A)
(Tither 2 [2FG])
4th XI 4 - 1 Holcombe 4A (H)
5th XI 1 - 6 Tunbridge Wells (A)
(Saunders [FG])
6th XI 3 - 0 Gillingham Anchorians (H)

Ladies' Results
1st XI 2 - 2 Hertford 1st XI (A)
2nd XI No Fixture
3rd XI No Fixture

 

Men's Reports

1st XI 4 - 3 City Of Portsmouth (A)
BBHC Men's first team travelled to Portsmouth where they played a young and lively City of Portsmouth team. After an even start to the game, City of Portsmouth took the lead as they scored twice through some sloppy BBHC defending. As the half time approached BBHC struck back with goals from Dan Lucas and Andres Labourt. After a severe half time talk, BBHC came out stronger in the second half and took the lead early on when Andres Labourt scored his second from a well worked short corner. BBHC looked strong from then on and had several chances to extend the lead. With 10 minutes left, BBHC conceded a controversial short corner, which was cleanly finished by City of Portsmouth to bring the scores level at 3-3. BBHC pushed forward to get the win and with just a few minutes to go were rewarded when Jamie Perfitt got on the end of a well worked move to secure the points for BBHC as they won 4-3. Next week, BBHC travel to Eastcote.

[Peter Stanley]

 

2nd XI 7 - 1 Folkestone 3rd XI (H)
BBHC retained top spot with a confident display at home to Folkestone. The home side should have taken the lead within the first minute asDerren Westbrook rounded the onrushing keeper but failed to put the ball into the empty goal. It wasn't long before BBHC's pressure told as Rob Porter tapped the ball home after some great passing in the final third. Two further goals were added by Kevin Wrake and Jimmy Henderson but the visitors soon pulled one back - a broken down penalty corner was returned to the attacker at the top of the D who lashed an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net. The Bs went in 3-1 up.

Westbrook put the game out of reach with a burst into the D and a low shot into the corner. Mark Ashby added the 5th after being given too much time in the D, and he duly put a large dent in the backboard. Mike Leigh popped up with a deft finish from a penalty corner, and David Humber completed the rout after beating his man and firing into the corner from the edge of the area.

7 goals from 7 different players reflected a real team performance. I have been asked to start naming the nominated man-of-the-match each week, and embarrassingly enough, this week it was me! I was great though....! Next week we entertain Tunbridge Wells at Fortress Erith.

[Michael Leigh]

 

3rd XI 2 - 2 Cliftonville 1st XI (A)
A trip to Ramsgate is not many people's first choice of destination for an October half term weekend. However, BBHC's Men's 3rd XI made the 10am trip to the seaside with the sun beaming down and the tide of the nation's Rugby World Cup optimism carrying them Eastwards. In the absence of present encumbent, Jim Jackson, young goalkeeper James Isteed made his 3rd XI debut. The B's were also missing 3 other regulars so a tough tie against a tricky Cliftonville was on the cards.

Facing a home side fielding some promising U16s, the visitors looked to boss the game in midfield but intially failed to make headway in Cliftonville territory due to some possession being surrendered easily. A frustrating half was on the cards until Andy Tither seized the chance to make his usual impact with his shark-like instincts - skating past challenges with a searing run with the ball down the right wing and a smart finish.

The joy was short-lived. Just as BBHC's hockey started showing promise, one of their forwards chose to argue an umpiring decision a little too much and a green card was upgraded to a yellow and time in the sin-bin. Down to 10 men, the B's lost momentum and the visitors seemed to be all at sea thanks to 2 great Cliftonville goals.

Firstly, a well-worked move isolated the BBHC defence and the junior home striker finished well. Four minutes later, Cliftonville's young ginger midfielder fashioned a shooting chance and clipped a raised shot over defending sticks. Isteed had this covered but the scorer of the equaliser had made a timely run and deflected the ball, mid-flight, high over keeper's shoulder and into the top corner of the net. BBHC were stunned.

Half-time words took a little time to take effect but parity was only retored once BBHC were back to 11 men. This came after sustained pressure on the Cliftonville goal and Tither was on hand again to score, this time hitting a shot over the keeper. The visitors kept up the good work and nearly took the spoils when Andrei Mendis pounced during a goal-mouth scramble, hitting a firm shot destined to sneak inside the left post. HIs strike beat the flailing keeper and was raising his fist to celebrate as the Cliftonville's flame-haired midfielder arrived in time to clear off the line!

There was to be another twist. With the hosts resorting to the counter-attack, the BBHC defence played like the England Football team's for a nervous few minutes before the end. New boy Sal Mohammed conceded a penalty stroke but the home striker failed to get his treble as he chose to take a hat-trick of steps, instead of the 1 allowed.

The score remained 2-2 and the B's can be satisfied that they showed real improvement in defence during one of their longest trips away from home. Guru of the week was Andy Tither. Scorchio.

[Andrei Mendis]

 

5th XI 1 - 6 Tunbridge Wells (A)
Turning up with only 9 players isn’t a great way to prepare for a Saturday morning fixture on the water-based pitch at Tonbridge School, a base for one of the teams in 2012. However, the home umpire agreed to whistle on his own, (many thanks), and Bill (Jonathan Rookes’ son) gamely picked up a stick. So we took to the pitch with the nine, with the agreement of the home side that if it clearly wasn’t competitive at half time, we’d concede the match and play a second half with more even sides.

The visitors started the first half, and it all looked well until TW gained possession, drove in to the D and scored. 1 minute gone, 1-0.

Soon after the restart, TW regained possession and made ground into the D: 2 minutes, 2-0.

Now it may appear that there’s a pattern forming here, but not to be outdone, the visitors finally managed to make it into the opposition’s half at the third time of asking and began to find their feet and worked hard to fill the spaces only nine men inevitably leave and began to frustrate their hosts.

With about 15 minutes of the game gone, another TW attack was repelled and Martin Mason realised there was space to the halfway line, and with most players in defence, there was a chance of a breakaway. Outrunning one chasing attacker and going round the token midfielder who’d not joined the TW attack, as he crossed the opposition 25 yard (23 metre!) line he slipped the ball into the D towards Jamie Saunders who struck the ball firmly into the goal under the advancing keeper. Game on!

By halftime, however, TW, who were becoming increasingly frustrated, had scored a third. Realising that if they used their numerical advantage they could easily pass their way around the defence, they soon added two more. BBHC, despite being at a distinct height disadvantage with a forward line of Gareth Jones, Rookes Jr, and Saunders, continued to annoy the home defence, and several short corners were won, but without the desired outcome. TW scored their 6th goal as the clock ran down, and BBHC came away with their heads held high.

[Martin Mason]

 

Ladies' Reports

1st XI 2 - 2 Hertford 1st XI (A)
Still on a high from last week's victory, BBHC's Ladies' 1st XI took the journey round the M25 to Hertford feeling optimistic about continuing our climb, albeit slowly, up the table. B's were on top from the start, settling quickly into the game and showing the discipline and positioning that had worked so well for us previously. Having dominated the first half, we were unable to find the finishing touch despite numerous chances.

Our breakthrough came 5 minutes from half time when a short corner found Julie Somers-Bayley in the D. Showing great strength, she battled through the defenders and got the ball across the line! B's headed into half time 1-0 up, and deservedly so.

Keen to continue our 1st half performance, we were raring to go from the whistle. Our efforts were quickly rewarded ten minutes in as Georgina Smith skilfully used her reverse stick to find Karen Hall in the D. Hall took advantage of the GK's static positioning and passed across the goal for Zoë Hubbard to slot sweetly into the corner.

2-0 up and dominating the game, who'd have thought it?! Perhaps at this point it was the shock of being in such a position for the first time this season? Or perhaps complacency set in and we thought we could afford to sit back?

Whatever it was that caused us to step down a gear, we were duly punished. Over the next 15 minutes the B's watched with horror as Hertford scored twice, the first from a short corner and the 2nd from a superb strike from the right.

The final 10 minutes saw both sides battling for the much needed 3 points. Despite BBHC showing signs of regaining the control they had demonstrated earlier, it was too little, too late. Having let victory slip away, BBHC left Hertford having learnt a valuable lesson, yet still retaining the confidence that we are more than capable of doing well. However, we must stay disciplined. Final score Hertford 2 BBHC 2.

Player of the Match: Sally Wallace.

 

Saturday 13th October 2007

Men's Results
1st XI 3 - 5 West Hampstead (H)
(Labourt 2 [2FG], Lucas [FG])
2nd XI 1 - 1 Holcombe 3A (A)
(Baldwin [FG])
3rd XI 5 - 5 Sevenoaks Shadows (H)
(Galbraith [FG], A Humber [PC], A Prong [FG], Tither [FG], White [FG])
4th XI 2 - 4 New Becehamians 2nd XI (A)
(Agyei [FG], Alex Webster [FG])
5th XI 3 - 3 Canterbury Griffins (A)
(Ravi Chana [FG], Jayasuriya [PS], Saunders [FG})
6th XI 2 - 9 Old Bordenians 6th XI (A)
Veterans 1 - 2 Old Masonians (A)

Ladies' Results
1st XI 2 - 1 Harpenden 1st XI (H)
(?, Hubbard [FG])
2nd XI 2 - 4 Old Williamsonians 1st XI (A)
(Augustin [FG], Young [FG])
3rd XI 1 - 1 Ashford 2nd XI (A)
(H Prong [FG])

 

Men's Reports

1st XI 3 - 5 West Hampstead (H)
BBHC's Men's first team entertained top of the table West Hampstead last Saturday. BBHC had a poor first half and always seemed to be second to the ball. West Hampstead punished BBHC and ran to a quick 4-0 lead. BBHC got a life line when Andres Labourt scored from the top of the area just before half time. This raised BBHC's and they fought back magnificently putting West Hampstead under real pressure. Two goals in quick succession from Andres Labourt and Dan Lucas saw the home team pull the score back to 3-4 and during this spell of pressure had a great chance to pull the scores level but for a great save by the West Hampstead keeper. Late on both teams were reduced to 10 men and as legs tired a clumsy challenge by BBHC gave away a penalty flick, which West Hampstead converted to end the game winning 3-5. Next week BBHC are away at City of Portsmouth.

[Pete Stanley]

 

2nd XI 1 - 1 Holcombe 3A (A)
BBHC returned to Holcombe with memories of a shambolic performance the previous season, and were keen to put those memories to rest.

However, despite being well prepared, the Bs failed to take control of the first half and fell behind to a good piece of individual skill. The Holcombe forward picked up the ball in the 25 and beat his men before flicking the ball into the far corner from his reverse.

The visitors were fortunate to go in at half time only the one goal down as the team surrendered possession too easily, and weren't really up for the battle.

The second half saw a completely different attitude from the visitors and they began to look more like the team who pushed so hard for promotion last year. The equaliser came from Baldwin who once again pounced onto a loose ball in the D to continue his rich vein of scoring.

The visitors should have stolen all 3 points after creating several clear cut opportunities only for them to fall to Westbrook....!

Another point on the board, and the Bs will take the momentum of the second half performance into the next fixture at home to Folkestone.

[Michael Leigh]

 

3rd XI 5 - 5 Sevenoaks Shadows (H)
Unlike their last match, BBHC Men's 3rd XI showed the teamwork they sorely missed in last week's non-event of a performance. Unfortunately, defensive errors saw them throw away 2 points at home against the veteran Sevenoaks Shadows, who hit the B's on the break as the game ended.

The more experienced visitors took the lead after the initial exchanges but one of the B's own old heads, Andy Humber, pulled one back as his short corner strike was deflected high into the goal by a defender. Some flowing hockey fro