Match Reports & Results

 

Saturday 13th December 2008

Men's Results

1st XI 6 - 3 Marden Russets 1st XI (H)
(Baldwin [FG], King 2 [2PC], Labourt 2 [2FG], Lucas [FG])
2nd XI vs Lewes 3rd XI (A) - postponed, waterlogged pitch
3rd XI 2 - 0 Maidstone 3rd XI (H)
(A Humber [PC], G Jones [FG])
4th XI 0 - 7 Ashford 4th XI (A)
5th XI 2 - 2 Wellcome Unicorns (A) [F]
6th XI No Fixture
Veterans vs NPL Bulldogs (H) - cancelled

1st XI 3 - 2 Sevenoaks 1st XI (H) - Kent Cup (1st Round - Sun 14th Dec)
(D Humber [FG], Labourt 2 [2FG])

 

Ladies' Results

1st XI No Fixture
2nd XI No Fixture
3rd XI No Fixture

 

Colts' Results

U14 Boys 1 - 7 Sevenoaks (H)
(T Chana [PC])
U18 Boys 0 - 14 Holcombe (H)

 

Men's Reports

1st XI 6 - 3 Marden Russets 1st XI (H)
BBHC 1st XI welcomed Marden Russets to Erith School on a cold and very wet Saturday afternoon. Russets were 2 points ahead of BBHC with a game in hand prior to the match, so this was a must-win for BBHC to keep pace with the top teams and maintain their title hopes.

The game started off at a frantic pace with both teams moving the ball around well. BBHC took the lead after some good play saw Dan "1 yard wonder" Lucas convert into the roof of the net, courtesy of a defender's stick. This lead was short lived though, when BBHC conceded a short corner and well converted by M.R with a strike to the bottom left corner. The game continued with frantic end-to-end play.

BBHC restored the lead after a short corner broke down and, in the resulting scramble, the ball was swept home by James Baldwin. The entertaining hockey continued, with both teams creating chances. M.R caught the BBHC defence out on the break and a clumsy tackle by last man Alex Webster resulted in a short corner and harsh (?) yelow card. In the resultant confusion Andres Labourt was also awarded a harsh (?) yellow card. M.R converted the short corner.

With BBHC two players down, M.R were able to seize control of the game (and despite the return of those unfortunately-carded players!) and take the lead after a poorly struck reverse shot crept passed the unsighted Lee Cook in goal. BBHC went into half time 3-2 down but still confident that a win was still possible.

The second half saw BBHC come out fighting, challenging for every ball and closing M.R down quickly when they had possession. Short corners came a-plenty for BBHC and, after several attempts, the persistence paid off with Kevin King converting. The game was now stretched with the ball moving from end to end. BBHC deservedly took the lead through Andres Labourt. M.R pushed men forward in an attemt to grab a point, but left themselves exposed at the back to concede another two goals, one more each for Labourt and King.

A well deserved victory, proving BBHC have the necessary skill and determinaton to push for promotion.

M.O.M - James Baldwin
D.O.D - Lee Cook

[Alex Webster]

 

1st XI 3 - 2 Sevenoaks 1st XI (H) - Kent Cup (1st Round - Sun 14th Dec)
In their final game before the Christmas break, BBHC Men’s 1st XI entertained Sevenoaks of the National League South for safe passage in to the 2nd round of the Kent Cup.

Buoyed by the home support at Erith School, it was the Kent/Sussex Div 1 team who started brightly; Andres Labourt forcing a smart save from the Sevenoaks 'keeper. Wary of the threat posed by Sevenoaks at short corners, BBHC restricted the opposition to one opportunity which was expertly dealt with by stalwart Ravi Chana clearing the shot from the line. BBHC had to dig deep to match the opposition’s ball pace - they were moving it around in the style accustommed to their National League status.

However, it was the home team who took advantage of a lapse in the Sevenoaks defence, when David Humber was allowed space and time to hit a cross-cum-shot which was tapped home by Andres Labourt from close range.

Fearing a backlash from the visitors, BBHC knew Sevenoaks would pour more pressure on their defence. Sevenoak’s pressure was rewarded with an equaliser 10 minutes into the 2nd half. Some feared this would be the turning point in the game and BBHC’s resistance would weaken. Had it not been for the heroics of home 'keeper Lee Cook, who stood up to the onslaught of Sevenoaks short corner routines, the visiting team would have taken the lead. It was, however, BBHC who regained the lead - a fast break from forward David Humber fed the ball to Dan Lucas who laid the ball back to Humber past the stranded keeper for an easy tap in.

Sensing the finish line was in sight, BB were rewarded for their stout defending when Humber was released to feed Labourt who coolly side-stepped the advancing keeper and finished with aplomb.

3-1 up BBHC knew their work for the afternoon was not over, as Sevenoaks overloaded the home defence. Solid performances from Messers Pyke, Bradley, Chana, Horsman and King ensured that Sevenoaks only got one goal back, and at the final whistle a historic 3-2 win to BBHC was enough to send them through to Round 2 of the Kent Cup.

Squad:

S Porter, L Cook, D Pyke, R Chana, B Bradley, A Horsman, K King (Capt), S Ashenden, J Baldwin, P Stanley, R Porter, A Labourt, D Lucas, J Perfitt, D Humber.

[Dan Lucas]

 

2nd XI P - P Lewes 2nd XI (A)
Upon travelling all the way down to Lewes, the 2nd XI found the pitch to be under 1 inch of water. The game was postponed and is to be replayed.

 

3rd XI 2 - 0 Maidstone (H)
2nd-from-bottom BBHC Men's 3rd XI hoped to round off the 1st half of the season more optimisitcally but faced stiff opposition in Maidstone HC's 3rd XI, who were in 2nd position in Kent Open Premier B.

Since the visitors didn't turn up with a change strip, BBHC faced a team in fluorescent yellow bibs and seemed to be a little intimidated since Maidstone spent 10 minutes in their hosts' half without response. However, the B's weathered the storm thanks to a surprisingly effective tactical organisation of the team this week by captain David Corker. Martin Mason in goal was key here with his agility and vocal input complementing the hard work of his defence.

BBHC began to ease the pressure by counter-attacking through Andy Humber and Blake Bartholomew, forcing the visiting defence to drop deeper. This led to some notable goalscoring chances, which were ably saved by their diminuitive goalkeeper.

The breakthrough came 20 minutes in, when BBHC's 2nd short corner was struck low into the right hand corner of the gaol by Humber. Maidstone were still dangerous and continued to press. However, the return of Sukh Chaggar helped the hosts maintain their resolve - his tireless running in midfield gave his forwards and defenders the support they've craved all season. This seemed to allow the defence, in turn, to support the midfield hence the passing and movement this Saturday was far more patient and measured than of late.

A bouyant half-time team talk saw the B's largely hold their nerve in the second half. The press was more effective and possession was won back easily - an encouraging development. Maidstone continued to look for an equaliser and the challnges from both teams started to get a bit more robust as tme ticked away. However, the only card issued was a green to Mason for questioning a short corner decision.

The next goal was key and it went to the hosts. A Maidstone attack on their right wing was thwarted outside the 25 and Chaggar passed to left back Andrei Mendis, who dribbled in field to find space in the centre cricle. An intelligent lateral run by Bartholomew saw him receive the ball in the inside right channel and he advanced on the D with defenders trying to catch him. He was forced wide by a marker and had to delay his cross-shot, but this allowed Gareth Jones time to dart into the D at the back post and clip the ball home. Jubilation! Another goal for Jones from within a metre of the line!

Maidstone's heads went down and, unfortunately, their discipline also slipped. Some challenges were tired and a tad cynical but not dangersous, thankfully. This allowed BBHC to play out the rest of the game in confidence, as the 1st XI watched from the sidelines and the 3rd's claimed 3 vital points. I'm happy to report that 8 of the visitors came back to the clubhouse for a beer afterwards, and any ill feeling was long forgotten by then.

A hardworking performance and well done to all 11 for their effort. Thanks to Alex Webster for umpiring.

[Andrei Mendis]

 

4th XI 0 - 7 Ashford 4th XI (A)
Looking to build on last week's win and reverse this season's away form, we travelled to Ashford and it went something like this. It was cold, wet and windy then we started with 10 and it was cold, wet and windy. They scored. It was cold wet and windy. They scored again. It was still cold wet and windy. We had 11. It was cold wet and windy. We didn't score. Halftime came and it was still cold, wet and windy. The next goal was crucial. They scored and it was cold, wet and windy. They scored again and again and again and once more for good measure. We did have the ball in the back of the net once but had fallen foul of the laws of the game. Jamie managed to injure himself and, in a game that was always going to be difficult, playing with just ten for more than half the game was beyond us.

In fairness our opposition gave us a good beating, scoring some excellent goals on the way (some not so good ones as well mind you!)

MoM: We lost 7 - 0 - can't say anyone stood out particularly.

DoD: Ben Ayre - though there were many candidates. Getting lost, turning up then taking an age to get on the field. A fantastic finish bulging the net, just a shame it was our first shot at a short corner.

[James Smith]

 

 

Saturday 6th December 2008

Men's Results

1st XI 4 - 1 Herne Bay 1st XI (A)
(K King [PC]), Labourt 2 [FG, PC], Lucas [FG])
2nd XI 0 - 2 Maidstone 2nd XI (H)
3rd XI 1 - 1 Tunbridge Wells 3rd XI (A)
(Adrian Webster [PS])
4th XI 4 - 1 Gillingham Anchorians 3rd XI (H)
(Agyei 2 [2FG], A Humber [FG], Saunders [FG])
5th XI 2 - 3 Gillingham Anchorians 4th XI (A)
(A humber [FG], D Humber [FG])
6th XI 1 - 0 Wellcome Unicorns (H))
Veterans vs Wimbledon Baker's dozen (A) - cancelled

 

Ladies' Results

1st XI 2 - 6 Basildon 1st XI (A)
2nd XI 2 - 1 Old Williamsonians 1st XI (A)
3rd XI 2 - 1 Burnt Ash 3rd XI (A)

 

Colts' Results

U12 Girls triangular fixture with Tunbridge Wells and Herne Bay (at T. Wells)

 

Men's Reports

1st XI 4 - 1 Herne Bay 1st XI (A)
BBHC travelled to Herne Bay, knowing it was going to be another tough game with a point to prove after losing to them in the Kent Cup the previous season.

BBHC started very well, keeping the majority of the possession and putting the Herne Bay defence under a lot of pressure. It was not long before BBHC made it 1-0 with some great passing and Dan Lucas was left to pass the ball into an open goal. BB wasted no time and continued to put the pressure on, this was rewarded with a series of short corners. The Herne Bay goal keeper couldn't keep out Andres Labourt's well placed strike, which made it 2-0. Herne Bay never looked a threat and with some great individual skill from Labourt he got himself a second goal, running through the defence and flicking it past the keeper.

BB went into the second half looking by far the better team and had a comfortable lead. They kept up the solid performance but the HB keeper made some great saves from Dave Humber and Labourt to keep it at 3 goals, until after many short corners Kevin King deflected the ball into the goal. One small BB mistake gifted the home side a goal but it didn't dent the BB team's confidence and the score was 4-1 at full time.

BB hope to carry on the good performance into next weekend's games against Marden Russets at home and Sevenoaks at home on Sunday in the Kent Cup.

[Sam Ashenden]

 

2nd XI 0 - 2 Maidstone 2nd XI (H)
A chilly Saturday afternon saw a depleted BBHC 2nd XI host top of the table Maidstone. Missing several personnel for this game (through various reasons; injury; family conmmitments; suspensions) meant there were several players in unfamiliar positions but there was a confidence in everyone's ability and of the ability of the team to keep working for the full 70 minutes.

The game started brightly for BBHC, working the ball around and gaining some early pressure and winning several short corners. However, Maidstone soon began to show why they are top of the table. Moving the ball round well and with some silky skills upfront testing the new look BBHC defence. Despite this spell of pressure, Maidstone were unable to convert the possession into shots on targets. This forced BBHC to revert to the long ball tactic. Good wook by Allan Sains upfront, produced several good attacks but the naturally defensive nature of team made support upfront lacking. Maidstone grabbed the lead after a tame flick from the top of the D was deflected into the roof of the net past keeper Steve Porter by Lee Humber.

BBHC came out from the second half team talk confident that a goal could be snatched and points were a real possibility. However Maidstone dominated from the start, keeping BBHC pinned back in their half for long spells. The occassional long ball eased pressure on the defence but this soon returned. The defence stood strong though until 15 minutes from the end saw the ball deflected into the roof of the net after a free hit outside the D. BBHC cotinued to fight and the last 10 minutes belonged to them winning several short corners after a change in formation. However, the game finished with no consolation goal and Maidstone deservedly taking all three points. However, the strong performances of several personnel leaves questions over the selection next week and BBHC look forward to the trip down to Maidstone in the second half the season.

[Alex Webster]

 

3rd XI 1 - 1 Tunbridge Wells 3rd XI (A)
A 6-pointer mid-way through the season saw both teams now bottom of Kent Open Premier B share the spoils, a result that benefited Tunbridge Wells more than BBHC.

A chilly but bright Saturday morning at Hawkenbury Road saw the home side have the better of the initial play but could not score. BBHC then dominated for the rest of the half and confirmed this with a goal from Adrian Webster. His short corner strike was stopped by a defender's foot on the line, and he dispatched the resultant penalty stroke with ease.

BBHC looked their most threatening during the match in this period, with some promising moves seeing chances such as those from Karan Chana and Andy Tither going wide. Even a shot from the top of the D by Andrei Mendis came to nought as it was saved by a defender on the line at the left post. A second goal would have sealed it, since T. Wells were so impotent until then.

The BBHC side that came out in the 2nd half seemed content to sit on their lead and created little. It was only until a defensive error that any life was injected back into the match and saw the scores draw level. Adrian Prong's blind pass back to Dave King was too square and the TW striker accepted the gift near the halfway line. James Isteed in goal did well to divert him wide but he crossed the ball for another home attacker to turn in.

T. Wells finally awoke and had the better chances until the end, but neither defence was stretched. A 1-1 draw gave both teams valuable points but suited the home team better, since they are still bottom. Many thanks to Dean Wheeler for umpiring. It was great to chat to some of the T. Wells players in the bar afterwards - something that needs to be maintained after all fixtures these days.

[Andrei Mendis]

 

4th XI 4 - 1 Gillingham Anchorians 3rd XI (H)
Off the back of last week's defeat, a win was desperately needed against a team below us in the league (yes, there are some!). Just as last week we started the stronger of the two sides. Unlike last week it was us that made the early breakthrough via an excellent passing move which was finished by Martin Agyei.

Perhaps there was a case of the goal coming too early and giving us a sense of over-confidence, but we withdrew into our shells and started to lose some composure, allowing our opponents to get a foot hold in the game. Indeed it was a misplaced free hit which gave the ball away, only to see the ball end up in the back of our net two passes later. In all fairness to our opponents, they took their chance really well.

At this point, the game was fairly even and clearly in the balance. At times we struggled to deal with the aerial threat emanating from our opposition, giving us a couple of shaky moments. We kept on working hard hoping our game would lift as we went on. Fortunately it was hard work and endeavour added to some unselfish play from Martin Hickman led to a second goal shortly before half time started and finished by James Smith.

We lead at half time, something we have only managed once previously this season, our game improved quickly after half time as our opposition start to chase the game a little. It wasn't long until we scored what was to probably prove the decisive goal in the game. A quickly taken free hit on the halfway line to Agyei saw him turn in his own unique way, slip the ball across the top of the D to Andy Humber who did what he has been doing since, well more years than most can remember, and miss - I mean rattle the back boards.

We continued to create chances in second half, with somehow our left back managing to miss from the top of the D. We defended well throughout the game and our defence should take credit for a good performance, eventually coping well with aerial bombardment. Our final goal was probably the best of the bunch. Good work from the ever improving Jamie Saunders saw him beat two players and feed Humber who in turn squared the ball to Agyei to get his second of the game.

With one game left before the Christmas break, we have reached the dizzy heights of eighth. Special thanks must go out to both umpires supplied by ourselves and to Andy for his last minute guest appearance. Your help is much appreciated gents.

MoM Jamie Saunders for his ever maturing performance.

DoD Mark Hudson - Nose Bleed in the D, stacking it on the halfway line and giving away the ball leading to their goal - good game apart from that though!

[James Smith]

 

5th XI 2 - 3 Gillingham Anchorians 4th XI (A)
For the last match of this half of the season, BB 5's travelled away to Gillingham Anchorians, yet again the team had a change of personnel. We now boast a squad of thirty five players who have honoured the 5th's.

BB started well, the home keeper having to make three saves in the first four minutes, the hosts then took hold of the game, their two centre half's (players who would grace most 1st teams) playing the ball around and making decisive runs making the BB keeper pull off a stream of grade A saves. Eventually the hosts scrambled the ball over the BB line.

The second half started much the same, BB working hard to pull back the host lead, young Humber keeping the Anc's keeper on his toes, with BB moving forward, it left gaps for Anc's to take advantage, which they did, BB 2-0 down.

Instead of heads going down BB rallied, some swift inter play between Blake Bartholomew, old Humber, Sal Mohammed and young Humber forced a series of penalty corners, the host although defended well. A surging run and reverse strike from the younger, hit the Anc's net after a fortunate deflection.

BB sensing the weakness, continued to push, ALL of the BB players giving everything for the team, this paid off with the older tapping in from the P spot, 2-2 with five minutes to go. Maybe BB should have held out for the draw, but it didn't enter the minds of the team (or captain!!) like most best made plans, BB were hit by the sucker punch when one of the before mentioned centre half's made a weaving run, Martin Mason making the first save which fell back to the same player who pushed the ball over the line.

MOM Martin Mason. Thanks to Peter Stanley for umpiring. Final score Gillingham Anc's 3 BBHC 2.

For the first half of the season, Won 4, Drawn 2, Lost 3. BBHC 5's 5th in the league, goal difference separating 4th and 5th places. My thanks to all the players for their hard work and commitment to the team.

[Andy Humber]

Colts' Reports

U12 Girls triangular fixture with Tunbridge Wells and Herne Bay (at T. Wells)
The BBHC U12 Girls squad visited Tunbridge Wells early on a Sunday morning for a round robin tournament with 2 teams from T. Wells and one from Herne Bay.

A Squad of 9 travelled down to T.W but Rosie Jones was injured in a unfortunate incident involving a car door and a finger. Some good individual hockey was played but BBHC were unable to secure a win. Despite 100% effort from all the players, BBHC went down, 1-4, 0-3, 0-2 and 0-4. The highlight being the singular goal.

The event was well run and BBHC were made very welcome. Thank you to all the parents and grandparents who came along to support the team and for driving. All the girls enjoyed the experience and are looking forward to more matches in the future and with some hard work and dedication results will undoubtedly follow.

[Steve Hawes]

 

 

Saturday 29th November 2008

Men's Results

1st XI 6 - 1 Old Williamsonians 1st XI (H)
(D Humber [FG], K King [PC], Labourt 2 [2FG], Lucas 2 [2FG])
2nd XI 3 - 2 Burnt Ash 2nd XI (A)
(P Harvey 2 [2FG], J White [FG])
3rd XI 0 - 5 Canterbury Millers (H)
4th XI 1 - 4 Bromley & Beckenham 6th XI (A)
(A Davies [FG])
5th XI 5 - 1 Bromley & Beckenham 7th XI (H)
(Bartholomew 3 [3FG], Jayasuriya [FG], Saunders [FG])
6th XI 1 - 4 Holcombe 6A (A)
(P Williams [FG])
Veterans vs Masonian (A) - cancelled (waterlogged pitch)

 

Ladies' Results

1st XI 1 - 0 Sevenoaks 3rd XI (H)
2nd XI 3 - 2 Ashford 1st XI (H)
(Hollands [FG])
3rd XI 1 - 3 Gore Court 2nd XI (H)

 

Colts' Results

U14 Boys (A) 3 - 4 Marden Russets (A)
(T Chana [PC], May [FG], P Williams [FG])
U18 Boys (H) vs Ashford - cancelled (illness to Ashford players)
U18 Boys (H) 1 - 7 Canterbury (H) - Friendly

 

Men's Reports

1st XI 6 - 1 Old Williamsonians 1st XI (H)
BBHC 1st XI welcomed Old Williamsonians for a mid-table clash on a cold wet Saturday afternoon.

The game started off well for BBHC finding themselves 2-0 up after 10 minutes, both goals coming from Dan Lucas. Some tough challenges in the first 10 minutes set the tone for the game and 20 minutes in Andres Labourt and and an opposition defender were both yellow carded for an off the ball incident. O.W's took advantage of this and grabbed themselves a lifeline with the miniature forward finding himself alone with a one-on-one and slipping it past the on-rushing keeper Lee Cook.

The half continued with more personal battle being fought across the pitch but BBHC were able to play the better hockey despite this. They further extended their lead after a well worked short corner was deflected in by Captain Kevin King.

The second half was a more open game which BBHC dominated for the most. Good cross field aerials by David Pyke ripped the O.W midfield apart. A good solo run by Andres Labourt was finished with a rocket of a shot in off the post and an outrageous celebration. David Humber grabbed another after some good skill saw him beat the last defender and finish on the reverse, his celebration was slightly lacking compared to the previous. The rout was finished off by Andres Labourt with another from the top of the D with a quick clip hit. With all the goals scored there was only enough time for Andres labourt to be yellow carded again for a seemingly innocuous challenge.

Final score, 6-1 and a well deserved 3 points

[Alex Webster]

 

2nd XI 3 - 2 Burnt Ash 2nd XI (A)
The 29/11 was a day the whole 2nd XI had marked in their diaries. The first time that the BBHC 2nd XI were to meet the counterparts of local rivals Burnt Ash in a number of years.

The game started off cautiously with both teams probing each others' weaknesses. Burnt Ash had the better of the possession and looked a little more confident on the ball but it was BBHC who took the lead with Paul Harvey slipping it between the keeper's legs. This lead was soon doubled with a strike from Jon White. Burnt Ash continued to enjoy good possession but were unable to penetrate a resolute BBHC defence. The lead was further extended by another goal from Paul Harvey before the half time whistle.

Burnt Ash came out of he break the stronger side, keeping BBHC in their half for long spells. BBHC were happy to soak up the pressure until an Ash attack finally slipped through and they grabbed a goal. The pressure started to build and both teams played some hard hockey. A questionable short corner was awarded to Ash by the "home" umpire when a hit the opposite way seemed more likely. This was promptly converted leading to a tense last 15 minutes of the game.

Unfortunately, a generally well-behaved derby game ended sourly with a flurry of cards, some may say proving that a whistle can also be a dangerous thing.

Another three points which see the 2nd XI move up to 5th.

[Alex Webster]

 

3rd XI 0 - 5 Canterbury Millers (H)
On paper, the 3rd XI's team looks to be a match for most in the Kent Open Premier B - two U17s plus more experienced heads averaging 30 years of age. In practice, it was something far less than the sum of it's parts. And there were no personnel issues this time!

It all started out well as the first chances fell to BBHC, however the finishing was lacking. As the home side pressed for that goal, a quick Canterbury counterattack brought them success. 2 further goals came as BBHC conceded possession cheaply and they went in 3-0 down at half time, desptie carving out some suitable opportunities.

The game was not lost yet and the team talk at the break was hopeful. This brought the desired effect, somewhat - the first 10 minutes of the 2nd half belonged to BBHC with most of the pressure coming from the home team. The passing and movement finally matched what the visitors had been demonstrating all match. A BBHC goal now would have turned the tide and kept the result respectable if not to yield points. However, our finishing remained incompetent.

A 4th Canterbury goal was gifted as possession was lost on the BBHC right wing, then moved easily to the Canterbury right wing where BBHC tackling was found wanting and a simple goal was scored. The B's then reverted to dribbling with the ball excessively, firing overoptimistic hits into the D, and failing to switch play out of the congested left hand channel.

The 5th Canerbury goal sealed their deserved win. "The worst 3rd XI performance I've ever played in." was how one of us described the result. Emotional words, but 4 convincing losses in 5 matches is sufficient evidence.

Many thanks to Andy Humber for umpiring. Next week, it's the 6-pointer away to bottom of the table Tunbridge Wells.

[Andrei Mendis]

 

4th XI 1 - 4 Bromley & Beckenham 6th XI (A)
A difficult game this week, one that according to the table should have been very competitive with the opposition being one point behind us in the table and so it proved to be for a while. We started stronger and looked in good shape for the first ten minutes when BromBecks started to come back into the game. The half generally continued with neither side really taking it by the scruff of the neck. A cold and wet evening may have had something to do with this. One highlight was a fantastic run from the evergreen Martin Agyei who collected the ball well inside his own half beat three of the opposition with consummate ease only for his body, footing or something equally inexplicable failed him after all that hard work. Half time arrived with the sides level at nil-nil.

So who would gain the initiative in the second half? That's right not us. Our opposition slipped seamlessly into another gear after the break and began to make good use of the ball in deteriorating conditions. Under increasing pressure the first goal came fairly quickly after the break and was a touch unlucky. A short corner, a straight strike, which bobbled over the top of our keeper's stick and into the back of the goal. As our hosts appeared to grow in confidence our own attacks became fewer, but the hard work carried on. We conceded a second goal and then a particularly well crafted third involving some good passing and an easy finish at the back post, a hockey lesson for us all. It was however ourselves who had the final say a wayward pass from a free hit was expertly dispatched with a flourish in the top corner leaving the keeper with no chance. A super finish Arthur Davies! Two games to go and some points needed before the Christmas break.

MoM: Arthur Davies – for that finish!

DoD: The weather cold and wet - lovely!

[James Smith]

 

5th XI 5 - 1 Bromley & Beckenham 7th XI (H)
The BBHC 5's welcome a rejuvenated BromBecks side to Erith School on a particular chilly but dry morning.

BB lined up with another unfamiliar line up and formation, but it didn't take long for the team to form and play some quick decisive hockey, taking the lead after a through ball from Andy Humber into the path of Udi Jayasuria who calmly dispatched the ball into the BromBecks goal. BB continued to pass the ball around with some great inter linking play between Blake Bartholomew, Jamie Saunders, Tarin Chana and Rohan Chana stretched the visitors defence time and time again, culminating in a well struck goal from Bartholomew.

The second half BB started slowly, allowing BromBecks to push further forward and after some 'ping pong' play in the BB's area BromBecks pulled a goal back. This woke the home team up, the passing and movement off the ball displayed a maturity that hadn't been shown before, Peter Allen showing the experience of a old head making slide rule passes to the forwards.

BB were struck a blow when Mark Emanysi retired injured, but after some changes in the middle of the park BB continued to play flowing hockey. Three further goals to BBHC, one from Saunders and two more from Bartholomew (completing his hat trick) made the game safe.

Yet again the team played out of their skins, the only difference from last week, was the score line. From the goalkeeper and defence to the forwards, everyone made a huge contribution to the team performance.

MOM: Blake Bartholomew.

Thanks to Ben Bradley for umpiring. Final Score BBHC 5 BromBecks 1

[Andy Humber]

Colts' Report

U14 Boys (A) 3 - 4 Marden Russets (A)
In progress

 

 

Saturday 22nd November 2008

Men's Results

1st XI 5 - 0 Tunbridge Wells 1st XI (A)
(K King [PC], Labourt 3 [3FG], Lucas [FG])
2nd XI 1 - 1 Canterbury 4A (H)
(P Harvey [FG])
3rd XI 0 - 4 Holcombe 4th XI (A)
4th XI 3 - 3 Kings Alleyns 3rd XI (H)
(Agyei [PC], Ayres [FG}, James Smith [PC])
5th XI 1 - 4 Sevenoaks 5th XI (A)
(G Jones [FG])
6th XI 4 - 1 Folkstone 6th XI (H)
(Loft [FG], I Palmer 2 [2FG])
Vets vs Wallington (A) - cancelled

1st XI 4 - 2 Letchworth 1st XI (H) - Harrod UK Men's Trophy (3rd Round - Sun 23rd Nov)
(Baldwin [FG], Labourt 2 [FG, PC], Lucas [FG])

 

Ladies' Results

1st XI 1 - 1 Blackheath 1st XI (H)
2nd XI 2 - 4 Meopham 1st XI (A)
3rd XI 2 - 0 Gravesend 3rd XI (A)

 

Colts' Results

U12 Girls vs Marden Russets vs Ashford (H) - cancelled.
U14 Boys 5 - 7 Sutton Valence (H)
(Rohan Chana [FG], T Chana [FG], Parker 3 [3FG])
U18 Boys vs Sevenoaks - cancelled

 

Men's Reports

1st XI 5 - 0 Tunbridge Wells 1st XI (A)
On a bitterly cold Saturday the BBHC 1st XI left for Tunbridge Wells (not Herne Bay as some people thought!!) and arrived with plenty of time to complete a thorough tour of the town on the warm up.

BBHC started off slowly and T.W had the better of the possession keeping the bleary eyed visitors pinned in their half for long spells. However, against the run of play, BBHC took the lead when the ball was carelessly lost by the T.W defence to Dan Lucas, calmly taking it on his reverse and firing it past the keeper. T.W continued to fight and came close to levelling the score when a short corner was deflected onto the crossbar by departing keeper Gareth Bayliss. Despite the congratulatory pats on the back, there were a few rumblings that a certain incoming keeper would have saved it without the help of the bar....... BBHC's performance did improve as the half progressed and several short corners were won but no more goals before the half time whistle.

A stronger BBHC came out for the second half with a more free-flowing style of play. The lead was further extend after a break away down the centre saw the ball switched to Andres Labourt on the left, who calmly took it on his reverse and placed it past the keeper, blinded by the sun. This opened the floodgates and Kevin King managed to grab a goal from a short corner deflection. Two more quick goals from Andres Labourt secued the win, slightly flattering but deserved all the same.

[Alex Webster]

 

1st XI 4 - 2 Letchworth 1st XI (H) - Harrod UK Men's Trophy (3rd Round - Sun 23rd Nov)
Despite the early blanketing of snow, BBHC played host to Letchworth in the England Hockey's Trophy competition.

From the start it was obviously going to be a competetive game, with both teams transferring the ball well in the slick conditions. Letchworth looked the stronger from the start but BBHC soon began to find their rhythm. The home side took the lead after a short corner strike was initially saved, to be tapped home by left back extrordanaire James Baldwin. The half progressed with more hard, quick competetive hockey but, despite some good chances, no more goals.

The second half started with more of the same. Both teams pushing hard for the next goal. It came in almost comical fashion after a hit outside the D caught a ghostly touch from a Letchworth attacker before catching a BBHC player and slowly looping over Gareth Bayliss in goal. (If only BBHC 1st XI had a slightly taller keeper..... ).

The score was now even and the game was anyone's. An unfortunate collision between the Letchworth left back and Jamie Perfit led to a brief break whilst the opposition had his bloody, broken nose patched up by the conveniently placed watching paramedics. The break allowed BBHC to regroup and, after some good team work, managed to convert a well placed short corner by Andres Labourt. Letchworth then suffered another setback after their number short corner 1 runner was floored by another firmly struck short corner, reducing them to ten. This gave BBHC space to play more free flowing hockey with some quick breaks and good long balls from David Pyke at right back.

The game looked out of reach for Letchworth after another goal put BBHC 3-1 up. Some good solo work from Andres Labourt saw him round several players before putting the ball past the keeper. To most people the ball looked like it would make it into the goal unaided. However, Dan Lucas being on the cautious side ensured that the ball made it those final two inches across the line. Letchworth responded positively though, pushing men forward despite the numerical disadvantage. Having won a short corner, Gareth Bayliss was wrong-footed by the drag flick into the bottom right hand side of his goal.

BBHC continued pushing forrward ot secure the win. A hit outside the D saw a deflection from Kevin King sailing just wide of the post, straight into the forehead of Jamie Perfit, who was transferred promptly to hospital for treatment. The win was sealed minutes before the end after another goal from Andres Labourt with some more silky solo work.

A fantastic performance from both the visitors and BBHC, in a highly competively game that sees BBHC proceed to the next round.

[Alex Webster]

 

3rd XI 0 - 4 Holcombe 4 (A)
An absence of regulars (a common theme this season), the last game of the day of BBHC's 6 Men's teams, half of the team already tired and BBHC Men's 3rd XI suffered once more. And to add to our woes, we left one of the club's most experienced forwards in Erith after he umpired the 2nd XI's game. From the feast of 14 players last week to the famine of a bare XI this time! Despite this, we put in a respectable performance against a well organised Holcombe team with their precocious forward line.

We started with with high hopes but these were dashed 10 minutes in when Holcombe's quick, skilful centre forward was too wily for your match reporter. He made some space and struck a flat, reverse-stick cross from the inside left channel. This was finished astutely, first time, by his colleague. 0-1 became 0-2 soon after as a short corner was slotted home.

Holcombe's high defensive line put us under pressure whilst in possession in midfield, hence we found it hard to assert ourselves and resorted to dribbling a little too much. We were eventually picked off and our hosts were then quick to pass the ball into the space in front of our defence, pull us out of position, then break into our D at speed.

It's not that we didn't create any chances - we just seemed to lack the confidence to take the shot on early enough and did not test the Holcombe keeper often enough. Our best play in the first half came down the left wing, with left back Adrian "Pingu" Webster driving forward at every opportunity and linking up well with left mid Matt Thurlow. Meanwhile, the inexperienced right-side partnership of Phil Cratchley and Gareth Jones found it hard to assert themselves.

Unfortunately, we went into half time 3-0 down, after your reporter's tormentor flat-footed him for a second time and drove a flat, low, reverse stick shot past the bemused Jim Jackson in goal.

The half time team talk was weary but positive and resulted in a team re-shuffle. Thurlow switched to right mid, Jones replace Sumeet Dhinsa to join Allan Sains up front, Dhinsa took up the left mid duties he enjoyed in the 4th XI last season, and Andrei Mendis swept in front of the defence, acting as an extra centre midfielder. The change seemed to work since we only conceded one more goal!

Young Dhinsa was now more involved in the game and was confident in possession. Jones was far more comfortable leading the line and working with Sains. However, out of the three BBHC U18s, the revelation of the game was Cratchley. A late call-up from the 5th XI, he looked a little overawed in the 1st half with the step-up in opposition and made some mistakes. However, his confidence grew in the 2nd and took on his opponents with success as he tried to move play up the right flank and out of our half.

In contrast, the more experienced BBHC heads looked increasingly weary and found it difficult to return to defend after our attacks broke down. Most notably, Mendis could be heard exclaiming as he cramped in new and unknown muscles in his legs - someone had better put him down..!

Final score 0-4. Many thanks to the formidable partnership of Andy Humber and Dave South for umpiring.

Next week, we face Canterbury Millers at home (12:30pm PB at Erith), perhaps with a normal squad?

{Andrei Mendis]

 

4th XI 3 - 3 Kings Alleyns 3rd XI (H)
9 players last week and this week we were due to face the league leaders, who seemed to rolling teams over at will. What hope? Well this is the 4s and as we all know anything can happen in sport.

We started brightly moving the ball around well and generally controlling the game unti,l on their first attack of the game, the visitors won a short corner which was duly despatched, deflecting off James Isteed’s left kicker. This was clearly the cue for a drop in confidence and for Kings to take charge of the game and sweep us aside. However we seemed to take confidence from our bright start and continued to pass and move well in attack and indeed were rewarded with a short corner of our own which saw Martin Agyei drag out and convert from the return pass. Throughout this game we defended well if not a little stretched at times with good performances from Karan Chana and John Gibbard. It was a shame to fall behind to a quickly taken free hit at the top of the D with our defenders not able to put the striker under any real pressure.

So half time came and went with a request from the umpires that both teams play without questioning decisions. Alleyns started the second half brightly and were duly rewarded with a Penalty Stroke and our skipper being rewarded with a green card for questioning the decision – at least it had the affect of keeping him quiet from then on. The stroke was comfortably converted and so it seemed that all our hard work and good play would count for nothing.

The result of going two goals behind was to galvanise us and encourage our attacking play with Ben and Martin H being more influential and Mark Hudson combining well with Karan on the right hand side. We were rewarded with a short corner which was converted by James Smith via the keeper’s helmet and the crossbar. I personally don’t know whether it crossed the line, but the umpire said it did and that’s all that matters (cheers Ashby!).

Further warnings were issued to the opposition by the umpires and we grew stronger finally finding an equaliser through Ben Ayres sweeping past the keeper. From this the game petered out without either side having a chance to win all three points. So well done us, a point that we weren’t particularly expecting before the start. Thanks to both umpires and to the opposition, who we caught on a slight off day and who came back to the club on the promise of hot food on such a cold day, sorry, but the sandwiches were tasty!

MoM: To hard to choose – sorry (me?)

DoD: James Smith – green, not taking his own advice! (Do as I say not as I do – that’s my motto!).

 

5th XI 1 - 4 Sevenoaks 5th XI (A)
Another early morning start for BBHC 5's, away to Sevenoaks on a cold but sunny day. BBHC ready to start at the hour of ten, unfortunately the host keeper hadn't set his alarm! We agreed to wait for the said keeper only to find the host umpire (I use the term umpire, loosely!) was not in possession of a whistle, yet again BBHC came through and provided the instrument required.

Eventually the game started, both teams settled down into their game plans, the young guns of BBHC (Rohan & Gareth) drew several challenges from the host defence which would have made a lumberjack happy, unfortunately the host umpire failed to penalise the offending players. BB skipper challenged his failure, the quote of the day from the said umpire "this isn't first team hockey", personally I thought the rules were the same at all levels!! Anyway, back to the hockey. BB continued to press making the Sevenoaks keeper make several blinding saves. The tide had to turn, Sevenoaks placed the ball into the BB net after keeper Mason slipping during a penalty corner.

Half time came and went, the before mentioned umpire was replaced by a kind man who was walking by! By then the damage had been done, BB only with the bare eleven were stretched by the hosts who had fourteen to choose from, including a GB vets player who calmly scored a further three. BB continued to push and play the game, more decisive saves from the host keeper kept BB out. Five minutes to go, a straight ball into the Sevenoaks D found Gareth Jones at the back post who swept it into the open net. I cannot fault the commitment and energy put into the game by all of the BB players, a credit to the team and club.

Thanks to Andrei Mendis for umpiring and the kind hospitality of provide by Sevenoaks back at the pavilion, which the hosts were unable to attend.

The game finished Sevenoaks 4 BBHC 1.

[Andy Humber]

Colts' Report

U14 Boys 5 - 7 Sutton Valence (H)
The first snow of the season here in NW Kent saw a flurry of calls that led to the U12 Girls games and U18 Boys league match called off. Light snowfall gave way to bitterly cold rain, then a crisp winter's day when the 12:30pm pushback time arrived. The perfect prelude to a 12 goal thriller!

After a spot of Valence pressure, BBHC's U14 boys scored with their first attack. Rohan Chana drove down the left flank and Charlie Parker tapped home. Valence equalised soon after but Parker was on hand to restore the lead from open play. However, the hosts always looked on the back foot as they struggled to assert any control in midfield - their newer members are still learning how to play in formation.on an adult-sized pitch. 2 more quick goals saw the visitors take the lead, one of which was an own goal scored when Phil Williams diverted the Valence left winger's inaccurate shot inside the back post.

By half time the score was 5-2 to the visitors. BBHC surrendered possession too easily upfield and their defence was bypassed as they dived into challenges and only found thin air. The team talk was exasperated but patient. A 6th Valence goal 10 minutes into the 2nd half led to a BBHC reshuffle. Jozef Rowbotham was moved to left back and thrived - his distribution of the ball and tackling suddenly clicked and the Valence attacks down the right flank were stemmed.

A Rohan Chana short corner was well saved 5 minutes later but his cousin Tarin stepped in from the injection point to stab the rebound home from 2 inches! With that boost, BBHC pushed Patrice Kay into midfield and he gave Rohan some well needed support in the Valence half.

Parker was able to complete his hat trick (a round of orange squash to everyone in the Erith School club room!) and BBHC dared to dream they could salvage a point from the game with the score now at 6-4! However, Valence scored a 7th a few minutes later to make that a tall order, despite Rohan's deserved goal a minute after that! The visitors closed out the game worthy 7-5 winners with all supporters thoroughly entertained by the end-to-end hockey.

Man-of-the match: Jozef Rowbotham, for a great performance at left back.

Next week, the boys meet at the clubhouse at 10:30 to go away to play Marden Russets (12:30pm PB).

{Andrei Mendis]

 

Saturday 15th November 2008

Men's Results

1st XI 4 - 0 Old Bordenians 1st XI (H)
(K King [FG], Labourt 3 [2FG, PC]
2nd XI 3 - 2 Worthing 2nd XI (A)
(Ashby 2 [ FG, PC], Perfitt [FG)
3rd XI 2 - 2 Gravesham 1st XI (H)
(G Jones [FG], Sains [PC])
4th XI 2 - 8 Herne Bay 3rd XI (A)
(N Tuckey [FG], Adrian Webster [PC])
5th XI 3 - 1 Folkestone Optimist 5th XI (H)
(A Humber 2 [FG, PC], Rohan Chana [PC])
6th XI 0 - 2 Gillingham Anchorians 6th XI (A)
Vets 3 - 1 Addiscombe (H)
(Mendis [FG], I Palmer [FG], N Tuckey [FG])

2nd XI 2 - 1 Wisbech Town 2nd XI (H) - EH Men's 2nd XI Trophy (3rd Round - Sun 16th Nov)

 

Ladies' Results

1st XI 0 - 4 Brentwood 1st XI (A)
2nd XI 1 - 7 Tunbridge Wells 2nd XI (A)
3rd XI P - P Kings Alleyns 1st XI (A) - postponed to 13th Dec 2008

1st XI 2 - 4 Ashford 1st XI (A) (Kent Cup)

 

Men's Reports

1st XI 4 - 0 Old Bordenians 1st XI (H)
BBHC Men's 1st XI welcomed Old Bordenians to Erith School on an overcast Saturday, hoping to continue with the good standard of play established over the past few weeks but this time secure the points.

Having had a good warm up and planned their play to the expected O.B style of play but this was thrown into disarray with the O.Bs tactic; sticking 8 men behind the ball and the other 3 in the BBHC D. The home side adapted well though and BBHC had the better of the play, although were wary of the pace in the O.B midfield. The lead was taken after a short corner was converted by Andres Labourt. O.Bs continued to play well breaking quickly from the back and won a short corner after some silky skills upfront. The lead was further extended after a BBHC shot was initially saved but after a brief scramble was put away by Kevin King.

The second half saw an even more confident performance from BBHC, aided by some slack defending from the visitors. The result was put beyond doubt after the ball popped at the top of the D for Andres Labourt to finish on the half volley off the post. O.Bs were still fighting though and won several short corners. However, after yet another gift from O.Bs, BBHC completed the scoring with Andres Labourt completing his hat-trick, again placing the ball across the face of goal leaving the keeper with no chance.

A solid performance and well deserved 3 points.

M.O.M - Andres Labourt
D.O.D - Kevin King

[Alex Webster]

 

2nd XI 3 - 2 Worthing 2nd XI (A)
This was a game that could have easily slipped away from the 2s, after going two goals ahead in the opening 10 minutes.

Worthing looked scraggy and unprofessional before the game, and as a result failed to come out of the blocks at match pace. The visitors made them pay early on with their first attempt at goal from striker Mark Ashby. The lead was extended soon after, Jamie Perfitt capitalised on some slack control in defense and raced into the D and round the keeper. Worthing were looking for a lifeline and found one after being awarded their first short corner. They made it count and suddenly BBHC found themselves fighting for the points.

BBHC went 3-1 ahead before the break as Ashby placed his flick perfectly from a short corner. It was clear that the next goal would be crucial, and unfortunately it went to the home side, a scruffy goal which encapsulated the mood of the second half. BBHC appeared to be rocked by this latest setback, and were sloppy in possession. There were more attempts on the BBHC goal but a man of the match performance from Steve Porter in goal ensured that the points travelled home with the visitors. Final score 2-3.

[Mike Leigh]

 

2nd XI 2 - 1 Wisbech Town (H) ) - EH Men's 2nd XI Trophy (3rd Round - Sun 16th Nov)
A weary looking 2nd XI played host to Wisbech Town on a dreary Sunday.

The game started well for BBHC after taking the lead 5 minutes in with a deflection from David Humber. Despite good spells from BBHC it was Wisbech who began to dominate with there aggressive hard hockey. They found an equaliser after the BBHC defence were caught high and the visitors capitalised with a 2 on 1 with keeper Steve Porter.

The second half started with more competitive hockey with the game taking on a tetchy edge. BBHC took the lead after a well converted short corner strike from BBHC. The rest of the half was played in the midfield with both team battling furiously for control of the ball, resulting in few real opportunities though. Wisbech won many short corners but were unable to convert or really challenge the defence. the game finished with a visiting forward being sent off for yet more constant questioning of the umpire.

BBHC continue forward into the next round, 2-1 winners.

BBHC face Harborne (from Birmingham) in their Quarter Final match at home (again!) on Sunday 1st February 2009.

[Alex Webster]

 

3rd XI 2 - 2 Gravesham 1st XI (H)
From famine to feast (at least in the top end of the club)! 9 players the week before, 10 last week, 14 this week. The absence of Men's selection and Paul's pegboard of players this week was a loss to the the brave 4th and 6th XIs, but benefitted us in that we had a far more stable team this week yet with certainly 1 player too much in the squad.

However, we made the best of it. The game opened up with the physical Gravesham keeping the play in the middle half and looked far more dangerous, but they failed to break into the D despite BBHC's incompetent passing. We weathered this difficult period and won some short corners, Allan Sains converting the 2nd with a low shot. Gravesham continued to fight, so to speak, putting in some robust challenges through the aggrieved BB players. Yet the score remained 1-0 at halftime.

The game continued in the sam vein in the second half until tempers flared thanks to a bizarre situation - Joe Brown challenged a Gravesham player from the left hand side, yet said opponent complained loudly for Brown laying his hand on his shoulder during the tackle. One of our more combustible players pointed out state of the Gravesham tackling. Umpire intervention quelled matters and both sides were warned that cards would be used.

And indeed they were - Gravesham were reduced to 10 men after a yellow card, yet went on to equallise. They took the lead shortly after returning to full strength and were looking to close out the game. However, BBHC were able to retain possession and were awarded a hotly-contested free hit outside the D, left of centre. Matt Thurlow's strike evaded the visiting defenders and found Gareth Jones lurking at the back post to slot home.

The unhappy Gravesham players just about managed to shake hands after the final whistle was blown but did not deign to come back to the clubhouse. Maybe next time they could bring an umpire or ask their substitute to do te honours?

Many thanks to Andrew Horsman and Mark Betteney for officiating.

Next week we're away to Holcombe 4's...

[Andrei Mendis]

 

4th XI 2 - 8 Herne Bay 3rd XI (A)
Looking to build on last week's victory the 4s had a difficult week selection wise and ended up travelling to Herne Bay with only 9 brave warriors, to face a skilful Herne Bay side.

Understandably we were under pressure from the beginning with stout defending the oppo were kept at bay. Defending as if our lives depended on it, the idea of a counter-attack seemed unlikely, but of course not impossible and indeed we did just that. Nick Tuckey broke away with support from Jamie Saunders and created space for himself and fired past the keeper striking the left upright and deflecting agonisingly past the despairing Mark Hudson.

The chance of taking the lead had gone and sadly the game slipped away soon afterwards. We found ourselves slightly stretched on the right hand side and an unopposed opponent walked into the D to despatch a weak shot and the rest is best unsaid. This week, as so often in the past, one goal is quickly followed by a second and in this case a third leaving us with a mountain to climb a few minutes before half time a fourth was scored. Fortunately in the dying seconds of the first half we won a short corner. The initial shot was saved as was the second but Nick Tuckey was on hand to put the chance away.

Desperate to improve in the second half we again found ourselves conceding this time from a short corner. The game became fairly open with Karan Chana continuing his excellent defensive work and Tarin Chana now coming into the game as a more attacking option. We conceded again twice more before scoring with a simple short corner routine through Adrian Webster, although it did hit both posts before spinning back into the goal. Nick and Jamie continued to keep the opposition honest and although Herne Bay created numerous chances they were only able to convert one.

In a difficult situation, we represented ourselves well and never gave in. Our thanks must go to Herne Bay for providing both umpires and we look forward to next week's game against the league leaders.

MoM: The magnificent 9 – thanks guys.

DoD: Adrian Webster for a moment of complete unawareness in the D where he misread the power and direction of a shot only to look away as it rolled on to his foot. Priceless! How did our keeper not get it?

[James Smith]

 

5th XI 3 - 1 Folkestone Optimist 5th XI (H)
BBHC 5's played host to Folkestone Optimist, both sides loitering around the mid-table mark made this game a must win for both sides even though it is early in the season. BB started well, putting the Folkestone defence under pressure from the off.

BB opened the scoring when Rohan Chana calmly deflected a well-judged mis-hit from Peter Allen during a dynamic penalty corner routine. Folkestone reacted to going a goal behind with some brilliant inter-play of their own, the Optimist's young players led by their centre half moved the ball around swiftly, at times BB were stretched but staunch defending and majestic keeping from Martin Mason maintained the lead.

Folkestone pulled level after a well struck ball into the BB D, was deflected high into the BB net by the aforementioned Optimist centre half. After this lapse, BB picked up their game. Effective inter-passing between the team lead to several chances, Andy Humber hitting the post with an 'old skool' reverse stick shot, Udi Jayasuriya keeping the away team defence working. Shortly before the half time whistle, Blake Bartholomew made a blistering run down the left, taking the ball past three players and drawing the fourth before passing to Humber who this time slotted his 'old skool' reverse shot past the stationary keeper.

In the second half, as in previous matches, BB sat back and invited the opposition to attack, Sami Chana (Our stalwart in the centre) retired with injury, yet again the defence held strong, after some 'encouraging' words from the skipper saw BB change the way the team played. This culminated in a spell of several penalty corners, one of which Humber placed his shot into the bottom left corner. After this BB looked assured and composed, the win was greatly deserved due to the effort and commitment of all the players.

Next week away to Sevenoaks.

MoM Blake Bartholomew.

Thanks to Matt Thurlow and Andy Franklin who Umpired. Score BBHC 3 Folkestone 1

[Andy Humber]

 

Saturday 8th November 2008

Men's Results

1st XI 2 - 3 Worthing 1st XI (A)
(Lucas [F], Pyke [PS])
2nd XI 1 - 4 Eastbourne 2nd XI (H)
(J White [FG])
3rd XI 2 - 9 Cliftonville 2nd XI (A)
(G Jones [FG], Thurlow [FG])
4th XI 4 - 2 Folkestone 4th XI (H)
(Franklin [FG], Hickman [FG], Saunders [FG])
5th XI 3 - 3 Holcombe 5A (H)
(A Humber 2 [2FG], Jayasuriya [FG])
6th XI 0 - 5 Wellcome 3rd XI (A)
Veterans ?-? Blackheath (A)

 

Ladies' Results

1st XI 2 - 5 Gillingham Anchorians 1st XI (H)
2nd XI 2 - 1 Gravesend 2nd XI (A)
3rd XI 1 - 3 Old Williamsonians 2nd XI (A)

 

Colts' Results

U14 Boys 4 - 3 Herne Bay (A)
(Rohan Chana [FG], H Kalsi [PC], Kay [FG], Parker [FG])

 

Men's Reports

1st XI 2 - 3 Worthing 1st XI (A)
This week saw BBHC take the long trip down to play high flying Worthing. Despite still missing several key players, BBHC were confident that the good preparation and warm up for the game would leave them in good stead for the game.

Worthing started off the more positive of the two sides, moving the ball around the back well and stretching the BBHC defence. They had some joy down the BBHC left flank with some quick one-twos. BBHC were lucky not to go behind after a through pass from the Worthing midfield found the young right winger with a one on one with Gareth Bayliss. Quickly off his line, he managed to take the pace off the ball, allowing the defence to sweep up.

As the half progressed BBHC began to find there feet in the game with good skills from Andres Labourt in the middle and the long balls from Dave Pyke down the right. It was some good play in the middle of the field that saw the ball threaded through the Worthing back four (who appeared to be playing for offside) for Dan Lucas on the penalty spot. Switching to his reverse side, he calmly placed the ball past the bemused keeper. Worthing kept on attacking down the BBHC left and this soon proved fruitful after a tackle outside the D was severely punished with a short corner. This was put away with a well placed drag flick. Five minutes later, after another harshly punished tackle outside the D resulted in another short corner and another converted drag flick.

The second half started well for BBHC, moving the ball around more fluidly and probing the Worthing defence. However, it was Worthing who struck again with another well executed short corner. BBHC continued to fight and for spells kept Worthing pinned back, to the disappointment of the increasingly hostile crowd. However, Worthing continued to fashion chances winning several more short corners. Gareth in goal was now wise to there cunning plans and made some good saves. With 10 minutes remaining, BBHC were handed a lifeline after being awarded a penalty stroke, well converted by David Pyke. The final minutes saw BBHC going all out for a deserved point. Winning repeated short corners. Hopes were further boosted by a Worthing player being yellow carded. This advantage was short lived though as James Baldwin also found himself yellow carded for a seemingly well executed diving challenge.

The game finished with the final score 3-2 to Worthing. A slightly disappointing result after a hard worked performance from all, which deserved a point.

M.O.M. - Dan Lucas
D.O.D - Gareth Bayliss

[Alex Webster]

 

2nd XI 1 - 4 Eastbourne 2nd XI (H)
BBHC 2s have yet to have their run of the ball this season, and the visit of Eastbourne to Erith School was no different.

Eastbourne opened the scoring when Andrew Mendl in trying to deal with a well struck cross, could only deflect the ball back to the striker to finish off an open goal. The second came about after the umpire failed to spot the short-corner stopper trap the ball with his face and a bemused BBHC failed to keep composure after such a mistake. It has become clear that sportmanship is much less prevalent in this league, and is perhaps something which we need to learn should we want to steal points from others.

Eastbourne further extended their lead before half time as a shortcorner strike was deflected across the keeper and tapped in at the far post. BBHC rallied and managed to pull one back, Jon White popping up at the far post to clean up off the keeper's pads.

The second half was a tighter affair but the game was eventually settled with a good solo effort from an Eastbourne midfielder.

Final score 4-1.

[Mike Leigh]

 

3rd XI 2 - 9 Cliftonville 2nd XI (A)
Away matches at Cliftonville and Deal are always the least anticipated ones on our fixture lists. Not for the opposition themselves, but the exposed pitches and long return journeys. We hoped to put to rest last week's drubbing of our 9 man team, however things started badly when our squad of 11 lost a player before even leaving SE London!

Your writer has taken better-equipped 10-man teams to Ramsgate and won, but the underpowered BBHC's Men's 3rd XI set off to face the unfancied Cliftonville with trepidation this time. The rain and wind did not help and the team's lack of confidence showed in the first 10 minutes as they went 3-0 down. All were embarrassingly sloppy goals that the BBHC defenders and goalkeeper dealt with ineptly.

Facing the abyss once more, BBHC did well to turn things around until half-time. Chances were created thanks to Allan Sains dominating possession in this period, allowing him to bring his fellow midfielders into the game. This culminated in some tidy work down the left wing with Matt Thurlow, who cut in from the flank to the top of the D and planted a fine, rising shot against the backboard.

With the BBHC defence tightening up, further chances were made largely thanks to the lateral running of Sumeet Dhinsa up front. His movement took him into good positions for this team-mates to fire passes at and take BBHC possession up field. Gareth Jones, his partner upfront, was slow to follow this example but finally cottoned on midway through the half and provided a good outlet on the left flank.

A number of short corners were won but not converted. However, one of these broke down to a long corner. Matt Thurlow's firm hit was deftly touched on in the D by the advancing Alfie Johnson, wrong-footing the Cliftonville defence and allowing Jones to smartly finish with a reverse-stick sweep. BBHC were back in the game and went into half time on a high.

More goals were needed. Unlike last week against the far stronger Old Bordenians, BBHC created plenty of chances this time but were unable to convert anymore. And, like last week, with the makeshift central midfield failing to provide sufficient protection for their 3 man defence, BBHC were left vulnerable to the counterattack. Cliftonville's breaks were readily supported by their midfielders and this numerical advantage created 3 identical goals where BBHC defenders were drawn across their goal, allowing spare attackers on the far post to finish with ease.

At this stage, some last-ditch tackles and fine interceptions prevented a cricket score, but a lack of confidence saw some wasted possession and 3 more goals conceded from more acute angles.

9-2 somewhat flattered the hosts but is surely a worrying sign that this season is starting to follow the pattern of last season's dismal trudge to relegation. An effective central midfield plus a substitute would be most helpful!

Many thanks to Cliftonville's umpire for officiating the game on his own - a true gent.

[Andrei Mendis]

 

4th XI 4 - 2 Folkestone 4th XI (H)
This was an early season must win game for the 4th Xl. BB started well with Jamie Saunders running on to a through ball and calmly slotting home in the opening minutes. This seemed to settle BB who began to play some good hockey, moving the ball well and easily controlling the game. Further goals were added by Martin Hickman and Andy Franklin.

This was looking like a comfortable win for BB. However, this is the 4th Xl. Folkestone pulled one back before half time after a BB defensive lapse at a short corner.

In the second half Folkestone pushed players forward and were rewarded with a second goal after a strong run from one of their midfield players. From what looked like a comfortable position BB found themselves hanging on for what was a vital victory.

Thanks to Joe Brown and Martin Mason for umpiring

MOM – Jamie Saunders, well taken goal
DOD – John Gibbard, must remember to stay on post at short corners

[John Gibbard]

 

5th XI 3 - 3 Holcombe 5A (H)
BBHC 5's welcomed their 23rd and 24th new players for their home draw to second in the table Holcombe. BB started well putting the Holcombe under pressure; BB took the lead with two goals in the first fifteen minutes by Andy Humber. Holcombe pulled one goal back through a missed hit penalty corner which caught the BB defence wrong footed. BB restored the two goal lead with Udi Jayasuriya rounding the advancing keeper and placing the ball firmly onto the back board. BB maintained constant pressure which saw the Holcombe defence starting to wilt, unfortunately the whistle went for half time.

The second half was a vast difference from the first, BB found themselves on the back foot and conceded a soft goal when the defence were caught in possession which was calmly placed paced the out stretched BB keeper. At this point the game became more frantic on both sides, some questioned decisions by players ended with both Captains being spoken to, unfortunately Holcombe equalled the BB score by pouncing upon indecision of the BB defending. More over energetic challenges saw Holcombe loose a player via a yellow card, not for the challenge but for the verbal which continued long after the original offence which he wasn't involved with. The game ended all square three a piece, on paper a good result for BB, but for those who played, it was clearly two points dropped. Many thanks for John Gibbard for umpiring

Score BBHC 3 Holcombe 3

[Andy Humber]

 

Colts' Reports

U14 Boys 4 - 3 Herne Bay (A)
After 2 disappointing losses to kick off the season, BBHC's Under 14 boys finally fielded a full strength team for the trip to the North Coast of Kent. In stark contrast to Saturday's weather, Sunday brought perfect conditions for hockey - cloud-strewn, blue skies with an autumn chill tempered by the shining sun.

The hardworking Jolyon Marks has turned around Herne Bay's youth section in recent years so BBHC arrived with a healthy respect for their hosts and indeed they looked the more threatening in the early exchanges. Thankfully, Harpal Kalsi and Tarin Chana steadied the ship and fed Rohan Chana to make his trademark winding runs. The attacking line eventually clicked when Rohan found Harcharan Mudhar to the right of goal. His simple cross was turned in at the near post by Charlie Parker for his first goal for BBHC.

However, the jubilation was short-lived as the home side waltzed through some lame tackles and poor positioning to score with a badly hit shot - goalkeeper Andrew Hawes was taken by surprise and mistimed his kick with an embarrassing outcome. This turned out to be a fine reminder to the more experienced among BBHC's players to bring their colleagues into the game more and play as a team.

The hockey that ensued was great to watch from both clubs. New boys Jozef Rowbotham and George O'Brien supported Kalsi and Tarin in the midfield area. They created the passing triangles that saw BBHC move forward with purpose. However, the standout performance came from Lucien May. Time and again he would move into space to receive possession and his good footwork allowed him to take the ball on the strong side, ready to see and release the next pass forward with ease. He certainly earned his man-of-the-match accolade. He worked particularly well with Rohan, who went onto score a well taken goal to take the visitors into halftime 2-1 up.

Immediately before and after the break, Herne Bay created some dangerous moves of their own, culminating in some effective shots. Hawes was up to the task this time and dealt with all of Herne Bay's demanding chances with ease from then on. And throughout the game, Phil Williams at left back proved invaluable, getting his defensive partners out of numerous sticky situations.

Play was halted at 11am for an impeccably observed 2 minutes' silence by players and supporters (but not building contractors at Herne Bay High School!). The game then continued in the same vein as before. Soon some play initiated from right back by Amun Sehra led to sustained pressure in the Herne Bay "D" and a goalmouth scramble involving May and the host's "robust-playing" sweeper. Moved up from the defence to centre forward, Patrice Kay was on hand to tap the ball home. 3-1 to BBHC.

Herne Bay kept their heads up admirably and eventually scored with a soft chance, and sensed more in the offing. Thankfully, Tarin's short corner injection radar finally found its target - Kalsi's stop and sweep-slap from the top of the D evaded the 'keeper and satisfyingly smacked against the backboard with 8 minutes to go.

The hosts still refused to give up and pulled another goal back with 3 minutes to go after a period of attack and counterattack which entertained the both sets of supporters. However, BBHC hung onto possession up field and closed out the game comfortably to earn their first win this season. A great team display where everybody contributed and demonstrated improvements in the skills of all.

Next up are Sutton Valence at home on Sunday 23rd November.

[Andrei Mendis]

 

 

Saturday 1st November 2008

Men's Results

1st X I 1 - 1 Eastbourne 1st XI (H)
(K King [FG])
2nd XI 2 - 1 Brighton & Hove 3rd XI (A)
(R Porter [PC], Alex Webster [FG])
3rd XI 0 - 8 Old Bordenians 3rd XI (H)
4th XI 0 - 4 Holcombe 4A (A)
5th XI 4 - 0 Tunbridge Wells 4th XI (A)
(A Humber 3 [3FG], Allen [FG])
6th XI 0 - 5 Sutton Valance 5th XI (H) - walkover
Veterans 1 - 2 Kenley (H)

1st XI 4 - 1 Sudbury HC (H) - Harrod UK Men's Trophy (2nd Round - Sun 2nd Nov)
(D Humber [FG], Labourt 3 [FG, 2PC])

 

Ladies' Results

1st XI No Fixture
2nd XI No Fixture
3rd XI No Fixture

 

Colts' Results

U16 Girls 6 - 8 Sevenoaks (H)
(own goal [FG], Crowley 2 [FG, PC], Darby [FG], H Johnson 2 [FG, PS])

 

Men's Reports

1st XI 1 - 1 Eastbourne (H)
BBHC Men's 1st team played Eastbourne this weekend, league leaders. BBHC got caught within the first few minutes of the start with Eastbourne taking an early lead when the ball was slipped past the approaching keeper and rolled slowly across the line. The rest of the half was a fairly even affair but with Eastbourne having he better of the chances.

The second half was also a fairly even affair but with BBHC having the better of the chances. Midway through the half BBHC won a free hit outside the D. This was struck in by Andres Labourt for top scorer Kevin King to cleverly deflect over the Eastbourne keeper.

Late on Labourt had a one-on-one chance with the opposition keeper but a last ditch tackle by a chasing Eastbourne defender thwarted him.

A very inclement match ended in a fair 1-1 draw. Next week BBHC are away to Worthing

[Peter Stanley]

 

1st XI 4 - 1 Sudbury HC (H) - Harrod UK Men's Trophy (2nd Round - Sun 2nd Nov)
A depleted BBHC 1st XI (containing three 2nd XI players and the 3rd XI skipper) played host to a visiting Sudbury HC.

BBHC started out strong and moved the ball around the back well, testing the unknown quantity that was Sudbury. The build-up play from the home side was good but the cutting edge in the final 25 yards initially seemed to be lacking. Despite this, opportunities soon began to come and on the third short corner after the initial shot was saved by the logging keeper, David Humber managed to put the ball over him. Before the half time whistle, BBHC managed to grab a second before the half time whistle after some good work by Andres Labourt.

The second half started off a little shakily for BBHC as the tough games the previous day were starting to show. Sudbury managed to grab a goal back after the ball was deflected into the D and swept under the onrushing Steve Porter in goal. This spurred BBHC into refocusing their efforts and led to large spells of Sudbury being pinned back in their own half. Before the final whistle was blown BBHC managed to grab another two, both from short corners and both from Andres Labourt to complete his hat-trick.

A good result for BBHC with the makeshift team all performing admirably.

[Alex Webster]

 

2nd XI 2 - 1 Brighton & Hove 3rd XI (A)
With it being half term, several familiar faces were missing for the 2nd XI's trip down to a not-so-sunny Brighton.

With a good warm up, the bare XI of BBHC were expecting a tough game as in previous seasons against this familiar opposition. BBHC started off superbly though and moved the ball round the back particularly well. The left side proved fruitful for BBHC, with plenty of space to be found. After some good team play Alex Webster found himself fouled at the top of the D. This was converted in the bottom right by stand in striker Alex Webster. BBHC continued to dominate and should have extended their led with both Webster and their captain Rob Porter both coming close from short corners. Much of the BBHC pressure came though the hard work of debutant Sukh Chagger and Joe Brown upfront along with the silky skills of Jon White.

BBHC came out from the second half looking for more of the same. However, Brighton came out strong and pinned BBHC back for short spells, this did, however, leave them open to the BBHC counter attack. Brighton deservedly found a leveller after the ball popped up in the BBHC D and was well batted home by the Brighton forward.

As the half progressed though, BBHC gained more and more possession. The visitors thought that they had taken lead after some good individual work down the left saw White setup to the right of the goal. A cheeky lob by White resulted in a rather over the top celebration, before the goal was ruled out for an earlier infraction. The fight continued though and BBHC finally got their reward after a short corner was finally converted by Rob Porter after 2 previous attempts on previous short corners. The last five minutes saw BBHC play keep ball in anticipation of the final whistle.

A fantastic team performance from all, which sees BBHC move up to mid-table. Eastbourne visit next week.

M.O.M - Alex Webster

D.O.D - Rob Porter

[Alex Webster]

 

3rd XI 0 - 8 Old Bordenians 3rd XI (H)
With the men's teams short of players this weekend, something had to give and it turned out to be the 3rd XI's result. Borrowing 3 players from the depleted 6th XI, who played the match before, the 3'rd XI's bare 11 faced a fit and strong-looking Old Bordenians 3rd XI squad.

Encouragingly, the 2 sides appeared well-matched at the outset, with much of the play taking place in midfield. Play continued but the visitors carried more threat up front and indeed went 1-0 up after 20 minutes. BBHC's heads did not drop and stayed in the game as they began to support the inexperienced forward line of Sumeet Dhinsa and Jamie Saunders more effectively and fashioned some moves into the OB's 25. However, shots were not forthcoming.

Half-time arrived with the game very much in the balance. This was not the best time to reduce the team to 9 players, but this indeed happened as the club's player shortage this weekend took its toll. A reshuffle of the formation proved ineffective as goals began to be conceded with ease.

BBHC kept fighting and chose to attack instead of pack the defence and were duly punished, with the exhausted players caught upfield and OB's outnumbering the remaining defenders as they used the big spaces effectively. The score could have been worse had the visitors had more possession in the BB half, but all credit to the lads for trying to grab some goals instead of shutting up shop. Young Dhinsa had the one BB chance of the match but his shot was well saved.

The visitors racked up 8 goals in total - very much a demorallising scoreline, hence, embarrassingly, the opposition outnumbered the home players back at the clubhouse afterwards.

[Andrei Mendis]

 

4th XI 0 - 4 Holcombe 4A (A)
A 4:30pm game, torrential rain, only ten players and a stronger, reinforced opposition - it must be away to Holcombe! After going a goal down in the first three minutes the 4’s had their backs against the wall. However, despite this we produced one of our best performances of the season.

Martin Agyei, playing as a lone centre forward, constantly kept three defenders occupied with his quick running and movement. Ben Ayres and Andy Franklin held the centre of midfield superbly. Tarin and Karan Chana produced good movement down the right, while veterans Sammy Chana and Barry Stott-Brookes used their many years of experience to stem the Holcombe attacks down the left.

Martin Hickman playing in an unaccustomed role at centre back produced a number of decisive tackles while James Isteed kept the score down with some fine saves.

There are plenty of positives to take from this match to take into the rest of the season.

Thanks to Holcombe for providing both umpires in appalling conditions.

MOM - The magnificent ten.
DOD - Simon Brown - where were you?
[He was soaked to the bone and very muddy after being drafted in to Veterans' match at the club, and clearly forgot to text the 4's after I reminded him! Like a number of lower XI players that day, he had to double-up, and looked rather exhausted after that mudbath!
Andrei]

[John Gibbard]

 

5th XI 4 - 0 Tunbridge Wells 4th XI (A)
BBHC 5's travelled to a cold and wet, windswept water-based pitch at Tonbridge School to play Tunbridge Wells.

BB started well with an attack in the first 20 seconds even though the hosts had the push back. BB kept on the pressure, Dave Davenport releasing the ball into the area and Andy Humber striking the moving ball on the reverse. BB continued to push forward, good play down the right by Rohan Chana at times baffled the players who tried to get in a tackle.

BB went two up after a ball placed in by the aforementioned Chana, and Humber tipping the ball around the advancing keeper right at the top of the area. The game stopped for five minutes when a home attacker came in contact with the BB keeper, after this, the good humour of the game ended with the host players losing their composure and the home keeper making contact with any BB player who came within striking distance.

Half time came, a longer than usual break as the BB skipper dealt with the injured Tunbridge player and an ambulance was called. The half started with the home side making a concerted effort in attack, BB held firm, special mention for Phillip Cratchley who played his best game this season and Mark Emanyasi who played in three different positions in support of the the team formation.

BB then took control and commanded the pitch, a superb flowing move left Peter Allen clear to place his strike past the keeper. With the home team now left hitting long balls forward, BB pilled on the pressure allowing Humber to complete his hatrick by deflecting a strike into the D past the stationery keeper. Everyone contributed to the team performance reflecting the final result.

MOM Phillip Cratchley. Thanks to Lee Humber for umpiring in difficult circumstances.

Final score Tunbridge Wells 0 BBHC 4

[Andy Humber]

 

Veterans 1 - 2 Kenley (H)
Our first home game of the season was played in a monsoon. The pitch played unexpectedly well, as a result of Graeme's efforts over the summer, and in laying out the pitch, and also in no small part to Arthur, who did various oxygenating and scarifying things to the pitch in the fortnight leading up to this game. Without these two heroes, I doubt that the game could have been played.

We hosted Kenley - as sporting and jovial a bunch of fellows as you could hope to meet. I enjoy playing Kenley. They carry with them a sense that they like to be together, and they also like playing hockey for its own sake. There is none of the snarling aggression that comes with some of our opposition (and, it must be said, from some of our team). This non-confrontational feature is very attractive, and is personified amongst their number in Ray, who umpired singlehandedly in the Barry Chivers style, and rightly received a lifetime achievement award in the bar after the game.

The weather dictated the way the game was played. It didn't help that missing from our personnel were Ian, Koki, Martin, Jagi, Graeme, Nick, Dave, Steve, Peter, Anup, and Alan (the last of whom was present, but remains trussed). Those combined players would win against any opposition in the conference, so it is unsurprising that the players who attended rather struggled (Clayton, Francis, Simon, Frank, Arthur, Roy, Barry, Jamie (who happened to be in the bar at the start of the game) and your correspondent. We lost 1- 2, unnecessarily.

The game itself was a blur of rain, mud, water, and slurry. We were 0 - 1 down within a minute, owing to the fact that we were first to defend an attack, and no one had got to grips with the prevailing tide conditions. The defining moment in the game however occurred an hour later, resulting in what turned out to be the winning goal, and it gave rise to the most obvious doris-attracting event that we have seen for many games. Francis executed a 16 yard hit which had many plausible features. It was taken from the correct place. It was the correct choice of hit. It went in the direction he wanted it to go. However, if one was to be critical, the hit exhibited a paucity of momentum, and the ball stopped further away from any of our team than it did from a Kenley representative, and additionally the ball was to be found stationary at the top of (yet just inside) our D. I need say no more. It is good to know that we are still playing at a level where errors are punished to the full, and it is to Francis' credit that in the bar, when the word Doris was uttered, he rose from his seat in anticipation. Ironically, Francis had had a very good game up until the incident - his none-shall-pass technique working well throughout the game, but of course, we have no interest in remembering any of that. Francis was additionally aggrieved that a player who arrived late for the game escaped without censure, but sadly, once a doris is awarded, there is no right of appeal.

Our goal was scored by Roy, who failed to get his stick out of the way of a short-corner shot from Arthur. It's not how, but how many.

The Morris went to Simon, for equally none-shall-pass heroics, and for playing on his birthday (and for buying a birthday jug - an act of generosity which I think should become a tradition). It was also his second game of the day. He had been selected for a third game later on, but on seeing the bar, changed his mind, demonstrating a lack of commitment in my opinion.

So, the season so far. Played 4. Won 2. Lost 2. Goals for, 9. Goals against, 8.

Next week we are away to Blackheath. Several annual subs remain outstanding. Please be warned that the deadline for non-selection is now within a calendar month, and we cannot afford to be without players for an additional, yet avoidable, reason.

[Mark Betteney]

Colts' Reports

U16 Girls 6 - 8 Sevenoaks (H)
With BBHC U16 girls rearranged league game against Sevenoaks at home the sun was shining which was a welcome change.

BBHC started quietly both vocally and motivation wise. It took an own goal by Sevenoaks to build BBHC confidence. The game was full of excitement and end to end play, with goals at both ends also. Sevenoaks took a two-goal lead, however, BBHC fought back, with pace on the wing by Rebecca O'Connor and skill by Hannah Johnson (captain) in the middle of the park with a goal coming from Sorcha Crowley in the first half.

The second half started just as the first half had finished, all square, with a well-drilled short corner by BBHC to give Sorcha Crowley her second goal, gave BBHC the lead. With determination from the front runners, created a penalty flick, which was converted by Hannah Johnson. However, Sevenoaks kept the pressure on BBHC defense, bring the score level equal. Marney Darby managed to convert from open play, however, Sevenoaks fault back with five minutes to go to break through BBHC and score.

Final score 8-6

Thanks to Sevenoaks for a great game and all the supporters.

[Alison Hollands]

 

 

Saturday 25th October 2008

Men's Results
1st XI 2 - 4 Folkestone 1st XI (A)
(K King 2 [2PC])
2nd XI 1 - 1 Canterbury 3rd XI (H)
(Sains [PC])
3rd XI 5 - 3 Gore Court 4th XI (H)
(Eyre [FG], G Jones 2 [2 FG], J White 2 [FG, PC]
4th XI 0 - 1 Old Williamsonians 3rd XI (A)
5th XI 3 - 3 University of Kent 2nd XI (H)
(A Humber 2 [FG, PC], Jayasuriya [FG])
6th XI 0 - 5 Ashford 6th XI (A) - walkover
Veterans - No fixture

 

Ladies' Results

1st XI 1 - 0 Bromley & Beckenham 2nd XI (H)
(Crowley [FG[)
2nd XI 0 - 1 Cliftonville 1st XI (H)
3rd XI No Fixture

 

Men's Reports

2nd XI 1 - 1 Canterbury 3rd XI (H)
After gaining their first points of season, BBHC were looking to continue the good form against the visiting Canterbury 3rd XI.

Both teams started off cautiously, probing the other for weaknesses. The BBHC back four, slightly changed from last week's impressive performance stood strong though and soaked up the few attacks that broke through the midfield. BBHC where able to win several short corners, and on the second attempt took the lead after a drag flick by Allan Sains squirmed past the diving Canterbury keeper.

Both teams continued to play but solid opportunities were few and far between. Canterbury managed to equalise after working the ball down the left and along the back line before tapping in from close range. The fact that the ball quite clearly went off the back line before being cut back apparently did not matter...... It was not long after that Canterbury were presented with an opportunity to take the lead after BBHC lost the ball in defence and gifted the young Canterbury forward with a one on one with Steve Porter in goal. The forward was promptly up ended and awarded a penalty stroke. The penalty stroke was weak and therefore saved easily by Steve Porter, who promptly consoled the embarrassed forward with a pat on the back.

So half time and the scores where even at 1-1.

The second half was a poor affair with neither team creating any decisive chances. Canterbury won their first and only short corner 55 minutes into the game. BBHC managed to win three but were unable to convert. Final score 1-1.

A well earned point for BBHC, with a good defensive performance but really all three points should have been taken.

M.O.M - Kevin Wrake

D.O.D - Andrew Mendl

[Alex Webster]

 

3rd XI 5 - 3 Gore Court 4th XI (H)
After the previous week's shenanigans, the 3s were looking to put in a stolid performance with a more organised approach. This was slightly hindered by Captain David Corker having to make a speedy dash to the clubhouse to collect 3's debutant Nick Tuckey! And 2 further members of the team being late. So whilst our opposition went through shooting drills and the organised paraphernalia, we elected for the lets all stand at the top of the D and warm up by creaming the ball at Jim, which was carried out with hearty aplomb.

For the first opening 10 minutes, as with the previous week's, our opposition started ever so well moving the ball around quite quickly and putting us straight on the back foot. This seemed to work to our advantage as, cunningly, we had setup with the let "them-come-at-us" mentality. As they had so much possession they seemed to have forgotten about our 2 forwards in particular “Little” Jon White, whose array of stick skill is quite unbelievable and could take up another few paragraphs in explaining. From his deft work we went from one end of the pitch straight into their D on a swift break with our first shot by Danny Eyre and a goal!

From this point there was a frantic passage of play leading to 6 goals scored in a 10 minute period, 1-0 to us, their push back and short corner to Gore Court 1-1, push back to us pass the ball around short corner to us 2-1, push back to them pass the ball around 2-2, push back to Adrian "Pingu" Webster who ambled/shuffled/dribbled up the pitch for Little John to smash the ball into the roof of the net 3-2. Their push back where we break with routine and actually start to pass the ball around which allows “Incy Wincy the Spider “ Gareth Jones to tap in the ball at the back post 4-2. As both teams had being playing at such a relentless pace up to this point, a sort-of-calm ensued for the remainder with the exception of another short corner with a shot that was hit so hard that by time Jim had wafted his left foot where the ball should have been, it had hit the back board, 4-3 and half time.

The second half started and it would seem that our opposition had done so much fine work in the first half that they had run out of ideas and puff. This meant we were the only team in it and it was only a matter of time before we capitallised with further goals from all the possession we had. Sadly this was not the case as only 1 more goal was scored in this by “Wincy”, although it took him 2 goes to finish and was in fact the harder to score than the previous chance he had missed.

An all round good team performance, special mentions for Sukh Chaggar for being such a utility player (played right midfield, left back, then centre midfield), Corker for being able to put his left foot in front of a straight strike although he did not know much about it and continuing to play on after a brief convalesence, veteran Nick Tuckey for fitting in perfectly and both our umpires (Alex Webster and Mark Betteney) for doing such a sterling job.

[Adrian Prong]

 

4th XI 0 - 1 Old Williamsonians 3rd XI (A)
The 4th XI suffered their third loss in a row, although this was at least a much closer contest. We started quite brightly, as in previous weeks, and were playing well up to the opposition’s ‘D’, with only the final pass going astray. The opposition came into to the game and started to enjoy good possesion in midfield, and looked dangerous and skilful up front.

Despite their skills the break through came through our own mistake. Caught in two minds Simon Brown gave the ball straight to the centre forward, who skilfully rounded Simon, or so he thought. On another day, Simon’s ‘tackle’ would have been called ‘experience’, however today the umpire saw it as an act of evil and showed Simon yellow. The resultant short corner was promptly despatched to the back of the net and we were 1-0 down, something which has happened in all of our league games! I often wonder what might happen if we did score first – maybe next week. Fortunately, unlike the previous two weeks, the opposition failed to capitalise further and we hung on in there. 1-0 at half time.

All we needed to do was improve in the second half as we have done all season, which is exactly what happened. We started to stretch the opposition, bringing Sumeet Dhinsa and Jamie Saunders into the game far more. Short corners came and went, without the success of previous seasons – this we must change! As always great to the ‘D’, just not quite creating that grade ‘A’ chance for our forwards. It might help if our skipper’s radar was anywhere near to finding its target. Sterling work at the back, as always, kept the oppo at bay. Tom Barnett and Barry Stott both performed well on their first performances of the season for the 4s.

MoM: ?

DoD: Simon Brown, Wrong town and yellow card!

[James Smith]

 

5th XI 3 - 3 University of Kent 2nd XI (H)
BBHC Men's 5's welcomed (a very young looking) Uni of Kent to Erith School, The game started with BBHC having most of the possession which culminated Udi Jayasuriya setting up Andy Humber to place the ball into the bottom left corner evading the keeper. The Uni players then upped their game and pulled one back via a deflected penalty corner which left the BB keeper stranded. BB kept up the work rate and a well taken strike from Humber saw the Uni keeper only able to deflect the ball into his own net. Yet again the Uni players pulled one back before half time with another penalty corner strike.

The second half saw BB at times overwhelmed by 'the young ones', staunch defending from Simon Brown kept the Uni skipper and playmaker at bay, unfortunately the ball fell to one of the un-marked attackers who placed the ball into the BB net. BB hockey then fell apart, all their hard work had seemed to ended in defeat until a strong run for Steve Porter and a precise ball into the Uni area found Jayasuriya who calmly stroked the ball over the Uni line. After that the game could have gone either way, as BB pushed forward leaving large gaps for Uni to attack. The game finished three apiece, thanks to Dave Corker for Umpiring

BBHC 5's 3 Uni Kent 2's 3

[Andy Humber]

 

Ladies' Reports

1st XI 1 - 0 Bromley & Beckenham 2nd XI (H)
With Bromley & Beckenham still looking for their first points of the season and the B's looking for their first home victory this was to be a fierce encounter.

The B's started off really well and kept peppering the opposition defence with some good runs. Yet again the B's were unable to put the ball in the back of the net despite numerous chances.

With the B's defence on song it made life extremely difficult for the opposition attackers, Helen Thompson being the stand-out performer, and yet again solid displays from Debbie Henderson, Sharon Young and Sally Wallace.

It wasn't until midway through the second half that the B's eventually found a goal which was to be the winner, the goal being scored by Sorcha Crowley. The B's continued to dominate for the remainder of the second half with surging runs and numerous shots on target unfortunately hitting the post on three separate occasions.

The B's are now in striking distance of the top four, with no game next weekend, the ladies have plenty of time to prepare for the game against what is a strong Gillingham side.

Keep up the good work ladies and lets aim to get into the top four before the half way point in the season.

Player of the match: Helen Thompson

[Justin Granger]

 

Saturday 18th October 2008

Men's Results
1st XI 5 - 3 King's College London 1st XI (H)
(Ashby [FG], Baldwin [FG], D Humber [FG], K King 2 (FG, PC))
2nd XI 2 - 1 Old Bordenians 2nd XI (A)
(A Horsman [FG], Sains [PC])
3rd XI 0 - 2 Blackheath 3rd XI (A)
4th XI 1 - 4 Wellcome 1st XI (H)
(Ayre [FG])
5th XI 1 - 6 Sutton Valance 5th XI (A)
(Rohan Chana [FG])
6th XI 1 - 4 Marden Russets 4th XI (H)
Vets 2 - 3 Purley (A)

Sun 19th Oct: 2nd XI 7 - 0 Tring 2nd XI (H) - EH Men's 2nd XI Trophy (2nd Round)

 

Ladies' Results

1st XI 2 - 1 Burnt Ash 1st XI (A)
(Sweeney 2 [FG, PC])
2nd XI No Fixture
3rd XI 1 - 2 Bexley Invicta 1st XI (A)

 

Colts' Result

U14 Boys 0 - 3 Folkestone Optimist (H)

 

Men's Reports

1st XI 5 - 3 King's College London 1st XI (H)
This week BBHC entertained Kings Collage for the 3rd game of the season and after BB's home win the cup last week were confident of a result.

BB started the strongest but soon had to re arrange the line within 5 minutes of the start after Ravi Chana took a stick in the face. The home side took the lead after David Pyke crashed in a long corner for James Baldwin to sweep in past the helpless keeper. However, BB didn’t capitalize on this and soon found themselves level again after a broken down Kings corner found its way into the net. All level at halftime.

Second half started with BB applying lots of pressure on the Kings defence, who soon caved after a well worked corner was put in by Kevin King. Then credit to the Kings team they refused to give up and they got there rewards with a goal put in from a tight angle. BB responded straight away with a broken down corner finding its way into the back the net from Kevin King. Kings within minutes of this replied in turn with a scrappy goal to make it 3-3. Dave Humber soon found himself one on one with the kings keeper and coolly slotted home. James Baldwin received a yellow card from a tackle late in the game but that didn’t stop BB who put the game out of reach with a well taken Mark Ashby goal.
BB away to Folkestone next week.

[Kevin King]

 

2nd XI 2 - 1 Old Bordenians 2nd XI (A)
After a tough start to the season, BBHC 2nd XI were looking to secure their first points with a trip away to Old Bordenians.

The game started well for BBHC moving the ball around swiftly and pressing O.Bs into their own half. BBHC won several short corners before the opposition to gradually work their way into the game. Both sides created opportunities but it was BBHC who took the lead after Andrew Horseman took the ball forward from midfield. The forwards in front made great runs to split the defence to allow Horse a free shot at the top of the D, which he duly placed past the OB keeper. O.Bs continued to push forward and managed to equalise with a well struck reverse strike from the top of the D, which the defence were slow to close down. BBHC reacted positively to this set back and created several good chance. the lead was re-taken from a well struck short corner by Alan "Chuckie" Sains

BBHC came out from the half time break sensing all 3 points were there for the taking. A very disciplined press followed for the next 15 minutes which saw O.Bs penned into their half with no chance to move the ball about. The disciplined performance continued and BBHC thought they had extended the lead after a short corner was initially saved by the O.Bs keeper but followed up by Andy Tither. However, the ball was hooked out by the last defender onto another's foot. As BBHC turned to celebrate the umpire awarded a short corner to many's surprise. The excitement proved a little too much for some as Dean Wheeler continued to put forward the BBHC point that the ball had clearly crossed the line. This resulted in a yellow card.

This did not prevent BBHC continuing in their professional manner and saw out the game to deservedly secure all 3 points. A fantastic team performance.

M.O.M - Andrew Horseman
D.O.D - Dean Wheeler

[Alex Webster]

 

2nd XI 7 - 0 Tring 2nd XI (H) - EH Men's 2nd XI Trophy (2nd Round - Sun 12th October)
Thirteen weary looking players turned up on Sunday to face the unknown quantity which was Tring HC.

The first half saw BBHC matched by Tring as they failed to capitalise on their possession. Despite moving the ball around well, BBHC failed to click in the final third and rarely troubled the opposition keeper. However, BBHC defended well despite pushing high and Tring also failed to trouble Steve Porter in goal.

After the break BBHC came out fighting scoring three in the first five minutes. Sensing goals were available BBHC pushed forward and they did indeed follow. This allowed space for the back for Tring to cancel but this was swift swept up by the BBHC defence. A further four goals followed through out the half, that saw BBHC run out comfortable winners. Credit goes to Tring though who performed valiantly in the first half and continued to fight throughout the second.

[Alex Webster]

 

3rd XI 0 - 3 Blackheath 3rd XI (A)
Sadly I have to report from the highs of last week we were firmly brought back to earth, Blackheath started out of the blocks rather brightly and seemed rather well prepared unlike ourselves where 75% team had turned up just in time for the start and had to be coaxed into the right frame of mind with a warm up. It would have been nice to comment on the positives of the first half for ourselves unfortunately these were few and far between, save the fact that we only went in 2-0 down partly from some continued excellent defending and partly from lady luck making an appearance.

Heath’s first goal came from our own 16 yard hit which was passed to one of their 2 forwards, from which our goalie was still ambling back to his goal from retrieving the out of play ball and was caught flat-footed with a firmly struck shot. The second came from one of the plethora of penalty corners which we had previously defended rather admirably, including a previous goal line clearance by the writer. Unfortunately my second effort at deflecting a drag flicked ball ended up in our goal! (Sorry Jim as I am sure you would have had it).

So at half time a rather shell-shocked and demoralized team sat on the backboards whilst a serious team talk was in order, which seemed to do the trick as we came out initially with more purpose and endeavor. However, this did wane as we still looked like we were not going to score or get back into the game. It was a case of batten down the hatches and try to weather the continued bombardment which went rather well. This seemed to frustrate the opposition to firstly making some rather bizarre passing decisions and then the petulance monster reared its head - the scent of which seemed to provoke 2 of our older players to join in and both sides were lucky that, without some mature umpiring, would have been with less players.

Highlight of the day was the teas, Hooegarden and banter with the oppo in the pub afterwards.

Hopefully with a more early meet time, coco pops with warm milk to make sure the youngsters are awake for the start of the game and some diazepam for the more easily frustrated team members.

[Adrian Prong]

 

4th XI 1 - 4 Wellcome 1st XI (H)
We suffered a strange case of Déjà vu this week. After a bright start with some good movement, particularly down the right hand side, we found ourselves caught on the break and with clinical finishing we were 1-0 down. Time and again we approached the opposition’s half with good quality only to see it wasted with a poor pass and our experienced opposition only too quick to capitalise on our shortcomings. In truth the opposition had much the better of the first half and were able to score twice more before half-time. So similar to last week we had a mountain to climb.

Also the same as last week, we came out in the second half in a much better frame of mind. Passes started to stick, our opposition started to tire and it started to look like a different game. Alex Scott and Jamie Saunders continued to impress down the right hand side, with Sumeet continually showing his fast developing skills on the left. As a result chances start to come. We finally had our just reward with a good passing move involving Martin Agyei and Jamie Saunders allowing Ben Ayre to skilfully leave the net bulging from the top of the ‘D’, a quality finish (his second in two games for us). Sadly the opposition did manage to score again and could have had more with their incisive breaks. On the bright side we have improved in the last week and against lesser sides we will have much more to play for.

Mom: Alex Scott (again!)

DoD: James Isteed (again!) Letting in 4 and suggesting we play with 12 outfield players – not a bad idea!

[James Smith]

 

5th XI 1 - 6 Sutton Valance 5th XI (A)
A early morning meet (0830hrs) for the 5's playing away to Sutton Valence, the lack of sleep and the travelling showed in the first half as a luck lustre BBHC conceded three early goals which were well taken by the Valence forwards. BBHC were denied a penalty flick when Udi was felled by the advancing keeper in front of the Ump', penalty corner was awarded which BBHC failed to convert. From this, BBHC newly found match discipline floundered, which allowed the home team to place two more goals into the BBHC net. A change of personnel positioning for BBHC put Valence on the back foot, the constant pressure eventually paid off with Rohan tipping the ball over the line after some clever close play by Udi. With BBHC pushing forward the inevitable space in the BBHC half was capitalized by Valence putting in their sixth goal. It was a match of 'two half's', the first to forget and the second to remember for the effort and commitment. Final score; Sutton Valence 6 BBHC 1. MOM, Blake for his overall work rate and attacking play. Special mention for Martin in goal who made several vital saves. Thanks to Peter Stanley for umpiring.

[Andy Humber]

 

Ladies' Report

1st XI 2 - 1 Burnt Ash 1st XI (A)
On a cold Saturday afternoon the ladies 1st team were up against local rivals Burnt Ash, this was to be a big match as Burnt Ash who were relegated last season were looking for their first win. BBHC who were in no mood to surrender valuable points to their local rivals were well prepared.

BBHC had 2 young debutants in Hannah Johnson and Ellie Kember-Hollands .

The game started off really slowly with both teams giving possession away on regular occasions. BBHC had a lapse of concentration for about 10 minutes in which time the opposition managed to bundle a goal passed our ever improving defence. This ironically was exactly what the team needed, as this gave us a serious wake up call. BBHC were for the remaining half in complete domination over the oppositions half, with well worked passes and good runs been created by the team thus creating goal scoring opportunities which we were unable to finish.

In the second half the BBHC girls came out firing and were continually forcing the Burnt Ash defenders into making mistakes, the B's had a couple of short corners which they were unable to convert due to some good save's by the opposition goalkeeper, however it didn't take long and with some clever thinking by Sarah Harvey and the short corner team Geneveive Sweeney was able to convert a well worked set play, the B's were now 1-1 and dominating.

It did not take the B's long and they were in a deserved 2-1 lead, the goal coming from some great build up play from the back 4 linking up with Midfield, a good ball into the D by Sam Hall was eventually well finished by Gen Sweeney to make it two for her on the day. The B's continued to attack the goal and were unlucky to not go further ahead.

The last 10mins of play were closely contested with end to end play both teams were continually attacking opposing goals, fortunately for the B's the defence was on song and we earned a well deserved win.

Man of the match went to Sally Wallace who had some dominating play throughout the game, with lots of big tackles a good linking play with the back and links .

With 2 wins in 5 matches the B's are an ever improving side.

Well done ladies lets carry on with this good form for the rest of the season.

[Justin Granger]

Colts' Report

U14 Boys 0-3 Folkestone Optimist (H)

 

 

 

Saturday 11th October 2008

Men's Results
1st XI 1 - 1 Blackheath 1st XI (H)
(Baldwin [FG])
2nd XI 4 - 5 Blackheath 2nd XI (A)
(D Humber [FG], Sains [FG], Wheeler 2 [2FG])
3rd XI 2 - 2 Sevenoaks 4A (H)
(T Chana [FG], G Jones [FG])
4th XI 1 - 4 New Beccehamians 2nd XI (A)
(Saunders [FG])
5th XI 2 - 0 Old Bordenians 5th XI (H)
(Allen [FG], Jayasuriya [FG])
6th XI 1 - 8 Old Bordenians 4B (A)
Veterans 3 - 1 Cobdown (A)
(Loft [FG], I Palmer [FG], N Tuckey [PC])

Sun 12th Oct: 1st XI 8 - 2 Slough (H) - Harrod UK Men's Trophy (1st Round)
(Ashby [FG], Ashenden [PC], D Humber 2 [2FG], K King [PC], Labourt 2 [FG, PC], Stanley [PC])

 

Ladies' Results

1st XI 2 - 3 Upminster 1st XI (H)
2nd XI 3 - 2 Old Bordenians 1st XI (A)
(Augustin [PC], Hollands 2 [2FG])
3rd XI 0 - 1 Greenwich Polygons 1st XI (H)

 

Colts' Result

U18 Boys 0 - 4 Tulse Hill & Dulwich (H)

 

Men's Reports

1st XI 1 - 1 Blackheath 1st XI (H)
This week's match really was a game of two halves.

The first half BBHC started strong with the ball pace being dictated by the back line who were transferring the ball round the park at ease creating space for the midfield to come and collect the ball and a quick outlet from David Pyke up the line to the forwards. Mixing up the style of play and breaking forward quickly BBHC look dangerous.

After good work from the front line BBHC were awarded a free hit just outside the area. Kevin King hit the ball in, which James Baldwin was able to get a touch to and deflect past the goal keeper. Blackheath came straight back at BBHC and within 5 minutes were level. With a few short corners BBHC had opportunities to score before the half was up but were unable to advantage.

The second half started as the first had finished with each side matching each other. As the half progressed Blackheath grew stronger and put BBHC under extreme pressure. Some last minute tackles and clearances off the line from Ravi Chana was keeping BBHC in the game. Things were not looking too good when Blackheath were awarded a flick. Gareth "Goldberg" Bayliss was determined not to concede and entertained the crowd with his Grobbelaar esc antics and won the battle of the minds as Blackheath failed to hit the target. Holding on through further heroics from Goldberg and Ravi Chana the game ended in a point for both sides.

Horse of the Match: Andres - Handbags

Jonty of the Match: Ravi - The human magnet

 

1st XI 8 - 2 Slough (H) - Harrod UK Men's Trophy (1st Round - Sunday 12th October)
For the second year running BBHC drew Slough in the Harrod UK Men's Trophy. A bad tempered game last season that resulted in a win for BBHC left the assembled crowd in anticipation of a closely fought game.

BBHC started off well moving the ball well around the back, stretching the visitors in an attempt to create holes in their defence. This tactic soon paid dividends as the Slough defence opened and allowed Dave Humber through and to slot the ball passed the keeper. the good play continued with Slough creating little and BBHC were able to double their lead with a well struck short corner by Andres Labourt to the bottom corner. Slough's play became better as the half progressed but this did not prevent BBHC further extending their lead on the stroke of half time. A short corner tapped home by the outstretched Pete Stanley.

Slough found themselves with an extra couple of players at half time as some stragglers arrived. They began to play some better hockey and found themselves a lifeline after some good individual play. BBHC responded quickly by winning several short corners, one converted by the diving Kevin King.

Sensing that more goals where available BBHC stretched the game even further. However this allowed Slough space at the back and they managed to peg BBHC back to 4-2. This did not disillusion the home side and the lead was further extended by Sam Ashenden with a fantastic drag flick from a short corner. Slough's heads went down as they realised their short lived comeback was not going to have that fairy tale ending. This allowed BBHC to grab another three goals in the final ten minutes as they dominated Slough. Firstly Mark Ashby tapped home from close range after some good solo work from Labourt. Labourt then secured his double after following up on a shot initially well saved by the opposition keeper. Humber completed the scoring after dinking the ball over the keeper after he had again made a good initial save.

The final score a well deserved 8-2. With four of the eight goals coming from short corners it was a testament to the hard practise put in over the past weeks on this particular area of their game.

[Alex Webster]

 

2nd XI 4 - 5 Blackheath 2nd XI (A)
After the dramatics of last week, BBHC were looking for a performance to which they have become a little more accustomed. BBHC visited Blackheath, whom they had drawn with a fortnight ago in a preseason friendly.

The game started off an open affair with both teams playing some flowing hockey. However, it was BBHC who took the lead after some decisive hockey through the centre saw Allan Sains convert a rebound into the roof of the net after the keeper had made a good initial save. Blackheath immediately cancelled out this lead, utilising their pace upfront.

BBHC kept their heads in the game and soon found themselves in the lead after a similar goal to the first, with Deano Wheeler tapping home from close range after another good save from the opposition keeper. Again Blackheath demonstrated their bouncebackability by pegging level again after cutting round the back of the BBHC defence.

Both teams sensed that all 3 points could be won and every tackle became crucial. The game looked like it could boil over after some tussles between the two midifelds, resulting in a yellow card for a Blackheath player. BBHC were unable to utilise this numerical advantage and in fact found themselves behind at half time after a Blackheath attacker found some space in the BBHC D to deflect home from close range.

The second half saw a more solid performance from the BBHC defence and the team played the ball around well. This did not stop both teams creating several good chances and winning several short corners. It was from one of these short corners that BBHC took the lead after a pass to the far post was deflected home by Dean Wheeler.

Despite BBHCs more solid looking defence, a 4th was conceded. However, it looked like the visitors had snatched a point five minutes from the end after a reverse strike from the top of the D by David Humber crept in past the keeper and in off the post. BBHC manage to lose out on what would have been a well deserved point after conceeding a short corner 2 minutes from the end, converted by a solid strike to the bottom left corner.

So a second defeat on the trot, unheard of for BBHC 2nd XI in recent years that leaves BBHC with some serious thinking to be done. Having scored 6 goals in two games, you would not expect to be languishing from bottom in the league table, perhaps a sign that the Kevin Keegan-esque tactics may not be the way to play in this league.

BBHC could perhaps learn from a thing or two from the classic film "D3: The Mighty Ducks." ( the one where they finally learn to defend rather than just scoring more than the opposition). To quote Coach Orion, Gordon Bombay's successor:

"How long does it take to score a goal? Less than a second. That means no lead is safe, if you can't play defence. Now get this straight, I want none number on your mind...zero. As in shut out. You got that!?"

"Listen, if you learn nothin' else when you're here, you learn this, all right? This is not just about hockey. It's easy to be confident when you have control of the puck. It's very, very difficult to keep that confidence when you gotta take whatever strange bounces life throws your way. Don't be careless, but don't be too careful either. You cannot be afraid to lose! That's how you gain the confidence to attack the game when the puck isn't yours. That's how you attack life... even when you think you don't have any control. And that's how you play real defense. "

[Alex Webster]

 

3rd XI 2 - 2 Sevenoaks 4A (H)
After last weeks 5-1 loss the 3s were looking to break the routine of having a large amount of possession and not fully utilizing it, as the make up of the team has a core of 5-6 under 16 players, several players of the more experienced era of hockey (not nice to mention ages!) and only 3 players left from the previous season. A sense of in trepidation prevailed as we lined up against a full adult side.

From our push back we moved the ball around rather brightly making quick use of the ball and were unlucky to not capitalise with an early goal due to a couple of squandered opportunities in the D, as follows from the previous week the opposition were playing the long ball to front which our defense had stood easily against where as our play consisted of shorter more intricate play, some would possibly saying playing “Hockey”. From the opening period it would appear that that we had the dominance, unfortunately as with previous weeks this seems to mean that a number of younger members of the squad switch off briefly which allowed a quick free hit to be taken and a further free hit given away cheaply outside our D by David “The Scythe” Corker. Said free hit was struck not particularly well which seemed to have fooled Dave King into letting it deflect under his stick completely wrong footing the writer and into the path of the Oaks forward who semi scuffed the shot past Jim Jackson at the near post.

Feeling slightly robbed at being 1-0 on the oppos only foray into our D and there first shot! We gathered our senses and continued to play as we had previously, slowly building ourselves back into dominance of the game. Sadly our short corner routine has not quite reached it zenith yet and 3 of these were not used, however after some deft work by Bal Kalsi to open a space on our right flank Karan Chana swiftly trotted onto the ball and sailed past 4 Oaks players as if they weren’t there and won ourselves another short corner, finally a firmly struck shot at the goalie allowed Gareth Jones to pop up on the back post and slot the ball home 1-1.

Going in at half time at 1-1 seemed there was more then a possibility of winning the game due to the way we had played. The second half we did not start quite as well and Oaks seem to be a slightly different team, also in previous weeks it had been noted when we lack a sub the “youngsters” began to wane in energy, leaving more space for our opposition to use. Fortunately this was the opposite for Tarin Chana, who had been missing in action for a large portions of the first half, seemed to come into his own in the second half (to be fair he had Kent Trials the previous night and been successful in the draft so congratulations on another BBHC Colt getting into Kent).

We were somewhat under pressure, fortunately Oaks were just as bad as ourselves in using the amount of short corners they had, out of the 2 teams we were more then sure a win was on the cards for ourselves if we could get the ball, we had just settled ourselves back into the game. When Dave King was felled by one of the more robust opposition, claiming he was playing the ball, although the ball does have a slightly different look to Dave’s knee and slightly less hairs! This was the same player who seemed to feel that body checking one of the younger players earlier in the first half was acceptable, which was dealt with rather swiftly by the umpires at the time. So sadly we had to push our now immobile sweeper up front to sit in there D, this seemed to be the catalyst for disaster on our part and the whole teams positioning completely went leading to Oaks to having a 3 on 1 which they dully converted, 2-1 5 minutes to go. Fortunately we were able to sub Dave off for Mark “Kermit” Pellatt, not sure if it was the goal or Mark coming onto the pitch that made the difference, from a quickly taken free hit to Tarin the ball was superbly worked down the right wing between Ram Kalsi and Tarin Chana overlapping each other finishing with Chana converting his chance on the back post 2-2. With what must have been less then 30 secs after the final whistle was blown.

Our account in the points had now been firmly opened and with the addition of some of the other 3s players who have not played this season, we have a base to work from and continue to develop the younger players.

[Adrian Prong]

 

4th XI 1 - 4 New Beccehamians 2nd XI (A)
One league game, one win could it continue? Don’t be silly, this is the 4s remember! We arrived with optimism and reached halftime with not very much to shout about, being 4-0 down. A five minute period was our undoing after a bright start. The opener; was a flick, given away by John Gibbard though not really helped by prior defending. This was quickly followed by goals two and three. A fourth was added shortly before half time.

With pride to be fought for in the second half we started strongly with greater competitiveness and composure as a result we moved the ball around well. Udi epitomised the improvements with his driving runs, tough tacking and determination. Apparently we scored during this positive period, however my ageing memory seems to have missed the details apart from Jamie Saunders putting the ball into the back of the net. Further chances to get back in the game came and went. We were lucky not to concede again towards the end. They say in football speak that it’s a game of two halves. We lost the first, but won the second so surely we were worth a point! We move on to next week with the promise of further improvements and the need for more points.

MoM: Udi

DoD: James Isteed – four goals, claiming we should play a 3-3-5 formation, kicking a mini football on to the pitch during the previous game and then ‘leaping’ athletically (?) over the fence - No contest (this week)

5th XI 2 - 0 Old Bordenians 5th XI (H)
BBHC 5's welcomed Old Bordenians for the first league match of the season, BBHC started on the back foot with only eight players on the field, thanks must go to Jim Jackson who stepped in as right back and held his own when called upon. Old Bord's tried to capitalize on the lack of players but some resolute defending kept the scores level. Once up to full strength BBHC played some nice hockey and kept the ball in the oppositions half, BBHC awarded a penalty corner which was struck by Peter Allen and saved, Mr Jayasuriya followed up to push the ball pass the stranded keeper.

The second half was much of the same, BBHC players were now starting to feel the effects of the work load and the surprising late summer weather, many chances went amiss. The game was put out of reach when Peter Allen finished a well worked move involving six players moving the ball from the BBHC defensive line.

Man of the match goes to Mark Emassi for picking off the Old Bord's attack. Thanks go to young Gareth and Adrian Prong for umpiring.

Final score 2-0, a good start with plenty to work on. 5's away next week to Sutton Valence.

[Andy Humber]

 

Veterans 3 - 1 Cobdown (A)
And just when one considers that one has seen everything on a hockey pitch, lo and behold a Cobdown defender steps onto the pitch adorned not only with shin pads, but with bubble wrap strapped around each ankle, and around the groin area (mercifully, inside the shorts - "If I get one in the b*llocks, and there is a popping sound, don't worry. It's the bubble wrap, not a testicle"). Much vomiting all round at this mental picture.

And so to the game. We won, 1-3, giving a pleasing symmetry to the season so far. It was so hot though that you could be forgiven for thinking the game was being played in slow motion, and when Roy shoved in our first goal, no one had the energy to cheer. Perhaps we were subconsciously deflated because of the news of Alex's imposed retirement. Who knows.

Ian got our second in typical style, but still there was no effervescence. Nick scored our third from a short corner which was memorable because I have never before seen an incapacitated vets captain limp onto the pitch at the top of the D to give instructions (it took Alan a full minute to waddle on, another minute to give instructions, and another minute to waddle off - and he has the nerve to give out Dorises to other people!), but this tactical intervention led to an immediate goal. Either this captain has the Midas touch, or the Cobdown defence was so dumbstruck at this abuse of privilege they had lost concentration during the Russell-induced hiatus. A finely crafted goal it was though. It must be said that all our goals this season have been effectively built, whereas both of the goals we have conceded have been untidy, so this bodes well for the future.

Your correspondent was obliged to leave immediately after the game, and so cannot report who received the Morris and Doris awards. There seemed a mighty long list of contenders for the Doris (although mysteriously Alan's name was not to be numbered amongst them - more abuse of privilege. A pattern is emerging).

Thanks are due to Steve Webster for playing in goal effectively (how hot must he have been?), and to Barry for umpiring. His understated non-confrontational style is an art form in my opinion.

So, the season so far. Played 2. Won 2. Goals for, 6. Goals against, 2.

Next week we are away to Purley. We have several players unavailable (including the entire midfield from yesterday's lineup) so please make your availabilty known to Alan or Roy if you have not already done so. Several annual subs remain outstanding. It is too early to names names in this respect, but when the naming of names becomes appropriate, please don't let yours be on the list.

[Mark Betteny]

 

Ladies Report

2nd XI 3 - 2 Old Bordenians 1st XI (A)
On a warm October morning BBHC started their game against Old Bordenians who stood second in the league table. The signs were ominous with Borden fielding a young side with 3 subs… But BBHC need to improve on their last couple of performances!

The first fifteen minutes of the game was fast & furious with BBHC holding out to constant pressure from the opposition who were using the ball well & penetrating down the wings, they had a number of chances before they converted a penalty corner. OBs then turned the ball over in the closing minutes of the half to BBHC in their 25 yard area, after a deft touch by Captain Vicky Bilby in the ‘D’, Alison Hollands’ converted. 1:1 at half time

Second half started with Hollands opening the scoring for BBHC in the fist 10 minutes with a well worked goal struck from the top of the ‘D’. Bordenians applied the pressure to try to bring the game back level, scoring an equaliser from open play. BBHC didn’t let their heads go down & kept pressing winning a short corner in the closing seconds of the game. This was converted on a straight strike by Jane Augustin.

BBHC win 3-2… Their first win of the season – guaranteeing 3 points in a very competitive league. Hopefully this success will be followed by many more!

[Vicky Bilby]

 

Saturday 4th October 2008

Men's Results
1st XI 4 - 4 Horsham 1st XI (A)
(Ashenden [PC], K King [PC], Labourt 2 [PC, FG])
2nd XI 2 - 6 Ashford 2nd XI (H)
(Sains [PC], Wheeler [FG])
3rd XI 1 - 5 Gillingham Anchorians 2nd XI (A)
[H Kalsi [FG])
4th XI 2 - 1 HSBC 2nd XI (H)
(Ayre [FG], Gibbard [PC])
5th XI No Fixture
6th XI No Fixture
Veterans 3 - 1 Burnt Ash (A)

Ladies' Results
1st XI 2 - 1 Maidstone 2nd XI (A)
(K Hall [FG], + S Hall or S Wallace [FG]!!)
2nd XI 0 - 4 Holcombe 2nd XI (H)
3rd XI 0 - 5 Cobdown 1st XI (A)

Colts' Results
U14 Boys 1 - 5 Burnt Ash (A)
(T Chana [PC])
U16 Girls 1 - 1 Tunbridge Wells B (A)
(Crowley [FG])

 

Men's Reports

1st XI 4 - 4 Horsham 1st XI (A)
The first team travelled to Horsham for their first league match of the season hoping to get off to a winning start.

I didn’t all go to plan to start with for BBHC with the first exchange going to Horsham putting them a goal ahead. BBHC came back strong and were soon level after winning a short corner which Andres Labourt converted with a straight strike from the top of the D. The confidence grew as we started to pass the ball around the back and were able to release the ball forward quickly to the forwards. On such opportunity fell to Jamie Perfitt who raced through one on one with the keeper but was unable to finish off the move. With BBHC exerting further pressure on the back line of Horsham BBHC were rewarded with another short corner. A strong slap to the back post where “ 2 Goal King “ was diving in, slotted it past the keeper. With only minutes to go until half time BBHC won another short corner. Corner number 3 and routine number 3. Step up Sam Ash with a drag flick from the top of the circle that sealed a great comeback in the first half to put BBHC 3 -1 up at the interval.

The second half started with a big push from Horsham that had BBHC on the back foot. Some poor defending from the team gifted Horsham with an instant response making it 3-2. With decisions going against BBHC, they were soon down to 10 men as Mark Pickersgill was dismissed for a perfect tackle that was deemed a yellow card. The pressure continued and soon it was 3 – 3.

Horsham took the lead 4 - 3, before some minutes of madness saw a red card for Horsham and yellow cards for BBHC's Ben Bradley and David Pyke. BBHC reshuffled the pack and started to use the extra space on the pitch to their advantage. Soon restored to full numbers, strong play from the whole team saw Labourt through to slot home a reverse hit to level the score 4 – 4 .

A difficult start for the 1st team but many positives to take from the match.

Horse of the Match – Bradley – too many to list

Jonty of the Match - Andreas – Good Brace

Next week home to Blackheath. Then Sunday home to Slough in the HA cup.

[James Baldwin]

 

2nd XI 2 - 6 Ashford 2nd XI (H)
Having not lost at home for two consecutive seasons at home, BBHC 2nd XI were hoping to continue this impressive home form against Ashford. This was always going to be a tough challenge having won the league the before and getting promoted.

The first 10 minutes saw Ashford come out strong, pinning BBHC back into their half and creating several opportunities. BBHC rode their luck and did not concede. However, the game took an unplanned break when a collision between Andy Franklin and Lee Humber at the back resulted in a dislocated thumb for Lee and a bloody gash to the forehead for Andy. This left BBHC with no subs and a mountain to climb and looked like a possibility as BBHC worked the ball down the right hand side. Some good work by Allan Sains left the keeper with no chance for Dean Wheeler to tap it home on his debut since returning to BBHC. This was unexpected to say the least and Ashford responded swiftly, firing the ball home from the top of the BBHC D, after the home side failed to close down the attacker.

Having lost two players to injury and surrendered their lead BBHC had hoped their bad luck had ended. However, a perfectly placed 16 yard hit by Paul Harvey to Jon White's already fragile knee and a yellow card for Jimmy Henderson (for requesting the umpire didn't swear at him) proved otherwise. This left BBHC with 9 men for a spell of 10 minutes, BBHC closed ranks though and only conceded 1 until the return of Jimmy and a hobbling Jon. BBHC spent most of the half defending but did manage several attempts on goal, the closest a clearance on the line from Dean Wheeler.

BBHC came out from half time, positive they could snatch at least a point from the fixture. This challenge was made even more difficult after a cheaply given away short corner (sorry!) resulted in a goal from a suspiciously powerful drag flick into the roof of the net. (He was using an illegally bowed stick and promptly changed it after this was pointed out..... cheat) BBHC continued to push forward in search of a way back into the game but found themselves further down when they were caught on the break.

A lifeline was found though when Allan Sains converted from a short corner (courtesy of a touch from the defender on the post) but no comeback was to be found. Twice before the end of the game BBHC were caught out on the break as they committed men forward in search of goals.

A comfortable win for Ashford in the end and it could have been much worse. BBHC can be happy though that they continued to fight through out the game and that a large proportion of this season's bad luck is out of the way.

[Alex Webster]

 

4th XI 2 - 1 HSBC 2nd XI
So the league season is under way and for a change the 4th XI start with a win. I‘d like to write about how we played superbly against a very good side and dominated the entire game, sadly I can’t. We had beaten HSBC twice last season and again just a fortnight ago.

Having won all four of our preseason games confidence was high and the opposition only had ten. So it all seemed to be pretty straight forward play, as we have been and go back to the bar with 3 points, no worries.

As we all know things don’t often work out that way and 10 often play better defensively than 11. Indeed for the first fifteen minutes it looked as if HSBC had the extra man. We looked a little shell shocked and short on ideas.

With HSBC breaking well, they won a short corner which they promptly converted low to James Isteed’s right (a good job you practised ‘logging’ before the game). To be honest this was nothing more than they deserved at this point. With their defence working hard chances for us were few and far between. A short corner came and went (good work Steve!) and then with the goal at our mercy the ball was stopped by a foot on the line. With his (many) years of experience our most(?) senior pro John Gibbard stepped up to slot home to the keepers left. This seemed to fire us up and we finished the half much the stronger side (despite a strong appeal for a flick against us being turned down), but with good scoring opportunities few and far between and Mark Hudson leaving us with (hopefully only) bruised ribs.

HSBC started the second half brightly, but we soon started to dominate possession in midfield and HSBC struggled to get the ball out of their half. Short corners came and went and chances fell to the usually reliable Martin Hickman. Time was beginning to run out with the same pattern continuing. Although when HSBC did break out they always seemed to get a short corner, something perhaps that we need to work on. Fortunately for us they failed to convert otherwise the result could have been different.

With 5 minutes left, to the relief of the whole team, the break through came just as we thought our luck might be running out. For the first time a free hit was taken quickly with a gap ahead. The ball pushed quickly into the ‘D’ our debutant Ben Ayre got a touch to which the keeper inexplicably allowed to pass through his legs. With the first game out of the way and 3 points in the bag, we now look to improve as we most likely face 11 players next week.

MoM: Alex Scott – cool under pressure

DoD: Martin Hickman – missed chances!

[James Smith]

 

Ladies' Report

1st XI 2 - 1 Maidstone 2nd XI (A)
After struggling to reach there potential in the first two league games the Ladies 1st XI travelled to Maidstone in search of their first points.

A solid BBHC performance saw the 1st XI return victorious. Goals from captain Sam Hall and Karen Hall / Sally Wallace (depending on the source) secured a well earnt 3 points.

BBHC took control of the game after about 10 minutes with the first goal and never looked back. The team played some great hockey and showed great team work throughout the whole match. We linked well together and showed we are a team with potential.

Players of the Match: Ashley Davenport and Sally Wallace

[Debbie Henderson]

Colts' Reports

U14 Boys 1 - 5 Burnt Ash (A)
On a rather damp and windswepped pitch as Hurstmere School in Sidcup the U14 boys lined up for a game against a Burnt Ash U14 team, with the spine of the team set out with the more experienced players and the younger players within the wider positions, including at least 4 debutants at hockey.

Burnt Ash looking more experienced started brightly working the ball around well opening up the BBHC team to be thwarted by some stalwart defending. This allowed the greater stick skills of cousins Tarin and Rohan Chana to come into effect against the run of play. BBHC were able to work themselves a foothold on the possesion of the ball and slowly got themselves into the game.

As the team gained confidence, they were hit by a swift counter attack which GK Andrew Hawes successfully saved the first shot. However, as BBHC tried to clear their lines, a goal mouth scuffle ensued with the ball being run over the line. Sadly the second goal quickly followed from a counter attack.

This seem to spur BBHC on and some great passing won themselves a short corner which was expertly converted by Tarin Chana.

The second half started with BBHC having the greater possesion although the final pass to either Ben or Nathan who had found great attacking positions was not met. As BBHC pushed for the equaliser the overcommitment of players allowed Burnt Ash to easily convert a further 2 goals with a 3rd and final goal following shortly after. BBHC showed great strength of character by not letting there heads drop and were unfortunate to not have a couple of short corners awarded later during the game.

[Adrian Prong]

 

U16 Girls 1 - 1 Tunbridge Wells B (A)
With a very wet Sunday morning BBHC U16 girls went to play their first fixture of the season against Tunbridge Wells B team at Tonbridge School hoping the rain would stop.

But to no avail, BBHC braved the weather and started well, with a lot of the play in the opposition half. Hannah Johnson and Caitlin Coleman controlling the game in the middle of the park and having many near misses from open play and short corners by Sorcha Crowley and Ellie Kember-Hollands (captain).

With a quick turn around at half time the game continued to be end to end play, midway through the second half the deadlock was broken by Sorcha Crowley with a goal in open play. However, T Wells fought back with five minutes to go to win a short corner and score.

Final score 1-1

Thanks to T Wells for a great game and all supporters who stood by in the pouring rain.

If you would like to try hockey and join us please contact Alison Hollands on 07810 771993 or check out BBHC website on www.bbhocky.co.uk

[Alison Hollands]

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Saturday 27th September 2008

Men's Results
1st XI 3 - 1 London Edwardians 1st XI (A)
2nd XI 3 - 3 Blackheath 2nd XI (H)
3rd XI 0 - 2 BBHC 4th XI
4th XI 2 - 0 BBHC 3rd XI
5th XI - No Fixture
6th XI - No Fixture

Ladies' Results
1st XI 1 - 4 Canterbury 2A (H)
2nd XI 2 - 2 Marden Russets 1st XI (H)
3rd XI 2 - 1 New Beccehamians 2nd XI (A)

 

Men's Reports

4th XI
There are days when pre match team talks are difficult and there are other occasions when they deliver themselves. This was one of the latter occasions. Having enjoyed a promising pre season so far; played three and won three, scoring 14 goals along the way, we knew that this would be by far our biggest test. Playing the team above you in the club suggests that you shouldn’t win and probably in 99 occasions in 100 this would be the case, but there is always that small glimmer. So the message was simple, we had nothing to lose and everything to gain. The day gave some of the youngsters in our ranks the chance to show exactly what they can do and for some of us more senior members it gave us the opportunity to show that we can still play (a little bit anyway).

Once the game started it was tough as we always knew it would be. The 3s had the ball and passed it nicely around the midfield, we chased shadows, a pattern that was to follow for most of the game. We defended stoutly with our debutants Phillip Cratchley at left back and Alex Scott at right back working hard to keep the opposition at bay. Matched in there tigerish efforts by the more elderly John Gibbard (not sure quite how much more elderly – does anyone know?) and Simon Brown. We gave a number of short corners away and through a mixture of luck and great positioning by James Isteed we managed to keep them out. A further clearance off the line by the impressive Mark Hudson and it was clear we were hanging in there. Further tough tackling from the unforgiving Jon Rooks helped us along the way and so our resilience continued. At some point we had to have a chance, and so we did, a short corner, an unorthodox approach, a one-two and James Smith found himself on the ‘p’ spot, but only managed to hit straight at the keeper. Fortunately we didn’t have to wait too long for another chance which was skilfully created and finished by the very impressive Rohan Chana. Rohan found himself in the twenty five beating two defenders some what older than he. He slid the ball passed the keeper and into the far corner. 1 – 0 up and five minutes of the half remaining we looked tired in the end of summer sun. Half time could not come soon enough, but come it did, thankfully.

So another chat and a well earned rest. We knew that they would come hard at us in the second half and it was a storm that we would have to try and weather. In a similar vein to the first half we faced enormous pressure and a succession of short corners went unconverted again. Hard work from the ever running Martin Agyei, Udi and Sami Chana gave something for the opposition to think about and with Sumeet coming more into the game we were able to break quickly, but with mixed success. With the game becoming more stretched we slowly came more into the game and started to enjoy some possession and pressure. Martin Hickman unable to continue his fine preseason form by finding the keeper not once, but twice! Then a bit of nous at a free hit, a quick one-two and James Smith making up for his previous aberration found that gap between the legs of the keeper. So 2 – 0 and time running out. Smiles began to appear on our faces as the time ticked by with us growing in confidence and then it was all over. Bragging rights were ours.

Although we knew that perhaps we weren’t the most skilful team on show we were the proof of an old adage: ‘It’s not what you’ve got but what you do with it!’ Thanks should go to both sides for a good game and to the umpires, thanks guys and so we march on unbeaten to our first league game of the season, bring it on!

[James Smith]

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Saturday 20th September 2008

Men's Results
1st XI No Fixture
2nd XI - No Fixture
3rd XI - No Fixture
4th XI - No Fixture
5th XI - No Fixture
6th XI - No Fixture

Ladies' Results
1st XI 0- 4 Gore Court 1st XI (A)
2nd XI 4 - 7 Old Williamsonians 1st XI (H)
3rd XI 1 - 4 Burnt Ash 3rd XI (H)

 

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Match Reports

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