Weekend Results round-up

Saturday

Men's 2 v East Grinstead 2                                4 - 6       

Men's 3 v Bromley and Beckenham 4s               6 - 0

Academy v Basildon 1                                        10 - 0     

Loppers Vs Wapping X                                      3 - 2       

 

Ladies 1 v Upminster 1                                      2 -2

Ladies 3 v Basildon 3                                         1 - 1       

Ladies 4 v Wapping 6                                        0 - 2

Ladies 5 v Brentwood Academy                       2 - 1       

 

Sunday

Men's 1 v City of Peterborough                         3 - 4

Boys U18 v Marden Russets                             1 – 2

Boys U16 v Blue Harts                                       3 - 4

Boys U14 v Hampstead and Westminster      0 - 8

Boys U14 - EH Tier 1 Cup Regional Winners

 

End of Season weekend

This weekend sees the last league games of the 2018/19 season.  On Saturday the Supervets are playing Indian Gymkhana at home whilst on Sunday the Men’s 1s are competing against Richmond.  It would be nice to see a good crowd for both matches and celebrate another completed season in the bar afterwards!!

 

U14 Boys – Regional Winners

Having finished top of their pool, the U14 boys headed to Old Merchant Taylors for their EH cup area finals. They joined three other teams there, Old Merchant Taylors, Canterbury and Harleston Magpies, who all had to play each other, with just the winner progressing to the Nationals. First up was Old Merchant Taylors and the boys set about their task well, they took the game to the opposition and created some early chances but failed to capitalise on them. The boys didn't let these missed opportunities get to them, but instead worked harder, moved the ball faster and created further opportunities and eventually got the break through their play had deserved. The first goal was quickly followed by another 2 to take a 3:0 lead in to half time and the boys looked well on the way to their first victory. However, some changes to positions and some narrowing of play meant the boys struggled to capitalise on their first half lead. They persevered and managed a forth before the final whistle and, although it felt like a job well done, there was a slight apprehension that they might have missed an opportunity to ensure a larger goal difference in case it came down to that at the end of the day.

Next up was Canterbury and the boys went in to the match expecting a hard game, and they got nothing less. However, the boys really rose to the occasion and played some fantastic team hockey, applying great pressure when in defence and moving the ball very quickly through a range of short and long passes which really cut through the Canterbury defence. Despite some great goal keeping by the Canterbury keeper, the boys eventually forced the ball in to the back of the net and took a slender 1:0 lead in to half time. They started the second half in the way they had played the first and continued to take the game to Canterbury, the pressure told and resulted in a second goal. This forced Canterbury to chase the game, but despite a couple of nervy moments the boys showed great maturity, took control of the match and kept them at bay. As Canterbury tried to push forward the boys took advantage of the opportunity to counter-attack and managed to score a third goal to secure the match. It was a highly contested match, in which emotions ran high and to which both teams were fully committed, hence the boys were delighted with their hard earned victory. 

They took the time to enjoy the victory, take on some food and drink and then had to set about preparing themselves for the final match against Harleston Magpies. It took them a little while to get going after the long break, but eventually they got their movement off the ball going again, increased the speed of their passing and began scoring goals again. They managed 2 in the first half, followed by 2 more in the second half to finish the day with a 4:0 victory. 

Three games, three wins, 11 goals scored and 0 conceded, some excellent hockey played, some great spirit shown, a fantastic team

 

Academy Season Review

The ‘18-19 hockey season will go down in the memories of many of those involved with the Academy 2’s. It is a rare event that a team goes 22 league matches unbeaten (20 wins, 2 draws) plus two other friendly wins, especially with such a young side (with a couple of notable exceptions!). Champions by 20 clear points – and to cap it all, 108 goals for and only 17 goals against.  It has taken only 43 seasons for me personally to be part of such a side… and that in a funny way says it all. Perhaps I should retire now whilst the going is good…?

I won’t dwell on this week’s result too much. It was 10-0 away to Basildon in a pleasant end of season game played in a good spirit, with Archie again scoring 5.

Credit though goes to the whole team. Firstly to Kevin Fernandes, for his tireless leadership and team organising. It is hard to inspire a team when many of them are a quarter of your age… but he did! Secondly, to Chris Gladman for his coaching and side-line management. Thirdly, to all of our umpires – there is no game without you, and your support is invaluable. Lastly to the players – we have many talented juniors throughout the club. Many will press for higher team selection (I hope not too many!) next year, and deservedly so. It is rare that we have such a talented set of juniors, who next year will be even better.

There is one comment that sticks in my mind from the whole season – it was from the Maldon captain who generously said “The result wasnt pleasant [they had been hammered]. But it was a pleasure to watch so many talented youngsters playing such good hockey. I am going to bring my teams to watch and learn from [the Academy]”

Again that says it all.

Kevin and I would also like to add our particular thanks to the other captains and managers who have helped across the year – Bob, Michael, and Simon. We seem to have had an unprecedented series of successes across the club with the Loppers and Willows 1s already champions, and other teams promoted. One team in isolation does not define a hockey club. It is all the teams from top to bottom working together that make it so.

So we can savour a great season for a short while… and then get moving and preparing for the next. We haven’t got long!! Enjoy the summer!

 

London Youth Games

It’s that time of year when year groups combine and build a strong Redbridge team for the 2 hockey tournaments ahead.  Squads are comprised of players from various schools and clubs in the borough and it’s often the only time that you get to play hockey in the heat and sunshine!  Anyone interested in participating should email Jonathan.prole@bancrofts.org directly, so that he has contact details etc. for registration.  Training sessions will begin just before Easter, https://www.londonyouthgames.org/

 

Minis Final Training Session

The last Saturday session for the Mini’s section will be on 18th May where there will be fun and games as well as annual prize giving and party.

 

Summer Fun - Cheshunt Hockey Club - Mixed 7-a-side Grass Tournament

Cheshunt Hockey Club invites you to their mixed grass hockey tournament which is being held on Saturday 17th August 2019.

Please do not hesitate to get in touch for more details.  Genny Hill  Tel: 07702 965011

 

End of Season Dinner  - Reminder

Tickets are £45 including welcome drink, 3 course meal and entertainment - as well as awards for the season and more!  Get yours now as it is first come first served and spaces are limited.

 

Easter Hockey Camp

To register your interest for a place at the Easter Hockey Camp please email camps@oldloughtonians.co.uk.  Spaces are limited so don’t delay.

 

Items for HH to office by Monday 10:00 please