Ashford (Middlesex) Hockey Club

This years Dinner Dance will be at the Manor Hotel in Datchet on Saturday 28th April from 7pm onwards.
Slightly different this year, you get to pick your food choice from the menu below. AND if you pre-order your wine, there’s a 10% discount. What with tickets being a bargainous £32.50 and special room rates of £99 for a double bed & breakfast (quote Ashford hockey when booking), hopefully we’ll all have a grand time and have some pennies left for raffle tickets!

I NEED TO HAVE ALL NUMBERS, MONEY & MENU CHOICES BY APRIL 1ST PLEASE!

thanks

Wendy

DATE: SAT 28th APRIL
TIME: 7pm onwards
VENUE: The Manor Hotel, Datchet
TICKET PRICE: £32.50

MENU

Starter

Atlantic prawns and chorizo cocktail with buttered brown bread
Pressed game and wild mushroom terrine with sesame and spring onion dressing
Olive and sun-dried tomato bruschetta with parmesan cheese and pesto sauce (v)

Main

Baked brie and red onion parcel with Cumberland sauce (v)
Pan-fried Scottish salmon supreme with creamy leek and chive sauce
Roasted breast of free-range chicken with bacon scrolls and a thyme and red wine sauce
All main courses are served with thyme roasted potatoes or boiled new potatoes and steamed seasonal vegetables

Dessert

Dark chocolate tart with clotted cream berry pressing
Fresh tropical fruit salad with lemon sorbet
Selection of English cheeses and biscuits

WINES – see attachment

Ashford Ladies 1st XI returned to league hockey with a 2-3 away victory against Hendon and Mill Hill on Sat 21st January.

Ashford started off with great enthusiasm and it paid off within two mins as neat passing between the new partnership of Lucy Uttley and Nicky Benedict up front led Nicky into netting her first goal.

Ashford continued to hold possession with great distribution from midfielders Claire Emmerton and Emma Hynes feeding to Rasna Sandhu who had some great runs down the right.

Ashford’s second goal came from fantastic linking play between Jacqui Bashford, Kim Downs and Lucy Uttley who slipped to Nicky Benedict for her to score her second goal.

Hendon and Mill Hill had a few chances but were tharwted by outstanding saves from GK Sam Grant which led to the score remaining 2-0 at half time.

The second half saw the oppo come out strong and secure a short corner. Their well worked routine saw the ball hammered onto the black board.

Ashford hit straight back following a slick move from Kim Downs to Jacqui Bashford who fed the ball to striker Lucy who skilfully beat two defenders and reverse sticked the ball into the net.

Ashford were unfortunate to let a Hendon And Mill Hill player slip through unmarked to score another goal for the oppo.

With Kath Evans making her debut along with regular defenders Sophie Smart, Kim Fry and Tracey Holland, Ashford tightened up in defence and deservedly held onto their 3-2 win.

Team: Sam Grant, Sophie Smith, Kim Fry, Tracey Holland, Kath Evans, Claire Emmerton, Emma Hynes, Jacqui Bashford, Nicky Benedict, Rasna Sandhu, Lucy Uttley, Kim Downs,

Sat 10th Dec, Ladies 1s 1 – Hampstead & Westminster 3s 7

Top of the table H& W 3rd team were a very fit, organised and workman like side. The effects of Ashford Ladies Christmas bash in Soiree the night before perhaps affected a few of the red and black players and we were 2-0 down in 8 mins having actually conceded a goal after only 1 minute, to have it thankfully disallowed! The opposition dominated play though and were 6-0 up by half time. Ashford won some short corners, but only had one direct shot, a good strike that went just wide by Jackie ‘Yip Yip’ Parsons. At this stage the score wasn’t reflecting the efforts of the team: Skipper Lucy Uttley tried to boost things when she came on, but the oppo read her game well and whilst Nicky Benedict had some constructive runs, none resulted in shots on goal. Rasna Sandhu played constructively and Tracey ‘Luvvy’ Holland did well despite being weak with flu for most of the week. The injured Club Captain Emma Hynes was missed, though could be heard on the sideline with AHC President Lynne Morgan.

Ashford regrouped at half time and played a lot better in the second 35 minutes and prompted by Jackie Parsons at the back got some good moves going. One flowing move on the right by Rasna and Lucy set up Maria Cavilla, but without the desired results. However, we did eventually score when Maria was put through and she fired home well. At this point, Ashford had held back attacks from H&W and they failed to increase their tally. Howver, near the end Lucy did a bad tackle as a forward was about to shoot resulting in a yellow card and a penalty flick for the opposition, which they converted.
The oppo were a nice lot, despite one of them got a yellow card for being 5 yds back. Sam got PoM, as she was in amongst the action most of the time. Lucy was ’Dick of the Day’ for her yellow card. They missed the injured Emma.

Go here and like the page to get updates on events & results via your facebook newsfeed!

If the link isn’t showing below, simply search for ‘Ashford Middlesex Hockey Club’ as a PAGE (NOT GROUP), on the left should be the button to click to like it!

thank you

Plans have been finalised so….

FRIDAY 9TH DECEMBER

Ashford Ladies are obvioulsy classy ladies so get you party frocks and celebrate Christmas in style at Soiree (did you like my little play on words in the title?!)

TIME: 8pm at Soiree or maybe a bit earlier for a cheeky one somewhere before? Food served at 8.30pm
PLACE: Soiree, Staines (just up from pizza express, before roshni’s)
DRESS CODE: Dress to Impress!! (think people are thinking dresses/similar to last year!)
COST: £20 to include own area with delicious buffett including hot and cold selection, disco and dancing the night away!

I know its not far away, so need to know numbers pretty quickly, and £10 deposit asap. If you definately want to come, but not going to be at club to pay deposit before the 9th Dec, just let me know!

The more the merrier and if you want to bring a friend thats great, just let me know for numbers!

Please can you give your deposits to captains on sat (or let them know you definately want to come)

Thanks
Em

Sat 12th November, Men’s 1s away – Eastcote 2 Ashford 3

With a neat deflection from Matt Emmerton and a brace of penalty corner strikes from Phil Lewis, the ‘Ford completed a league and cup double over Middlesex rivals Eastcote on Saturday.
After five successive wins, Eastcote were riding high at the top of the table and brimming with confidence, they went ahead after ten minutes. However, the ‘Ford regrouped and managed to keep Eastcote at arms length for the rest of the half. As they started to gain more possession, the ‘Ford began to look more dangerous and they equalised when Emmerton timed his run perfectly to meet a cross from the right and divert neatly past a bemused keeper.
Just before the interval, Ryan Holland whose stick skills and direct running caused Eastcote problems all afternoon, won a penalty corner which Lewis fired home.
Eastcote emerged from their half time team talk with the clear intention of pressing the ‘Ford and forcing them into errors. However, the ‘Ford defence, well marshalled by keeper Adam Smith and stopper Andy Barnes and midfield led by the outstanding Luke Cottrell, kept their composure and frustrated by the inability to create any worthwhile openings, it was Eastcote who made the mistakes.
As a result, he ‘Ford had several chances to capitlaise and increase their lead but Emmerton pulled his attempt wide of an empty goal after Holland put the chance on a plate and a couple of penalty corners were wasted. When the routine did click however, Lewis claimed his second to make the lead a little more comfortable. Eastcote did manage to pull one back with five minutes left but it proved a mere consolation as the ‘Ford held on to the ball for the remainder of the match to run down the clock.
Manager Lee Pettifer was satisfied with the team’s performance. “It was pleasing to see us take control after going behind so early and how we held firm when Eastcote tried everything to disrupt our rhythm in the second half. Although it is good to beat the league leaders on their own ground, we must not get carried away as we don’t yet have quite enough points in the bag to stay up”
Next week it’s a double header at the Lane. On Saturday, the ‘Ford entertain Maidenhead in the League, 12noon, and on Sunday at 1pm it’s the 3rd Round of the EHB Trophy against Bexleyheath and Belvedere of the Kent, Sussex Regional League.

Sat 12th Nov, Ladies 1s 4-0 Eastcote

Ashford ladies 1’s faced Eastcote 2’s on Saturday anxious to get there first win of the season. With a team of 14 and a return to a formation that proved effective last season hopes were high. Ashford dominated play from the whistle, passing effectively through the midfield and creating opportunities for forward Maria Cavilla to run at the Eastcote defence. With ten minutes gone captain Lucy Uttley picked up the ball in midfield and drove down the left slipping the ball to Maria who took it past the Eastcote goalkeeper to put Ashford 1-0 up.
Eastcote came back strongly but Ashford’s experienced defence of Kim Fry, Tracey Holland and Sophie Smart, together with returning sweeper Jackie Parsons kept them from creating any chances. Once again the midfield unit linked well, with Clare Emmerton and Nicky Benedict creating more chances for the forwards to put pressure on the Eastcote defence. With the end of the first half drawing near Jacqui Bashford drove the ball down the right and into the D forcing a short corner. After failing play the ball to a team-mate at the first short corner Bashford took the short option to Maria whose shot at goal hit an Eastcote foot. Short corner number two went to Jackie Parsons and once again the ball came off a foot, as the whistle went for half time Ashford were awarded a 3rd. This time Ashford all pushed up to ensure the ball didn’t leave the D without an attempt on goal. The corner ended up on the stick of Club captain Emma Hynes whose clean and powerful strike lead to her first goal and Ashford taking a 2-0 lead into the second half.
As Ashford expected Eastcote come out strongly in the second half creating scoring opportunities, keeper Sam Grant maintaining Ashford’s lead with some fine saves. Coach Jeremy Clarke rotated players to keep fresh legs on the pitch, Elize Browne slotted into a defensive role she is relishing playing and Kim Downs proved to be a threat in and around the D in attack. Ashford increased pressure on Eastcote when Lucy Uttley beat both their midfield and defensive units to switch the ball selflessly through to Maria to put away. At 3-0 up Ashford’s confidence grew and they found themselves “double teaming” the Eastcote players successfully dispossessing them on numerous occasions. Ashford then enjoyed a sequence of play that can only be described as sublime! The ball was played from Fry to Bashford across to Hynes who forced the ball to the far left of the pitch onto the ever running player of the match Emmerton who laid the ball quite perfectly on the stick of Uttley to put away quite superbly. A result of 4-0 to Ashford was a fitting end to an all round strong performance from the team.
Next week sees Ashford facing newly promoted Aces away.

14/11/11
Ashford 2s vs Winchmore Hill and Enfield 2s
Away
3-1
The Ladies 2s travelled through the depths of London to play Winchmore and Enfield 2s. For such a long journey and having the game played in the afternoon the energy was somewhat lacking in the Ashford side. With our usual 2s goalie Dyson unavailable Charlie Poulter stepped in to guide our team from the back. Ashford were slow to get off the mark and for the first part of the game the oppo took control and in quick succession scored their first two goals. The Ashford side struggled to make the attacking runs desired and failed to capitalize on many short and long corner opportunities to make a comeback. After half time Ashford were still struggling to play on the 3G ‘beach like’ pitch with most hits being slowed to a stop but showed determination. With some brilliant play from Jules Steer, Sam Clarey, Beth Jefferies, Molly Davis and Cath Evans we finally got into our rhythm and started to worry the oppo so much the a couple of physical shoulder barges were seen. In one instance though this was not enough and the oppo sneaked in a goal in the right corner. With the final whistle imminent Ashford kept pushing on and with some great attacking play down the left Beth Jefferies soon hit home from an impossible angle.
For what was a hard match for the Ladies 2s the determination and spirit the team showed soon pulled through but unfortunately came too late in the match. Let’s hope next week we can see a winning result.

Its party time at Ashford on Sat 26th November – some club members are reaching landmark birthdays, and november appears to be a generally happy birthday time! So we’re celebrating for them…and hopefully with them!

£5 a ticket to include Disco, party games and food. 7pm ish til midnight.

Bring your friends to increase the party spirit!

RSVP on our facebook page!

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=283499175015895

Saturday 5th Nov: Newbury & Thatcham 3s 0 – 0 Ashford 3s

This Bonfire Night saw Ashford’s 3rd XI battle to a deserved goalless draw against Newbury & Thatcham. Given their poor results so far this season, Saturday’s match saw the team turn in a performance that was less about explosions of individual colour and brilliance and instead embodied the dogged and intense fire of team spirit and work ethic.

For much of the game both teams cancelled each other out: chances were few and far between as the battle in the middle of the pitch burned relentlessly. The game sparked inconsistently but, as the second period wore on, Ashford began to dominate in central midfield and there were some strong forays forward from these areas that heralded pleasing and fluid positional interchange from the forwards. These resulted in a number of short corners that Ashford were unfortunate not to capitalize on and special mention must go to the Newbury & Thatcham captain who gamely took a powerful Bhamra drive to the forehead via a vicious deflection off his stick!

The plaudits for only their second points of the season, however, must go to Ashford’s defensive players. Trialing a new-look back line and defensive-midfield partnership, Ashford were resilient, combative and increasingly communicative, ultimately deserving of their first clean sheet of the season. Let them feed this newfound fire with similar levels of desire and commitment as they go into November!

Saturday 5th Nov: Men’s 1s 4 (Digger, Jas, Luke & Alex) – Wycombe 0

After a draw and a defeat, the ‘Ford got back to winning ways beating Wycombe II 4-0 at the Lane on Saturday with goals from Andy Barnes, Jas Nijhar, Luke Cottrell and Alex Betts.

The win lifts them up from eighth to fourth in the table and illustrates just how close things are this year in Middx, Berks, Bucks, Oxon Regional 1.

The ‘Ford have now won more points in their six games so far this season than in their previous 44, which were admittedly at a higher level but hopefully, it does show that the tide is turning and that a revival is underway.

Saturday 5th Nov: Ladies 2s 4 – PHC Chiswick 2

Our first November game of the season brought the Ladies 2s back at home ground with a freshly swept pitch. With the absence of Captain Hannah Stokes we had our strong goalie Dyson to organise and bring ‘the master plan’. With an attacking game in mind within the first two minutes of the game we were awarded a short corner, a strong injection from Lynne Morgan to striker Gill brought a superb hit through the goalies legs to award Ashford their first goal. Throughout the rest of the first half Ashford managed to maintain control of the game with our solid defence consisting of Groomy, Hills, Alex Saunders and Sam Clarey pushing back Chiswick’s central attacking runs. More goal scoring chances during the first half saw Ashford dominating the game but failing to capitalise.

At the start of the second half Ashford had another set of attacking play and a short corner awarded in the second minute. Our occasional top goal scoring forward Jackie Parsons stepped up to receive the injection, with a rebound off the Chiswick goalie, Lynne hit home and bought the game to 2-0. Confidence was strong in the Ashford side and in the ninth minute Beth Jefferies swept in the third goal from another short corner on the left hand post. A determined oppo fought back taking advantage of a small blip in Ashford’s concentration; their quick passing down the right hand side soon beat our defence and bagged two goals. A draw looked imminent but Ashford soldiered on and with patience and resolve in the 34th minute a penetrating run from Becky Hewes saw a pass to Jackie Parsons who spotted Sam Clarey on p-spot for a final match winning goal.

Sat 29th October, Oxford 2 – Men’s 1s 2

Although the ‘Ford were disappointed not to have taken all three points, they could have returned from Oxford with nothing to show for their dominance in the opening and closing quarters of the match.

On their previous visit to the city the ‘Ford had the pleasure of playing on Oxford Hawks’ state-of -the-art water based surface. However, Oxford HC, the result of a summer merger involving the Rover and City clubs, use Oxford Poly’s rather worn and in places treacherous, leaf based pitch complete which cannot be trusted.

The ‘Ford began brightly and moving the ball well from defence, through midfield and into attack, created a number of openings. From their set pieces, though, they found a keeper in fine form and efforts from Alex Betts and Phil Lewis were well saved until Ryan Holland snapped up a rebound from close in..

Oxford responded by crowding the midfield and in doing so muscled their way into contention. A mis-hit penalty corner just before the interval squared things up and the home side took the lead early in the second half from a corner awarded only after vociferous appeals from the home bench.

The ‘Ford managed to play their way back into the game as Oxford tired but it looked like their efforts would come to nothing until Phil Lewis found a way through from a late penalty corner to earn a share of the points.

Ashford Ladies 3s – Home to PHC Chiswick, WON 3-0 (Chloe Russell, Nicki Davis, Nikki Croxon)

So the Ladies 3’s were at home against Chiswick and we were ready for a good game! We started off strong, attacking down the right side hard with Chloe Russell working extra hard to get the ball down the line to Megan Hurley. Not long into the game this worked and the ball got back to Chloe in the D and she took a shot at the goal from an angle that didn’t seem possible to score from but she did and we were winning 1-0. This was just what we needed . In the second half we continued to all work hard and the attack came from the right and left side with Jenny Tippell in the middle fighting strong to get the ball up the pitch. Ellie Watson displayed some beautiful skills alongside Jenny as she went round their players without any trouble. Then Abi Frith got a break on the left and after going round a few people, got the ball to Nicky Davis who hit it at the goal for their goalkeeper to try and keep it away but Nicky was too quick and there was our second goal!

Our defence remained strong throughout the game with Charlie Poulter in goal making some saves but we didn’t have much to worry about with our defence working hard to clear the ball. We had a few chances to score, one of which was Chloe Russell showing true commitment when she dived for the ball but unfortunately missed and hurt her elbow. We also lost our left back, Irene Okello to injury for 10 mins but she came back on fighting and got the ball down the wing which then went into the D for Nikki Croxon to score her first goal of the season making it 3-0! Brilliant result for Ashford 3’s ! The start of many wins to come!