Ashford (Middlesex) Hockey Club

Ladies League Hockey 6/3/10
Middlesex Premier
ASHFORD 1st XI 2 v HENDON 1st XI 0
Ashford Ladies 1st XI were at home to Hendon Ladies 1st XI on Saturday and had a squad of twelve players to select from. Regulars SAM GRANT, ANNA PROTHEROE and JACQUI BASHFORD were missing, so coach MANDY WAIN called up second team goalkeeper LIV WASHER for a rare first team game, along with second team veteran striker GILLIAN CLEGG for her first team debut. However, the Red & Blacks were still without injured skipper PHIL WORSFOLD, so coach MANDY persuaded former regular player SARAH SYMES to turn out again and play at the back. The rearrangement of the defence did not seem to affect the Ashford squad as they were firing on all cylinders from the first minute of the game. In fact, by the second minute of the game they were one nil up via another opportunist goal from on form striker MARIA CAVILLA. The goal gave the Red & Blacks all the confidence they needed to take the game to the higher placed visitors as Ashford moved smoothly into top gear. Hendon got stuck in though and did well to keep the score down to one nil only until the interval.
After the turn round, the Red & Blacks repeated their performance at the start of the game, by scoring a goal within two minutes of the whistle. This time it was the ever improving youngster LUCY UTTLEY who netted from a short corner. In fact coach MANDY WAIN had indicated that she wanted the corner to be slipped in a certain direction, but the receiver slipped it the other way other for some reason, and LUCY took her opportunity well to put Ashford two goals up. The Red & Blacks then piled on the pressure and were camped in the visitors half for nearly all the second half! This meant that LIV WASHER in the Ashford goal had little to do all game, whilst debutant GILLIAN CLEGG was enjoying her sessions on the pitch up front where she performed well. Also enjoying herself was acting skipper EMMA HYNES, who was playing in a new role at the bottom of the diamond, where she shone so much that she was voted player of the match! Quiet midfielder BYRONY SMITH, along with the ever improving SARAH APPLETON were also having good games. The constant Ashford efforts were somewhat thwarted though by the actions of the visiting official who left the Red & Black players, substitute and coach perplexed and frustrated on several occasions. Eventually the home team pressure resulted in the Red & Blacks securing a penalty stroke, and with regular taker PHIL WORSFOLD watching from the side lines, sweeper SARAH SYMES bravely strode up to take the flick. SARAH flicked the ball well and was unfortunate to see it hit the post and go wide. Further pressure didn’t convert any more chances for the Red & Blacks, and they ran out deserved winners to secure their second victory of 2010. The three winning points have moved Ashford well clear of the two teams below them in the relegation spots. With two games left, now Ashford have a chance to finish as high as sixth in the League, which in a season where injuries have struck nearly all the squad at one time or another, would be a very creditable performance.
Next week Ashford have a tough early morning game away at Paddington Recreation Ground against third placed Hampstead & Westminster 3rd XI. The Red & Blacks are looking forward to the game though and coach MANDY WAIN is optimistic that another good performance is on the cards.
Team: L. Washer (GK), E. Hynes (Skipper), S. Smart, S. Appleton, M. Cavilla, S. Symes, B. Smith, L.Uttley, E. Sibia, S McGlinley. K. Taylor, G Clegg

Tesco for Schools & Clubs is back again next week with vouchers available from Monday 1st March (St David’s Day) until Sunday 9th May. We will be trying to collect as many as possible to obtain hockey equipment for the Club. We hope to recieve our collecting pack this week and a collection box will hopefully be available behind the bar next weekend. In the meantime Gordon Smith and Peter Cottrell will be willing to take your vouchers.

Staines Mini Festival – Sunday 28th February 2010
Ashford U12 Girls kept a clean sheet at the Staines Mini Festival winning 3 – 0 in their first game against Staines with 2 goals from Charlotte Elms and 1 from Beth Jefferies; the Ashford goalkeeper was left standing cold without a touch. The second game against Woking’s B team was tougher especially after a 2 game break in the cold, but Ashford once again took control and the ball hardly entered their own half, when it did Bella Bogan took control as mid field sweeper with Harriet Brockwell and Sophie Giffen battling the ball away in defence. The final result was 1- 0 with Beth Jefferies getting her second goal of the tournament. The final game against Woking A team saw Captain Rasna Sandhu adding her name to the score sheet with the final score 1 – 0. Defenders Lauren Clarey and Harriet Brockwell worked hard and the attacking team only got through only once leaving Hannah Merchant in goal to make her first save of the tournament at a time when it counted most.
Coach/Manager Sam Clarey
Ashford Girls U10 had a much harder time losing 2 – 1 to Staines and Woking B in their first two games followed by a whopping 7 – 0 defeat in their last against Woking A. Hannah Bashford scored both goals for Ashford and was joined by Lily Elms, Lucy & Sophie Jennings, Sophie Meads, Caitlin & Molly Davies and Harrison Jefferies making up numbers to support the girls. Given that it was a young side all played their best.
Coach/Manager Caroline Jefferies

Ladies League Hockey 27/2/10

Middlesex Premier

WINCHMORE HILL & ENFIELD 1st XI 4 v ASHFORD 1st XI 3

Although Ashford Ladies 1st XI were still without Skipper PHIL WORSFOLD , they did at least have a squad of twelve players for their tough midday way game at Enfield on Saturday. The long, traffic ridden journey did not seem to affect the squad as they soon got into their stride from the push back and took the game to the opposition. Encouraged by their good start, the Red & Blacks opened the scoring within the first five minutes, when the speedy LUCY UTTLEY picked up a neat pass from MARIA CAVILLA on the half way line. LUCY sped past the two Winchmore Hill & Enfield defenders in her way and calmly, and yet skillfully and quickly, rounded the home team goalkeeper to slot the ball home and put Ashford one up. It was a gem of a goal and worth the journey alone. Not surprisingly the home team tried to swiftly hit back and the Red & Blacks defence got caught rather flat footed when a strike from the right was slotted in by an unmarked player by the left post, to make the scores even at 1-1 with less than ten minutes of the game played. Ashford were then put under more pressure by the home team, but the Red & Blacks continued to play for each other with acting skipper EMMA HYNES and youngster ELINE SIBIA standing tall, as they contained the opposition well. However, Winchmore then managed to get a second goal which was almost a carbon copy of the first and left questions being asked of the Red & Blacks defence. Further pressure saw some good saves by the Ashford keeper SAM GRANT, and again some nice team work by the Red & Blacks to keep the score at 2-1 until the half time break.

Unfortunately as soon as played resumed for the second half Winchmore got a third goal with another good cross from the wing being slotted home by a free forward. The Red & Blacks rallied though and good work by KELLY TAYLOR down the right saw JACQUI BASHFORD swiftly push the ball to LUCY UTTLEY whose shot went very close to scoring. Likewise another good run by KELLY saw SHARON McGLINLEY going close, only for LUCY UTTLEY to skim the post with another solo effort. Ashford also had several short corners but weren’t able to find the final touch needed, and much against the run of play Winchmore broke away and got a fourth goal to be 4-1 up. The Red & Blacks rallied yet again and got their second goal of the game when SHARON McGLINLEY prodded the ball in at the far post. Ashford then got a third when one of their short corner routines worked and ANNA PROTHEROE jabbed the ball in after interjecting the corner on the left to make the score 4-3 to the home team. Continued pressure by Ashford in the dying minutes of the game failed to see them get their much wanted and deserved equaliser and made the final score in a fast and furious game 4-3 to Winchmore Hill & Enfield. Thus the Red & Blacks failed to get any league points to help with their fight against relegation, but they did play some great hockey.

Next week Ashford have another tough game at home at midday to Hendon 1st XI who are two places above them in the League. However, if the Red & Blacks can continue to play the hockey as they did on Saturday and keep scoring the goals, the results will surely come.

Team: S. Grant (GK), E. Hynes (Skipper), S. Smart, A. Protheroe, S. Appleton, M. Cavilla, J. Bashford, B. Smith, L.Uttley, E. Sibia, S McGlinley. K. Taylor

Ladies League Hockey 20/2/10
Middlesex Premier

EASTCOTE 2nd XI 6 v ASHFORD 1st XI 1

Ashford Ladies 1st XI had to travel to Brunel University to play League leaders and the team undefeated so far this season, Eastcote 2nd team on Saturday morning. The Red & Blacks were again short of several regular squad members, with Skipper PHIL WORSFOLD still injured and KELLY TAYLOR still away on holiday. However, the Red & Blacks were able to welcome back young striker LUCY UTTLEY. Unfortunately coach MANDY WAIN was unwell and not able to travel with the team for the game, the start of which was delayed for thirty minutes or so due to the pitch still being slightly frozen in places.

Despite the problems and delays, Ashford settled quickly into their stride and played some good hockey against a very competent Eastcote squad. As both sides pressed for the opening goal, it was the home team who scored first from a good, running strike. Ashford soon hit back though when the ever alert LUCY UTTLEY stole the ball off an Eastcote defender and slipped a pass to striker SHARON McGLINLEY. SHARON fired a fine shot goal wards and proficient goal getter MARIA CAVILLA forced the ball home from close in, to make the scores even at 1-1. The Red & Blacks still continued to play some of their best hockey of the season, but they were not getting ‘the rub of the green’ playing wise or with some of the umpiring decisions. Shortly before half time the home team once again took the lead with another good strike and went into the half time break 2-1 ahead.

The game initially followed a similar pattern in the second half, with the Red & Blacks doing quite well, but they soon tired. Having only eleven players, there were no substitutes available and thus no fresh legs could be brought on and heads went down somewhat. Eastcote meanwhile had a squad of fourteen players to utilise and they capitalised on it by pressurising the Ashford defence for rest of the second half. As Eastcote piled on the pressure, they secured short corner after short corner and Ashford wilted somewhat. Despite stout goalkeeping by SAM GRANT and fine play by defenders SOPHIE SMART and BRYONY SMITH, who shared the player of the match award, Eascote dominated proceedings. They deservedly soon went further ahead with several good strikes to notch another four goals and secure another win and three points and win by six goals to one. Ashford were obviously disappointed with the score line and their poor second half display, but they did themselves proud in the first half with some excellent hockey.

Next week Ashford have to travel to North London to face Winchmore Hill & Enfield first team, who are three places above them in the League. Coach Mandy Wain will be hoping that not only will she be able to return to active duty, but so will some of her injured squad. Ashford have only four games left to play now and need to secure a couple more league points to ensure Premier League safety.

Team: S. Grant (GK), E. Hynes (Skipper), S. Smart, A. Protheroe, S. Appleton, M. Cavilla, J. Bashford, B. Smith, L Uttley, E. Sibia, S McGlinley

We have received this week an excellent, large, free canvas print of the Clubhouse produced by a Company called CanvasRus and you can see examples of their work on http://www.canvasRus.co.uk They provide high quality photo prints on canvas. The picture is the excellent one that Peter Westlake took recently in the snowy weather. The canvas will be put on display for all to see at the weekend.

Ladies League Hockey 13/2/10
Middlesex Premier
ASHFORD 1st XI 2 v MILL HILL 1st XI 2
Ashford Ladies 1st XI were again short of several regular squad members, with Skipper PHIL WORSFOLD still injured after last week’s win, and KELLY TAYLOR and LUCY UTTLEY both away on holiday for their home game at home to Mill Hill 1st XI on Saturday.. However, the Red & Blacks were able to welcome back strikers SHARON McGLINLEY, and LIV YOUNG, the latter making her first appearance of the season, but they once again only had a squad of eleven. Unfortunately due to a sudden family illness, Ashford midfielder JACQUI BASHFORD wasn’t able to make the start of the game, so the home team lined up with only ten players. Likewise, the visitors Mill Hill had a couple of late arrivals and when the game started they only had nine players. Despite their lack of numbers, it was the visitors who started the brighter of the two teams and opened the scoring early on. The Red & Blacks rallied though and after several scoring opportunities they scored, when the ever improving central defender SARAH APPLETON put a long ball through to striker MARIA CAVILLA who picked it up just over the half way line and charged up the pitch and beat the goalkeeper neatly to notch the equaliser for Ashford. By this stage of the game, both teams were up to a full complement and the addition of hard working midfielder JACQUI BASHFORD helped to keep Ashford well on top. However, the Red & Blacks were not making the best of their opportunities. A second goal did come their way though, when LIV YOUNG sped down the right and crossed the ball to SHARON McGLINLEY at the top of the circle who slipped the ball to MARIA CAVILLA, whose first shot was saved by the Mill hill keeper, but MARIA slotted the rebound home to put Ashford 2-1 up. Despite having many chances, neither side scored again in the first half.

The game followed a similar pattern in the second half, with the Red & Blacks on top but
they were again not converting their superiority into goals. SHARON McGLINLEY went close on several occasions, but the deputy Mill Hill goalkeeper stood firm as Ashford hit too many straight strikes straight at her. Any Mill Hill attacks were mainly well contained by the Ashford defence, and in particular by player of the match defender SOPHIE SMART. As the game drew to a close, with Ashford were still not really playing in top gear, but they were looking like gaining maximum points as they piled on the attacks. An innocent looking ball down the left side by Mill hill, saw Ashford with five players against two Mill Hill forwards, but the Mill Hill player drove speedily through to the top of the Ashford circle and put the ball to the right hand post, where her team mate was free and able to put the ball in the net to snatch an unexpected equaliser. With only a few minutes left Ashford piled forward and in the last minute of the game secured their first short corner of the game. Unfortunately they were not able to convert it and had to settle for a draw when a win had looked well within their grasp.

Thus the Red & Blacks only drew a game they should have won easily. Next week Ashford have a very tough morning game away to the undefeated and top of the table team Eastcote 2nd XI. The good news is that coach MANDY WAIN has at least thirteen players from her regular squad available which should boost the team’s confidence greatly.

Team: S. Grant (GK), E. Hynes (Skipper), S. Smart, A. Protheroe, S. Appleton, M. Cavilla, J. Bashford, B. Smith, L Young, E. Sibia, S McGlinley

Ladies League Hockey 6/2/10

Middlesex Premier

EASTCOTE 3rd XI 1 v ASHFORD 1st XI 2
Ashford travelled to Brunel University on Saturday to play Eastcote 3rd XI in a game the Red & Blacks had to win to ensure that they moved not only out of the relegation zone, but also to secure their first victory in three months. The home team were one place below Ashford in the League before the game, but without a win all season and no League points on the board, which also added spice to the game. Once again injuries and unavailability left coach MANDY WAIN with only eleven players, and short of regular striker SHARON McGLINLEY and speedy midfielder LUCY UTTLEY. However, on the plus side, right side midfielder BRYONY SMITH returned after a week away from action. The pre midday start and change to the black and red away strip seemed to suit Ashford, who after an initial blip when midfielder ANNA PROTHEROE received a green card for hitting the ball away at a free hit in the first two minutes of play, quickly hit top form. The whole team started brightly and took charge of the game with some fluid hockey, especially by youngster KELLY TAYLOR and the evergreen striker MARIA CAVILLA. It was therefore no surprise when the ever alert MARIA CAVILLA slotted the ball home to put Ashford deservedly one goal ahead midway through the first half. Any attacks Eastcote did have were well contained by the solid Ashford defence, in which once again SOPHIE SMART and EMMA HYNES starred. In the second part of the first half, Ashford Skipper PHIL WORSFOLD started to suffer with a back injury, but bravely played on in her normal central defender role. Shortly before the break Ashford went further ahead, when on song striker MARIA CAVILLA got a stunning second goal with a sparkling individual goal, to see Ashford go into the half time interval with a two goals to nil lead.

The second half saw Ashford reduced to only ten fit players as PHIL WORSFOLD’S injury worsened and she was unable to play at her usual high standard. This gave Eastcote heart and they mounted numerous attacks and secured a multitude of short corners. Ashford coped well with them though with the ever improving centre back SARAH APPLETON again working tirelessly and effectively in her number one runner role at defending short corners. Goalkeeper SAM GRANT also performed competently, even when a penalty flick was initially given against her, which was subsequently reversed. As the half wore on so the sparkling play of Ashford diminished and shortly before the end, an almost ‘own goal’ by unlucky defender ELINE SIBIA opened the scoring for Eastcote. Ashford remained strong though, ably led by their ‘player of the match’ EMMA HYNES, to secure the much needed three points and their first victory in 2010. The win sees Ashford move up a place to seventh in the league, nine points ahead of the bottom two teams.

Next week is another crucial one for the Red & Blacks as they are at home at 12 noon to Mill Hill 1st XI, who are currently bottom of the League and also without any wins and League points. Coach MANDY WAIN will be hoping that the injury list isn’t too heavy and that the team can once again play as well as they did in the first half of this game.

Team: S. Grant (GK), E. Hynes, S. Smart, P. Worsfold (Skipper), A. Protheroe, S. Appleton, M. Cavilla, J. Bashford, B. Smith, K. Taylor, E. Sibia

The winners in the Astro Draw for February 2010 are:

£100 Val Baldwin

£50 Peter Cottrell

£50 David Greenfield

Congratulations to the winners and your cheques will be with you soon. Don’t forget that it is only £12 per year for a draw ticket and a draw is made every month throughout the season, with the extra big money prizes being drawn at the AHC annual Dinner in April. Application forms are available on the website and Club Notice Board.

On behalf of AHC, I am very pleased to report that the Club has been awarded the ‘ClubsFirst’ accreditation by england Hockey and I include below their confirmation received today (4/2/2010). A very large vote of thanks 9and perhaps a few rounds of drinks0, are due to all those who helped with our application, but in particular to SUE WESTLAKE, PETER COTTRELL and GORDON SMITH who really worked long and hard on this. Well done all…..

“It is our great pleasure to inform you that, following an independent Nominated Officer visit and subsequent verification of your club assessment file, Ashford Hockey Club (EH id: 1039) has been recognised as working towards providing a Safe, Effective and Child Friendly club environment, and as such has been awarded the England Hockey ClubsFirst Accreditation. The accreditation date is 03/02/2010.

You will shortly be receiving a confirmation letter and certificate by post, and in the meantime, attached to this email are two files for your club’s use – the ClubsFirst logo and the England Hockey ClubsFirst “brand use” guide.

England Hockey is committed to supporting the development of safe, effective and child-friendly clubs. On behalf of England Hockey I would like to thank you for your club’s dedication in this area.

Congratulations and well done for all of your hard work in submitting the application.”

Sunday 31st January 2010

Richmond & Wimbledon Mixed/Boys Mini Hockey Festival

Ashford had a return journey back to Richmond this week with mixed U9 team, U10 and U12 boys. The mixed team coaches Gordon Smith and Caroline Jefferies were particularly pleased with Captain Caitlin Davies who alongside, Lily Elms and Emily Bashford continuously battled away. They were joined by Reece Sharma, James Bashford, Sophie Jennings and her sister Lucy Jennings who all played their best. They faced some strong sides and despite losing 6 – 0, 2 – 0, 5 – 0 to Richmond Lions, Richmond Panthers and Wimbledon A teams they did manage a goalless draw against Wimbledon B. They are a very young side with James Bashford being the youngest at 5 years of age. Mum Jacqui Bashford who plays for the Ladies first team and is helping the team build their skills alongside the coaches was pleased to see her 3 rising stars playing for Ashford today.
The U10 boy’s team captained by Harrison Jefferies was joined by Kieron Horrill, Ben Glegg, Jagdev Bal, Jack Bayliss, and George Ridley with Lauren Clarey and Hannah Bashford making up the numbers. Kieron Horrill scored 2 goals, Hannah Bashford 1 and George Ridley got a well deserved hat trick. They came third in the tournament winning 3 – 0 then 4 – 0 against Richmond Lions but lost 1 – 0 and 2 – 0 against Richmond Panthers and Wimbledon.
The boys U 12 team started their tournament with a 1 – 1 draw against Richmond Lions but then won their second 3 – 0 against Richmond Panthers. Their 3rd game was against a strong Wimbledon side that only just beat them by 2 -1 but was very close with end to end play. They met Richmond Panthers again in the semis but comfortably sailed into the finals after winning 3 – 0. They met Wimbledon again in the final and another battle of end to end play looked like it was going to end in a draw but Wimbledon managed to gain the upper hand in the last few minutes winning 2 – 1 in the end and Ashford had to settle with runner up place 2 weeks in a row. Captain Adesh Aulakh was joined by Harrison Jefferies in some excellent defending with George Elms stepping in to play in goal at the last minute for the first time making countless saves. Sam Betts scored am impressive 6 goals during the tournament and Jack Ridley put 1 away after some great 1-2 hockey with Brother George Ridley. Danny Stent made his first appearance for the team with Beth Jefferies and Charlotte Elms stepping in as subs to make up the numbers to give players some rest after some of them had played 2 tournaments straight. Both Charlotte Elms and Beth Jefferies managed to score a goal each during their short time on the pitch.
Coaches Adrian Hewes and Sam Clarey were pleased with how all the teams played.

Ladies League Hockey 30/1/10

Middlesex Premier

ASHFORD 1st XI 1 v PHC CHISWICK 1st XI 5

In their first home League game of 2010, Ashford ladies faced stiff opposition in the form of second in the table side, PHC Chiswick 1st XI. Once again poor availability throughout the Club and a growing injury list meant that the Red & Blacks were reduced to a squad of eleven players only. However, this did not seem to dent the teams and coach MANDY WAIN’S confidence at all as they started the game with great vim and vigour and dominated play in the first quarter. Youngsters LUCY UTTLEY and KELLY TAYLOR were both particularly impressive, with KELLY setting up things down the right flank and the evergreen goal striker MARIA CAVILLA also playing well and picking up the crosses and through balls well and threatening the visitors goal on numerous occasions. Likewise at the back, youngster ELINE SIBIA was playing well and helping to pressurise the PHC Chiswick defence whilst also dealing skill fully with any of the rare Chiswick attacks. Despite their dominance though, Ashford got caught by a Chiswick breakaway, which resulted in a short corner being awarded, from which they opened the scoring. The Red & Blacks soon bounced back, when a sizzling run by LUCY UTTLEY saw her skin a couple of Chiswick defenders before striking for goal and seeing an alert MARIA CAVILLA poach the shot home to notch the Ashford equaliser at 1-1. A high standard of hockey, and umpiring, saw some good hockey being played by both sides for the rest of the first half and Ashford continuing to be in charge of game, even though the score remained at 1-1 until half time.

The second half saw the visitors getting more into their stride and gaining confidence in front of goal. The Red & Blacks remained resolute though, with youngster SARAH APPLETON again playing extremely well and bravely, especially during the onslaught from Chiswick short corners. Likewise the ever reliable Ashford defenders SOPHIE SMART and EMMA HYNES were playing in their usual polished and highly accomplished manner at the back to contain the mounting Chiswick threats, which eventually saw them taking the lead when they scored a second goal to lead 2-1. After fifteen minutes or so of play in second half, Ashford defender ELINE SIBIA suffered an injury and left the field, and with no substitutes available the Red & Blacks were reduced to ten players only. Ashford battled on bravely, but as players tired, the visitors took their chances and scored another three goals to give them what even they said was a rather flattering 5-1 victory. SOPHIE SMART was the Ashford player of the match, but the team as a whole played well and they were unfortunate to lose by such a margin

Next week Ashford travel to Easctcote to face Eastcote 3rd XI, who are yet to gain any league points. If the Red & Blacks play as well as they did in this game, then a victory and three important league points should be well within in their grasp.

Team: S. Grant (GK), E. Hynes, S. Smart, P. Worsfold (Skipper), A. Protheroe, S. Appleton, M. Cavilla, J. Bashford, L. Uttley, K. Taylor, E. Sibia

Richmond Mini- Festival 24th January 2010U10/U12 Girls
Ashford girls put on a great show at the Richmond mini festival. The U10’s had some difficult games against Richmond and Wimbledon but showed enthusiasm throughout at their first tournament together. Even though they lost all of their matches, a well earned goal from Caitlin Davies was had in their last game. Hannah Bashford captained the team alongside, Emily Bashford, Sophie Giffin, Amy Giffin, Sophie Jennings, Lucy Jennings, Lily Elms, and Sophie Meads coached by Caroline Jefferies.
The U12’s also faced strong sides against the Richmond and Wimbledon teams but managed to get into the finals after 2 goalless draws, and a 5 – 0 win. Goals came from Charlotte Elms who got a well earned hat trick and Rasna Sandhu the remaining 2. The final was tough and no matter how much the team battled they couldn’t get it in the net. Robin Wheeler had many shots throughout the tournament which were on target but the keepers made excellent saves. Beth Jefferies had quite a few attempts but was also denied goals on this occasion. Bella Bogan did some fine defending alongside good play from Harriet Brockwell, Lauren Clarey and Hannah Bashford but unfortunately the opposition came back strong and goalkeeper Hannah Merchant was left in the firing line once again, but this time could not keep them out of the net. Coach Sam Clarey was pleased with everyone’s effort despite the 0 – 4 defeat in the finals becoming runners up of the tournament.
Report by Sam Clarey
U12 Girls Coach

Ladies League Hockey 23/1/10
Middlesex Premier
WEST HAMPSTEAD 2nd XI 3 v ASHFORD 1st XI 2

After seven weeks away from hockey due to the Christmas/New Year break and the subsequent bad weather, Ashford Ladies 1st XI returned to action on Saturday. They had to travel to Brent Cross to play their first game of 2010, and they faced the team directly below them in the League, West Hampstead 2nd XI. Once again the first team squad were without the experienced midfielders NICKY BENEDICT, who is now on maternity leave, and the injured ANNIE NEYTON. In addition, young defender ELINE SIBIA was unavailable, but otherwise the rest of the regular squad was on duty. Coach MANDY WAIN decided to retain teenage, versatile defender BRYONY SMITH for her third 1st XI game on the right of midfield, and also gave a 1st XI debut to another promising teenager, central defender SARAH APPLETON. The absence of games didn’t show initially, as the Red & Blacks started in sprightly fashion and controlled the first twenty minutes of play. Youngsters LUCY UTTLEY and KELLY TAYLOR were both prominent and they made some speedy, forceful runs up field, whilst veteran striker MARIA CAVILLA was unlucky not to find the back of the net on several occasions. However, it was the home team who opened the scoring, despite the Red & Blacks early superiority with a speedy strike. Ashford hit back though, when Skipper PHIL WORSFOLD stepped up to convert her second penalty flick of the season to level the scores at 1-1, following a foul in the home sides circle. West Hampstead then came into their own and debutant SARAH APPLETON coped very well under pressure, with the able support of experienced defenders SOPHIE SMART and EMMA HYNES. Once again the Red & Blacks pushed forward and secured several short corners, but things just weren’t clicking with their final strike on goal. Unfortunately, West Hampstead found their Midas touch in the second part of the first half, scoring two, swift good, breakaway goals to go into half time with a 3-1 lead.

The second half started in a similar fashion to the first, with Ashford playing well, with midfielder (and player of the match) JACQUI BASHFORD in particular doing a lot of good work, and covering a lot of ground in midfield. The commendable team effort then resulted in the Red & Blacks pulling a goal back following a short corner, in which about six Ashford players were involved. Injector ANNA PROTHEROE managed to hit the post with her follow up shot and the ever vigilant striker SHARON Mc GINLEY eventually pounced, to put the ball home from very, very close in. Despite being back in the game, the Red & Blacks lack of matches began to tell, and they tired as they strived for an equaliser. West Hampstead meanwhile went from strength to strength and it took the ever reliable Red & Blacks keeper SAM GRANT performing extremely well in goal to stop them. Not only was SAM doing some excellent saves, but also some vital goal mouth clearances, and she was helped by some decisive defending from SARAH APPLETON, who was playing with growing confidence in her first game. Ashford held out to the end of play, to keep the final score at 2-3, but rued some of the missed chances they had had in front of goal.

Ashford are at home at noon next week against second in the League team, PHC Chiswick 1st XI. Coach MANDY WAIN will be hoping to have more or less a full squad to pick from and will be looking for the Red & Blacks to convert their promising parts of their form in their first game of 2010, into League points.

Team: S. Grant (GK), E. Hynes, S. Smart, B. Smith, P. Worsfold (Skipper), A. Protheroe, S. Appleton, M. Cavilla, J. Bashford, S. McGinley, L. Uttley, K. Taylor