Ashford (Middlesex) Hockey Club

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.

Thursday December 15th – Pool match between ACC and AHC. Teams of eight players, nibbles nad prizes on offer. Shane Smith is running the AHC team, so please let him know if you want to play or come down and support our team against the mighty Cricket Club. The challenge begins at 7.30 pm, hope to see you there.

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The AAs are hosting the annual challenge trophy match v Sunbury Stars of the Past (SSOPs) this coming Saturday at Short Lane at 1.30 pm. Unfortunately snow and ice have caused the postponement of this popular fixture for the last two years, so please can you all try and arrange for some beter weather for us this year. Once again star AAs players are travelling from far and wide, including across the pond from the US of A, to play in this prestigious event. Numerous festiviites and ceremonies are held before and after the game and everyone is welcome along on the condition that they either wear a Santa hat or something festive. Hope to see you there and “COME ON U AAs”.

The U16 boys were at home against Teddington today, but unfortunately lost 0-6 to a very strong team, the score did not reflect how well they played. The U14 boys were also at home and they won 3-0 against Richmond. The U14 girls were away at Woking and played a very good game winning 2-1 thanks to a late goal scored in the last minute by Beth Jefferies who also scored the first. Well done all.

Forthcoming events at Short Lane:

Friday evenings – Informal quiz in the Members bar, hosted by Shane Smith – all welcome.

Monday December 12th at 7.30 pm, ‘Ideas evening’, where we hope representatives of ACC and AHC will meet to thrash out further ideas to help solve some of the current financial problems. We plan to issue some ideas in advance to promote discussion at the meeting, but we would be grateful if you could ensure that we are primed for a inspiring debate and hopefully some innovative ideas. Please could you let me 9Lynne) know if you would like to attend this meeting to represent AHC.

Thursday December 15th – Pool match between ACC and AHC. Teams of eight players – food – prizes – time etc. to be defined. Shane Smith is running the AHC team, so please let him know if you want to play or come down and support our team.

Saturday December 17th – Children’s (2-12 years old) Christmas party from 4.30 pm. Tickets £4 each (available behind the bar) and food, games, prizes and a gift for each child, with also of course a visit from Santa.

Saturday December 31st – New Year’s Eve party, 8 pm until late, there will be games/quiz and music and dancing, and food/buffet will be provided. Entry will be free to members but on a first come first served basis and numbers may be limited – tickets are available from Tracey. Non members will be charged – £10 adults, £5 children.

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

Colts had some great results this weekend with the Boys U14 beating Surbiton 8-1. The GU14 drew 2-2 against Staines in an end to end match. The U12 Girls played in a tournament against Spencer and Richmond winning their group and playing Spencer in the final. It was a good match but unfortunately lost 0-1. The U10 boys were away at Oxted for a tournament and the best they had played with 3 no score draws, a win and 1 loss. Well done all.

At the A(SL)S meeting this month, the Board discussed the current precarious financial situation at Short Lane, and the need to act now and to increase bar turnover rapidly. A number of decisions were made about some fund raising events at which we need your support:

Thursday December 15th – Pool match between ACC and AHC. Teams of eight players – food – prizes – time etc. to be defined. Shane Smith is running the AHC team, so please let him know if you want to play or come down and support our team.
Saturday December 31st – New Year’s Eve party – £10 per ticket for non-members – free for members but the number of tickets may be limited for ACC and AHC members. Speak to Tracey early to secure your ticket. Food and entertainment (TBD) included.
Further A(SL)S events to be organised in the New Year.

Finally, we have arranged a meeting for Monday December 12th at 7.30pm, where we hope to meet with representatives of ACC and AHC to thrash out further ideas to help solve the current problems. We plan to issue some ideas in advance to promote discussion at the meeting, but we would be grateful if you could ensure that we are primed for a inspiring debate and hopefully some innovative ideas. Please could you let me know if you would like to attend this meeting to represent AHC.

It is unfortunate that we find ourselves in this position but drastic measures are now necessary to ensure we have a Sports Club in the future! ACC have organised two social events to try and help and these are on:

Tuesday December 6th – Xmas games night.

Friday January 13th – ACC Curry Night.

AHC members would be very welcome to attend either event and Shane Smith is now running an informal quiz night each Friday in the members bar.

Any further ideas about how we can improve bar and A(SL)S turnover would be greatly appreciated either at the meeting on December 12th or to myself or the other AHC, A(SL)S reps David Sutch and Adam Husband or at any time by e-mail.

Lynne Morgan lynne.morgan@live.co.uk

The astro draw winners for November 2011 are:

£100 Steve (Klaus) Nunn

£50 Jane English

£50 Heatehr Grocott

Congratulations to all the winners and your cheques should be with you soon. It is only £12 per year for a 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 (see link on side bar) and on the Club Notice Board. Help support the club and give yourself a chance of winning some money at the same time.

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.

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!