Ashford (Middlesex) Hockey Club

The U14 boys had a superb 2-0 win against Teddington on Sunday thanks to an all round good performance and 2 late goals from K. Bambra. The U16s had an easier time against Maidenhead running out 11-0 winners. The U16s now need a draw against Guildford on Friday night to go through to the League play offs against East Grinstead

Boys under 10’s enjoyed a successful Sunday at Staines - they beat Staines 2-0 before losing 4-3 to an amazonian Woking team

Training

Tuesday Men’s training 19:30-21:30

Tuesday training for the U8, U10, U12 & U14 boys & girls 18:30-19:30

Wednesday Ladies training 19:30-21:30

Thursday U16 & U18 Boys 19:30-21:00

Sunday training 09:30-10:45 for U8 mixed, U10, U12 and U14 girls and U10 and U12 boys.

Please note - NO Sunday training for U14 and U16 boys.

U14 Girls

Home to Reigate Priory. Meet 1015 for a 1045 start. Contact Sam or Caroline – please see PC email

U14 Boys Dev

Away against Surbiton. Meet at Finlay pitch in the KGS Sports grounds (Summer Road, Thames Ditton KT7 0RD) at 10:10 for a 10:30 pitch on and 11:00 start. Contact Jakki or Adrian

U16 Boys- Friday 12 March

Away to Guildford. Meet 1800 at Short Lane for a 2000 start or meet at 1915 at Broadwater School, Summers Road, Farncombe, Godalming, Surrey GU7 3BW Contact PC

Training Sunday 09:30-11:00 U8 mixed, U10, U12 and U14 girls. No training for U10, U12 and U14 boys as they have matches.

No Sunday training forU16 boys

U8 Mixed

Staines have postponed the U8 tournament 

U10 Boys and U12 Boys

Staines Tournament. Meet at Worple Road at 1030 for an 1100 start. Contact Sam and/or Caroline

 U14 Boys

Home to Teddington. Meet 1215 at Short Lane for a 1300 pitch on. Contact Jakki and/or Adrian

U16 Boys

Home to Maidenhead. Meet 1430 at Short Lane for a 1500 pitch on. Contact Peter

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

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.

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

AHC Newsletter
The AHC Christmas Newsletter has now been e-mailed/posted out to paid up Club members and hopefully will be posted on the website soon. Hard copies are also available at the Clubhouse.
Holiday Opening Times
The Clubhouse and bar will be open from 2 -11 pm on Christmas Eve, so why not come on down for a pre-Christmas drink. The grounds and Clubhouse will be closed on Christmas and Boxing (except for annual Men’s match 12- 2.30 pm) Day, and on Sunday 27th, Monday 28th and Tuesday 29th December. The bar and grounds will reopen as normal at 6pm on Wednesday 30th December and there will be a free New Year’s Eve Social Event from 7pm until late on 31st December, but the Club will be closed on New Year’s Day.

Ashford U12’s win Sunbury Tournament

It was a typical day for hockey weather wise with cold rain lashing down, but that did not put off a spectacular show put on by both the U10 and U12 Girls at the Sunbury Tournament against Sunbury and Surbiton teams.

The U10 girls kicked off the tournament and seemed to be half the size of the other teams but a very young Ashford side played their best drawing their first 3 games and only losing the 4th to a strong Sunbury side 0-1. They came third overall which is a great result given that this is a very young and new side who have not been playing long together.

The U12 girls looked strong from the start and won their first game against Surbiton A a comfortable 7-0. Charlotte Elms scored a hat trick and Robin Wheeler and Beth Jefferies got 2 a piece. Ashford continued their winning streak in the next 2 games winning 3-0 against Sunbury B and 7-0 against Sunbury A. Beth Jefferies got her hat trick in the third game and the other goals came from Robin Wheeler, Charlotte Elms and Rasna Sandhu. The final game came between Ashford and Surbiton B who had also won all of their games so was the decider of the tournament. After a short break before the final game a tired and wet team took to the pitch and seemed to have found their match finding it more difficult to get the ball down to the other end making the backs Lauren Clarey and Harriet Brockwell working harder than they had before. Ashford goal keeper Hannah Merchant made some fine saves and battled their way to final game to a 2-0 win in the end with Rasna Sandhu securing both the goals to win the tournament.

Sam Clarey
Ashford Hockey Club
Girls Coach

At AHC we are committed to playing hockey the right way and bringing on our colts section to enjoy the game and be safe and happy in the hope that they will become life-long fans of the game and members of our fantastic club. If you or your child have any concerns about inappropriate behaviour by anyone connected or involved with AHC, please initially contact the Child Welfare Officer, Gordon Smith, on 07789 611930. Your concern will be taken seriously and investigated as per England Hockey Child Protection policies.    We will shortly be adding a Colts tab that will contain a wealth of detail about our Colts section, how it is structured, our club ethos and AHC Child Protection policies.                           

The winners in the Astro Draw for November 2009 are:

£100 Darren Cole

£50 Jackie Trew

£50 Ian (Sherpa) Jenkins

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 for the draw are available on the website.

18/10/09

RICHMOND Under 18 Girls 1 v ASHFORD U18’S GIRLS 2

Starting off a little dubious with wearing white AND playing on the lush water-based pitch at Richmond’s new grounds, the girls soon got used to it…well maybe there were a few embarrassing balls bouncing over sticks – but not enough to warrant a disadvantage to the team. From the go U18s were attacking and it was hard to spot the fact that AHC had slightly changed their positions with MEGAN CONNELL playing right mid, BRYONY SMITH playing right back, ANNA PROTHERO playing centre back, as well as numerous other small tweaks. But as said, it was hard to see that because everyone got on with it and there was especially great play between NIKKI CROXON, EMILY ‘REEDY’ REED and KELLY TAYLOR in the middle, creating a number of chances which unfortunately didn’t create any goals. Already it was obvious AHC were the stronger team, but a goal didn’t appear until the short corner, when the practiced, but certainly not polished, routine from Sweeper ELINE SIBIA pushing out to ANNA PROTHERO who took a lovely strike and the ball sailed past three Richmond defenders and the goalie. Relieved to finally be up, the team didn’t let the score affect their play and put pressure on immediately. Ashford really went for the attack numerous times but it just wasn’t going in despite some awesome runs and movement from BECKY HEWES down the left and EMILY REED and KELLY TAYLOR in the middle. ABBY COWELL and MEGAN CONNELL also had some great positioning. As Richmond were on the break, disaster struck as KIRSTY HULL was floored to the ground. Ashford only had the bare 11 and so had to adapt with BECKY HEWES stepping into defence as KIRSTY went off. The U18’s didn’t let this affect them and continued to play well until finally KIRSTY rejoined the team.

The second half came at 1-0 and the U18’s were back to attacking getting in another goal. Saying that, Richmond did have their fair share of breaks as AHC’s marking discipline began to decline due to the frustration caused by a mixture of umpire’s decisions and not scoring. Howeve,r newbie to the team, goalie GEORGIE SUTCH, more than held her own at the strikes, but one did sneak in towards the end. Abby was involved in the build up and it was a sweet reverse stick strike by Reedy thta got the winner for AHC. BRYONY SMITH showed outstanding marking skills and fighting spirit and was therefore rewarded with the DUCK OF THE DAY AWARD!

Many thanks to Laura Quinn for being early, Scott Quinn for spectating, Nikki Croxon and Anna Prothero for driving and finally Donald the Duck for good luck!

Team: Georgie Sutch (GK) Eline Sibia, Anna Prothero, Kirsty Hull, Bryony Smith, Kelly Taylor, Becky Hewes, Megan Connell, Emily Reed, Nikki Croxon and Abby Cowell

Unfortunately at present we are still unable to resolve the on-going problems we have with installing the AHC Fixture List for the coming season on this website. Copies of the start times for most matches are available via the AHC and related Clubs sites on Fixtures Live (www.fixtureslive.com) and there is a link available to this website on the ‘Links’ tab above. They are also displayed on the Club Notice Board. We will endeavour to get things sorted out ASAP.