Ashford (Middlesex) Hockey Club

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,

Ladies hockey Saturday 21.1.12
The Ladies 3’s game today was conceded by the opposition, so they had a 2-0 walkover and the three points keep them in 4th place. The ever keen 3’s squad decided to meet up at Short Lane to practice instead and coaches Bubbles and Mark Appleton turned up to put them through some drills. . Pleased to report that the 1’s won 3-2 away and scored in the 2nd minute (well done Nicky Benedict) and move up to 5th place in the Premier division. The 2’s were held to a 0-0 draw at home despite the opposition only having ten players, but still remain in 4th position. The full results were:

1st XI beat Hendon & Mill Hill 1st XI 3-2 (away)

2nd XI drew with Hendon & Mill Hill 2nd XI 0-0 (home)

Funnily enough, the two men’s games played at Short Lane were also 0-0 draws which is very unusual for our pitch/teams!

Saturday 7/1/12 Ashford 1st XI 1 v Sunbury, Walton & Weybridge Hawks 1st XI 1

Full of New Year enthusiasm after the inevitable excesses of Christmas, Ashford ladies 1’s faced Sunbury at home in a friendly on Saturday. With only 11 available players and having to call up last minute replacement GK Sarah Jacob, Ashford started slowly against a strong Sunbury side before gaining their composure.
Ashford’s changed but experienced defensive line-up of Kim Fry, Emma Hynes, Tracey Holland and Wendy Baker were tested early on by the speed of the Sunbury forwards, but held firm as a result of strong tackles and close marking. Keeper Jacob’s kept the score at 0-0 when she nonchalantly shrugged a powerful shot over the goal with her shoulder!

Good linking play between the defence and midfield unit of Rasna Sandhu, Nicky Bennedict, Clare Emmerton and Jacqui Bashford helped Ashford get back into the game, creating opportunities for the forwards Maria Cavila and Lynne Morgan to run onto balls and put the Sunbury defence under pressure. As a result short corners were won but Ashford were unable to make their chances count. Sunbury took a 1-0 lead into half time when they took a quick long corner, drove into the D and a strong shot a goal just beat the keeper.

Sunbury came out strong in the second half pushing players forward forcing Ashford to re-group and work hard at man-marking which was successful as they were unable to make the pressure and possession tell.

Again Jacob’s kept Ashford in the game when a Sunbury shot from the top of the D was tipped over with her left hand. Ashford then managed to take possession of the ball and create chances of their own. They had further short corner chances but Sunbury’s keeper kept the shots out.
Then Ashford demonstrated a classic passing move that started from Holland in defence to Benedict onto Sandhu back to Benedict slipping the ball to Cavilla who drove down the line and crossed the ball into the D onto the waiting stick of Bashford whose strong touch took the ball past the keeper to equalise.
With only minutes go Ashford kept out further Sunbury chances so that the game finished 1-1, a pleasing result and even more pleasing periods of good play. Man of the match was unanimously awarded to keeper Sarah Jacob. Thanks are also due to umpires John hillman (AHC) and Ian Howe (SWWH).

AHC: S. Jacobs, K. Fry, T. Holland, E. Hynes, W. Baker, R. Sandhu, N Bennedict, C. Emmerton, J. Bashford (Captain), M. Cavilla, L. Morgan

Report written by Jacqui Bashford

Well after a two year break of the annual challenge game due to snow, the Ashford Antiques (AAs) really turned the heat on against Sunbury Stars of the past (SSOPs) in front of a very large and enthusiastic Ashford crowd at Short Lane on Saturday 17/12/11. The pitch was slightly icy on the dug out side, so the SSOPs and most of the spectators stayed on the sunny clubhouse side rather than the chilly shaded side of the pitch. The traditional pre match photos, ceremonies and exchanging of gifts was followed by the keepers racing to the centre spot from their goals (or top of the D in Ali Boxell’s case) to start the game. From the word go the AAs combined well and belied their ages and played some silky, flowing hockey. The AAs got several short corners which saw the Nicky and Jackie go close, but none were converted. However, the AAs were in such good form that they had other alternative methods of scoring and duly took the lead with goals from Maria Cavilla and Gillian Clegg to take a 2-0 lead into the break. AHC secretary and 4th team skipper Peter Greatorex kindly provided mulled wine for both teams and the umpires, which was avidly consumed and enjoyed.

The second half saw a vocal crowd which had grown to 30+ including a multitude of offspring, Ladies Club captain Emma Hynes, 3rd team skipper Abi Frith, the Doggets, the Silver Fox, various other husbands and a host of non playing AAs. The visitors rallied after the hot wine though and young Ellie (SSOP player of the match) was causing the AAs problems with her lovely stick work and youthful legs and speed. In fact the SSOPS had some chances but failed to really threaten the AAs D. The SSOP goalkeeper was meanwhile playing extremely well and made numerous good saves from shots by Annie and Nicky amongst others. Eventually skipper Morgan pounced to get the AAs third goal and proceeded to celebrate by sprinting back to the half way line, pulling her shirt over her head and flashing her trendy sports bar much to the surprise of the cheering crowd (she nearly froze to death doing it though!). A most enjoyable game was then finished off by Annie Neyton getting her deserved goal, but the SSOPs kept playing and trying to notch an opening goal. A splendid game was followed by much socialising, eating, drinking, gossiping and of course a visit from Santa and the awarding of the Challenge cup to the victorious AAs. Thanks must go to Nicky McAndrew and the rest of the SSOPs for being such sporting and friendly opposition, Brownie for all her behind the scenes work, Sant aJesswe, Quiz marker Carol Stedman and Rosemary for her food. All the AAs played well and despite it being four years since she had been able to play Claire Brant (Barbie) played like she had never been away, whilst many showed that the legs and fitness may fade, the skills remain – well done all.

Team: Ali Boxell, Ali Donelan, Jackie Parson, Alex Saunders, Hilary Hull, Jacqui Bashford, Kirsty Rossington, Annie Neyton, Lynne Morgan (Captain), Nicky Benedict, Claire Brant, Gillian Clegg, Sue Westlake, Maria Cavilla

Umpire: Steve Smith

Photographers: Peter Westlake, Rich and Peter Greatorex

Player of the Match: Nicky Benedict, even though Ali Boxell in the AAs goal didn’t put a foot wrong!

Spectator of the Day: Peter Greatorex (AHC)

Quiz Winners; 1st equal Sally & Carol (AAs) & Sunbury Oldies
2nd Hannah Bashford (AHC) and friends
3rd The Doggetts (AHC)

Miss/dick of the Day: SSOPs keeper when she tried to take out an AAs player.

Special Awards:Barbie & Kirsty R for travelling so far and being so keen to play.

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.

Ashford 3 Henley 3

A game full of incident to bring the curtain down on the first half of the
league programme.
Three down at the interval, the ‘Ford staged a remarkable comeback but just
as goals from Matt Emmerton, Jas Nijhar and Alex Betts brought them level, a
rash of temporary suspensions left them with eight men for the closing
stages threatening to undo all the good work. However, Dave Baker got on
the ball deep in his own half and winning free hit after free hit ran down
the clock and all things considered it was in the circumstances a point
salvaged rather than two dropped.

For the third home game running the ‘Ford began sluggishly and conceded an
early goal. This time, however, the visitors were allowed to go further in
front and when they scored a third from a corner just on half time it
looked a long way back.

The interval gave the ‘Ford the opportunity to regroup and change their
formation and they seized back the initiatve from the restart.
Scarcely allowing Henley a touch, the ‘Ford passed the ball aound with
purpose and goal by goal the deficit was erased.
Matt Emmerton got the first with a sumptuous deflection and then  Jas
Nijhar worked his way through the Henley defence to shoot under the keeper.

When Alex Betts finished off a well worked corner move with eight minutes
remaining it seemed that the ‘Ford might just be able to push on and snatch
a famous victory. However, as Henley rallied and managed to stage their
first real attack of the second half, Luke Cottrell found himself
outnumbered and a last ditch tackle brought a temporary suspension. Further
cards for Nijhar and Chris Bolton gave Henley a three man advantage for the
last few minutes but the ‘Ford, or what was left of them held firm and they
settled for a point which looked distinctly unlikely 35 minutes earlier.

Maybe it is a little frustrating to lose top spot but the ‘Ford can be
satisfied with their work so far in 2011/12. They are very much in touch
with the leaders and have also successfully negotiated three rounds of the
EHB Trophy so there is plenty to play for after the Christmas break

A 10.30am start in deepest Berkshire meant leaving Stanwell at 8.30am but
the ‘Ford did not seem troubled by the earlier than normal push back and
were a goal up inside two minutes, courtesy of a Phil Lewis penalty corner.
Moving the ball around with assurance, the ‘ Ford controlled the rest of
the half allowing Sonning not even a sniff of keeper Adam Smith’s pads.
The game was effectively put to bed just after the break. Ryan Holland had
caused problems from the start and in trying to stop him, the Sonning
defence left plenty of room for Jas Nijhar to exploit and he set up the
‘Ford’s decisive second and third goals . First, The Wizard of the Dribble
mesmerised the home defence before firing an adroit pass to the left post
where Chris Bolton controlled and fired home with clinical precision. Then
the veteran stickmeister weaved his trademark brand of magic to suck in at
least four defenders before laying it off for skipper Luke Cotrell to scoop
home.
The one blemish on a fine team performance was a collective lack of
concentration which allowed Sonning a very late consolation.

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 For the second time in three games the ‘Ford beat the league leaders 3-2 after going behind early on. Three weeks ago Eastcote were the victims  and on Saturday it was newly promoted Marlow who suffered the same fate.

 Hoping to be at full strength for the first time this season, the ‘Ford’s plans were dealt a double blow when first, Joe Siman was told he would need surgery on a hernia and then leading scorer Phil Lewis found out he could not re-schedule his first aid course.

 Full of confidence after running away with Division 2 last season and an impressive start to this, Marlow forced their way into the ‘Ford’s circle straight from the opening whistle. Taking full advantage of some poor tackling they won a penalty corner which was converted a little too easily. The ‘Ford regrouped and slowly took control and with Luke Cottrell dominating the midfield and Ryan Holland once again prving to be a real handful, they started creating openings so it was no surprise when Jas Nijhar scored a fine equaliser with a crisp finish.

 The game was effectively decided in the ten minutes after half time when Ryan Holland broke through to find himself on on one with the visiting keeper and finished with aplomb and then Alex Betts fired home a penalty corner.

 Marlow did manage to reduce the deficit with 15 minutes left from another penalty corner but the ‘Ford held their collective nerve and if anything looked the more likely to score in the closing stages.

A good weekend for the ‘Ford as they moved up to 2nd place in Middx, Berks, Bucks, Oxon Regional 1 with a 2-1 win over Maidenhead on Saturday and reached the last 16 of the EHB Trophy with a last gasp victory against Bexleyheath and Belvedere.

 If one described the ‘Ford’s opening half against Maidenhead as lack lustre it would be paying them a huge compliment. It was one of the worst 35 minutes of their season so far and they had to thank custodian Adam Smith that they were only one down at the break.

 Fortunately, much of the first half slackness disappeared and based on a much tighter defensive performance, the ‘Ford slowly but surely clawed their way back into the game. All the hard work that is going into the ‘Ford’s penalty corner routine once again paid dividends as Phil Lewis equalised and then scored the winner with another brace of fine strikes.

 With Matt Emmerton and Dave Baker already out with family commitments, Freddie Cottrell being taken up the Zambezi again and Alex Betts nursing an ankle injury, the ‘Ford’s resources were stretched almost to breaking point for Sunday’s Trophy tie when Adam Husband woke up with a stiff groin and Ryan Holland called in with ‘flu. Luckily, they were able to bring in utility man Joe Siman who has just returned to the area, Dawson Hardiman and the ever faithful Andy Sonden

 After difficult league matches the day before, the ‘Ford and their Kent, Sussex League opponents played out a quiet opening half and when Phil Lewis converted a corner midway through the second period it looked like it might be the winner. However, it was merely the prelude to a remarkable last quarter of an hour. Throwing caution to the winds, Bexleyheath and Belvedere started piling forward and bundled home an equaliser in the 60th minute. Sensing blood, the visitors went straight back on to the offensive but in doing so left their defence wide open and with five minutes to a crude challenge in the circle led to a penalty stroke which Andy Barnes rolled home to put the ‘Ford through, or so it seemed.

 As the visitors once again set up camp in the ‘Ford’s 25, a couple of efforts went close and then in the 69th minute the equaliser came from a scuffed penalty corner. With the large crowd resigned to golden goal extra time, Jas Nijhar had other ideas and his persistence won a last minute penalty corner which Phil Lewis rammed home to grab his second pair of the weekend and keep the ‘Ford in the competition until after Christmas. The reward is a visit to Marlborough HC who play in the third tier of the Wales and South West League on Sunday 12 February.

Police are scouring Middx, Berks, Bucks and Oxon on the the lookout for 11 men dressed in Red-and-Black. They are accused (and profoundly guilty) of stealing a point from poor old OMT’s! There have been various sightings of them in back gardens looking for more draws to steal…

The 3rd-personed Gordo was looking after the team and was conscious he needed to be a role model and example to the team, unfortunately he forgot about the positive and good bit. The first half was a bit tough as the oppo had a goal disallowed, numerous chances and short corners and keeper Ritchie had several chances to impress his fan on the touchline. We did compete and had OMTs on the backfoot at times though didn’t look threatening. Little did we know but that was our good half!

We did not start the second half well and I didn’t realise how long it went on, Jimmy B in midfield performed wonders and we worked very hard but were close to being overrun. Their umpire blew for a shortie as their forward finished brilliantly and they then managed to stop 2 goal-bound shots on the line – I have seen this happen once very occasionally but twice!!!! The second was very amusing as their guy flicked the ball through our last defender only for another forward to stop and keep it out with his gut! And of course, with 4 minutes to go their defender miscontrolled and our goal machine, Rishi G, made some space and smacked it through their keepers legs. One shot, one goal, one all!! 5 draws in 6 and a big game against fellow strugglers, Slough, awaits this Sat as long as we can avoid the rozzers!

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.