Ashford (Middlesex) Hockey Club

Ashford 4’s 5 Slough 3’s 6

Goals : Big Amit (2), Alex Betts, David Merchant, Gordo

On paper, looks a spectator’s dream but in reality this was a horrible game I am trying hard to forget.  Goals were flying in every few minutes in the first half - 4 all - but there were as many handbags and confrontations as the game degenerated pretty quickly.

Slough hadn’t brought an umpire and persuaded the 2’s ump to do the first half but they then dropped one of their young players to do the second half (which was shameful given they had half a team of veterans who should have done it (but of course that would have weakened their team)).

For the record they had a short corner routine we could not cope with, but we did not help ourselves with our finishing which needs to be more confident (even though we scored 5!!!) 

Onwards and hopefully upwards though availability is an issue next week

Ladies League Hockey 25^th October 2008
Middlesex Premier

Ashford 1^st XI 2 v Hampstead & Westminster 2^nd XI 7

Ashford had a tough match at home on Saturday when they entertained the new Premier League leaders Hampstead and Westminster Ladies 2^nd XI. Due to it being the start of the half term school holiday, availability for all four Ashford Ladies sides was poor. Three of the 1^st XI squad’s younger players ANNA PROTHEROE, ELINE SIBIA and LIV YOUNG were all unavailable, whilst defender KIM FRY was still suffering with illness, so the squad was reduced to twelve players; with midfield dynamo JACQUI BASHFORD playing despite still having an injured right thigh. The Red & Blacks started the game well though, with coach MANDY WAIN being very pleased with the way they attacked purposely from the start, playing some creative team hockey, which was a big improvement on last week’s performance. A short corner soon resulted from the early Ashford pressure and JACKIE PARSONS stepped home to fire in a screamer of a shot which unfortunately skimmed the near upright and went wide. The visitors retaliated and after ten minutes of play opened the scoring somewhat against the run of play, when one of their forwards glanced the ball home from a colleagues fine strike from the edge of the circle. Ashford driven on well by amongst others, alert midfielder ANNIE NEYTON continued to play well and went close to securing an equaliser seven minutes later following a melee in the visitor’s goal mouth. However, as previously the visitor’s counter attacked and got a second goal following a move on the left of the circle being hit home from close in. They followed it up with another attack, and despite a very good save by the agile Ashford goalkeeper SAM GRANT, they hit the rebound home past the stranded keeper to go three goals to nil up. The Red & Blacks tried to respond, but were unable to secure an equaliser before half time.

The second half saw the visitors starting to dominate the play and Ashford’s team work breaking down. In addition, despite it not being a very physical or dirty game at all, both umpires had issued green cards to players from both sides and following a stick tackle, one of the Ashford forwards was sent off for ten minutes. The visitors had by this stage taken advantage of the extra player and scored two more good goals to take an unassailable five nil lead. Ashford had by now moved sweeper JACKIE PARSONS further up the field in an effort to get on the score sheet and midway through the second half she swept into the visitors goalmouth and despite missing her first strike of the ball, she hit it cleanly second time round from the edge of the circle to open the scoring for the Red & Blacks and make the score 5 -1. Once again the visitors caught the Ashford defence stretched as they swept up the pitch to score their sixth goal and followed it up five minutes later with their seventh of the match from close in. The Red & Blacks got a consolation second goal shortly before the end of the game when the injured JACQUI BASHFORD slotted the ball home from close in following good work by MARIA CAVILLA. The defeat sees the Red & Blacks move down to fourth position in the league. There are no Middlesex League games next week and no friendly game has been arranged for the 1^st XI in order to give the squad a rest and for many a chance to recover from niggling injuries. The weekend after however, Ashford are at home in the League on Saturday 8^th November to PHC Chiswick, who are one place above them in the table, with the same number of points, but a better goal difference than the Red & Blacks. On the Sunday 9^th November, the Ladies 1^st XI have to make a long trip down to Dorset to play Weymouth Ladies 1^st XI in the second round of the England Hockey Vase competition.

Team; S. Grant (GK), E. Hynes, J Parsons, A. Neyton, H. Eames, M. Cavilla, L. Quinn (Skipper), P. Worsfold, J. Bashford, S. Kenward, S. Smart, N. Benedict

High Wycombe 4’s 2 Ashford 4’s 3

Goals: The Lip, Chrissie D, Gordo

Despite Greeny’s attempt to ambush 3 of the team by having part 1 of his leaving drinks (and a curry) on the Friday, a battling, spunky performance saw the boys beat a High Wycombe team who will undoubtedly finish top 5 minimum.

The game started evenly but Ashford were disjointed generally and ceded the ball regularly to the home team - full of skilful, young  and fit sprogs (not a good combination imo!) and a few old gits pulling the strings.

We held them a little fortutitously but we were looking quite spritely up front with Greeny busting a gut (not a pretty sight) to get a goal in his last game before emigrating to Australia and Chris Davies leading the line well. We took the lead when a Big Amit whack from outside the D was deflected by Shaggy past all bar Phil ‘The Lip’ Lewis who swept home imperiously (unfortunately his goal celebration was akin to Rosie’s (got to work on that, Phil!)). Great to see Phil scoring in only his 3rd league game for the 4’s (by contrast his bro’ JLo scored 0 in 93 games for us!)

Very pleased and then we went 2-0 up, a fantastic tackle and dribble-ette from a completey out-of-position Jon Hunt set up the ‘prolific’ Chrissie D who trundled through, rounded the keeper and smacked it home with aplomb (most players would have used a stick). They scored a shortie near the end of the half to make it 2-1 which was the least they deserved.

Big Amit had taken a knock to his infamous big toe and had to play at the back so Jon Hunt moved into the midfield with Gordo and they swapped around so many times, everyone was confused…but we continued to compete. HW were getting into our D quite a bit but with little cutting edge and Doggers also had a good day.

Greeny should have had his goal but their defender slipped over and blocked his shot a yard out, only their umpire knows why it wasn’t a penalty! Midway through the half, we attacked down the right and got a free hit. Shaggy looked up to see Gordo in full flight into D and actually passed it!!!!! Gordo swept it from under his feet from about 10 yards and it curled hard into the corner - Gordo jumped miles in the air, did his manly roar aand a lot of fist-pumping - then I got a bit embarrassed and wandered back (rats, this 3rd person narrative is hard!)   

HW came at us but we were pumped and it was our day and we played out reasonably comfortably with them scoring their second on final whistle.

A memorable performance and a fitting send off to Greeny, an Ashford stalwart since 1980 - Good luck to him in sunny Melbourne!!!!

The winners in the Astro Draw for October 2008 are:

• £100 Katie Smith
• £50 Val Hardman
• £50 Anna Protheroe

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.

Click here for more details about the draw and an application form.

Ladies League Hockey 18^th October 2008
Middlesex Premier

Winchmore Hill & Enfield 1^st XI 2 v Ashford 1^st XI 0

The Red & Blacks had to travel to North London to play seventh in the League team Winchmore Hill & Enfield 1^st XI in their fourth League game of the season last Saturday. Unfortunately Ashford were without experienced players JACKIE PARSONS and ANNIE NEYTON, as well as defender KIM FRY and speedy forward HAYLEY EAMES. They were able to welcome back midfielders PHIL WORFOLD and ANNA PROTHEROE though. In addition, Coach MANDY WAIN called up second XI defenders ELINE SIBIA for her second of the season and KAREN FOWLER for her first; and continued with MARIA CAVILLA and LIV YOUNG upfront. Despite the changes, Ashford combined well to start with but didn’t really show the excellent form and team work of previous games. They seemed unable to utilise the width of the pitch as normal, but did mount several attacks and gained some short corners. They were unable to convert any though. The home team meanwhile were playing some controlled hockey and midway through the first half, one of their attacks led to the first goal. The forwards broke through and although the Red & Blacks keeper SAM GRANT bravely came out to try and thwart the approaching forward, the Winchmore striker slipped it wide of SAM to another waiting forward who slipped home to put Winchmore Hill & Enfield 1-0 up. Ashford battled on with midfielder NICKY BENEDICT amongst others working hard to get some moves going and an Ashford equaliser. The score remained at 1-0 to the home side though until the break.

The second half continued in the same vein and unfortunately Ashford suffered an injury when full back KAREN FOWLER hurt her hand and couldn’t continue. The squad of twelve battled on to try and raise their game and get back into the game. It wasn’t to be though and later in the second half a good shot by a Winchomore striker beat the Red & Blacks keeper SAM GRANT and youngster ANNA PROTHEROE bravely dived across the goal line to try and prevent the goal. Her stop was illegal though and the home team were duly awarded a penalty flick, which was well converted to make the score 2-0 to Winchmore Hill and Enfield. Ashford battled on though and didn’t let their heads drop and despite playing poorly they kept the score at 2-0.

The result means that Ashford 1^st XI move down to second place in the League, with Hampstead & Westminster 2^nd XI moving one point ahead of them. However, Ashford actually play Hampstead & Westminster 2^nd XI at Ashford at noon next Saturday, so the Red & Blacks will have a good chance to get back to their winning ways and regain the top spot.

Team; S. Grant (GK), E. Hynes, E. Sibia, K. Fowler, A. Protheroe, M. Cavilla, L. Quinn (Skipper), P. Worsfold, J. Bashford, S. Kenward, S. Smart, N. Benedict, O. Young.

Click on the Men’s 1st XI v Staines tab in the Photos section of the sidebar to see three action photos of the game courtesy of Mark Burns.

Ashford 4’s 0 Eastcote 6’s 0

Not played in too many goalless games in the last 10 years - there were enough chances for both teams to have opened their accounts but both ‘keepers played well and both attacks have probably had better days.

It was a really good, enjoyable game - 2 decent teams trying to play hockey and hardly a bad tackle in the game (apart from Bubbles! and even he was well behaved).

The big news was the big toe of Big Amit - necessarily it is not small - the news was it was ‘wobbly’ but less painful and the big fella could take his rightful place as the Sikh Jan Molby of the 4’s - hurrah!

Overall, Eastcote probably played the more measured, passing game but we had more chances. In the second half, we had an excellent 15 minute period where we should have made that pressure count…their ‘keeper made one terrific diving stick stop from a shortie. Having got through that, the vistors had 2 good opportunities which they would be disappointed about not converting - one a good save from Doggers and the other; last-ditch, frantic and desperate defence from the boys at the back.

A good point and we are above Staines!!!!!!

Ladies League Hockey 11^th September 2008
Middlesex Premier

Teddington 3^rd XI 1 v Ashford 1^st XI 3

For their third League game of the season, League leaders Ashford Ladies 1^st XI travelled to Teddington to take on the newly promoted Teddington Ladies 3^rd XI. A training injury to midfielder PHIL WORSFOLD and with youngster ANNA PROTHERO being unavailable, Coach MANDY WAIN recalled regular 2^nd XI striker MARIA CAVILLA and youngster LIV YOUNG following her successful hip operation in the summer, to the squad. Kiwi defender KIM FRY was also added to the squad following her recovery from illness. In almost tropical conditions, both sides settled well and played some forceful hockey. It was the home team who scored first though, when despite a good block by Red & Blacks defender KIM FRY after a Teddington short corner, a home team forward netted the deflection to put them 1-0 up. However, Ashford continued to combine well as a team and their heads didn’t drop after the goal as they all fought hard to find the equaliser. It came before half time when the alert MARIA CAVILLA managed to get the ball over the goal line from close in to make the score 1-1. The equaliser made Ashford work even harder with every player putting in a lot of running, but the score remained even at 1-1 until half time.

After the turn round the Red & Blacks continued to play with their new found composure and kept their shape well despite the pressure the home team exerted on them. Eventually the Ashford superiority showed though when following two successive long, and some good close passing, sweeper JACKIE PARSONS found herself in the Teddington D and she fired a shot goal wards. The Teddington keeper managed to trap the ball between her pads, but it dropped down and trickled over the line to put Ashford deservedly 2-1 up. Ashford then consolidated their lead, when a good line ball by EMMA HYNES set LIV YOUNG free in the D and resulting Teddington foul saw Ashford being awarded their first penalty flick of the season. Skipper LAURA QUINN calmly stepped up to put the ball home and give Ashford an unassailable 3-1 lead. Further good play by the Red & Blacks saw some good skills by all including striker HAYLEY EAMES and player of the match, defender SOPHIE SMART. However, it was the overall team work that won the day for the Red & Blacks.

The result means that Ashford 1^st XI remain undefeated after three League games and top of the Premier Division by two clear points, with a much superior goal difference to the teams in second and third place. Next Saturday the Red & Blacks have to make the long journey to North London to play seventh placed Winchmore Hill & Enfield 1^st XI. The way Ashford are playing though, there is no reason that they can’t continue their winning ways.

Team; S. Grant (GK), E, Hynes, H Eames, K Fry, M Cavilla, J. Parsons, L. Quinn (Skipper), A. Neyton, J. Bashford, S. Kenward, S. Smart, N. Benedict, O. Young.

BA 3’s 3 Ashford 4’s 2 (Big Amit 2)

What a rotten word Nearly is. We nearly won - we nearly drew - we actually lost 3-2 in the last 20 seconds.

Very disappointing because of the performance of - on paper - a threadbare team deserved something from this game. Playing with 6 lads between 13 and 15 (and only Doggers a team regular last season) and 5 old gits (a bit harsh on Amit I suppose), we approached the game against BA 3’s with some trepidation…also Amit had to play up front due to his foot injury which didn’t seem to make him any slower than he normally is…

Game was very even in the first half before they scored from a short that wasn’t taken outside the D but we kept our heads and deserved the equaliser…a sweeping move started by Jon Hunt on the 25, Gordo swept it up to Alex Betts on their 25 in the inside left position, he put the ball across to Big Amit who unleashed….a viciously topped shot into the corner past a motionless ‘keeper who reminded me of Sherpa on one of his ‘oh dear’ days.  Litttle Stef tried to nick it but you gotta touch it before it goes over the line, Stef!!

Second half the game got even more stretched with BA an old canny side sitting deep, bypassing midfield and playing long balls upto their striker. At times this was problematic but we generally defended well and we had them worried with some nice linking play, David Merchant, Dash Sandu and Phil the Lip stood out.

We took the lead from a defensive mistake and Big Amit lashed it in. The game was fairly even and we had chances and pressure but could not score the 3rd goal that would have won us the game. 10 minutes to go they equalised with a scrappy goal and then the last gasp winner which came through tiredness and lack of concentration.

Positive things about this were the teamwork and attitude and if we can keep this level of performance we will be fine.

Back by popular demand….Ash Factor…our way to show off some of our non-hockey talents? Who has that special “je ne c’est quoi“.. or Ash Factor?

Usual format - each team needs to provide a singer (singers) with or without backing singers!! Performances will be judges by our very own celebraties The winner goes home with tons of street cred (?!). We all get entertained.

Tickets are £10 a person includes a curry dinner (please advise if veggie option required), as well as entertainment. This is usually a popular event so it’s advised to get you tickets (and song choices) quickly.

Wendy Baker (Entertainments Officers)

Ladies League Hockey 4^th October 2008
Middlesex Premier

Ashford 1st XI 5 v Hendon 1st XI 1

In their first home league game of the new season, Ashford 1^st XI Ladies welcomed Hendon Ladies 1st XI to Short Lane on Saturday. Unfortunately, the Ashford squad was reduced to only twelve players, due to defender KIM FRY being taken ill on Friday night and being unable to play. The game was started somewhat lethargically by both teams in what were almost ideal conditions for hockey. However, after seven minutes a move down the Ashford left saw PHIL WORSFOLD free with the ball on the top left side of the Hendon goal mouth, PHIL bided her time and then threaded a neat ball through to STACEY KENWARD who swept the ball home from an acute angle by the backline to put the Red & Blacks 1-0 up. The goal gave Ashford more confidence and they played some better hockey, although HENDON also started to show some of their many hockey skills and the Ashford keeper SAM GRANT had to make a couple of good saves to keep the Red & Blacks ahead. After twenty four minutes of play though, Ashford went further ahead when a short corner hit out by HAYLEY EAMES, eventually found JACKIE PARSONS hit the ball home from close in through a melee of players to put Ashford 2-0 up. Once again Hendon rallied and with only five minute of the first half left, they were awarded a penalty flick, following an infringement by an Ashford defender in front of their own goal. The Red & Blacks keeper SAM GRANT rose to the occasion though and easily saved the flick to keep the score at 2-0. The game then remained equal until the half time break.

The second half started in a similar vein, with both sides having an equal share of the game, However, after ten minutes of play, Hendon opened their scoring account when an Ashford foul in front of their own goal, saw advantage being played, and a Hendon forward free on the left, who safely fired home to make the score a close 2-1. Ashford hit back fairly swiftly when a piercing run down the right to the backline by ANNIE NEYTON saw her hit a sweet ball across the Hendon D, where Ashford skipper LAURA QUINN was waiting to hit the ball neatly home and put Ashford 3-1 ahead. The Red & Blacks were now on top of the game and subsequently gained several short corners. None of them were converted though until twenty minutes into the half, when HAYLEY EAMES, LAURA QUINN and NICKY BENEDICT executed a good short corner routine to provide JACKIE PARSONS with the opportunity to hit the ball home from close in, which she duly did to make the score 4-1. Ashford were not surprisingly now on a role and a few minutes later NICKY BENEDICT was set free just inside the D and she stroked the ball home to give the Red & blacks an unassailable 5-1 lead. Hendon didn’t give up though and some good defensive play by EMMA HYNES and decisive clearances and creative passing on the right by youngster ANNA PROTHOROE kept the Hendon attacks and forwards at bay. The last minute of the game saw Ashford awarded two short corners, but unfortunately they weren’t able to convert either, but they had already secure their biggest league in several seasons and kept their unbeaten record intact.

Next week the Red & Blacks are away to third placed Teddington 3^rd XI, who will be tough opponents, but the Red & Blacks will be hoping to continue their winning ways.

Team; S. Grant (GK), E, Hynes, H Eames, A. Protheroe, J. Parsons, L. Quinn (Skipper), A. Neyton, J. Bashford, S. Kenward, S. Smart, E.Hynes, N. Benedict.