Ashford (Middlesex) Hockey Club

Middlesex Yazzo National Mini-Hockey Championships 2008-2009
Under 11 Girls Finals

Short Lane, Ashford, Sunday 8th March 2009

Ashford U11 girls win the Middlesex Tournament and go through to South England Finals.

Ashford started the tournament strong with a 4 – 0 win against St Augustine’s with goals from Charlotte Elms, Beth Jeffries and 2 from Robin Wheeler. The team displayed some great hockey which any manager would be proud. The second game was up against Teddington B, but the confidence in the girls showed and finished with a 3 – 0 win and a fine hat trick of goals from Robin Wheeler. The final game was up against Sunbury A who had also won both of their games and was on level points with Ashford. This was a decider on who would win the group. It was a tense 20 minutes and neither side gave in ending in a 0 – 0 draw, but Ashford won their group on goal difference. The tournament was halted for about half hour as the heavens opened with thunder and lightening and all the teams returned wet through and very cold having been out on the pitch for nearly 4 hours now.

The semi-final against Southgate was their toughest yet with Bella Bogan and Lauren Clarey having to work hard in defence supported by Harriet Brockwell and after 20 minutes with no goals the game went into extra time and golden goal. Ashford were determined to win and within the first minute the ball was passed up the pitch resulting in Beth Jeffries stealing the moment and glory to take Ashford through to the final.

At this point it did not matter who won as both teams were going through to the South finals but Teddington took the lead in the first half. Ashford stepped up their game and clinched a draw just before the final whistle resulting in extra time and golden goal time again! Both teams battled till the final whistle but neither team had scored again so the tournament ended with penalty flick competition. Ashford goal keeper Hannah Merchant saved the first and third Teddington flicks resulting in a fine win for the Ashford girls with Robin Wheeler, Bella Bogan and Charlotte Elms scoring each of their flicks. Ashford now go through to play in the South Championships on 25th April.

Team: Robin Wheeler (C), Charlotte Elms, Bella Bogan, Lauren Clarey, Beth Jeffries, Harriet Brockwell, Hannah Merchant (GK), Lauren Ward, Olivia Clapham and Robyn Lukins.

Sam Clarey
Manager/Coach U11 Girls

Ladies League Hockey 7/3/09
Middlesex Premier

ASHFORD 1st XI 1 v HAMPSTEAD & WESTMINSTER 3rd XI 0
Ashford had another home League game on Saturday, when their visitors were the team directly below them in the League Hampstead & Westminster 3rd XI. Squad stalwarts ANNIE NEYTON and SOPHIE SMART were both unfortunately late withdrawals due to illness, but coach MANDY WAIN was able to welcome back former skipper LAURA QUINN for her first run out in 2009, and current skipper STACEY KENWARD. The game started in almost spring like conditions and likewise the Red & Blacks also had a spring in their step and play and dominated from the start. The youngsters, namely ANNA PROTHEROE, ELINE SIBIA, KELLY TAYLOR, and LIV YOUNG were especially spritely and played with a maturity beyond their years. Despite this, the Red & Blacks were unable to turn their domination into goals, even though they gained numerous short corners and their practised routines were going well. Gradually the north London visitors started to play themselves into the game and created their own chances as well as defending well against the bubbly and mobile Ashford strikers and midfield dynamos. The Ashford superiority eventually told though as following another short corner injected well by ANNA PROTHEROE, regular striker JACKIE PARSONS hit another demon shot that was parried well by the visitor’s goalkeeper. However, the ever alert ANNA PROTHEROE was once again be on hand to put the ball away and notch her fifth goal of the season, and second in two weeks, to put the Red & Blacks ahead after approximately thirty minutes of play.

The second half was similar to the first, with some good open play from both teams and Ashford’s team work showing to the fore once again. When Hampstead & Westminster did attack, the young Ashford full back pairing of ANNA PROTHEROE (who was playing out of position) and ELINE SIBIA, guided by the experienced and skill full play of sweeper JACKIE PARSONS and ever reliable EMMA HYNES dealt with the pressure and onslaughts well. Unfortunately despite the efforts of the whole team and the effervescent LIV YOUNG, KELLY TAYLOR and others up front, the Red & Blacks were unable to add to their goal tally. Thus for the second week running, Ashford goal minder SAM GRANT kept a clean sheet and the hard working squad notched up another one nil victory with an excellent display of team work. The ever improving youngster KELLY TAYLOR was deservedly voted Player of the Match for her numerous fast, penetrating runs down the right, which helped open up the visitors defence for Ashford.

The Red & Blacks have two matches this week, firstly on Tuesday night they play local rivals Teddington 3rd XI, who are one point ahead and one place above Ashford in the league, at Short Lane at 8.15pm. Then next Saturday (14/3/09) they travel to Eastcote to play Eastcote Ladies 2nd XI, who are currently lying second in the League and challenging strongly for promotion to the South League. It will be a tough week for Mandy Wain’s squad, but their excellent team spirit and work rate on and off the pitch should see them gain some more League points and hopefully move up the table from their current fifth position to fourth in the League.

Team; S Grant (GK), E. Hynes, E Sibia, J. Bashford, N. Benedict, P. Worsfold S. Kenward (Skipper), A. Protheroe, J.Parsons, L. Young, K. Taylor. L. Quinn

Ashford 4′s 3 Eastcote 5′s 2

Scorers: Gordo, Birthday Boy (2)

Please feel free to come up with your (clean) collective word for Smith’s. 4 of the blighters were on display with the call going out to Neil ‘Pud’ Smith for his first game of the season as well as Gordo and the 2 nephews.**

Amit said a lot before the game some of it game-related, all I remember is he put himself top of the midfield diamond which changed the midfield shape to more of a doughnut. Anyway off we went in our hopeful way and it soon became evident that as usual with Eastcote games, we were well matched with the Red-and-Blacks the more incisive but a little vulnerable when we lost possession going forward.

We took the lead when Gordo finally deflected in a Big Amit Whack from a shortie and was too surprised to do much of a goal celebration – fortunately the umpire still allowed the goal to stand. We play better when we are not winning so then conspired to let in a  soft goal before the break. Now we were all square we started to play and had a terrific 20 minute passage of play ending when Bday boy Shaunie picked up a BAW 10 yards out and short-arm flicked it high in the net like a rocket. We had plenty of chances to make the game safe but that is not – and never will be while I have breath left in my body!!- the Red-and-Black way so we gave up a horrible equaliser with 5 mins to go…oi vey… 

Just when it seemed both sides had accepted a point, Eastcote did a bit of an Ashford…coming out of their 25, their lad passed it inside and the loose ball fell to Jonno, he found Neil who in turn fed Shaun (he was peckish). Shaun turned and lumbered towards goal and just had time to smack the ball – another rocket! – across and past the helpless keeper!! 2 mins to go, 3-2 up and we held on for a fantastic win that moves us up to 6th place and almost-certain safety!

Bar the Ones, a good week for the boys!!

** also bro’ Stevie ump’ing and Mark watching/shouting!

We have a special guest star on the AHC website show – yes, it’s a 3′s report well kinda since I’m working off the word as handed down by Podge.

Having had a bit of a struggle this season and with adults a bit thin (well, not Jess obviously) on the ground, Jessie and Ian found themselves taking a side to Wokingham who were a little on the young side – in fact Jessie and Ian’s combined age was more than the other 9 put together!! Bert Hewes becoming the youngest ever veteran in UK hockey – 18 and 3rd-eldest (we’ve put into the Guinness Book of Records).

Anyway, it was 5 goals to 2 at half-time – 6 – 3 at full time.  Alex netted a hatrick, Podge scored his first of the season and claiming 3 assists (I told you I got the info from Ell) and everyone a bit surprised but very happy.

Middelesx League Division Three

28/2/09 Winchmore Hill & Enfield 3rd XI 3 v Ashford 3rd XI 1

Report written by Tracey Holland
Ashford 3s faced a tough game what with so many of their regular squad unavailable this week and they were extremely grateful to Doreen, Anna, Nicola, Jane and Georgina for stepping up into the 3s so that the game was able to go ahead. So with the bare 11 they set up for the lengthy trip to Southbury Corner.

The first goal came from Ashford following great move from Abi Cowell down the right, switching to Elize Brown for a shot from the P-spot which hit the post but fortunately rebounded in the goal.

WH&E equalized with a slightly messy goal after much pressure in the D.

Going into the second half at 1-1, a defensive error saw WH&E put the score at 2-1. Becky Hewes made her debut at Centre Midfield and cut out numerous attacks and deservedly got Player of the Match. Unfortunately against the run of play WH&E then nicked another goal to put the score at 3-1.

Team: Jenni Routledge, Megan Connell, Doreen Brown, Jane English, Anna Davis-Hale, Abi Cowell, Becky Hewes, Elize Brown, Kim Downs (Captain), Nicola Humphries and Georgina Sutch.

Middlesex League Division one

28/2/09 Eastcote 3rd XI 2 v Ashford 2nd XI 2

Report written by Tracey Holland.
The game started off with Ashford’s new line up of defenders (Luvvy, Karen, Kirsty and Sarah due to missing 2 of their key defenders Eline and Lisa) soaking up the various Eastcote attacks from the starting whistle. Once it was established that if we just remained calm at the back it would actually be possible to hold Eastcote at bay along with the amazing Liv in goal pulling up 2 great saves in the first half alone. This gave our halves (Shergar, Lynne, Lucy, Freddie and Ellie) the confidence to move up the pitch and distribute the ball beautifully around the pitch and deliver early balls to Lucy, Maria and Gillian up front.

A now settled Ashford patiently moved the ball up the pitch and some great linking from Lynne to Lucy to Gillian who crossed the ball to Maria waiting in the D to have a first time shot at goal, the Eastcote keeper pulled off a great save but Lucy was waiting for the rebound and calmly flicked the ball over the keeper. Half time and we were stunned to be 1-0 up!

Second half and Eastcote came out strongly and immediately secured numerous short corners which the Ashford defence kept out. Unfortunately one straight strike was saved by Liv but the ball deflected into Karen’s face on the line! After some first aid and the loss of Karen for the rest of the game, the Umpire awarded a flick, which Eastcote calmly put in the top right corner and gave Liv no chance to stop. So 1-1 now and unfortunately 10 minutes later a major defensive error (yeah we all know it was me) on the P-Spot led Eastcote to going 2-1 up.

Oh no what were we do to, we couldn’t let this game go, not after all our hard work, so Lucy decided to take on 3 players whilst zig zagging from right to left and finally ending up 5 yards out from the P-Spot and slamming the ball at the astounded keeper, truly a great individual goal that had us all hugging each other madly, 2-2 game on.

Unfortunately it was not Liv’s day when she had to face another flick due to a defenders foot preventing the third goal going in This time a calm Liv dived to her left and stopped the ball going in the bottom right hand corner. Phew panic over and calm was restored.

The last 10 mins were pretty hairy as Eastcote piled on the pressure in their attempt to get the 3 points they assumed they would easily get against Ashford who are sitting at the bottom of the table, but it was the sheer determination of the whole team that gallantly prevented this on Saturday with everyone trying to clear the ball out of the D and Gillian tracking right back at one point to pick the ball up and send it down the line to a waiting Maria. Everyone was working their socks off even though we were all very tired united in our efforts not to lose this game, but it was the amazing stick save on the line when Shergar dived the length of the goal that prevented Eastcote from making the score 3-2.

Everyone played absolutely brilliant and it was truly a great team game.

Team: Liv Washer, Luvvy, Kirsty Hull, Sarah Appleton, Karen Fowler, Shergar, Lynne Morgan, Lucy Uttley, Ellie Ashford-Hodges, Maria Cavilla, Gillian Clegg, Freddie, and Coach MANDY WAIN

Ashford u-18′s 2 Guildford u-18′s 1

Ashford u-18 Boys advanced…just…to the last 8 of the National Plate for the second year in the row. Obviously very pleasing and they deserved it for starting so well and defending so well in the last 20 minutes.

Having gone 2 goals up in the first 10 minutes, both goals deflected in by Rosie from hits into the D, we could have made the game safe as a couple of chances went begging and their keeper made a couple of terrific saves. The game changed midway though the half as their 2 1st team bench players came on and Simo hurt his ankle meaning a swop round with him going to the back clearly in a bit of trouble.

The game probably hinged on the fact that we managed to make it to half time still 2-0 up. Enter Peter Cottrell and with one of his old knee bandages, some black tape, a poultice of everything he could find in the first aid box and a swift sacrifice to the Old Gods, he sorted Simo out and he was back to his galloping best in midfield!!

They did get one back after 42 mins after Wheeler had made a treble-save but we just about kept our discipline and although Guildford pressed hard, with some fantastic defending from all the side - a bit too much of it in our D for my comfort – we held Guildford as well as always looking dangerous when we came forward.  

There was one funny moment at the end when ‘Dutchie’ Holland smacked a rebound off the keeper into the corner – 3rd goal and the clincher!!? No, it hit bro’ Ryan’s stick a yard out and it went wide!! A minute later the whistle went and we had just about deservedly won a top game of hockey against National League oppo.

Well done lads, we have a fixture ‘situation’ to resolve but next game is in 2 weeks on 15 Mar and I will post the details when known in the next day or so.

Ashford under 18 boys beat Guildford under 18′s 2-1 today at Short Lane to progress to the quarter Final of the England Hockey Cup Plate Competition. Dan Rose got two goals in the first half and although Guildford pulled one back in the second half, the Red & Blacks held firm to notch up another cup victory. Hopefully coach Gordon Smith will be writing a fuller and more humourous report of the game and we will let you know the details of their quarter final match as soon as they are known, well done all.

Ladies League Hockey 28/2/09
Middlesex Premier
ASHFORD 1st XI 1 v HARROW 2nd XI 0
In only their fourth game of 2009, Ashford Ladies 1st XI entertained the team second from bottom of the League, Harrow 2nd XI at Short Lane on Saturday. Ashford were still missing two of their regular squad, but were able to welcome back defenders EMMA HYNES and SOPHIE SMART, midfielders ANNA PROTHEROE and NICKY BENEDICT and Coach MANDY WAIN brought in young 2nd XI midfielder LUCY UTTLEY for her 1st team debut.
The game started with Ashford attacking from the off and creating chances with JACQUI BASHFORD and LIV YOUNG looking particularly threatening, but Harrow easily cleared their lines and thwarted the early attacks. After ten minutes of play the Red & Blacks gained their first short corner, but JACKIE PARSONS wasn’t able to get a shot in and similarly when Ashford got another short corner shortly afterwards, they were unable to find their usual rhythm with their well practised routines. After twelve minutes of play though the ever running JACQUI BASHFORD was put clean through and she neatly dribbled round the Harrow keeper, but with the goal wide open her final shot went just wide of the far post. Ashford followed up with two more short corners, the second of which saw JACKIE PARSONS shot going just wide. A Harrow counter attack was then well thwarted by the nimble Ashford keeper SAM GRANT. After fifteen minutes of play Coach MANDY WAIN brought on strikers ANNIE NEYTON and debutant youngster LUCY UTTLEY, whose direct running styles caused further problems for the Harrow defenders. ANNIE NEYTON firstly got a neat shot in after a driving run down the right, whilst LUCY UTTLEY combined well with midfielders NICKY BENEDICT and ANNA PROTHEROE to create more chances. In defence Ashford stalwarts SOPHIE SMART and EMMA HYNES both made good clearances following a couple of Harrow short corners. As the half drew to a close, the nimble LIV YOUNG saw her shot from a short corner cleared on the line, but a flowing move shortly after saw LUCY UTTLEY setting up ANNA PROTHEROE with an easy goal opportunity and ANNA duly slotted the ball home to put the Red & Blacks 1-0 up. Ashford quickly pressed for a second goal and a fine cross from ANNIE NEYTON on the right saw a good shot by JACQUI BASHFORD go just wide and so the score remained at 1-0 until half time.

In the early stages of the second half Ashford were the more dominant side, but they were still not really firing on all cylinders and although they had numerous chances to add to their goal tally, the Harrow goalkeeper, who improved as the game wore on, kept them at bay. The visitors counter attacked on several occasions and should have equalised when one of their forwards was presented with an open goal, but contrived to put the ball wide. As the half progressed, the Red & Blacks secured several more short corners, but their technique was still not right and none were converted. Ashford kept going though and with youngsters ELINE SIBIA and KELLY TAYLOR combining well on the right and the midfield functioning better, they nearly got their second when good team work set up ANNIE NEYTON, whose fine strike was once again saved by the talented Harrow goalkeeper. Despite the efforts of both teams, no further goals were scored in the second half and game ended with as a 1-0 victory for the Red & Blacks. The win moves Ashford back up to fifth place in the League and next week they are home, and play the team in ninth place, namely Hampstead & Westminster 3rd XI and Coach MANDY WAIN will be looking for another three points and more goals being scored by the Red & Blacks.
Team; S Grant (GK), E. Hynes, E Sibia, S. Smart, J. Bashford, N. Benedict, P. Worsfold (Skipper), A. Protheroe, J.Parsons, L. Young, A. Neyton, K. Taylor, L. Uttley