Ashford (Middlesex) Hockey Club

EH u-18 Plate Final – Ashford 1 Eastbourne 4

Firstly, I am very proud of the boys for having got to a National Final – they played some fantastic hockey to get there and deserved their day out at Finals day.

On the day we were beaten by a better team – who incidentally were older, bigger and better at breaking up play than us. We needed our A game to beat them and only showed this in flashes and individual moves rather than sustained play.

We definitely had the best Coach on display out of the 8 teams at Sheffield, of course it had a lot of wheels but even so…the game started off pretty even and uneventfully but Eastbourne had more possession as we struggled to hold the ball. This had the effect of the team dropping back 5/6 metres and defending too deep which invited more pressure. They had a goal disallowed and Wheeler pulled off 2 top-drawer saves from their first 2 shorts – the first diving up and to his left to tip it round the corner and the other high to his right. Eventually the pressure told and they scored from close range.

On reflection, it was the first half that was crucial…we had 4 good opportunities to equalise (meanwhile up the other end Wheeler was performing heroics!), Rosie and Ryan worked 2 excellent chances close in which weren’t finished off, their defender made a stunning save on the line off our first shortie and a backstick clearance by the goalie was missed. If we had equalised from any of these, I feel the second half would have been very different as our boys are a bit of a ‘confidence’ team.

Second half, they went 2-0 up before Charlie, who was our best outfield player, deflected in a Shanie slapped free hit. but we didn’t build on it and they forced a penalty…of course James dived full-length to his left – another stunning save. Another chance for us to really get at Eastbourne but then we were down to 10, although I don’t know why nothing happened to the oppo player and they scored while we were down to 10…and the game floated away from us; they scored the fourth 2 seconds before the hooter.

Obviously, everyone was disappointed but this was a lot better to take than last year in the semi’s!

Finally, some thank-you’s – to all our supporters who got up the day after the Club Dinner to come, to Lynne and Sherpa for subsidising the coach, to Cliff for his guidance and support throughout the season but especially to the Boys, who have been fantastic to work with - they are great lads! - and who are a credit to the club and their families.

Finally (again), thank you very much to everyone for your support over the last few years.

U1-18 Squad: James Wheeler, Shane White, Elliot Smith, Phil Lewis, Fred & Charlie Cottrell, Dan & Ryan Holland, Simon Pocock, Shaun Smith, Dan Rose, Alex Betts, Dasmesh Sandhu, David Merchant, Dominic Hillman, Ian Doggett

Hopefully Team manager Gordy Smith will write his usual excellent and witty report, but in the mean time the enclosed brief report has been sent to the local paper for publication:

Eastbourne under 18 Boys 4 v Ashford under 18 Boys 2

On Sunday 26th April, the boys under 18’s travelled in a very luxorious coach, along with a large number of noisy, mainly hung over spectators to the Abbeydale Sport Complex, Sheffield to play in the under 18’s National Plate final against Eastbourne Under 18 boys. From the start Ashford were put under pressure by a very experienced and skillful Eastbourne side and only some excellent goalkeeping by agile James Wheeler kept the score down to 1-0 in the first half. Although Ashford played better in the second and star goalkeeper James Wheeler saved a penalty flick, they went 2-0 down early in the second half, before Ashford player of the match Charlie Cottrell pulled a goal back to give the Red & Blacks a chance at 2-1. However, as the game wore on, Ashford tired and the Eastbourne forwards kept going and added two more goals to their tally to make the final score 4-1. Ashford did well to get to the final though and with a relatively young squad compared to the opposition, they will hope to go one better next season and all desrev priase for their efforts and performances.

Team: James Wheeler, Luke Cottrell, Charlie Cottrell, Ryan Holland, Daniel Holland, Alex Betts, Shaun Smith, Dasmesh Sandhu, Simon Pocock, David Merchant, Shane White, Elliott Smith (Captain), Daniel Rose, Phillip Lewis, Dominic Hillman.

Coach Cliff Pocock, Manager Gordon Smith.

Windsor Royalist’s 0 v Ashford Antiques (AA’s) 3Windsor

18/4/09

On a lovely sunny Saturday, most of the AA’s regular squad travelled to the Royal Borough of Windsor to meet with the Queen (well the AHC version, namely Shirley Winson0 and to play some hockey and hopefully retain our 100% record for the season. Once the formal pre match formalities of the exchange of edible gifts was over, the AA’s knuckled down from the start and played some excellent hockey. At first though the three (yes three forwards!) seemed to be a bit goal shy, and the dynamic midfield of Westlake/Bashford, Morgan and Neyton were getting a bit restless as they were providing excellent goal scoring opportunities for the wayward forwards. However, Freddie and Tracey Walsh took heed and quickly added a goal apiece to maintain their individual AA’s goal a game record for the season and put the Red & Blacks 2-0 up. Windsor gradually got more into the game, but stalwart defenders English, Brown and Saunders coped with anything that came their way and goalkeeper Ali B had little to deal with.
At half time the opposition kindly provided some alcoholic beverages and oranges for the AA’s to enjoy and these obviously affected a few players as when Ali B said she was bored in goal, both Sam Clarey and Maria Cavilla volunteered to take over from her for the second half. What was more surprising was that Ali asked if she could have fifteen minutes playing at right back in the second half. An obviously sun affected Skipper agreed and Sam got kitted up and Ali made her debut on the pitch and actually connected with the ball once or twice, whilst Sam took in the view between the sticks! The changes didn’t seem to affect the team though and once again we dominated play, but found goals hard to come by. Despite having the shooting power of goal machines Maria Cavilla and Gillian Clegg on hand, the forwards just didn’t seem to want to get the ball past the Windsor keeper and the team and big crowd starting muttering about “Jug avoidance” tactics! Eventually star player Annie Neyton went on one of her electric runs and put the ball in from an acute angle, to make the result secure at 3-0. Thus the AA’s retained their 100% record having played two and won two goals for 7 and against 2 –yes!!
Several players put in fine performances including a storming one from Annie Neyton, who was voted the AA’s player of the match. Thanks also to all the spectators and supporters, especially Aunty Shirley and Ordinary Fairy for encouraging us and Windsor for providing such excellent weather and hot teas.
AA’s Team; Ali Boxell, Doreen Brown, Alex Saunders, Jane English, Lynne Morgan (Captain), Annie Neyton, Freddie Newman, Sue Westlake, Gillian Clegg, Tracey Walsh, Sam Clarey, Maria Cavilla, Jacqui Bashford

25/3/09 Surbiton Hockey lClub

Ashford Under 11 Girls, winners of the Middlesex Club’s competition, played in the South Finals on Saturday and narrowly missed a chance to go through to play in the final rounds on points. After losing their first pool game 0-1 to Haslemere, they earned their first point with a draw against Wycombe 1-1, they then played some excellent team hockey to win against Farlington 2-0. After finishing third in their group, they went on to play Durlston Court School in the Plate quarter finals beating them 1-0. The semi-finals against Reading ended in a 0-1 loss with the first half being a very even affair, but Reading were the first to score and no matter how hard Ashford tried they could not get an equaliser.

Ashford then went on to win the play offs against St Andrews 2 – 0. Thus they came third in the plate competition, and did themselves proud in a strong competition.

The whole team played well, and the goal scorers were Robin Wheeler (Captain), Charlotte Elms, Rasna Sandhu and Bella Bogan . They were joined by Lauren Clarey, Hannah Merchant (GK), Beth Jefferies, Harriet Brockwell and Lauren Ward.
Sam Clarey Coach/Adrian Hewes Manager

The winners in the Astro Draw for April 2009 are:

£500 Peter Cottrell - which he has kindly donated towards the cost of a new Men’s 1st XI coach.

£250 Sharon Baker

£50 Katy Start

£50 Ron Cooksey

Andy Barnes, Doreen Brown and Lynne Morgan all had their numbers drawn out for the initial £50 prize, but all three kindly donated their winnings back to AHC.

Surbiton Under 18 Girls 2 v Ashford Under 18 Girls 0
19/4/09

The girls arrived early (okay around 1pm) at the Kingston Grammar playing ground. With Little Miss Forgetful leaving the balls in her own car, rather than the one she was driving in with the Photographer’s, so they were destined for lateness, and the girls were without a coach. Instead of following suit of the tall, blonde clones who were energetically running around, the Ashford lot sat, preserving their energy, discussing Nikki’s birthday and other similar tactics. The girls, who were still without Apples, Hodges & Stedeford were beginning to think they would have to allow pro GK Prothero, who was itching to get back into the kit, another go in goal, but luckily for the rest of the team, Stedeford and gang turned up. After a warm-up, consisting of pliés, en pointes, arabesques, the girls got ready to start and got off to a slow start. The marking was good yet for some strange reason Surbiton got a million short corners. But the speedy defenders Prothero & Sibia (when I said speedy – I just meant Anna!), ran out well, and of course ‘old skool’ Sarah was as dependable as ever and saved every possible strike (bar one). Suddenly Ashford girls got themselves into shape and played some of the best hockey I have seen all season. Participants included: TAYLOR, CROXON, HEWES, HACKI deliberately not forcing the ball into the circle, rather playing it in and out and creating space and movement. Top move, guys! I think the score was 1-0 at half-time, but not too sure to be perfectly honest…

Quick team-talk was given and the girls were up and at ‘em. Hodges had some fantastical runs down the middle and holding the ball for a second longer to slow down play. Apples really kept the spirit up and constantly had a presence on the pitch. Hewes didn’t give up and played the ball well, Hacki really hassled the Surbiton players, and boy did they get annoyed. But us Ashford girls don’t do thrashings. Quickly a short-corner was awarded (for the right team this time). A serious huddle was necessary, with the main tactic ended up being: “Eline – make it up!” Lovely. A straight strike was unfortunately thwarted but the reds carried on fighting. Fiona stepped in well when they were caught on the break and stopped any further goals from occurring while the rest of the team ran as fast as their legs could carry them. A moment which sticks out is some great passes between Croxon & Taylor (or maybe Smith? – memories gone) on the right. But again caught on the break, a quick accidental-sort-of-deliberate kick of the ball, by the bamboozled sweeper resulted in a short corner given, but hey – its better than a goal! The goal came later when the goalie was on the floor and the circle was fully populated with Surbiton players – determined to get glory for themselves. Score 2-0.

At this point, Skipper Hull, did a great job with not only her player, but the permed-haired opponent. Bryony Smith too had a superb game, running and taking people on, I’m sure that should go out a lot more before a game – as it definitely added fire to her flame. Sibia became slightly dehydrated and carried on moaning until she was finally allowed off the pitch. Mega-improved Megan (see what I did there?!) stepped quickly into Sweep and did pretty damn well! (So Sibia should watch her back!). So in the end we lost, however, we got tanned (some more than others – KIRSTY HULL), and that’s the main thing. And that my friends, is the last of my match reports this year. Toodles, Your loving Sweeper Eline Sibia x

Coach all booked for the trip to Sheffield on Sunday - couple of spots still going at £15 a pop - give Hannah or Gordo a shout. Boys have been practicing hard (another session tonight) and looking forward to the final. See you there!!!!!

Draft AHC Recruitment Plan 2009/10 (16/3/09) please contact Lynne Morgan - pressofficer@ashfordhockeyclub.co.uk or Gordon Smith if you wish to help in anyway.

1. Advertise via Company Intranet sites and notice boards – Gordon Smith to contact AHC members by e-mail. Update details regularly (monthly?) and resend to players with Company Intranet.

2. Arrange Leagues and training in the summer to attract new members - make sure we have something for people to attend/do in summer on Wednesdays/Tuesdays from 1st week July onwards.

3. Target Club Day at start of season - advertise locally.

4. Contacts on Home page of website for any activity (so if we don’t have firm details, a prospective new member has someone to contact). Additional website links on Home page such as Gum Tree etc.

5. Advertise for new players on England Hockey website – FREE already done.

6. Get A4/A5 posters produced and out to those who volunteered from section 1 above to put up - and make sure they do it!

7. Distribute advertising material to people who work at a school or college and try to establish firm links.

8. Coaches for Men’s section (similar set up to the Ladies section?) and possibly additional ones for Ladies.

9. Establish University links and recruitment programmes and advertise and visit Fresher’s weeks at local colleges.

10. Brochures/ business cards/mail shots in local papers and bulletin, AHC freebies.

11. Compile a sponsorship portfolio and target more sponsorship.

12. Target ACC members.

13. Incentives to current members.

14. Advertising board on perimeter fence visible from A30.

League: Eastcote 6’s 1 Ashford 4’s 4

Scorers: Big Amit (2), Fat Dan, Gordo

Eastcote are one of the biggest clubs in the country running 11 Saturday Men’s teams - how do they do it? Can’t be the clubhouse or the rather-limited bar, the teas you say! Well they are going downhill - there were only 4 choices Saturday!

Anyway another win for the 4’s! Our ninth in all and cementing our place just outside the Hockey Champions League qualifying spots. It was a lovely day and no hangover to spoil it - off we went and scored after 2 or 3 minutes from our first short - Amit slipped it to Fat Dan (no sniggering ) and his macho top hit the lad on the post and bounced over the keeper. Poor lad was in the wars as our next short was going wide until he deflected it in and then 20 minutes gone - our 3rd short corner - and Big Amit lashed in a perfect third across the keeper and just inside the post.

It was then that Gordo had to tell his beloved skip he had to go off for a comfort break - first time ever for me! I had unwisely tried to break the fried onion-eating record the previous night and off I trundled back to the clubhouse and so it was I discovered Eastcote’s closely-guarded secret…the loo paper is out of this world!! I think it’s got moisturiser in it or something…anyway suitably refreshed I returned to the fray revitalised and somewhat lighter.

The game was keenly contested and a little feistier than normal between us two teams with one apiece being asked to have a rest by the umpires but it was still a decent game - Eastcote scored a short corner rebound with 10 minutes to go but we score a nice fourth to finish the scoring - Adam lifting an aerial into the path of Fat Dan who rounded a defender before unselfishly squaring it to Gordo who swept home! One more game against champions-elect Slough after Easter but we can look back on another  successful and enjoyable season - hurrah for us!!   

ps previous week we lost to Gerrards Cross 3-0 - having only 11 and with Jonno playing up front with an injured knee, it was perhaps no surprise that after 10 mins he was knocked over by the goalie and had to retire. We didn’t play too well after that and conceded 2 goals then found at half time that Stevo seemed to be have been invaded by an alien organism. His hand had swollen and it looked like he had half an egg under the back of his hand and he had to go to hospital (we found out later it wasn’t an alien egg, he had broken his scaphoid) so….down to 9…and we really enjoyed the second half…played  well and GX didn’t quite know how to break us down - the goal they scored was unfortunate and we had quite a few breaks if not pressure. Had  we not played well it could have been double figures so we came off pitch quite positive about the match. Little Stef was a revelation at left half, had a great game though his face was starting to resemble a beetroot by the end!

Ladies League Hockey 4/4/09
Middlesex Premier

HAMPSTEAD & WESTMINSTER 2nd XI 4 v ASHFORD 1st XI 1

For their final League game of the season, Ashford ladies 1st XI had to travel once again into London to take on the newly crowned League Champions, Hampstead & Westminster 2nd XI. The Ashford squad was minus key regulars EMMA HYNES, STACEY KENWARD and NICKY BENEDICT, and coach MANDY WAIN welcomed back Kiwi defender KIM FRY and brought up youngster LUCY UTTLEY to complement her squad of players. Anticipating a hard game against the all conquering Champions, the Red & Blacks played a new formation of five in midfield in a W formation, with a lone striker and one wide player up front. In almost summer conditions, Ashford started well on the slightly bumpy water based pitch. The extra midfield players bedded down quickly to their new roles and the opposition were finding it hard to break through. Hampstead and Westminster did however gain a short corner fairly early on in the game which they struck wide of the post. The Red & Blacks were playing some good attacking hockey as well though and the home team were finding it difficult to deal with and were unsure who they should mark to stem the flow of the Red & Blacks attacks. After fifteen minutes play the speedy and exciting skills of the Red & Blacks youngsters LUCY UTTLEY and KELLY TAYLOR saw them combining well and breaking through the Hampstead & Westminster defence on the half way line, to set up “on form” striker LIV YOUNG on the 25 yard line. LIV controlled the through pass well and drove into the circle and calmly slotted the ball home past the advancing keeper to put the Red & Blacks deservedly 1-0 up. Not surprisingly the home team hit back with venom, but defender KIM FRY and goalkeeper SAM GRANT defended resolutely when one of their forwards found herself with a chance almost on the Ashford goal line. Ashford nearly went two up after twenty two minutes of play when LIV YOUNG again showed her prowess in front of goal, but was just unable to get her feet round to finish the move off. As half time approached Hampstead and Westminster secured an equaliser from a well worked short corner and then on the stroke of half time went somewhat undeservedly ahead by 2 goals to one following a good through ball.

The second half saw Ashford again on the attack, but after five minutes of play the home team got a breakaway goal to go 3-1 up. The Red & Blacks kept going though and shortly after, a beautiful strike from a short corner by JACKIE PARSONS went only a fraction wide of the near post. As the game progressed the heat and pressure from the home team began to tire Ashford and with five minutes left of the game Hampstead & Westminster got a fourth goal to make the final score a somewhat flattering 4-1 to them. Although Ashford didn’t gain any points from the game, it was a solid performance using the new formation and they can be pleased with their sixth position in the League out of eleven teams, which is an improvement of the eighth position they finished in last season. Unfortunately the successful squad will be losing two regular players before next season with LIV YOUNG departing for University. In addition, long time star player JACKIE PARSONS is threatening retirement from the game she has played and graced with style and an abundance of skill since her formative years. They will both be missed and difficult to replace in many ways.

Team: S. Grant (GK), E. Sibia, J.Bashford, P.Worsfold (Skipper), A. Protheroe, K. Fry, J.Parsons, L.Young, K.Taylor, L Uttley, S Smart, A.Neyton, T Holland

The winners in the Astro Draw for March 2009 are:

£100 Gordon Smith

£50 Katy Start

£50 Jackie Trew

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 on 25/4/09. Application forms are available on the website.