Ashford (Middlesex) Hockey Club

The astro draw winners for March 2012 are:

£100 Adrian (Bubbles) Hewes

£50 Peter Cottrell

£50 Bernie Peuleve

Congratulations to all the winners and your cheques should be with you soon. It is only £12 per year for a 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 are available on the website (see link on side bar) and on the Club Notice Board. Help support the club and give yourself a chance of winning some money at the same time.

In true Ashford tradition, I started Sat lunchtime with 12 maybe 13 and exited lunchtime with a bare 11…never mind, we were 11 men, good and true (mainly) and up for a crunch game with fellow strugglers, Slough. Two minutes into the game, James Berressem attacked the ball with his knee and hobbled off. Rishi dropped into centre mid and was knackered after 30 seconds. Nevertheless, we defended resolutely and had a bit of play especially when one of their players was sin-binned for being naughty. After 10 minutes or so, Jimbo came back on and I thought, a man up, we could exert some pressure. Nope, we conceded a soft goal from a short corner and, although we had good spells during the first half, Adesh and Aranvir looking particularly good down our right, we were a bit nervy. Aran would have been a bit more dangerous if he didn’t have to keep adjusting his glasses mid-dribble! Anyway, I was happy to get to half time one down and amaze the team with my tactical nous, which boiled down to play better in the second half than we did in the first.

And we did! Forcing our 3^rd and last shortie, Rishi lashed it home and knackered himself again doing his victory celebration. We entered our best phase of the game as Screaming Lord Sutch and Jonno were at their destructive best, Jimbo pushed us forward from the middle and Gordo and Matt winged it successfully at the back. In the middle of this, their no. 8 (who claimed afterwards to have played National League) (probably not hockey though) wobbled forward in a blur of stick work and as the team looked on, Gordo entered bullet-time and, reminiscent of Yazdi’s on SuperWuss, made the Tackle. Ten minutes to go, Slough forced 3 shorties one after the other and we got through them due to a Jonno block and 2 saves from Andy R in goal. Thereafter, Slough were in the ascendancy but if there is one thing we are good at (mainly cos we do a lot of it), it is defending especially of the last-ditch kind and we held on for a much-needed point and one closer to safety!

Well done to all the acts at last nights Ash Factor/Ashford has Talent! But special congratulations to the winner Ashford Antique (AA) star Gillian Clegg for her ‘signed’ rendition of ‘Love changes everything’. Simply superb according to all the attendees. Congratulations Gillian and to all the entrants and Lady Googoo and Bellendonze (Ladies 2′s aka Hannah & Stacey) who came second. Also a big THANK YOU to Hannah Cole, Wendy Baker and their crew of helpers for organising the event and also the Judges for performing on the night. WELL DONE ALL.

It is time to start collecting Tesco (as well as Sainsbury) Vouchers again please. Last year we collected enough to get some hockey balls which was great. To avoid confusion we are having joint collecting boxes with the Cricket Club and splitting the proceeds 50-50. Both Clubs collected similar amounts last year so this year we have opted to use the same pair of boxes which are located in the Members bar. All contributions will be greatly received and you can also pass them onto myself or your Team captain. Thanks Lynne

Well its already the first of March! So happy St David’s day to those with Welsh affiliations But it does mean we have just 1 month of playing left (give or take the odd friendly/league catch up game, and of course Ladies Easter Tour to Weymouth!). And in that time we have 2 social events AND then the annual dinner dance to finalise!! So here are details.

TUESDAY 6TH MARCH – Momma Mia – 7pm-10pm in the main function room
On Sunday 18th March it is Mothers Day – an lo betide anyone that forgets that!!! spurned mothers are not a good thing….but we’re here to help as well as bring a little bit of business to the sports club! On Tuesday, there will be a few vendors in the function room offering you some choices for lovely Mother’s Day Gifts. Sarah can make bespoke jewellery and will have some pieces for sale. I’ll bring my Stella & Dot for more choices. Chocolate Explosion will be able to keep those mums with a sweet tooth happy and hopefully, there will be a beauty offering too! AND whilst that is going on, Nikki’s Cupcakes will be offering you some delicious snacks to keep you going whilst you shop. mmmm. The timing is such that you can pop in after colts training (or whilst you wait for your colt!), before and after men’s training, or whenever is convenient! But do come along and bring a friend or two as well!

SATURDAY 10th MARCH – ASHFORD HAS TALENT – 7pm onwards, £5 a ticket
Hannah is organising this years Ashford has talent. Our hugely popular and entertaining social reveals sides to Ashford members you didn’t know existed! Its always tremendous fun – lots of giggles, constructive criticism from our own Louis, Gary, Kelly & Tulisa!! each team needs to provide an act – so get your acts in and tickets from Hannah Cole!!! (or let me know and i’ll tell her!!)

SATURDAY 28th APRIL – ANNUAL DINNER DANCE – Manor Hotel, Datchet, 7pm til late, £32.50 a ticket (3 course dinner, disco & awards!)
There have been several emails floating around about this – this is our annual black tie event where awards are presented to players covering player of the teams, player of the year, club contributors, most improved players, team of the year etc etc! A great way for us to acknowledge the achievements and efforts of teams and individuals. It is open to everyone 16+ but parents of colts are most certainly welcome! Bring a guest or come solo – we can accommodate you on tables accordingly. This year, not only is the dinner cheaper, but you get to pick your menu choices! Details below. AND there is a pre-order wine offer of 10% off – ALL MONIES NEED TO BE RECEIVED BY APRIL 1st which is when i need to confirm numbers and pay the venue!

Think thats it for now! – see you all soon!

Thanks

Wendy