HARLESTON MAGPIES YOUTH PRESENTATION EVENING FOR GIRLS and BOYS ON FRIDAY MAY 17 2013

This annual event took place with a series of mixed matches for Girls and Boys from 15 years old downwards. This was followed by some hot food in the Clubhouse before the Presentations of Trophies took place.

Amy Campbell from the Ladies 1st team who has also played England U16s for the last two seasons presented the Girls Awards.

U10 Girls
Player of the season - Georgie Cantrell (to be presented at a later date)

Most Improved U10 - Ellie Goring

U11 Girls Player of the Season - Maja Barnes

U12 Girls Joint Players of the Season - Amelia Preece/Eve Barnes

Development Player of the season – Victoria Findlay
Also leading goal scorer in the whole of the Development League – Victoria Findlay

Most improved Development Player – Issy Whittaker

U13 Player of the Season – Anna Tighe

U14 Player of the Season – Izzy Knowles

U15 Player of the Season – Kara Kilbourn

Harleston Magpies 4 - Deeside Ramblers 1

Harleston welcomed Deeside Ramblers after their long journey to Weybread for the quarter-final of the EHB's Mixed Trophy competition.

Harleston started the game on fire, they took the lead after one minute on the clock after Simon Hipwell fed Tom Graham in the circle. The youngster weaved his magic and after an excellent advantage from the umpire he slotted the ball home past the advancing keeper. Harleston did not let up and soon doubled their lead on 4 minutes when a well worked short corner fell to Andrew Bedwell who fired the ball home to continue his excellent scoring run in the mixed competition. Just three minutes later Tom Graham grabbed his second of the match again being allowed to wobble through the defence before dispatching a devastating finish.

Harleston were now completely in control of the game but to their credit Deeside fought back. The away team started to move the ball around quickly and always looking dangerous on the counter attack with the aerial threat. Deeside did manage to pull a goal back before the break when Leigh Sitch misjudged an aerial allowing Deeside to run the base line. An excellent ball across goal eluded Andrew Bedwell leaving Deeside with a simple tap in. The half finished with both sides creating chances, Rees Leonard made a superb save from a deflection. The Deeside keeper was not to be outdone and pulled off an excellent reaction save from an Alex Slater volley.

Harleston were able to limit Deeside's attack with excellent pressing up front from Sam Moore, Sarah Brook, Lizzie Clymer, Sarah Legg, Tom Graham and Lucy Whiting resulting in the score remaining 3-1 at half time.

Both sides continued the second half in the same matter, Deeside looking to hit Harleston with the aerial and Harleston looking to pass the ball around creating chances. Neither side were able to create a clear cut opportunity with a lot of possession lost by both sides in midfield. Alex Slater, Richard Larkin, Sam Moore, Simon Hipwell and Lauren Barber worked tirelessly in midfield. Harleston finally got the break through they deserved after good running up front from Sarah Legg and Lizzie Clymer allowed Simon Hipwell to win a penalty stroke. Richard Larkin sent the goal keeper the wrong way with his eyes before slotting the ball powerfully into the opposite corner.

Harleston were able to see out the rest of the game with solid defending from Katrina Warnes, Andrew Bedwell, Leigh Sitch, Frances Taylor and Katherine Ridley not allowing the Deeside forwards a sniff at goal.

The team would like to thank the huge crowd who turned out at Weybread to support the team who now travel to Beeston Hockey club for the finals of the mixed competition on the 8th and 9th June.

BAR STEWARD AT HMHC

Following John Pestell's decision to stand down a vacancy has occurred for the above position and before advertising the role more widely (if subsequently necessary) we are first seeking any suitable applicants from within the club.

Experience in this type of work is preferred. If you are interested in this remunerated role please contact me (as below) with your CV by Friday 7 June 2013. I will be pleased to discuss the role and duties with you in more detail.

Mark Legg
Chairman, HMHC
huntonlegg@btconnect.com
Tel: 01728 663010 (O)

Harleston Magpies May Day Hockey Festival 2013 - Review

 

Apart from a sharp shower on Saturday the weekend was perfect for the final significant hockey fixture at Harleston Magpies this season, the May Day Hockey Festival. For over 25 years Magpies have hosted a weekend of tournament hockey over the May Bank Weekend and this year the event attracted 40 teams from across East Anglia.

 

On Saturday 4th May it was the Mixed event, 20 teams gathered with players from Spalding, Bishop Stortford and Aberdeen forming teams to compete for the title of best East Anglian Mixed Hockey team, out of those who entered. Following a series of round robin matches on both astro turf and grass pitches Marvel Loss (a team consisting of players mainly from Lincolnshire clubs) met Hula Girls (a Harleston Magpies social team) in the Cup Final. At the end of full time penalty flicks were needed to separate the teams with Marvel Loss taking the title just before sudden death penalties loomed. Alex Slater of Hula Girls was named player of the final and the team best dressed!

 

In the Mixed plate competition Norwich Dragons, a last minute additional to the days line up over came a spirited Norwich City team to take the trophy. Hannah Jarvis being named player of the match.

 

On Monday 6th May the men's and ladies club XI's took centre stage. 10 men's teams and 10 ladies teams competed in both Cup and Plate competitions with surprising enthusiasm and fitness on what turn out to be a very hot day.

 

In the Ladies Section it was good to see two local sides coming to the fore. Harleston Magpies Ladies reached the Cup Final and Diss Ladies the Plate Final. Diss sadly fell just a goal short of winning the plate competition with Newmarket pipping them to the post, April Atkinson of Newmarket was named player of the final. However Magpies were able to go one better and won the Cup beating Grasshoppers 1-0 in final. The Grasshoppers skipper, and former Magpie, Micayla Tootill was named player of the final.

 

In the men's event defending champions, Newmarket rose to the occasion and beat a tiring Norfolk Pies in the final 2 - 0 to retain the title. Will they make it three in a row next year? Stuart Wardle of Norfolk Pies was named player of the final. In the Plate Norwich Dragons won their second title of the weekend. Despite a steady start with only one victory during their round robin matches they fought hard in the knockout stages progressing to the final were they overcame IES 1 - 0. Goal scorer and team captain Simon Nesbet also received player of the final.

[If you require any further information please contact James Smith - 07800 699074 ]

EHB U18 Club National Indoor Finals

BOYS (Whitgift School)
v Doncaster 2-1 W
v Team Bath Buccaneers 1-0 W
v Beeston 1-2 L (eventual winners)
v Wycombe 4-0 W
v City of Peterborough (semis) 0-2 L
Well done to the team on joint 3rd place

GIRLS (Bromsgrove School)
v East Grinstead 1-2 L (eventual winners)
v Stourport 4-2 W
v Wakefield 1-1 D
3rd in pool thereby missing out on the semis

After January's tournament was postponed because of weather, Magpies waited until Late April to play their national finals. Despite the shortened matches and the unavailability of Rhodri Furlong (who was training with the Wales senior squad) it was well worth the wait.

Arriving with a small squad of 8 and playing in a first national finals against some formidable hockey clubs were all reasons why magpies would be excused to start nervously against Doncaster in their first match. However, after settling into the game, Magpies asserted their superiority. Thomas Ridley moving the ball wide of the keeper before sliding it low into the goal with a reverse stick finish. The match remained fairly even with Doncaster equalising with a scrambled goal after the ball was only half cleared from the Magpies defence. However, with only a few minutes remaining, a strong run and powerful pass by Tom Graham found the willing Mitchell Tompkins who finished smartly at the back post to make the score 2-1. Magpies were still made to work hard for their win, as when with seconds remaining Doncaster found a foot in the circle to create a final chance to equalise from a full time short corner. Magpies had the outstanding James Graham to thank for rushing out and saving the shot high over the baseline to complete a 2-1 victory and a very pleasing start.

After a short rest Magpies had found their feet and were ready for a match turned out to be the crucial one of the pool against Bath Buccaneers. Magpies looking very solid as a defensive unit with the whole squad working hard for each other to limit the opportunities for their opponents, but with short corners being left unconverted, it looked like the match may have been heading for a rare 0-0 draw. Luckily Dom Absolon showed great determination and strength in the circle to force a late winner with an accurate finish. Magpies played out the last few minutes with good composure and made their 62% match possession tell (Stat credit to Andrew Johnson) to finish as 1-0 victors.

Magpies were next focusing on the major scalp of Beeston, who had previously ended the outdoor squad's cup run. Eyes were drawn to Beeston's talented central player, but the well thought out strategy saw man of the moment Thomas Ridley nullify the threat who had terrorised other opponents. Beeston still threatened through other outlets and opened the scoring from a penalty stroke after the umpire had adjudged the ball hit the arm of a Magpies defender on the way to the goal. With the introduction of Giles Flatt causing problems for Beeston with his size and strength, Magpies got the goal their play had deserved through Dom Absolon and a victory looked well within grasp. However despite an end to end finale which saw v-drag after damaging v-drag from Tom Graham and the defensive pair of Will Blyth and George Anthony excel time and again, Beeston scored the winner, with appeals for a lifted ball falling on deaf ears.

Two wins and one loss meant that Magpies had to win the final game against reigning champions Wycombe to qualify for the semi-finals. After an inspirational pre-match talk Magpies were suitably prepared for the match ahead. Right from the start Magpies superiority was made clear when Will Blyth converted well from a rebound at a corner. As Wycombe pushed on to get back to level terms, Blyth's tackle count just kept on rising allowing for more attacks from the frontline with the ball skills of Tom Graham causing particular damage. Goals for Absolon and Ridley were inevitable and Graham joined the list of scorers with one of his own ending the match total at 4-0, completing Magpies' 2nd clean sheet of the day and blazing a very convincing trail into the semi finals with their best performance of the day.

Magpies met City of Peterborough in the semi finals. Unfortunately Magpies were not able to re-create the sparkling form they had shown in their previous match with tiredness perhaps starting to creep in after a long day. Peterborough opened the scoring when James Graham in the Magpies goal was finally beaten by a cruel deflection from a short corner (which was to be the only goal he let in from a corner in the whole tournament!). As Magpies gave everything to push forward for an equaliser, gaps started to appear in the otherwise watertight press leading to Peterborough scoring a second goal to which their was no way back for Magpies and the dream of a national title was ended.

The tournament was won by worthy winners Beeston, with Magpies finishing joint 3rd. The squad can be very proud of themselves after all 8 players brought their A games to the national finals and worked so hard for each other in a display which has to go down as the most impressive indoor team showing since Magpies last won the national U18 title 10 years ago. For many of the boys this was the last performance for Magpies as a junior and gladly it has come in such a positive manner. It has been a pleasure for us to help out with a team which have shown such great attitude and team spirit at this tournament and throughout the season and who are a real credit to both themselves and the club.

Magpies Squad: James Graham (GK), Will Blyth (C), George Anthony, Thomas Ridley, Tom Graham, Dom Absolon, Giles Flatt, Mitchell Tompkins.
Manager: Bertie Steggles
Coach: Richard Larkin

Magpies player of tournament: Thomas Ridley

Tournament report written by Richard Larkin

MAGPIES U10 GIRLS IN EAST FINALS

MAGPIES U10 GIRLS REACH THE FINAL - AT THE EAST REGIONAL TOURNAMENT

Saturday saw the U10 Girls in action in the regional finals, they took to the pitch against Upminster for their first match.

Stout defending from Eva Harness and Heather Knights, kept the Upminster attack at bay with Georgie Cantrell settling the tie with a well struck Penalty corner.

Ipswich were there next opponents this time Ellie Goring opened the scoring and Georgie Cantrell finished the tie. Magpies running out 2-0 winners.

With Magpies in full swing Molly Warnes opened the scoring against Sevenoaks after good work from Beth Moodie and Georgie Gardens. Georgie Cantrell gave Magpies daylight, Eva Harness finished off the match slotting home from a penalty corner.

With a draw against Bluehearts, a draw in their final match would be enough to see the girls through to the final. In a closely contested game good defending from Jessie Evans-Hendrick and once again fine goalkeeping from Alice Wiseman saw the girls through to the final.

The Final saw the girls face Blue Hornets, in an entertaining final with chances at both ends. A late goal saw the girls having to chase the game, but were caught on a counter attack sealing their fate.
A great effort from the whole team, all season with this being their only defeat all season.

Saturday 20 April
National League Promotion Play-Offs 2 - Reading HC
LADIES 1s 0 Olton & WW 2
Beeston 3 Buckingham 0

East Club Minis - HMHC
U12 Boys' Final - Ipswich 3 Bury 0
U10 Girls' Final - Blue Hornets (Essex) 2 Magpies 0
Congratulations Girls on your silver medals!

Sunday 21 April
National League Promotion Play-Offs 3 - Reading HC
LADIES 1s 1 Beeston 6
Buckingham 2 Olton & WW 1
Beeston and Olton & WW promoted

East Club Minis - HMHC
U12 Girls Final - Blue Hornets 1 Broxbourne 0
Magpies Joint 3rd
U10 Boys Final - Cambridge City 3 Saffron Walden 2
Magpies Joint 7th

Alex Hill Memorial Minis - Dereham HC
U10 Girls 'B' 7th & U12 Girls 'B' 5th

UNDER 12 GIRLS IN THE EAST FINALS

The Under 12 Girls qualified for the East Finals after finishing runners up in the Norfolk Championship on goal difference.

The Magpies team started exceptionally well beating Bury St Edmunds 6-0 in the opening game. The next game proved a lot closer as they edged out on top 1-0 against Herne Bay.

The winning run continued with a good 2-0 win against Cambridge City before two drawn games in succession namely 0-0 against Broxbourne despite numerous chances and in their final section game 1-1 with Colchester.

In the semi finals Magpies played Blue Hornets (the eventual winners) and practically camped in their half for most of the match but only had one goal to show for it. Blue Hornets had one shot and scored.

With the score 1-1 the match went to penalty flicks which Blue Hornets won. Always a cruel way to go out but Magpies were left to reflect on their missed chances. Still a great effort by the team.

TEAM: Lottie Summers, Eve Barnes, Amelia Preece, Caitlin Owles, Amelia Herschel-Shorland, Hannah Dobson, Martha Lawrence, Rose Winter and Maja Barnes

MAGPIES U12 B TEAM PLAYED AT DEREHAM ON THE SAME DAY
Dereham B won 3-0 Faith Reader 2, Keisha Hilaire
Dragons B won 2-0 Phoebe Eglington, Faith Reader
Pelicans B drew 0-0

This resulted in Magpies topping Division B and they went on to play the bottom team in Division A
Namely Dereham A and beat them 1-0 Keisha Hilaire.
Because of the format of the Tournament Magpies finished 5th.

Team: Jessica Owles, Keisha Hilaire, Faith Reader, Emily Woollatt, Tamzin Forrest, Taylor Freeman,Phoebe Eglington, Alice Evans-Hendrick and Lucie Griffiths.

U10B Girls Tournament Report - Alex Hill Tournament, Dereham, Sunday 21st April 2013

A story of so very nearly so very good from the B team for the U10 girls flying the club colours at Dereham whilst the A team was home getting a great silver at the East.

The weather, great, the hosts, wonderfully hospitable as ever, and the team position, 7th was identical to 2012 but the performance and the results 2 wins, 2 goalless draws, 3 goals for, none against deserved the higher ranking of 5th which one more goal in the group stage might have helped us achieve. In each of the three group games we had significant periods when we were camped out in the opposition D. But for two or three good saves by Leah Perkins and Phoebe Hutchinson, sharing keeping duties across the four games, our defence was largely untroubled and able to defend high.

We started off quietly with a 0-0 against Pelis and then the fireworks started against Dereham where suddenly everyone seemed to raise their game and we were pushing hard for goals. Amelia Slade did all the hard work but just – and we've all had that what do I do when the goal opens up before me moments – shaved the outside post. This lifted the girls more and almost immediately Hattie Reader slotted home. A more tightly fought 0-0 midfield game with Dragons followed, including two strong hits at goal from Amelia, leaving 3 teams heading the group including Magpies on 5 points. Group 2nd and 3rd could not be separated – same goal difference, same goals for, same head-head. So on to penalty strokes and a bit of emergency training. Best of three, which we lost 1-0. No shame in that but pushed us into playing 7th vs 8th rather 5th vs 6th and what a game! Everyone mucked in and 2 more goals from Hattie Reader could have been more.

Everyone has improved since last year: great wing play, assured midfield and defence, tenacious attack. And a final thank you to the supporters club – cheers, encouragement and the cuppa tea all very much appreciated.

Results in order

Pelicans B 0-0 Magpies B

Magpies B 1-0 Dereham B (Hattie Reader)

Dragons B 0-0 Magpies

Dragons to 5v6 game on goals scored, Pelis and Magpies penalty strokes to decide other plan

Pelis 1-0 Magpies on strokes (Pelis beat Dragons in 5v6)

7v8 Game

Magpies B 2-0 Dereham B (Hattie Reader)

Team: Amelia Slade, Amy Collison, Caitlin Hedge, Ellen Pope, Hattie Reader, Leah Perkins, Lily Reader, Phoebe Hutchinson, Sarah Knight

And a cameo appearance from Heather Knight – all in team photo with adopted mascot Robert Knight