Magpies U13 Girls started well beating Dereham 2-0 with goals from Hannah Linger and Rhiann Earrye. Against Beeston Hall School Magpies quickly took the lead when Hannah Linger scored, but Beeston came back strongly to win 3-1.

Goals from Hannah Linger and Rhiann Earrye saw Magpies beat Watton for the first time this season coming out 2-1 winners. An 8-0 win against Old Buckenham (Hannah Linger 4, Sophie Moore 4) saw Magpies qualify for the semi finals.

At this point Magpies were playing some of their best hockey of the season but in the semi finals they were well beaten by a strong Pelicans side losing 5-0.

Team: Hannah Linger (Capt), Sophie Moore, Charlotte Paul, Sarah Legg, Claire Snelling, Beth Absolon, Lucy Chubbock, Lucy Crawford, Rhiann Earrye.

Magpies also hosted a small Tournament involving Magpies B, Watton B, Pelicans B and Pelicans C.

v Pelicans B lost 0-1
v Pelicans C lost 0-1
v Watton B won 1-0 Lucy Crawford
v Pelicans B won 1-0 Sophie Podd
v Pelicans C lost 0-1
v Watton B drew 0-0

Finished 3rd.

Team: Alice Wilson, Sophie Podd, Claire Snelling, Charlotte Wootton, Rosie Cole, Lucy Pring, Laura Read, Anna Hawkes, Alex Thomas, Lucy Crawford and Jess Thurlow.

Magpies U11 Girls

SUNDAY 25th FEBRUARY at PINEBANKS
8 teams in the tournament including 3 school sides.

This was a very enjoyable and yet frustrating tournament for Magpies. It was run on a round robin basis with each team playing seven 10 minute matches. Magpies were unable to select 4 of our regular players as they were playing for school sides, however, we still had a strong spine to our team.

We started with a solid performance against Beeston Hall (last years' champions). It was important not to lose the first game so we were happy with a 0-0 draw.

Magpies in fact kept 7 clean sheets out of 7 in the tournament. We also scored more goals than any other team. However, we were very unlucky not to find the net in the 2 crucial games against Town Close and Greshams. We had comfortable wins against the other club sides with Sarah Brook scoring 4 goals, Georgia Scott 5 and Holly Baker 1.

Town Close had two of Magpies strong players (Hannah Gormley & Paris Wood) plus most of the Norwich City team in their side. We had a close game with them but should have won the match (and with it the tournament) when Holly Baker hit an excellent short corner which their keeper blocked. Sarah Brook pounced on the rebound but her shot hit the side of the goal. Magpies completely outplayed Greshams but could not find a way past their excellent goalkeeper. Sarah and Holly were proving to be the most outstanding players in the tournament but both of them having good shots cleared off the line to leave us with another 0-0 score line.

Magpies, therefore, finished in 3rd place. Sarah & Holly both finished exhausted by having to carry too much workload (in the absence of other players) but the other members of the side can be very proud of their performance. Particular praise should go to Katie Rudd for keeping a clean sheet throughout the tournament and to Emma Owen who controlled the defence superbly for a player of her age. Well done also to Georgia for being on the end of Holly and Sarahs' crosses and to Jemima Jacobs, Scarlett Warnes, Kira Wooltorton & Georgia Pearson for their non stop efforts.

Town Close were the winners with Greshams just ahead of Magpies in 2nd place.

POYNTON 3-0 HARLESTON MAGPIES

Magpies indifferent form since Christmas extended another week when they were well beaten by a Poynton team who gave Magpies a lesson in finishing. Magpies started well enough as they had their share of midfield control but Poynton have forwards who have a proven track record in goalscoring and they threatened the Magpies defence in the first half on the counter attack. Magpies had the best chance of the first half when the umpire gave Magpies the advantage instead of the penalty flick but Magpies failed to take the chance. Similarly Magpies won a number of penalty corners but Poynton were able to defend them successfully.

The game was decided in an 8 minute spell early in the second half when Poynton scored three goals in ruthless style. Magpies were clearly rocking for a few minutes but to their credit came back strongly and finished the stronger team. The goal scoring chances Magpies created were probably twice as many as Poynton but the final pass or shot was never executed effectively.

Magpies are now anxiously looking over their shoulder and need to record a couple of wins to move up the table.

UEA 1s 1-3 Harleston Magpies 2s

Magpies produced a disjointed performance in defeating the university. In a first half where magpies struggled to pass the ball with any fluidity, Lawrence Baynes produced the only highlight, driving into the D before flicking into the net to give them a 1-0 half time lead. The second half continued to be played at 100mph, and Magpies scored again through Robbie Kinsella who was in a good position at the far post. UEA scored a well worked short corner routine, to get themselves back in the game. Goal keeper Mark Lewis kept Magpies lead in tact with some first class saves before Gavin Cole ensured the victory with a neat finish to leave the final score 3-1.

Watton 1s 4-3 Harleston Magpies 2s

Harleston started the game comfortably and put a lot of pressure on the Watton defence, although the game was a bit off pace the ball was being moved around nicely.
The first goal came early on, with a lovely pass from midfield wide right to Kathryn Hinsley, who passed the ball to Lucy Whiting who made no mistake slotting it passed the keeper.
The second goal was an interception by Kathryn Hinsley on the left, who then played a lovely ball into Lucy Whiting, which again she finished.
Watton then got many shortcorners and eventually finished one off. Finally before half-time, Kim Ashby put an excellent ball into the D from wide right and Kathryn Hinsley scored Magpies third goal, 1-3 at half-time.

Magpies knew that if they were going to keep their lead they needed to step their game up, and unfortunately did not do this, in fact this was the worst half ever played by Magpies seconds, not a good time either when they had scored 3 and were in the lead.
Watton passed the ball well and made some god runs, putting the Magpies defence under a lot of pressure, Magpies missed tackles and didn't close players down and allowed them shots on goal, and Watton eventually penalised Magpies for this and scored 3 times in the second half to win the game. A very diappointing result for Magpies.

Harleston Mens 1s 3-3 Broxbourne 1s

Harleston entertained a strong Broxbourne side at home this weekend. Broxbourne started the better side as Harleston were slow to get started. Harleston struggled to string passes together and did not maintain possession well. Broxbourne pushed high trying to force Harleston into a mistake. Harleston were the first to score through a short corner which was converted at the back post by a diving Neil Toulson. Harleston continued to press and were unlucky not to double their lead when a shot flashed inches past the post. With the game getting more heated cards were started to be shown and Harleston were reduced to 10 men when Leigh Sitch was sent off for a clinical foul. Despite this set back Harleston held onto their lead till half time.

A minute into the second half Broxbourne equalised with a short corner of their own which just sneaked in. Harleston were still struggling to play their passing game and this invited Broxbourne to pressurise them. Broxbourne took the lead follwing a quick free hit which caught the Harleston defence napping. This goal spurred Harleston on who pushed forward in numbers looking for the equaliser, they eventually found it when Andy Hipwell's shot took a deflection in the circle to leave the Broxbourne keeper with no chance. Harleston did not hang on to their lead long when Broxbourne were awarded a penalty flick which they converted. Harleston had to throw caution to the wind and go all out for the win. With time running out Neil Toulson popped up at the back post again to score with a reverse stick dive. With one minute left Harleston nearly snatched the game but unfortunately the final shot was just wide.

Next week Harleston travel to third place Blue Harts in what will be a very tough game.

Ipswich & East Suffolk 1s 4-0 Harleston Magpies 3s

Sometimes the scoreline does not reflect the match and this was one of those occasions. If IES are honest they will feel lucky to have got one point from this game let alone all three league points. Magpies dominated territory and possession from start to finish but could not supply the finishing touch in front of goal. On the other hand IES had four shots on target and scored all 4. The final two being scored on breakaways. If Magpies can continue to play as they did in this match but become much more clinical in their finishing they will win their remaining league games this season. Katrina Warnes once again played a blinder in midfield and will soon be knocking on the 2nds door.

Norwich Union 3s 1-1 Harleston Magpies Ladies 4s

Magpies started well, enjoying the majority of possession and encountering their fair share of chances within the first five minutes. However they were unfortunate to concede after just ten minutes into the game, when Norwich took advantage of a break, only to slot one home. Howver Magpies remained optimistic and with a combination of good team spirit and great passing their efforts paid off - ten minutes after going one down Mel Beevor scored after beating the goalkeeper in a one on one situation.

Such a performance continued throughout the second half despite a lot of pressure from Norwich. Some spectacular saves from Vicky Blackmore and a solid defensive performance was aided by the whole team. This determination paid off as Norwich were unable to capitalise on their short corner oppurtunities, leaving the final score Norwich Union III 1, Harlseton Magpies Ladies IV 1. Player of the match was Becky Marshall.

LADIES 1s v Poynton 1s - A - L 0-3
LADIES 2s v Watton 1s - A - L 3-4
LADIES 3s v Ipswich E-S 1s - A - L 0-4
LADIES Colts A v Norwich U 2s - H - L 2-3
LADIES 4s v Norwich U 3s - A - D 1-1
LADIES 5s v Thetford 1s - H - L 0-4
LADIES 6s v Herlings 1s - A - PP
LADIES Colts B v Dereham Colts 2 - A - L 0-3
U11 Girls Norfolk Championships 3rd
U13 Girls Norfolk Championships 3rd

MENS 1s v Broxbourne 1s - H - D 3-3
MENS 2s v UEA 1s - A - W 3-1
MENS 3s v Ipswich 3s - H - L 0-6
MENS 4s v Lowestoft Town 1s - A - L 4-5
MENS 5s v Norwich City 3s - H - L 0-5
MENS 6s v Pelicans 3s - H - L 2-7
MENS 7s v Bury St Edmunds 4s - A - D 1-1
MENS Vets v Pelicans - A - W 3-2

Hi, this is Laura Betts and I play for the Ladies 2nds at Magpies.

Basically I am running the London Marathon in April for Motor Neurone Disease as my dad passed away from the disease 2 years ago in March. I have to raise a minimum of £1500 and am about a third of the way
there.

I have a web page where people can donate online and wanted to
put a link up on the Magpies blog page. However, for some reason my
computer doesn't like this and so I was wandering whether you could
help me, with this?

The link is

http://www.justgiving.com/laurabetts

Its totally secure and will take people to a my page where it gives
further information as to why I am running the marathon.

Hopefully, some people may donate, even a small amount of money in support.

Thanks for your help,
Laura Betts

photos courtesy Philippa Taylor
click to enlarge

photos courtesy Philippa Taylor
click to enlarge

Victorious Magpies U18 Girls
Make it to Quarter Finals of EHA CUP

Click to view sudden death flicks - MPG movies:
sudden-death-flick-by-mouse.MPG
flick-missed-by-Canterbury.MPG
images courtesy David Brook

HARLESTON MAGPIES U18s 3-3 CANTERBURY U18s
Harleston magpies won 4-3 on penalty flicks.

Harleston Magpies U18 Girls reached the last 8 of the Cup after equalising in the last 20 seconds and then winning on sudden death penalty flicks. Magpies made a poor start after conceding a goal after 3 minutes due to poor marking, but Jess Bloom levelled the scores after 17 minutes. Canterbury were back in front on 25 minutes and went in at half time with a 2-1 lead. Hannah Coulson quickly levelled the scores with a reverse stick shot but Magpies were soon trailing 3-2 after conceding a penalty flick. Magpies showed real character as they increasingly took the game to Canterburuy as they went in search of the equaliser but as time seemed to be running out Jess Bloom made it 3-3 with a late gasp effort, which they deserved.

After the first round of penalty flicks the scores were level at 3-3 and on sudden death flicks Artemis Clark scored and Canterbury missed their final effort.

LADIES 1s v Horsham 1s - H - D 1-1
LADIES 2s v Norwich City 1s - H - W 4-0
LADIES 3s v Sudbury 2s - H - W 5-0
LADIES Colts A v
LADIES 4s v
LADIES 5s v Old Buckenham 2s H - L 4-5
LADIES 6s v
LADIES Colts B v
SUN - National Cups
U15 Girls v Chelmsford - H - L 0-5
Mixed v Havering - H - W 6-3
U18 Girls v Canterbury - H - D 3-3 Won on Flicks

MENS 1s v Chelmsford 2s - A - W 11-1
MENS 2s v Norwich Union 2s - H - W 6-1
MENS 3s v Felixstowe 1s - A - L 0-3
MENS 4s v Bury St Edmunds 2s - H - W 2-0
MENS 5s v UEA 5s - H - L 1-3
MENS 6s v Sudbury 3s - A - W 2-1
MENS 7s v
MENS Vets v Ipswich - H - L 1-3

Harleston Magpies Mixed 6-3 Havering

Harleston played the second home of the mixed cup at home against a strong Havering side. Harleston satrted well moving the ball round and making Havering chase the game. For the first 10 minutes Harleston couldn't find the break through they were after until Gavin Cole to shoot past the advancing keeper before Katheryn Hinsley slotted home from close range. Harleston soon doubled their lead when Angie Wheelhouse slotted home from a tight angle. Havering were being out played all over the park and were beggining to get frustrated at just about everything. Debbie Mcallen and David Francis had the middle sewn up and forced Havering to play wide. Katheryn Hinsley grabbed her second with another back post tap in to add to Havering's woes. Harleston soon scored again with Gavin Cole slotting home from the middle of the D with a powerful shot under the goal keeper. Harleston were not finished though and added a fifth in the first half when Phil Cobbald's strike was deflected past the Havering keeper.

Harleston started the second half slowly and struggled to string passes together this allowed Havering to pile the pressure on the defence and Havering scored with a deflection at the back post. Havering then scored their second with a short corner that was run in to the penalty spot and flicked past Iain Martin. Lucy Whiting and David Ling were working hard down the right but the ball was limited getting to them. Havering then scored a third from a deflected short corner which flew into the corner of the net. Iain Martin then made an outstanding save to keep Harleston in the game before some solid defending from Glen Masterson and Louisa Greenacre and a goal line clearance from Leigh Sitch managed to halt the Havering on slaught. Harleston grabbed their sixth goal from a short corner which Tristan Baynes slung home low past the keeper.

HARLESTON MAGPIES 1-1 HORSHAM

Magpies started brightly against Horsham and threatened to take an early lead as Jess Bloom went close on two occasions. Horsham were defending well and their goalkeeper played exceptionally well throughout the match. Donna Causton was denied on a penalty corner strike by another excellent save. Horsham scored in the first half with their first real chance of the game and against the run of play.

Magpies increased their tempo and pressure in the second half as they pressed Horsham back for long periods of the game with Debbie McAllen and Hannah Coulson prominent in midfield. Artemis Clark threatened the Horsham defence with some promising runs down the right but in the end Angie Wheelhouse levelled the scores from a penalty corner.

Magpies looked capable of going on to collect all three points but they could not turn pressure into goals. Debbie McAllen’s late shot looked goal bound but unfortunately struck another Magpies player on the heel. At the other end Magpies survived a late scare when Horsham failed to convert a chance in front of an opening goal.

Chelmsford 2s 1-11 Harleston Magpies 1s

Harleston travelled to Chelmsford this week looking to build on their win last weekend. Harleston started quickly after an excellent warm up pressurising Chelmsford at every oppourtunity. After good build up play Harleston eventually took the lead when Tom Sumner lofted a shot past the hapless Chelmsford goal keeper. Harleston soon doubled their lead when Neil Toulson slotted home at the back post after Tristan Baynes put in a good cross. With Chelmsford on the back foot Harleston continued to press and soon scored two more goals in quick succession one from Tristan Baynes dispatching a low penalty corner and the second from Andy Hipwell who slapped his shot home from the middle of the area after excellent build up play. Andy Hipwell added another and just before the end of the half Colin Wheelhouse popped up at the back post to slot home from close range much to his deleight.

Harleston started the second half much in the ame way as the first playing champagne hockey and really moving the ball around well, Chelmsford struggling to keep up with the pace of the game. Harleston soon scored their seventh when after good build up play Andy Hipwell hit a shot across his body past the advancing goal keeper. Tristan Baynes then scored his second from another corner before Andy Hipwell grabbed his fourth goal with an excellent deflection after David Ling had banged a cross in off the ground. Tristan Baynes then finished his hat trick off in style after Neil Toulson intercepted the ball at the top of the D and backed off to allow Tristan to pick his spot before smashing the ball past the helpless goal keeper. Andy finished off the rout after rebounding at a short corner lifting the ball past the keeper. Harleston were unable to keep a clean sheet with a lapse in concentration saw Chelmsford grab a concelation goal.

Next week sees Harleston at home against a strong Broxbourne side.

HARLESTON MAGPIES U15s 0-5 CHELMSFORD U15s

Harleston Magpies U15 Girls went out of the National Cup to a strong Chelmsford side who in the end ran out as comfortable winners.

Magpies played very well in the first half containing Chelmsford well and counter attacking at pace through Cherry Seaborn, Verity Blyth and Chloe Hunnable. Magpies had their chances on the break and won several penalty corners. On the stroke of half time Chelmsford broke the dead lock to make it 1-0. This proved to be the turning point as Magpies needed to score first to give themselves a chance.

In the second half as Magpies gradually tired Chelmsford were able to assert their authority but Krisina Brinkley, Bryony Lund and Amy Brook defended well. Gradually Chelmsford increased their lead and went away with a 5-0 win.

Harleston Magpies 2s 6-1 Norwich Union 2s

With Norwich having beaten league leaders Cambridge the week before, this was always going to be a more difficult game than the league standings would suggest. Playing at the later time of 4pm, the players were buzzing and raring to go following a good warm up. Despite creating some early chances, Magpies went behind to a close range finish from the Norwich forward. Not the start they were hoping for. Composure and patience were going to be important in the final third of the pitch, something, which had been missing in recent weeks. As Magpies clicked into gear, Norwich found it more and more difficult to get out of there half. Magpies played the best period of hockey in the 15 minutes before half time, which resulted in 3 goals. Matt Brand flicking into the net from a short corner, Richard Larkin diving to poke home and Mike Warlow doing the damage and ensuring that the first half finished in a flurry, pleasing the ever increasing crowd.

Magpies seemed relax early in the second half, opting to run with the ball too much, and so, the goals dried up for a short spell. However, first Lawrence Baynes scored with a well struck shot from his usual tight angle, and then Richard Larkin ran from the half way line, before shooting from the top of the D to give Magpies a 5-1 lead. A short corner was awarded as the final play of the game, allowing the defenders the chance to potentially get on the score sheet. Sadly, (for the defenders) the shot was too well struck by Gavin Cole, which nestled into the corner of the goal giving a final score of 6-1.(a score predicted before the game my Mr Chairman I am lead to believe!) Thanks to everyone who stayed to watch, it was greatly appreciated by the players.

GOOD RESPONSE FROM 1ST TEAMS

Both 1sts teams responded well last weekend to their disappointments of a week earlier. The Ladies won an away point at Trojans in the Slazenger EHL Division One following their home defeat by Sunderland and the Men beat Dereham with a late penalty stroke to remain one point behind league leaders Cambridge University who denied them an East Premier A win with virtually the last hit of the game the previous week.

Division One remains a very topsy-turvy league so there is plenty for the Ladies to play for over the last six games of the season whether they look above or below them and the Men will be hoping for a slip-up by Cambridge University while maintaining their own form.


I hope as many members as possible will be able to get to Weybread this Sunday (18 February) to cheer on our teams in the following national cup matches.

11.30am
U15 Girls v Chelmsford

12 noon (tbc)
Mixed v Havering

2.00pm
U18 Girls v Canterbury


In view of the collision on the road outside the club last Saturday I take this opportunity to remind members to exercise great care when leaving the car park. Fortunately no-one was badly injured but the car which came down the hill looked destined for the scrapheap following the accident.


Despite a disappointingly low turn-out for the recent Race Night the event was very enjoyable and still made a net profit of £550. I am very grateful to all who attended and/or supported the event financially including Les and Irene Bicker, Val and Sue Tolhurst and Graham Clarke for sponsoring three of the races and Robbie Kinsella for auctioning the runners for the last race which raised the excellent sum of £120. My thanks also to Jose Tibbenham, James and Sally Smith, Debbie McAllen, Dave Francis, Philippa Taylor and Emma Lacey for helping to run the event.

I urge all members to support the following social and fund raising events starting with the Karaoke Evening on 17 March.

Saturday 17 March
‘Stars In Your Eyes’ Karaoke Evening and Spring Prize Draw

Saturday 21
April End of Season Party (Apollo Club)

Summer
Six evenings of mixed hockey

Sunday 1 July
Strawberry Luncheon at Gawdy Hall
by kind permission of Mr and Mrs David Green

Thursday 23 August
Golf Day (Bungay GC)

Friday 2 November
Fireworks Evening

Please see website and the clubhouse notice board for more information.

Did you know?

1. Carl Sitch has this week been playing for England U18s at Belle Vue, Manchester in a series of matches against Ireland. Congratulations Carl!

2. The men’s veterans are through to the Last 8 of their national cup after edging out City of Peterborough last Sunday 5-4 on penalty strokes after a late goal to draw 1 - 1.

3. The chairman still continues to pick up a considerable amount of discarded bottles none of which have been dropped by him!

4. After their win over Cambridgeshire Nomads the U18 Boys are away to Belper on Sunday 4 March in the fourth round of their England Hockey national cup competition. Good luck!

5. Richard Gill, who remains a keen Magpie despite moving out of the area and who helped with some coaching earlier in the season, is running in the London Marathon on Sunday 22 April in aid of the Anthony Nolan Trust. If you wish to support Richard please go to www.justgiving.com and type in his type as directed for his site.


HAVE YOU SOLD YOUR SPRING PRIZE DRAW TICKETS YET PLEASE? IF SO – THANK YOU.

IF NOT YOUR SUPPORT OF THIS IMPORTANT FUND RAISER WOULD BE MUCH APPRECIATED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE PLEASE.


‘Stars In Your Eyes’ Karaoke Evening
SATURDAY 17 MARCH – 7.30PM

PLEASE COME ALONG AND EXERCISE YOUR VOCAL CHORDS –
OR AT LEAST COME TO HEAR OTHER PEOPLE RUINING A SONG OR TWO!

Tickets £5 each (£2.50 for U18s) Nibbles provided!


I wish all our teams the best of luck in the remaining weeks of the season.

Mike Denham (Chairman)
Tel: 01603 506925
E-mail: MDenham975@aol.com
15 February 2007

Please go to the web site and click to download the latest Magpies Youth Newsletter.

www.magpies-hockey.co.uk

or click here:

Junior-Newsletter-Feb-07.pdf

TROJANS 1-1 HARLESTON MAGPIES

After two successive defeats Magpies needed a result from a very testing away game at Trojans and in the end recorded an excellent result and came within 5 minutes of collecting all three points. Magpies started tentatively but quickly grew in confidence as their forwards stretched the Trojans defence and came very close to making a breakthrough. This early pressure saw Magpies win some early penalty corners which the Trojans goalkeeper did not save convincingly, but Magpies just could not make the most of the half clearances.
At the other end the movement of the Trojans forwards gave Magpies some uncomfortable moments but Ellie Blake who played her first full game at the back put in a solid performance.

The same pattern continued at the start of the second half with Magpies defending sensibly and they nearly took the lead when Angie Wheelhouse came close to scoring and Jess Bloom followed up, but the angle was too difficult to beat the goalkeeper. Half way through the second half Magpies took the lead with a well struck shot from Angie Wheelhouse. This seemed to be a wake up call for Trojans and from then on they upped the tempo and increasingly pressurised the Magpies defence. Magpies defended stoutly and Lucy Hayman in goal made some excellent saves to keep them in the game. With 5 minutes to go Magpies conceded one penalty corner too many and Trojans scored a late equaliser.

Magpies 2s 3-1 Cambridge University 3s

After a couple of bad results in previous weeks, it was important Magpies got back to winning ways with a solid performance against descent opposition from Cambridge. The first half offered magpies a couple of descent chances to take the lead, Mike Warlow and Jimmy Wheeler combining well with Robbie Kinsella up front. Cambridge themselves produced some early opportunities to go infront. It looked like it was going to be 0-0 at the break, but Jimmy Wheeler popped up to score in a crowded D following a good run from Mike Warlow, to give Magpies a 1-0 advantage. Cambridge leveled things early in the second half, but Magpies struck back quickly, Matt Brand persuaded Cambridge not to tackle him as he waltzed into the D, before picking out Robbie Kinsella, to score the with a simple tap in.

A tense final third of the game was to follow, with both teams creating chances. The Cambridge centre back decided to go on a bit of a run down the middle of the pitch, only to have the ball nicked off him, and played up to Robbie ‘Top Gun’ Kinsella who was unmarked in the D. He hit the shot early, and it flew high into the net. With only about 10 minutes to go, this ensured the victory, and leaves things tight at the top of the top goal scorers list, with one goal separating the top two.

Dereham 1s 1-2 Harleston Magpies 1s

Harleston travelled to local rivals Dereham with returning striker Neil Toulson boulstering their squad. Dereham set their stall out early playing with 11 men behind the ball it was clear they would be happy with a point from the game. Harleston played most of their hockey in the opposition half tryin to break down the Dereham side. With so many players behind the ball it was hard for Harleston to create chances in a packed area. Harleston flashed a couple of balls across goal but the vital last touch was lacking. Andy Hipwell had the best chances of the first half but on both occasions the Dereham keeper made two outstanding saves. On Dereham's first venture into Harleston's area they managed to sneak a goal after a lapse in concentration between Harleston defenders. Dereham held onto this lead until half time.

In the second half Harelston came out with real intent pushing Dereham even further back, Harleston managed to build pressure by winning a series of short corners. Harleston found the break through they were looking for when at a short corner Tristan Baynes slipped the ball to Neil Toulson to slot home on his return. Dereham were then reduced to 10 men which allowed Harleston to build more pressure, Harleston were denied a clear cut penalty when a Dereham defender kicked the ball off the goal line. Colin Wheelhouse was able to cut through the Dereham defence with ease as they started to tire. With 5 minutes left Harleston got the bit of good fortune they needed when they were awarded a penalty stroke. Tristan Baynes held his nerve to slot calmly home and give Harleston the lead they needed. Harleston were able to close out the game by retaining possession of the ball and take the 3 vital points to keep them in the tital chase.

Next week Harleston travel to Chelmsford in another tough match.

LADIES 1s v Trojans Ladies' 1s - A - D 1-1
LADIES 2s v
LADIES 3s v
LADIES Colts A v
LADIES 4s v
LADIES 5s v
LADIES 6s v
LADIES Colts B v

MENS 1s v Dereham 1s - A - W 2-1
MENS 2s v Cambridge University 3s - H - W 3-1
MENS 3s v Lowestoft Railway 1s - H - W 1-0
MENS 4s v North Walsham 1s - A - W 3-2
MENS 5s v Crane 1s - A - L 2-10
MENS 6s v Norfolk Nomads 1s - H - W 3-2
MENS 7s v
SUN EH VETS CUP - MENS Vets v City of Peterborough - A - D 1-1
Won 5-4 aps

Watton Colts 2-2 Harleston Magpies Ladies 4s

Harleston Magpies Ladies IV started strongly, enjoying much of the possession in the first half. Play was evenly contested with both teams playing fluent, passing hockey and encountering their fair share of chances. Magpies were first to capitalise on such opportunities and went 1-0 up mid-way through the first half when Lizzie Clymer converted a short-corner left-slip with a superb strike.

Magpies continued to play well after the break, moving and passing confidently. Watton also challenged Magpies defence with several short corners, but the away team doubled their tally with a Mel Beevor effort from close range. The game progressed evenly with both teams looking threatening on the break. Magpies played with confidence but went un-rewarded as Watton converted an effort at the other end to provide their first goal. The game went on to finish dramatically as Watton scored their second a few minutes before time, resulting in the score at the final whistle being Watton Colts 2, Harleston Magpies Ladies IV 2.

Credit goes to both teams for producing an excellent game. The Magpies eleven executed a superb team performance, especially player of the match Ashleigh Rouse who had a great game at right back, supporting play in midfield and contributing to a solid defensive display also.

Magpies 2s 1-2 Cambridge City 2s

Magpies battled hard but were never able to come back, after going 2-0 down in the first half. Cambridge spread the ball well, and scored goals which this team have been used to not conceding. Despite a Gavin Cole goal towards the end of the first half, and playing the final 15minutes of the game camped in the Cambridge half, an equalizer and winner never materialised. Full credit to Cambridge, who defended using their experience well, disrupting the young magpies front line. A bit of help from the umpires wouldn’t have gone a-miss, but to be honest we should be used to it by now.

HARLESTON MAGPIES 1-2 SUNDERLAND

Magpies were never able to produce the form they showed in two games the previous weekend against a Sunderland side whose forwards troubled Magpies all afternoon. After a shaky start Magpies were the first to create a scoring opportunity when Jess Bloom came close to opening the scoring as her shot went just wide of the post. After 15 minutes Sunderland took the lead through Julie Hope from a penalty corner, but Magpies were back on level terms three minutes later when Jess Bloom scored.

In a hard competitive match the game never really flowed in the second half as both sides struggled to produce any flowing hockey. Anna Truman's stickwork threatened to trouble the Sunderland defence and Artemis Clark was having a solid game in midfield but generally the forwards were finding it hard to break down the Sunderland defence.

With eight minutes to go Julie Hope snatched the winner for Sunderland with a well taken goal and although Magpies came close to collecting a point they cannot really argue with the result.

Harleston Magpies 1-1 Cambridge University

Harleston hosted league leaders Cambridge Uni this weekend in a top of the table clash. The game started at a high intensity with Cambridge pressing well and throwing everything at Magpies. Harleston with stood the pressure with excellent defending from Carl Sitch and Stuart Leate. After Tom Sumner managed to work the ball out from right back Harleston won a short corner which Andy Hipwell dispatched with a powerful drag flick. This rocked the Cambridge side which allowed Magpies to start to dominate the rest of the half and were unlucky not to double their lead when Andy Hipwell lashed a cross past the far post. Harleston withstood more pressure towards the end of the half David Francis clearing well at a short corner but the team managed to hold on to their lead.

The second half started similar to the first with Cambridge coming at Harleston, this allowed Harleston to hit Cambridge on the break and start to push them back. Harleston won another corner Hipwell again got hold of the corner but this time was unfortunate to see his shot rattle of the post. The game started to get more and more stretched with some great end to end hockey to watch. Harleston were twice reduced to 10 men but managed to hold on to their lead with great defence work from every member of the squad. With a minute to go and Magpies tiring they were dealt a cruel blow when Cambridge equalised with a well taken deflection with barely enough time to restart the game Harleston had to settle for a draw.

Next weekend see's Harleston travel to local rivals Dereham welcoming back Neil Toulson and Toby Tibbenham hoping to keep their title hopes alive.

LADIES 1s v Sunderland 1s - H - L 1-2
LADIES 2s v
LADIES 3s v Old Buckenham 1s - W 7-0
LADIES Colts A v Watton Ladies 2s - H - W 2-1
LADIES 4s v Watton Ladies colts - A - D 2-2
LADIES 5s v Beccles Ladies 1s - A - L 0-9
LADIES 6s v Lowestoft Railway Ladies 2s - H - W 2-0
LADIES Colts B v Herlings Ladies 1s - H - L 2-3

MENS 1s v Cambridge University 1s - H - D 1-1
MENS 2s v Cambridge City 2s - A - L 1-2
MENS 3s v Bury 2s - A - L 0-3
MENS 4s v Dereham 3s - H - L 0-2
MENS 5s v UEA 2s - H - W 3-2
MENS 6s v Norwich City 5s - A - L 5-7
MENS 7s v Norwich Union 4s - H - L 0-7
MENS Vets v Cambridge South - H - W 3-0 conceded