PLENTY STILL TO ENJOY BEFORE END OF SEASON

Although the league season is almost over there is still much for our teams to play for and to enjoy in the weeks ahead beginning this Sunday (1 April at 1.00pm - please come along) when the Men's Veterans take on Bournville in the semi-finals of the national Vets Cup following their superb away win over Stourport. After Easter (Sunday 15 April) the Mixed team are away to Hampton-In-Arden after their comfortable 4-1 win over Dulwich while on Sunday 22 April (2.00pm) the U18 Boys entertain Canterbury aiming to emulate the U18 Girls who did the Club proud when reaching the national finals (University of Birmingham Sat/Sun 19/20 May) with an excellent 3-2 home win over Olton & West Warwicks. For four of our teams still to be in national cups at this stage of the season is a remarkable achievement and reflects well on all involved.

The Ladies' 1sts banished the prospect of the Slazenger EHL Div 1 relegation play-off game with their deserved 1-0 win over Loughborough Students. The second half seemed to go on forever but the worry was worth it to avoid the dreaded trip to Sheffield in April. Meantime the Men's 1sts finished their ultimately frustrating season with a second successive runners-up spot in East Premier A by thrashing Bury St Edmunds 10-0 with a remarkable seven goals in the last 12 minutes! It was welcome hard work for the scoreboard operator! It was good to see Colin Wheelhouse and David Francis playing so well in their final first team appearances. Colin signed off in style with four goals. Both Colin and David have served the team with great distinction over the years and they will be sorely missed.

Congratulations to the Men's 2nds, under the leadership of skipper Stuart Peters, for finishing in second place in East Div 2 North and with it promotion to Division 1. The team started the season with three defeats in their first four games but thereafter went from strength to strength conceding only 12 goals in the remaining 18 games making Mark Lewis the most successful goalkeeper in the league - with a modicum of help from the defenders in front of him!


I urge all members to support the following social and fund raising events starting with the End of Season Bash on 21 April

Saturday 21
April End of Season Party (Apollo Club)

Summer
FIVE evenings of mixed hockey
all Mondays - 14 May, 4 June, 18 June, 2 July and 16 July and all at 7.30pm.

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. The Spring Prize raffle produced a profit of £1416 with the 1st prize of £250 going to Mr T Warnes. My thanks to everyone who helped to make the raffle so successful including promoter Tracy Baker and treasurer Jose Tibbenham.

2. The Karaoke Evening was another big success and enjoyed by all present. My thanks to everyone who attended and to chief organisers (and star performers) Debbie McAllen and Graham Clark and to the Ladies' 5ths for producing the excellent refreshments. The evening showed (with one or two exceptions!) the outstanding musical talent within the Club! "Are you lonesome to night? Will you miss me ......?" Yes - Elvis is alive and well!

3. The Club's floodlights will be upgraded during the summer at a cost of £21,862 plus VAT. The new lanterns will be installed on the water-based pitch with the existing lanterns on the water-based pitch moved to the sand-based pitch. This completes the third and final phase of the upgrade of the Club's playing facilities costing £640,000 since 2002.

4. We are hoping to sell the old floodlights. Please let me know if you are aware of any club/person who might be interested in buying them for sporting/security purposes.

5. The Club currently owes £94,000 in interest-free loans from members, friends and supporters. If you wish to help the Club the fund-raising campaign never closes!

6. The Annual General Meeting will be held in the clubhouse on Thursday 21 June at 8.00pm.



I wish members and supporters an enjoyable end of the season.

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

SLAZENGER WOMENS ENGLISH LEAGUE DIV 1

BARNES HOUNSLOW AND EALING 3-2 HARLESTON MAGPIES

Harleston Magpies finished their season with a 3-2 defeat in a game where they were very unfortunate not to have collected a point and finally finished in 5th place in the League. Magpies had much the better of the first half on a very difficult surface with Barnes unable to handle the Magpies forwards of Jess Bloom, Anna Truman and Angie Wheelhouse.

Jess Bloom deservedly gave Magpies the lead and if only they had taken some of the other chances they created they would have been out of sight at half time. Barnes improved considerably in the second half as they started to control the midfield which saw them level the scores at 1-1.

Barnes quickly added a second goal in dubious circumstances where Magpies clearly should have been awarded a free hit. This turned the game and Barnes quickly added a third. Magpies responded positively as they pressed hard to get back into the game.

With ten minutes to go Hannah Coulson's free hit was deflected by Angie Wheelhouse into the roof of the net for a terrific goal. Unfortunately time was against Magpies as they went for the equaliser.

HARLESTON MAGPIES U13 GIRLS AT THE WATTON TOURNAMENT

Magpies U13 girls played some of their best hockey of the season and finished 3rd having finished level on points and goal difference with second placed Watton, but Watton had scored a goal more than them.

Pelicans won the Tournament but Magpies gave them a run for their money losing narrowly 1-0 , but will regret conceding a late equaliser to Watton in their opening game.

RESULTS:
Watton drew 1-1 Rhiann Earrye
Pelicans II won 1-0 Hannah Linger
Watton II won 5-0 Hannah Linger 2, Rhiann Earrye 3
Dereham won 2-0 Hannah Linger, Lucy Chubbock
Norwich City won 2-1 Lucy Chubbock, Hannah Linger
Pelicans lost 0-1

Team: Hannah Linger (Capt), Flora Marfleet, Beth Absolon, Claire Snelling, Lucy Chubbock, Keira Booty, Sophie Moore and Rhiann Earrye.

LADIES 1s v Barnes H E 1s - A - L 2-3
LADIES 2s v Bury St Eds 1s - A - L 1-3
LADIES 3s v Old Buckenham 1s - H - L 0-2
LADIES Colts A v Briston Ladies 1s - H - W 4-0
LADIES 4s v Lowestoft R 1s - H - W 3-2
LADIES 5s v UEA 3s - H - W 3-0 Conceded
LADIES 6s v Broadland 2s - A - L 1-2
LADIES 6s v Herlings 1s - A - W 0-2
LADIES Colts B v Yarmouth 4s - A - W 3-2
SUN Watton Minis
U11 Girls A - 1st
U11 Girls B - 4th
U13 Girls - 3rd

MENS 1s v Bury St Eds 1s - H - W 10-0
MENS 2s v Sudbury 1s - A - D 1-1
MENS 3s v Ipswich E-S 2s - H - L 0-2
MENS 4s v Pelicans 2s - A - L 1-2
MENS 5s v Bury St Eds 3s - H - D 2-2
MENS 6s v North Walsham 2s - H - W 5-4
MENS Vets v Cambridge City - A - W 5-1

Sunday 25th March
Under 11 girls tournament featuring 7 teams including Magpies A & B.

A glorious sunny afternoon saw Magpies A emerge as winners of their 4th tournament of the season.

Magpies started slowly with a patchy performance against Pelicans. Thanks to 2 Holly Baker goals a 2-1 win was a decent start.

We followed this with our worst performance of the season and a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Norwich City.

Magpies B started with a creditable 1-0 loss to a strong Dereham A side and an excellent 1-1 draw with Watton thanks to a goal from Georgia Scott.

The A side then beat the B side 3-0 with goals from Sarah Brook, Paris Wood & Holly Baker.

Magpies A then played their best hockey of the day against Dereham A. Sarah Brook capped a fine performance with a well taken goal for a 1-0 win.

Magpies B played really well to beat Dereham B 1-0 (goal by Megan Egglington) and to draw 0-0 with Pelicans.

Magpies A finished off with a comprehensive 2-0 defeat of Dereham B and a total of 15 points from their 6 matches.

The last game of the tournament featured Magpies B v Norwich City. City had earlier dropped 2 points with a 0-0 draw against Watton so needed a win against Magpies B to overhaul Magpies A. Our B Team held firm with Katie Rudd outstanding in goal. Special mention should also go to Ellie Longshaw and Molly Alexander for some superb defending. The game finished 0-0 and a very disappointed Norwich City had to settle for 2nd place.

See photos.

Harleston 10-0 Bury

Harleston finished their season off in style with a 10-0 victory over Bury. Harleston dominated the game from the start playing some nice attacking hockey moving the ball early and with plenty of running off the ball. The excellent movement lead to plenty of chances however only three of these were converted in the first half with goals coming from Colin Wheelhouse, Andy Hipwell and Richard Ling.

At the start of the second half Bury had their 10 minute spell pushing Harleston back and forcing them to make a couple of errors. However the defencive unit of Dave Francis, Davif Ling, Leigh Sitch, Stuart Leate and Iain Martin held firm to deny Bury opening their account. With 15 minutes to go Harleston were on fire starting their goal scoring spree. With a good press set up Bury found it increasingly hard to get the ball out of their half and Harleston capatalised on this. With good play from Tom Sumner in midfield picking the ball up and drawing the goal kepper leaving Colin Wheelhouse with an open goal that he just couldnt miss. Colin Wheelhouse completed his hat trick 2 minutes later following good play down the right wing. Tristan Baynes scored twice coming in from left midfield to slot home Andy Hipwell also scored his second before Colin Wheelhouse scored his fourth and set up Richard Ling in the dying seconds to sign off from first team duty in great style.

Dave Francis also signs off from 1st team duties after his solid performance at left back.

Magpies Ladies 4s 3-2 Lowestoft Railway Ladies 1s

Magpies began their last game of the season confidently, enjoying the majority of possession and creating many chances. However when they conceded a penalty flick early into the first half it could have all been so very different. Luckily for Magpies Lowestoft put it wide and the game continued. Soon after however, Lowestoft were awarded a short corner and proved to capitalise on this chance converting after a straight strike at the far post.

They scored again just before half time thorugh a stunning individual effort from their captain on the outside of the D and so were 2-0 up at the break. However Magpies remained composed and perseverant which eventually paid off minutes into the second half. Mel Beevor, through on goal dodged the 'keeper only to have her first effort saved, scoring on the rebound. Magpies then played with confidence, passing well and were awarded a short corner moments later. Thus meaning captain Georgie Bore moved up from her usual role as sweeper to take prime position on the edge of the D. Such movement paid off as Bore scored her first goal with a superb strike evening the score at 2-2. Magpies continued to defend well, resulting in fluent and assured hockey whilst attacking. Their effort finally paid off as Mel Beevor finished a team effort securing the victory for Magpies.

Credit to the Yarmouth eleven who provided a strong performance but also to the Magpies eleven for a superb performance, especially a deserved player of the match-Mel Beevor.

Sudbury 1s 1-1 Magpies 2s

Magpies went into this game already assured of promotion, but were keen to do it in style by winning the league. Sudbury started well and scored early with a disappointing goal from a Magpies perspective. Despite this early set back, Magpies continued to play their usual game, moving the ball about well, and were rewarded for their efforts when Mike Warlow scored a well taken goal, leaving the scores level at half time.

The second half belonged to Magpies, who dominated possession, but failed to score, no thanks to some debatable umpiring decisions. Two goals were disallowed, with one being a particularly crazy decision as the ball was clearly struck from inside the D.

At the final whistle Magpies felt rather deflated as they knew a win had slipped through their fingers. But after being 12 points behind the league leaders in October, promotion marks the end to a great season.

GIRLS U18 NATIONAL CUP

HARLESTON MAGPIES 3-2 OLTON

Harleston Magpies U18 Girls qualified for the National Finals at Birmingham on May 19th/20th when they beat Olton 3-2 in this quarter final cup tie.

Magpies early pressure saw Kim Ashby force the ball over the line on 7 minutes after a scramble in the Olton goal mouth. Unfortunately Olton levelled the score at 1-1 three minutes later with a reverse stick shot. Magpies upped the tempo in the second half and early pressure saw Magpies awarded a penalty stroke which Jess Bloom scored to make it 2-1. Magpies continued to force the pace with Hannah Coulson driving the team on from midfield, whilst the forwards Lizzie Clymer, Jess Bloom and Kim Ashby kept the Olton defence at full stretch. Ellie Blake was marshalling the defence well and made some timely tackles.

The decisive goal came on 61 minutes scored by Kim Ashby and was nothing less than Magpies deserved. Olton scored a late second goal from a penalty corner on 69 minutes but it was too late to alter the result.

Squad: Hannah Coulson, Jess Bloom, Alice Nutbourne, Frances Taylor, Amy Tuffs, Ellie Blake, Amelia Thomson, Helen Brook, Katrina Warnes, Jess Hull, Artemis Clark, Josie Molloy, Kim Ashby and Lizzie Clymer.

HARLESTON MAGPIES 1-0 LOUGHBOROUGH UNIVERSITY

Harleston Magpies moved up to 5th place with a deserved 1-0 win over Loughborough University in a tense game, that ensured Magpies Division I status next season. A run of drawn games had seen Magpies looking anxiously over their shoulders as four teams Birmingham, Trojans, Magpies and Loughborough tried to pull away from 8th place and a relegation play off game.

Magpies went about their business in a very determined way and put the Loughborough defence under early pressure but could not turn pressure into goals. Finally Angie Wheelhouse fired Magpies into the lead with a shot following a free hit taken just outside the circle, which gave Magpies the comfort of a half time lead.
Magpies have not always defended an early lead very well in recent games but on this occasion Magpies dug deep. With Loughborough desperately needing a result Lucy Hayman in goal was forced into action for the first time late in the second half. Three successive penalty corners in the final 6 minutes were anxious moments for Magpies, but the defence finally cleared the ball and the Magpies forwards professionally ran the clock down as they frustrated Loughborough in the final moments of the game.

This was an excellent team performance with a high work ethic which ensured Magpies the crucial three points. Young Ellie Blake gave her best performance for Magpies to date.

Next week Magpies will be able to enjoy their final League game away at Barnes free from the pressure of the last few weeks.

Harleston Mixed 4-1 Tulse Hill

Harleston's mixed team played their 3rd round of the cup on a blustery sunday down at Weybread. Harleston linked up well from the start moving the ball around the slow Tulse Hill side, Harleston took the lead through Kathryn Hinsley when she followed up her own deflection to superbly lift the ball over the goal keeper. Harleston soon doubled their lead in the first half when Angie Wheelhouse slotted home from close range.

In the second half Tulse Hill pushed more players forward pressurising Harleston from the back however with standing the pressure Harleston scored their third trough Kathryn Hinsly with another well taken goal. Harleston weren't finished there though when they grabber their forth through Angie Wheelhouse following a short corner. Tulse Hill were able to grab goal 2 minutes from time with a well struck short corner from Will Nurse.

Cambridge City 2-3 Harleston

Harleston travelled down to Cambridge on a bright sunny morning looking for a good result against strong opposition. Harleston started well passing the ball and moving well into space creating a couple of chances. Harleston finally got their reward when Tom Sumner intercepted a quick free hit to loft the ball past the Cambridge keeper. Cambridge had little going foward and with Harleston still playing very nice hockey they eventually doubled their lead from a short corner scored by Tristan Baynes.

After the break Harleston made a few chances, preparing them selves for next year. With the changes Harleston lost some of the structure early on while adapting. Cambridge managed to pull a goal back from a well struck short corner. With Cambrige pushing high looking for the equaliser it allowed Harleston to hit them on the break, on one of these counter attacks Richard Ling was able to convert at the back post after a brilliant cross from Andy Hipwell. Cambridge continued to fight and were denied a second when Iain Martin pulled off a top class save to keep Harleston in the game. Cambridge eventually scored their second with 2 minutes remaining leaving Harleston to hang on and clinch the deserved win.

Next week Harleston play their final game of the season at home to Bury.

HARLESTON MAGPIES UNDER 11 BOYS HAD A SUCCESSFUL MINIS TOURNAMENT AT WATTON - Finished 2nd

A great days hockey in atrocious gale force winds.

v Pelicans lost 1-4 (0pt) Mitchell Tomkins
Magpies struggled to get underway in their 1st game, and playing against the wind found themselves in all sorts of defensive trouble and 0-4 down in 5 minutes, slowly they started to get their game underway and pulled a goal back from Mitchell Tomkins.

v Watton won 1-0 (3pts) Mitchell Tomkins
A much better performance, and a good finish from Mitchell Tomkins gave Magpies the lead, Ben Parker had an encouraging debut on the right, and good defensive work from Josh Elgood and Barnaby Carless helped secure the teams first win of the tournament.

v Dereham drew 1-1 (2pts) Mitchell Tomkins
Magpies battled well in this match, and another strike from Mitchell Tomkins looked good enough for a 2nd win, but late on Dereham struck a speculative shot that was going wide, but unfortunately got deflected into the goal off a defender. Still 2pts gained for a score draw.

v Norwich City won 2-0 (3pts) Sonny Molloy 2
This was a very one sided game, as Magpies were now in fine form, with George Collins continually attacking down the right, and Kalun Bedingfield recycling possession in and around the Norwich D, but it was six minutes into the game before Sonny Molloy scored for Magpies. Then with further forward interplay with Mitchell Tomkins, Sonny scored a fine 2nd to secure another 3pts.

v North Walsham won 4-0 (3pts) Mitchell Tomkins 2, Kalun Bedingfield 2
After a poor start to the tournament, Magpies were now in dominant form, great play between Kalun, Sonny and Mitchell, who used his pace to grab 2 quick goals. Kalun added a 3rd from a short corner strike, and then followed up with a fine jinking run and stroked the ball into the far corner for the 4th goal. Goalkeeper Jonathan Coe was only called on once in this match, but made a fine save at the near post to keep the score 4-0.

Magpies finished up with 11pts, the same total as Pelicans, but were narrowly pushed into 2nd place on goal difference. After such a dreadful start, Magpies played some of the best attacking hockey of the Tournament, with Mitchell top scorer with 6 goals. Well done chaps, it was great to watch!

Team: George Collins, Jonathan Coe(GK), Josh Elgood, Kalun Bedingfield, Sonny Molloy, Mitchell Tomkins, Barnaby Carless(Capt) and Ben Parker

Magpies 2s 5-0 Cambridge City 3s

Magpies ensured promotion with a 5-0 demolition of Cambridge City. Despite the score being only 1-0 at half time following a Robbie Kinsella strike, Magpies were in full control, with the Cambridge keeper making a string of good saves, and Cambridge themselves failing to get a shot on target.

The second half continued in the same fashion, with Lawrence Baynes scoring early in the half from a short corner. The ball was played back to the Baynes after he had push out, and he flicked the ball into the net. With the front line combinations of Wheeler, Warlow, Kinsella, Moore, Baynes and Cole inter changing upfront and running Cambridge ragged, 3 more goals came and quick succession, from Jimmy Wheeler, Mike Warlow and Gavin Cole completing a fine display.

As always, the support from the sidelines was greatly appreciated, and thanks to Phil for running the bench. Having built up an excellent goal difference this year, (mostly due to the defence and goal keeper keeping clean sheets) the title is still a realistic possibility, with Cambridge City 2’s 2 point ahead with one game to play.

Haverhill 1s 2-3 Harleston Magpies 3s

Harleston remained 4th in the table after this hard fought win. Haverhill started strongly in the first ten minutes but once magpies settled they played with guts and determination. Julie Podd found herself well up the pitch and screamed a long corner across the circle, surprisingly Jose Tibbenham made perfect contact and gave the Haverhill no chance with her first time connection. Haverhill equalised from a short corner just before half time. Haverhill were letting themselves get rattled by the umpires and had could have no excuses when Magpies went two goals up with Lizzie Clymer cooly converting. Caroline Aldous made Magpies comfortable when she followed up a short corner. Haverhill pulled a goal back with 3 minutes remaining. Magpies were not going to let their grip on the game and Lizzie Clymer who had been a thorn in Haverhills side all afternoon continued to keep them on the back foot. Magpies kept their cool in another feisty encounter.

LADIES 1s v Loughborough Uni 1s - H - W 1-0
LADIES 2s v St Ives 1s - H - L 3-4
LADIES 3s v Haverhill 1s - A - W 3-2
LADIES Colts A v Pelicans 2s - A - W 4-2
LADIES 4s v Dereham Colts 1 - A - L 0-3
LADIES 5s v Evergreens 2s - H - D 1-1
LADIES 6s v Yarmouth 4s - A - W 3-0
LADIES Colts B v Diss 1s - H - W 1-0
SUN
National Youth Cup Quarter Final
U18 Girls v Oulton - H - W 3-2
National Mixed Cup
Magpies v Tulse Hill & Dulwich Dragons W 4-1

MENS 1s v Cambridge City 1s - A - W 3-2
MENS 2s v Cambridge City 3s - H - W 5-0
MENS 3s v Lowestoft Town 1s - A - W 1-0
MENS 4s v Felixstowe 1s - H - L 1-6
MENS 5s v Norwich Union 3s - A - L 0-9
MENS 6s v Bury St Edmunds 4s - A - W 2-0
MENS Vets v Chelmsford - H - W 3-0
SUN
Watton Minis
U11 Boys 2nd on goal difference
U13 Boys 2nd on goal difference

Well done to the Mens Vets on reaching the Semi-Finals of the National Cup by beating Stourport away on Sunday.

Magpies found themselves 2-0 down at half time to a strong Stourport side featuring several ex-GB players including gold medal winner Imran Sherwani. The away team came out fighting after the break however and pulled the scores level through a fantastic John Aldridge lob and a superb solo goal from Roger Kent.

Stourport regained the lead through a penalty stroke before being awarded another flick, this time brilliantly saved by Dave Brown in goal with 5 minutes to play. Phil Alexander came off the bench and scored Magpies' equaliser in the final minute to take the match into strokes.

Sucessful flicks scored by Phil Cobbald, John Aldridge and David Blackmore, leaving Peter Dolton to score the final one after 2 Stourport misses which he put away in usual fashion resulting in victory and a place in the last four for the mighty Magpies veterans!

Special thanks to the travelling supporters. The semi final has been drawn against Bournville at home on April 1st.

UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM 1-1 HARLESTON MAGPIES

Magpies came back from 1-0 down in the second half to level the scores at 1-1 in a game they could not afford to lose. Whilst the result ensures Birmingham remain three points behind Magpies with two games to go, Magpies know this was another opportunity missed to kill off the game based on possession and chances.
Magpies started well in the first half as they pressed the University side back into their own half and created some chances that they were unable to convert into goals. Donna Causton's penalty corner strike was disallowed for being marginally high whilst the University side only stretched the Magpies defence on a couple of occasions.

Against the run of play Birmingham took the lead early in the second half, but Magpies kept their composure and within minutes Donna Causton scored from a penalty corner strike to make it 1-1. Two minutes later she was denied a second goal when the goal keeper saved at full stretch with a her stick. Another corner saw Angie Wheelhouse fire marginally wide and the forwards were just unable to make a final touch. The University side were now on the back foot as Magpies were finishing much the stronger of the two sides Anna Truman, Jess Bloom and Naomi Hull were all woking the Birmingham defence hard but the second goal eluded them.

Next week Magpies play Loughborough University at home.

Harleston 5-2 West herts

Harleston hosted West Herts at home on a bright sunny saturday morning. Harleston started strongly creating plenty of chance but the West Herts keeper was equal to every effort and kept the scores even. Andy Hipwell found the break through at a short corner with a drag flicked goal. Harleston continued to push forward and were unlucky not to double their lead before Colin Wheelhouse converted from a very tight angle. The scores stayed the same for the rest of the half with the best of the chances going to the home side.

The second half started again with Harleston on top pushing West Herts back and eventually scored their third goal from a short corner which David Ling deflected brilliantly past the keeper. Harleston then lost their way slightly and conceded a dubious short corner which was converted from a straight strike. Harleston now on the back foot were defending well and eventually won another short corner which Tristan Baynes converted to restore the 3 goal cushion. A defensive error however saw West Herts score their second with 15 minutes left. The rest of the game was even but Magpies did ass their fifth on the stroke of time when Tom Sumner converted with a deflection from a short corner.

Next week Harleston travel to Cambridge City looking for another win to keep them in second place

Magpies 2s 5 -2 March Town 1s

Harleston battled well after a poor start to come away with the victory against a potentially tricky March team. Despite taking the lead through Robbie Kinsella, Magpies let March back into the game after giving the ball away cheaply. An outstanding save from Mark Lewis in goal for Magpies ensured that the scores were level at the break.

After tough words at half time, Magpies started quickly talking a 2-1 lead early in the second half, through a Jimmy Wheeler strike. But again, March pulled it back to 2-2 from a penalty flick. Magpies pushed on scoring 3 further goals as March tired with Mike Warlow scoring one, and Jimmy Wheeler scoring two, completing his hat-trick to leave the final score 5-2.

Magpies 2s 4-1 Cambridge Uni 2s

The game got of to a good start with both teams looking quite evenly matched. Magpies looked strong in their defense and dangers on the attack.

Magpies had some good opportunities and turned one of them into a short corner. With a great shot from Lucy Miller the ball pounded the back board of the goal. This was a good first goal and lifted Magpies spirits to carry on the game with great determination. Magpies were strong and with some great balls down the line by Amy Tuffs and good team work by Laura Betts Magpies were bound to get another goal. So when the second goal came by Frances Taylor sweeping the ball into the corner of the goal from a short corner the team was pleased and had been working hard for it.

Cambridge was fighting well and there passing up the pitch and especially in midfield was good. Unfortunately for Magpies Cambridge got there first goal after Magpies second one. Magpies did have a few injuries so the team got changed around but Magpies dealt with it well. Magpies scored there third and fourth goal in stile with Jess Hull and Lucy Whiting getting them.

In the last 25 minutes of the game a couple of players got injured so Magpies were a player down but still managed to hold Cambridge off, with them having no real shot at goal in that time. Magpies won the game comfortably with mention going to Chloe Hobson, who was the player of the match for an outstanding performance.

Magpies ladies 3s 2-1 Yarmouth 1s

Magpies ladies 3rds took an early lead when Helen Brook dribbled into the circle unchallenged and slotted the ball neatly into the right hand corner. The match was a rather niggly affair with Yarmouth challenging umpiring decisions and constantly appealing. Play was end to end for the rest of the first half. Helen Brook completed a fine performance with a second goal, a crisp corner strike this time into the left hand corner. With a minute to go a foul on Helen Brook strangely resulted in a free hit against her gaining Yarmouth a penalty corner which they scored a late consolation.

Harleston Magpies 4s 0-1 Great Yarmouth 2s

Magpies started their home tie confidently playing vocally and passing well. They encountered their fair share of chances in and around the oppostion's D but just could not capitalise. Yarmouth too were quick on the break but strong defensive play by the Magpie's back four and some superb saves by 'keeper Vicky Blackmore kept them out.

The second half began brightly with Magpies again enjoying much of the possession, so were unlucky to concede just after the break. They pressured Yarmouth well but just could not convert. Credit goes to all eleven for working tirelessly resulting in much positive play. Especially to players of the match Vicky Blackmore and Ashleigh Rouse.

LADIES 1s v Birmingham Uni 1s - A - D 1-1
LADIES 2s v Cambridge University 2s - A - W 4-1
LADIES 3s v Yarmouth 1s - H - W 2-1
LADIES Colts A v Norwich City 2s - A - L 2-6
LADIES 4s v Yarmouth Ladies 2s - H - L 0-1
LADIES 5s v Old Buckenham 2s - A - L 2-6
LADIES 6s v Diss Ladies 1s - H - W 1-0
LADIES Colts B v Yarmouth Ladies 3s - A - W 4-0

MENS 1s v West Herts 1s - H - W 5-2
MENS 2s v March Town 1s - A - W 5-2
MENS 3s v North Walsham 1s - H - W 2-1
MENS 4s v Ipswich E-S 2s - A - L 2-4
MENS 5s v Holt Harlequins 1s - H - W 2-1
MENS 6s v Norwich City 4s - H - W 7-1
SUN
National Vets Cup Quarter Final
MENS Vets v Sourport - A - D 3-3
Won 4-3 on flicks - Now in Semi-Final

EXCITING END TO SEASON ASSURED

We are assured of an exciting last few weeks to the season starting this Saturday (10 March) when the Ladies' 1sts play University of Birmingham away before entertaining Loughborough Students the following week. All three teams are battling to avoid the relegation play-off spot in Slazenger EHL Division One with Magpies just three points above Birmingham and Loughborough. The Ladies will be encouraged by their excellent performance last week against Clifton when they gained what could turn out to be a vital point. After the games against the students the team plays what we all hope will be their last game of the season away to league leaders Barnes Hounslow Ealing.

The excitement is not confined to league action as the club is still involved in four national cups. This Sunday (11 March) the Men's Veterans are away to Stourport in the quarter-finals of the veterans' cup and a week later the Mixed team entertain Tulse Hill and Dulwich (12 noon) in the national trophy followed at 2.00pm by the U18 Girls taking on Olton & West Warwicks in the quarter-finals of their national cup. That is not all! On Sunday 22 April the U18 Boys play Canterbury at home in the quarter-finals of their event.

To get both our U18 teams through to the last eight of their events is a marvellous achievement for the club. Well done to the girls for their late equaliser against Canterbury and subsequent penalty stroke win and to the boys for coming from behind to beat Belper away last Sunday.


I also 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.

You may have noticed that the Concert At The Hall scheduled for Saturday 14 July is missing from the above list of events. The organising committee has very reluctantly decided to cancel the event due to rising costs and the astonishing number of other events being held that day/night within easy travelling distance of Gawdy Hall.


Did you know?

1. Carl Sitch has been selected to play for England U18s in the Four Nations Tournament to be held at Exeter University over Easter. Congratulations Carl!

2. The chairman STILL continues to pick up a considerable amount of discarded bottles and other rubbish around the pitches and in the car park. Last week he even found a bottle in the middle of the sand-based pitch!!

3. The chairman is very grateful to all those members who agreed to play against Norfolk Nomads last Saturday when we were able to assemble a team from scratch at not much more than fifteen minutes notice to enable us to fulfil the Men's 7ths friendly fixture. My thanks also to Kirstin Cumming for her help (including provision of the post-match tea) and to Mark Legg and Philip Cobbald for umpiring.

4. Very preliminary consideration is being given to prioritised clubhouse improvements including the provision of disabled access and toilet facilities. No final decisions have yet been made.

5. That congratulations are due to Heather and Matt Brand on the birth of Benjamin and to Sally and James Smith following the arrival of Jessica Grace.


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
8 March 2007

Belper under 18's 1-2 Harleston under 18's

Harleston travelled up to Belper on sunday in the hope of progression to the last 8 of the national cup. With the day getting off to a bad start when at the hotel defender Harry Blandy locked himself in the toilets. With this dilema over the team left however a postcode mishap saw the team heading towards Belper's team secretary's house rather than the clubhouse.

When the team did get there they were greeted by a downpour and a very slow waterlogged pitch. Despite this Harleston started strongly and were unlucky to go behind to Belper's first shot of the game which left Bertie Steggles with no chance. Harleston battled back strongly and deservedly equalised through a thunder bolt of a shot by Toby Tibbenham. Harleston continued to press and were unfortunate not to take the lead when the Belper goal keeper made an outstanding save.

The scond half started with Belper on top and with a lot of the play they were pushing Harleston back. With some superb defending from Will Harrison the Belper attack was kept at bay. With the pressure mounting a series of short corners won Belper nearly took the lead but they didnt take into consideration Will "the wall" Johnson on the goal line who made a brilliant stop. The whole team was working hard defending the lead when Harleston got the breakthrough they were looking forward when Jimmy Wheeler was upended by the goalkeeper when clear through on goal. The penalty stroke was saved by the keeper, this spurred Harleston on and as they believed more and the team pushing up managed to push Belper back. With Belper on the back foot the ball broke to Toby Tibbenham who skinned the defender at the top of the circle and smashed his shot home on the reverse stick. With two minutes remaining this was the ideal time to score.

The last two minutes were nail biting but the team kept the ball and closed the game out and seal their place in the last 8 of the competition.

HARLESTON MAGPIES UNDER 11 BOYS MINI TEAM MAKE THE SEMI-FINALS OF THE NORFOLK HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIPS AT GRESHAMS SCHOOL

Magpies U11 Boys were very competitve in what is a difficult tournament for the Norfolk club teams. There were 8 teams competing, 4 from private schools and 4 from Norfolk club teams.

Magpies Group Games:

v Pelicans drew 0-0 (1pt)
Magpies started cautiously, and it was Pelis who had the first chance to score, but the ball hit Magpies post and went wide. Magpies then had chances of their own, with Mitchell Tomkins forcing a fine save from the Pelis keeper, and then a lovely reverse stick shot from Kalun Bedingfield unluckily hit the post and went out. Good defending from Barnaby Carless and Jack Frere-Smith helped keep the final score 0-0.

v Town Close School won 2-1 (3pts) Sonny Molloy, Mitchell Tomkins
Magpies best performance of the season by far, they pressurised Town Close from the start with slick accurate passing, and Sonny Molloy deservedly opened the scoring. Not long after a fine strike from Mitchell Tomkins made it 2-0. Kalun Bedingfield and George Collins were linking up well with the forwards which created more chances for Magpies. Then a slight lapse in defence allowed Town Close to get a goal back, but not long after the final whistle followed to give Magpies a memorable victory.

v Beeston Hall School lost 0-3 (0pts)
Unfortunately Magpies got caught out from the start of this match, and allowed Beeston to score an easy goal. Magpies battled hard to get back into this game, with George Collins doing great covering work at the back. However Beeston were proving difficult to defend down the left and scored a second. Magpies pushed up to try to get something from the game, but were punished again in the last seconds of the match.

Group Runners-up and Semi-Finalists
Magpies finished runners-up of their group on 4pts, which qualified them for the Semi-Finals.


SEMI-FINAL

v Greshams lost 0-1
This was always going to be a tough match against the host School, but Magpies were proving to be very resilient, a series of fine saves from goalkeeper Jonathan Coe kept the scores level. A very painful, stick to knee injury to George Collins disrupted the side, but Josh Elgood came on and worked hard to stem the flow of mounting Gresham attacks. Mitchell Tomkins had a great chance to put Magpies ahead, but it was the Greshams' pressure that finally told as they scored the winner with 2 minutes to go.


3rd/4th PLAY-OFF

v Dereham lost 0-1
Dereham have been the top Club team this season, but Magpies competed very well with shots from Kalun Bedingfield and Sonny Malloy both going just wide, either could have given them the lead. But it was Dereham who scored the only goal, managing to find an unmarked player on the back post who clipped the ball over the line for the winning goal.

This was a good days hockey for the young and improving Magpies team, who are proving to be a difficult team to play against. Very well done guys.

Team: George Collins, Jonathan Coe(GK), Josh Elgood, Kalun Bedingfield, Sonny Molloy, Mitchell Tomkins, Barnaby Carless(Capt) and Jack Frere-Smith

Blueharts 1s 2-2 Harleston 1s

Harleston travelled down to Hitchin this weekend for a tough game against third place Blueharts. The teams started evenly with chances few and far between. Harleston struggled to maintian possession against a Blueharts side that closed them down early. Harleston deservedly took the lead through inform Andy Hipwell slotting home a through ball with a first time shot which took the keeper by surprise. Blueharts struck back quickly when the ball was given away by Harleston which allowed Blueharts to hit them on the break and John Barrett slotted home for Blueharts. The teams then both started to push for the breakthorugh they were after. Harleston eventually found the breakthrough when David Ling played a ball into the path of Cloin Wheelhouse who drew a defender before playing the ball across to Tristan Baynes to slot home from close range. The teams went in at half time with the scores at 2-1.

The second half started similar to the first with possession by both teams given away cheaply. Blueharts were twice reduced to 10 men however this seemed to spur them on more and once they were back to 11 players they equalised with a good deflection at the near post. With time running out Harleston pushed forward in search of the vital winner. On the stroke of time Harleston won a short corner which was put on a foot and with the following corner Harleston won a penalty stroke. Unfortuanelty the stroke was not converted and the game finished with a draw.

HARLESTON MAGPIES 2-2 CLIFTON

This match turned out to be a thriller as first Magpies were in the ascendancy and then Clifton came back strongly at the end. Magpies took the game to Clifton early on and Angie Wheelhouse had the first real chance of the game which was saved by the goalkeeper. Clifton won two penalty corners in the first half which were their only attacking threats at this stage. Magpies deservedly took the lead before half time when Jess Bloom swept home a right wing cross to confirm their ascendancy.

Magpies started the second half well as their forwards continued to trouble the normally solid Clifton defence. Descent from Clifton players led to Magpies being awarded a penalty corner and Angie Wheelhouse’s penalty corner strike was partially saved by the goalkeeper but Anna Truman followed in to force the ball over the line. Promotion chasing Clifton were stunned by the turn of events but as expected responded in a positive way.

Unfortunately Clifton pulled a goal back almost immediately which gave them all the momentum they needed. Magpies started to defend too deep and put themselves under unnecessary pressure. One breakaway saw Jess Bloom clear of the Clifton defence but the goalkeeper did well. In the end Clifton levelled the scores and could even have snatched a third goal as the game turned on its head. In the last minute Magpies won a penalty corner with a chance to snatch a late winner but unfortunately the umpires over turned their first decision.

Next week Magpies play Birmingham University away.

Harleston Magpies 2s 3-3 City of Peterborough 1s

This game for the Magpies was seen as a chance to come back after last weeks dissapointing result. The first goal came from Kathryn Hinsley, who got on the end of a lovely cross into circle from Lucy Miller. The team continued to have a good first half until Peterborough equalised before the end of the half.

After a good first half Magpies were feeling confident going into the second half, but unfortunatly Peterborough scored two early goals as Magpies hadn't yet switched on and gave Peterborough way too much time on the ball.

Magpies' hard work and patience paid off half way through the second half when Lucy Miller did another superb cross to the back post, where Kathryn Hinsley made it 3-2. Magpies continued to put the pressure on and won a short corner late on in the second half, Kath Malvern slipped it right to Artemis Clark who scored to earn the Magpies a 3-3 draw.

Harleston Magpies 2s 6-0 Ely 1s

Magpies kept up the pressure on the top two with a comprehensive victory over lowly Ely. Leading 3-0 at half time, following goals from Robbie Kinsella, Lawrence Baynes and Mike Warlow, it was important they kept their shape in the second half in order to score more goals. Dispite Ely scrapping for every ball, Magpies were able to score three more goals. Mike Warlow scoring a neat solo goal, Jimmy Wheeler finishing off from close range after good work from Stuart Peters, and Matt Brand charged forward from defence to finish well, leaving the final score 6-0.

With 4 points separating the top 4 teams, there is all to play for in the remaining 3 weeks.

Magpies 4s 7-0 Lowestoft Railway 1s

Magpies put in a very strong performance from start to
finish in order to secure 3 more points in division
3NE.

The development team started strongly, putting
pressure on the opposition from the initial push back.
And after some solid defence and good passing moves,
Magpies found themselves 4-0 up at half time including
a penalty stroke from Will Harrison after good work
from Dan Legg and Richard Larkin in a break away move.

The second half also saw magpies on top. Chris Barber
completed his hat trick with a good variety of goals
and looked very lively up front, making good movement.
Richard Larkin managed to score his second after
converting the second penalty stroke of the match.
Mark Legg in goal also made some very good last ditch
saves which helped keep a clean sheet in defence. The
performance was very encouraging in many aspects, with
Dan Legg's fitness looking improved, and no weak
performance amongst any of the team. Hopefully Magpies
will look to consolidate their 4th place in the league
in the last few fixtures.

LADIES 1s v Clifton Ladies' 1s - H - D 2-2
LADIES 2s v City of P'borough 1s - H - D 3-3
LADIES 3s v UEA 1s - A - L 2-3
LADIES Colts A v North Walsham Ladies 1s - A - D 1-1
LADIES 4s v North Walsham Ladies 2s - A - L 2-3
LADIES 5s v Harriers Ladies 1s - H - L 0-1
LADIES 6s v Dereham Colts 2s - H - L 0-2
LADIES Colts B v Norwich Union Ladies 4s - A - W 5-0

MENS 1s v Blueharts 1s - A - D 2-2
MENS 2s v Ely City 1s - H - W 6-0
MENS 3s v Dereham 2s - A - W 4-2
MENS 4s v Lowestoft Railway 1s - H - W 7-0
MENS 5s v Watton 1s - A - L 0-3
MENS 6s v Crane 2s - A - D 1-1
MENS 7s v Norfolk Nomads 1s - H - W 7-3
MENS Vets v City of Peterborough - L 0-1
SUN
U11 Boys Norfolk Championships - losing semi-finalists
U13 Boys Norfolk Championships
National Cup
U18 Boys v Belper - A - W 2-1

Young star takes England step-up in his stride
Report taken from the Diss Express

Harleston Magpies’ Carl Sitch expanded his international horizons last week with three appearances for England Ul8s.

Sitch, 17, spent the week with the Young Lions at the Belle Vue Complex in Manchester and played in all three of their training matches against Ireland.

The visiting Irish side got the better of their English counterparts, winning the first and last fixture, while the home side won Wednesday’s match 2-1.

The former Archbishop Sancroft High School pupil said he had enjoyed the experience, which came on top of winning 12 caps for England Ul6s last year.

“I was told that I had done well by the coaches,” said Sitch, who played left and right-half for England during the week.

“We would have liked to have won all three games but the training was also important and it was the first time we had all played together.

“It was a big step-up from the Ul6s squad, with the speed and the core skills needed.”

The Needham teenager is waiting to hear if he has retained his place in the England squad for the four nations tournament, which will be held in Exeter at Easter.