HARLESTON MAGPIES WEEKEND PREVIEW
3rd November 2007

Harleston Magpies Ladies, sponsored by Kitchen Sense of Harleston, travel to London to play Barnes Hounslow and Ealing on Sunday at 1.30 in their English League Division I game. Magpies need to forget about last weeks match and concentrate on the steady improvement they have made in recent weeks and to concentrate on improving the individual and team performance. “We knew it was going to a very tough season as we tried to blood so many young players and whilst we are struggling for results some of the young players have done exceptionally well” says Manager Nick McAllen. Another youngster Amy Tuffs has been called up for the game on Sunday and whilst she has been on the bench before she has every chance of making her full National League debut this weekend.

Squad: Louisa Greenacre (Capt), Lucy Hayman, Helen Brook, Lucy Miller, Amy Tuffs, Ellie Blake, Debbie McAllen, Laura Parker, Artemis Clark, Amelia Thomson, Sarah Cave, Cherry Seaborn and Angie Wheelhouse.

Magpies Men, sponsored by Durrants, picked up a further three points with an away game against Bedford. The first half lead of 4-0 confirmed a good half, Magpies let the home side back into the game but were never in any danger of dropping points. A harsh yellow card dismissal of David Ling did much to unsettle the visitors pattern.

St Albans took Magpies place at the top of the league on goal difference following their 10-0 drubbing of newly promoted Harpenden.

This week Magpies will have to go up a gear to beat Ipswich who are the visitors to Weybread. St Albans also will have a step up against this season’s surprise team Dereham.

Magpies have only Sam Moore on the injury list with Carl Sitch returning from East commitments and both Tristan Baynes and David Ling continuing their fight to reach full match fitness before the next week’s game against St Albans. Both Magpies and Albans should pick up maximum points leaving the showdown for the following week.

Mini promise for the future

I’m delighted to start this “Chat” by congratulating Nick McAllen and Helen Barber and the rest of the youth committee on the very successful U11 and U13 Boys’ minis tournament hosted by the Club on Sunday. It was good to see a large crowd of parents and other supporters cheering on the teams. The rain which came towards the end of the morning did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of all concerned although it did mean we were forced inside a packed clubhouse for the presentations.

A lot of excellent hockey was played and it was good to see our A teams winning both events with our B team coming second in the U13s. Well done! Running alongside the event was a triangular friendly Girls U11 tournament involving two Magpies’ teams and a Norwich City team. Based on the hockey played by all of our five teams the future of the Club looks very promising and as ever it will be interesting to see how the players develop over the coming years.

Following my last “Chat” I was politely and correctly admonished for failing to draw proper attention to the results achieved so far this season by the Ladies’ 6ths so I am pleased to take this opportunity to put matters right. The team won again last Saturday when they beat Thetford 2nds 6-0 and they have now won four of their six matches to be in second place in Division Three of the Martin & Acock Norfolk League. Well done!

After last Saturday’s matches the Men’s 1sts, 3rds, 6ths and Veterans still have 100% records and this Saturday (3 November) sees two particularly tasty matches when the 3rds are ‘away’ to Magpies’ 4ths at 4.00pm and the 6ths are ‘away’ to Magpies’ 5ths at 10.30am. Both matches will be really worth watching as the 4ths and 5ths have good defensive records this season and they will be out to claim an important scalp each. I have it from an impeccable source that Andy Smith continues to be ‘on fire’ this season for the 3rds and that he was the MOTM last Saturday in the 3-2 away win over Dereham 2nds!

This Sunday two of our teams are in England Hockey cup action at Weybread when at 12 noon the U15 Boys entertain Peterborough and the Men’s Veterans take on Slough at 2.00pm so please come along to cheer our teams on to victory. Best of luck also to the U15 Girls who are away to Pelicans (11.00am).

Last season the Vets reached the final and it would be good to see them do well again this season. One potential candidate for the team said he had not be selected as he ‘upset the balance of the team’ but when I offered it he assured me that at the age of 41 he didn’t need counselling!

A particularly pleasing aspect of the season to date has been the willingness of members to take up the challenge of umpiring and I am very grateful to everyone who has helped out in this vital aspect of the Club’s activities. Several of the members involved went on the training course, organised by Irene Bicker and Jose Tibbenham and run by Norman Hart, at the end of last season and who have since gained the necessary practical experience to take charge of league matches at various levels.

With the outdoor season in full swing the Club has not forgotten about the indoor game and, through Bob Skinner, Nick McAllen has booked 20 weekly Monday night slots at Hobart High School in Loddon. These will be used to give indoor experience to our young members at the various age groups. We are grateful to Bob for his help and to our good friends at Harrod UK Ltd for their assistance with the purchase of a set of indoor goals which will also be used for the benefit of the school.


NB. Regular readers of my “Chats” will have noticed no reference until now of detritus left near the pitches etc and which is usually picked up by two ageing chaps who have better things to do with their time!! Am I missing something here? If I didn’t go on about the problem would it go away? Answers on a postcard ………!

With kind regards and best wishes to all members, supporters and friends of the Club.



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

Mens 4s 2-0 North Walsham

Magpies 2s 4-3 Cambridge University 2s


Next week magpies hope to consolidate their top half
form as they travel to Brentwood.

Magpies 5s 7-0 Loddon 2s

The ladies 5ths had such a good game on Saturday that we are all eager to get back on the pitch!

The ladies played such an expansive game, keeping possesion and moving the ball swiftly around the pitch that opportunities for goals came thick and fast.

The first goal was scored by Rachel Clifford who then went on to score another just before the end of the game. Rachel is having an amazing season, soring goals to her at the moment is as easy as breathing! She went on to score two more in the afternoon with the 6ths.

Claire Bently scored the next in fine style up the right wing. Claire has become a firm fixture on the forward line and is always there to make the best of the opportunity.

Emma Lacey was next up with an sneeky little goal after the goalie had dropped to the floor. Several short corners followed only for Kay Dennis to be denied several times.

Half time was 3- 0 but the ladies have been in this position before and managed to loose the match, so the captain gave a few stern words which included "I do not want to loose!" and the team ran out with goals in their minds and fear in their hearts.

Lisa Kent played an a very extreme match: She was either scoring (2 goals) or falling over. Her contribution to the game was really valued finding speed and space in the right mid. Sam Williams played well and scored an super goal crossed in by Lisa. The poor Loddon keeper was in shock at this point but she kept going and all of the Loddon players kept their chins up and tried to find some attacking opportunities. Any of these such opportunities were very quickly thwarted by the new style defence Karen Hunt and Harri Milburn. Chopping and changing at the back allows Harri to be a sweeper but also a loose cannon often found flying up the pitch. Frances Fulcher and Chelsea Spratling were not overly busy at the back made light work of any breakthrough balls.

The game was finished up by another short corner that did not find the goal just after Kay had made a magnificent strong shot at goal which deflected upwards and hit the frame.

Next week the ladies are on grass at Pulham. Player of the match voted by the players was Harri Milburn (once again!) and Sam Williams.

Bedford 2-4 Harleston Magpies

Harleston travelled to Bedford on the back of 4 wins which saw them sitting at the top of the league. Harleston started slower than in previous weeks struggling to find that early goal that they had been used to. After 15 minutes of a tight game Harleston found the break through hero of the moment Andy Hipwell who slotted home a cross from James Fanger with a neat volley after good work down the right from Tom Sumner and Richard Gill.

As Harleston started to take control of the game Andy Hipwell scored his second following a short corner where he snuck in at the back post after a reverse stick shot from Tristan Baynes was deflected into his path. With Bedford hitting Harleston on the break Iain Martin pulled off a vintage save at his near post. Harleston managed to ease some of the pressure when Andy Hipwell secured another first half hat with a well taken drag flick from a short corner. Harleston rounded off a good first half display after a comedy of defensive errors from Bedford allowed Chris Barber to slot home at the back post as the keeper took out his last defender.

Harleston made a lot of changes at half time which affected their momentum. Bedford pushed forward throwing everything but the kitchen sink at Harleston, however the away team were standing firm. In the end the pressure told as Harleston conceded at a short corner with a well struck shot. Again with pressure mounting Harleston were reduced to 10 men as David Ling was shown yellow on his return from injury showing that he has not lost any of his competitive nature. Down to 10 men Harleston hung on but eventually conceded again from a well worked short corner. With only 5 minutes left Harleston were able to hang on and secure another 3 points which sees them remain joint top of the table on points but now second on goal difference.

Next weekend Harleston host local rivals Ipswich in which promises to be a bruising encounter.

Magpies 6s 6-0 Thetford 2s

Harleston Magpies Ladies 6th team entertained Thetford II and ran out comprehensive winners.

Good movement and one touch hockey enabled Magpies to establish a 3-0 lead at half time. Magpies maintained their dominance throughout the second half. Adding a further 3 goals. Completing a fine 6-0 victory.

The Magpies marksmen were Katie Forsyth 3, Rachael Clifford 2 and Zoe Cole 1.

Magpies 5s 0-1 North Walsham 2s

Harleston Magpies worked hard in the first half for no reward. North Walsham earned a short corner which they worked well past the Harleston defence and goalkeeper Tom Marshall. There was nothing to separate the two teams though Magpies never looked like breaking through the large Walsham defence. Three short corners were won but were never utilized.

A slightly changed team through injury kept the pressure up but was always lacking the goal finish.
It is sad to report the mid-season retirement of John Snelling. He has served the team well and will be a hard act to follow.

One era has ended-another must begin.

Man of the match Tim Mann.

Next week v's Magpies 6ths.
- Robin Hayward

The Magpies Under 11 boys team enjoyed a very sucessful morning at the annual Harleston Tournament.

They got off the to ideal start with a 3-0 win against the Norwich (winners of the previous tournament). Sam Lyne scored 2 goals and Eliot Ashurst scored a brilliant individual goal cutting in from the left wing.

Magpies then beat Dereham 1-0 with the last touch of the game. A well worked short corner saw Eliot smash home with just seconds to go.

In our third match boys had their hardest match against a strong Watton side. Eliot scored with another strong shot from the top of the D in the first 30 seconds. Magpies then had to defend well against several Watton attacks. Innes Rollo and Robert Johnson were tackling superbly in defence. Sam Lyne had several chances to increase our lead. Eliot finally made the result safe with another good shot.

Magpies went into the last match against Pelicans just needing to avoid defeat. The boys dominated possession but were finding it difficult in the pouring rain to score. Sonny Molloy (captain) was controlling midfield as he had throughout the tournament. Several Magpies short corners were saved by the Pelicans keeper but eventually Eliot found a way through to score his 5th goal of the day.

Magpies finished with 12 points. 7 goals scored and 0 conceded & 1st place in the tournament.

As well as Sonny & our goal scorers credit should also go to several boys just starting out on their Magpies playing careers: Harry Murton (in goal), Harry Montgomery, Bertie Blandy, Jack Free-Smith and Sol Barker.

LADIES 1s v Trojans (L) 12.30 (W) H L 0-4
LADIES 2s v Dereham I (L) 1.30 A L 0-5
LADIES Colts A v Beccles 10.45 (S) H
LADIES 5s v Loddon II (L) 10.30 (W) H W 7-0
LADIES 6s v Thetford II (L) 4 p.m. (W) H W 6-0
LADIES Colts B v Norwich City III 1.00 UEA A D 1-1
LADIES Dev. v

MENS 1s v Bedford Town (L) A W 4-2
MENS 2s v Cambridge Uni 2s (L) (W) H W 4-3
MENS 3s v Dereham 2 (L) A W 3-2
MENS 4s v North Walsham (L) (S) H W 2-0
MENS 5s v North Walsham 2 (L) A L 0-1
MENS 6s v Dereham 4 (L) 4.45 (S) H W 5-4
Men VETS v Braintree (L) 3.15 (S) H W 3-0 walkover
Men VETS v Pelis (friendly) (S) H W 3-0

SUN - Boys Minis @ MAGPIES
U11 1st
U13 A 1st
U13 B 2nd

HARLESTON MAGPIES UNDER 13 BOYS
HARLESTON MAGPIES Boys Minis Tournament

A TEAM - 1st

v Magpies B won 2-1 (3pts) Tom Graham (2)

v Pelicans won 4-0 (3pts) Thomas Ridley (2), Mitchell Tomkins, Tom Graham

v Dereham won 2-0 (3pts) Tom Graham (2)

v Norwich City won 4-0 (3pts) Mitchell Tomkins (2), Tom Graham (2)

v Watton won 5-0 (3pts) Thomas Ridley, Tom Graham (3), Kalun Bedingfield

Magpies A finished up with 15pts, 17 goals for, 1 against, which gave them 1st place and winners of the competition.


B TEAM - 2nd

v Magpies A lost 1-2 (0pts) James Bentley

v Dereham won 2-0 (3pts) Giles Flatt, George Collins

v Norwich City won 1-0 (3pts) George Collins

v Watton won 1-0 (3pts) George Collins

v Pelicans lost 0-1 (0pts)

Magpies B finished up with 9pts, 5 goals for, 3 against, which gave them 2nd place in the competition.

Norwich City 3rds 1-1 Magpies Ladies Colts B

The first half of the match was very even with the play both in the Norwich half and Magpies half. Both teams had chances to score but the goalies were making some brilliant saves at both ends.

There were a couple of short corners for both teams but no one managed to find the back of the net. So at the end of the first half it was 0-0.

Both teams started the second half well. About ten minutes into the the half Norwich City scored a goal to take the lead. Magpies kept there heads up and about 10 minutes to go Charlotte Catalano took the ball from the 75 yard line and ran with the ball took it past the defence and put the score to 1-1.

A excellent effort by all the team!

HARLESTON MAGPIES WEEKEND PREVIEW
27 October 2007

Harleston Magpies Ladies, sponsored by Kitchen Sense of Harleston, return to English League Division I action this weekend after a one week absence due to the Territorial Tournament. This week they play Trojans at home on Saturday starting at 12.30 as they still going looking for their first points of the season.

Although this very young side is finding the going tough this season they were certainly worth a point against Loughborough Students in their last home game and in their last League game away against Durham University they were beaten by a freak goal in the final 5 seconds to go down 4-3. On the positive side the team scored goals from Angie Whelhouse, Cherry Seaborn and Artemis Clark but they are conceding too many goals.

Hopefully Magpies will have a full squad to pick from as they taken on a very experienced Trojans side from Southampton ,who have traditionally always proved to be strong opponents.

Squad from: Louisa Greenacre (Capt), Lucy Hayman, Helen Brook, Lucy Miller, Debbie McAllen, Amelia Thomson, Sarah Cave, Artemis Clark, Jess Hull, Laura Parker, Ellie Blake, Katrina Warnes, Kathryn Hinsley, Cherry Seaborn and Angie Wheelhouse.


Magpies Men, sponsored by Durrants, continued their stay at the top of the league following a convincing win against Bishops Stortford. The visitors defended well for the early part of the game but Andy Hipwell’s finishing was in a class of its own with four goals, the first from a corner and the remaining from open play.

Captain Leigh Sitch unavailable through a coaching commitment was replaced by Tristan Baynes. This was the latter’s first league game of the season following a finger injury sustained in a pre-season friendly. A vintage performance at sweeper but a position which Sitch will return to for the trip to Bedford.

Sam Moore sustained a training injury and will miss a few weeks, however David Ling is scheduled to start his comeback following a serious injury with a run out in the second eleven.

Both St Albans and Magpies have games they should win this weekend. Albans game against Harpendon looks to give them anopportunity to make up on goal difference as Magpies game away should result in three points but could be tight.

Robert Stimpson Magpies Manager said after the weekend "Stortford defended very well but we put them under immense pressure which ultimately resulted in a convincing win. We have to guard against complacency. We have to take each game as it comes, whilst we know games against Ipswich, Dereham and St Albans will be tough, we have to continue to treat every side with respect we do not need to lose points unnecessarily."

Magpies 5s 1-3 Thetford

Magpies started off weakly against a mature Thetford side.

Passing quality again was rather substandard which Thetford picked up on to their advantage.
It was not long before Thetford hit the back-board with a forward out-foxing three defenders and past the Magpies Keeper.

Due to maybe fitness and sunshine, the right side of Magpies field rarely received the ball. Unfortunately Tom Miller was taken off with a severe fracture to the knee from a rising ball from a very moist pitch.
Magpies did fight back with a strong shot from Tim Mann before half-time. After receiving the ball inside the D Tim turned and scored with perfection.

However Magpies never threatened the Thetford defence and never used the pitch to its full potential. Communication and support for second phase ball will be needed to ascertain our position in this league.
Man of the match Will Drury.

Next week Cromer away 4pm.
- Robin Hayward

Harleston Magpies 1s 5-2 Bishop Stortford 1s

5 star Magpies see off Stortford

A vintage performance from Andy Hipwell inspired Magpies men to a 5-2 victory over a well organised Bishop Stortford team. Hipwell opened the scoring with a drag flick from a short corner. He then made it 2-0 after a strong run was finished with a superb strike in the top right hand corner. 10 minutes later he went on to complete a first half hat-trick with a deflection from a Richard Gill free hit. Iain Martin later pulled off a superb diving save to keep the lead at 3-0 going in to half time.

Stortford came out strongly in the second half and pulled one back through a corner, when the left post man was unlucky to deflect the shot into his own net past veteran keeper Iain Martin. In an evenly contested second half, Magpies restored their lead with an early contender for goal of the season. James Wheeler started the move inside the home side’s half, initiating a sequence of slick balls to cut open the Stortford defence. James Fanger then squared the ball for Wheeler to finish in style.

Moments later Carl Sitch had a chance to continue his goal scoring form but missed with the goal at his mercy. A plucky Stortford team then struck back midway through the second half from a deflected short corner. However, Magpies Men weren’t finished. Neil Toulson aka ‘the Silver Fox’ ran 30 yards beating the Stortford defender before squaring the ball to Hipwell. The rest was history as he waltzed past 2 Stortford defenders, rounded the keeper and slotted the ball home for his fourth of the game. This ensured a comfortable 5-2 win to maintain top of the table with 4 wins from 4 games.

Next week the men’s 1st team face a tricky away game against Bedford.

LADIES 2s v LADIES 2s v Norwich Union I (L) (W) H L 1-3

MENS 1s v Bishop Stortford (L) (W) H W 5-2
MENS 2s v Cambridgeshire Nomads (L) A L 3-8
MENS 3s v Norwich City 3 (L) (W) H W 7-0
MENS 4s v UEA (L) A L 1-2
MENS 5s v Thetford (L) 10.30 (W) H L 1-3
MENS 6s v Norwich City 4 (L) A W 4-0
Men VETS v Bishop Stortford (L) A W 5-3

Encouraging signs give hope for the future

This is a brief Chat to say that with the season now well underway there have been a number of encouraging signs giving us hope of a successful season.

The Men’s 1sts have won their first three matches; the Men’s Veterans have won their first four matches with a goal record of 36 for and only 3 against (!);

the Ladies’ Development team have won their first two matches;

the Men’s 3rds and Men’s 6ths have still to drop points;

the Men’s 4ths and 5ths have won two of their three matches;

the Boys’ and Girls’ U13s won the North Walsham and Dereham minis respectively with the U11 Boys coming second in their event at North Walsham;

the Ladies’ 2nds are on the up and with the exception of the 1sts all our other Ladies’ teams have recorded their first wins of the season.

We knew it was going to be a testing season for the young and largely inexperienced Ladies’ 1sts but after the disappointing start against Sunderland their other results have been encouraging and only a freak last second goal by Durham University denied them an away point they deserved. To see the ball loop into the net off a defender’s stick was hard to take and the DU manager sportingly said we deserved to get something from the game. Despite the defeat there were quite a number of positives including finding the net three times.

Off the field of play
the attractive new balcony is now in use as is the disabled toilet and I remind readers that the latter is available for use by everyone. The much promised stairlift will be fitted to the side staircase in the next couple of weeks. That will complete the upgrade of our facilities for this year not forgetting that the floodlights on both pitches were upgraded during the summer.

If you have been to the club recently
I also hope you have noticed the external painting which has been done of late. If you like it I will claim most of the credit but if you don’t I’ll blame my trainees John Pestell, Tony Williams and Peter Halls!! Joking apart I thank them for their hard work and good company and also Doug Sitch, for all the jobs he has done recently to help maintain the clubhouse in good condition, and David Cobbald and Andrew Longe for all their invaluable work on the grounds.

I also thank all those who attended the recent Quiz Evening
including, of course, Quiz Master Richard Rusted and the Ladies’ and Men’s 1st for providing the excellent ‘nibbles’. The attendance of 60 was, frankly, a little disappointing. Nevertheless we had an enjoyable and challenging evening!

Congratulations and best wishes
to the following members who have been selected to play for the East in the forthcoming regional tournaments.

Calianne Clark (U15s), Artemis Clark and Chloe Hobson (U17s) at Millfield School this coming weekend. Best wishes also to Leigh Sitch who is coaching the U15s.

Carl Sitch (U17s) at Belle Vue, Manchester on 26-28 October. Best wishes also to manager Jose Tibbenham.

The next two social and fund raising events
are the Fireworks Spectacular on Friday 2 November (gates open 6.00pm) and the Cocktail Evening on Saturday 24 November (7.30pm). PLEASE COME ALONG!! Tickets are on sale behind the bar.


With kind regards and best wishes to all members, supporters and friends of the Club.



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

HARLESTON MAGPIES WEEKEND PREVIEW
20 October 2007

Magpies Men, despite being without Tristan Baynes and David Ling hit good form for the majority of the game to secure a convincing win against Blueharts. It looks very much like being a two horse race with St Albans beating Cambridge City to remain equal top with Magpies. This week Albans have a daunting trip to Havering. Whilst Albans would be expected to beat Havering no side has an easy run at this venue.

Magpies entertain newly promoted Bishops Stortford who have yet to win a game and sit one place from the bottom of the league.

Captain Leigh Sitch misses this game due to coaching commitments but Tristan Baynes is hoping to get medical clearance to take his place in the squad. David Ling continues to do non contact training and is perhaps three weeks away from a return to first team action.

Robert Stimpson Magpies Manager said "we were really pleased with our performance at Blueharts, I was predicting a convincing win sooner or later and it is good to achieve this away from home against one of the better sides in the league. We need to put in some consistent performances every week in all positions to put pressure on St Albans. Whilst the games against St Albans will be crucial I think the side winning the league will secure better results against all sides throughout the season.”

Magpies Ladies Colts B 3-3 Thetford 2s

In the first half Thetford were quick off the mark and scored an early goal. Magpies kept their heads up and equalised from a short corner by Shirley.

Despite a lot of pressure from Magpies the score remained1-1 at half time.In the second half after some cooling refreshments Magpies quickly scored again by Beth but Thetford fought back and scored their second goal of the game.

Magpies again kept the pressure up and Hannah on her debute scored the third goal.With minutes to go Thetford managed to pull one back to bring the final score to 3-3.

DURHAM UNIVERSITY 4-3 Harleston Magpies

A game that started so well for Magpies ended with Durham taking the lead for the first time in the match in the final second with a freak lobbed goal off a defenders stick and the final whistle went before the game could be restarted.

This was a cruel way to lose a game in which Magpies had promised so much in the early stages. Magpies early pressure saw them deservedly take the lead when Angie Wheelhouse scored from a right wing cross and a well worked free hit between Debbie McAllen and Angie nearly set up Cherry Seaborn for another goal.

Good attacking play saw Magpies increase their lead to 2-0 nil when Artemis Clark scored with a good penalty corner strike. Despite the scoreline the Durham forwards were causing the Magpies defence a number of problems and it was no surprise when they pulled a goal back before half time.

In the second half the Magpies defence individually and collectively were increasingly stretched by the Durham forwards and Durham pulled it back to 2-2. Within minutes 15 years old Cherry Seaborn broke into the Durham circle and scored her first National League goal with a shot from the top of the circle which put Magpies 3-2 in front. Despite her young age she has certainly impressed this season and it was nothing less than she deserved.

Both defences were struggling to cope with the other sides attackers and despite some excellent saves from goalkeeper Lucy Hayman Durham pulled it back to 3-3. At this point the game could have gone either way but just as the match seemed to be certain to finish in a draw a cruel twist of fate saw Durham snatch the winner.

Magpies defence had improved considerably in recent weeks so on a day when the Magpies forwards excelled it was disappointing that they made a number of basic errors that cost them the chance of a result.

LADIES 1s v Durham University (L) A L 3-4
LADIES 2s v IES 1s (L) 11.30 A W 5-1
LADIES Colts A v Norwich U 3s (L) (W) H W 2-0
LADIES 5s v Norwich City 3s (L) 4.00 UEA A L 1-6
LADIES 6s v Herlings (L) 12.15 (S) H W 2-1
LADIES Colts B v Thetford 2s (L) 1.30 A D 3-3
LADIES Dev. v Lowestoft (L) W 9-0
Sun
Girls U13 1st @ North Walsham Minis

MENS 1s v Blueharts (L) A W 6-2
MENS 2s v Crostyx (L) 2.15 (W) H L 1-2
MENS 3s v Bury St Edmunds 2s (L) A W 2-0
MENS 4s v I E S 2s (L) 4.00 (W) H W 3-0
MENS 5s v Bury St Edmunds 4s (L) A L 1-2
MENS 6s v Bury St Edmunds 3s (L) (S) H W 5-0
Men VETS v Bedford Town (L) (W) H W 12-2
Sun
Men VETS v Norwich City (EH Vets Cup) cancelled
Boys U11 2nd & U13 1st @ North Walsham Minis

HARLESTON MAGPIES U13 GIRLS WIN THE N WALSHAM TOURNAMENT

Magpies Under 13 Girls won the N Walsham Tournament to record their first win of the season. The team started well beating Watton 5-0 as they quickly rattled in the goals thanks to Keira Booty 2, Sarah Brook 2 and Holly Baker.

They then beat Norwich City B 4-0 with Lucy Crawford scoring twice, Sarah Brook and Lizzie Jones. The crunch game against Norwich City A finished 0-0, but Magpies dominated the game but just could not finish off all the many chances they created.

In the final game against N Walsham goals from Sarah Brook and Keira Booty saw Magpies home with a 2-0 win and first place in the Tournament.

Team: Beth Absolon (Capt), Katie Rudd, Sophie Podd, Elizabeth Jones, Sarah Brook, Holly Baker, Keira Booty and Lucy Crawford.

HARLESTON MAGPIES UNDER 13 BOYS
North Walsham Minis - 1st

A perfect start to the new season.

v Dereham won 2-0 (3pts) Tom G, Dom

v Pelicans won 3-0 (3pts) Thom R, Will, Tom G

v North Walsham won 7-0 (3pts) Thom R (3), Mitchell, Tom G (3)

v Watton won 5-0 (3pts) Thom R (2), Dom, Tom G (2)

v Norwich City won 6-0 (3pts) Thom R (2), Mitchell, Tom G (2), Kalun

Magpies finished up with 15pts, 23 goals for, none against, which gave them 1st place and winners of the competition.

Blueharts 2-6 Harleston Magpies

Harleston travelled to Hitchin to face a Blueharts struggling to find form in the league. Harleston as in previous games came out of the blocks flying, stringing together early passes and switching play well. Harleston took a deserved lead after Neil 'Thierry Henry' Toulson ghosted through the bemused Blueharts defence to leave a gaping hole at the top of the D where Andy Hipwell found Carl Sitch who slapped the ball into the bottom corner of the goal.

Harleston found themselves two goals up as Andy Hipwell continued his scoring run with a drag flicked short corner. Harleston as in previous weeks lost momentum and conceded when Stuart Leate was unfortunate to turn the ball into his own net with a finish any attacker would have been proud off. Harleston managed to hang to their lead with some excellent defending from Andy Bedwell and Tom Sumner, with Richard Gill clearing the ball off the line at a short corner.

Again at the start of the second half Harleston were playing some very attractive hockey opening up the Blueharts defence. Harleston were able to extend their lead through another short corner which Carl Sitch turned in after the original shot from Leigh Sitch was saved. Harleston gave themselves even more breathing space when Neil Toulson took a bobbling ball from Andy Hipwell ahead of the keeper to calmly slot home.

Blueharts were allowed back into the game after a dubious tackle led to them with time and space in the D to slot home past the advancing Iain Martin. With Blueharts again reduced to 10 men Harleston continued to push forward and found a 5th after good work down the left between Sam Moore and Chris Barber, Chris was able to slot the ball home from a tight angle as the Blueharts keeper advanced out, scoring his first 1st team league goal.

Harleston were not finished yet and found time to add a 6th as Richard Gill smashed tha ball in with a volley after the ball came up off the keeper at a short corner.

This result ended 6 years of hurt for Harleston at Blueharts.

Next week sees Harleston hosting newy promoted Bishop Stortford at home with the returning Tristan Baynes adding to the strength of the side.

On a glorious sunny morning at Weybread Magpies had a very successful set of results.

MAGPIES YOUTH
HALF TERM COURSES

WEDNESDAY 24th Oct

THURSDAY 25th Oct

For Boys and Girls, 9 to 14 year olds

COST:
£12 FOR ONE DAY AND
£7 FOR ANY OTHER DAY

10.00am-4.00pm Each Day

This is for outfield players only. Regrettably no Goalkeepers on this Course

DO NOT JUST TURN UP ON THE DAY – PLEASE BOOK IN ADVANCE
USING THE FORM BELOW

Organiser Nick McAllen 01508 493269

>> Click here for application form <<

HARLESTON MAGPIES WEEKEND PREVIEW
13 October 2007

Harleston Magpies Ladies make the long trip up north this weekend to play Durham University in their English League Division I game starting at 12.00. Magpies will be looking to continue the improvement they have made in the last two matches against Doncaster and Loughborough Students and if they can do it then there is every chance they will be able to record their first point or points of the season.

Last weeks home performance against Loughborough was definitely worth a point, but Coach Colin Wheelhouse will be looking for this young side to continue learning and improving, but the first result of the season would just give the side a big boost in confidence to know they are doing the right things. The application and work rate has been excellent this season and the youngest player in the squad Cherry Seaborn at 15 years old has certainly impressed up front.

Durham University were promoted last season and are obviously finding their feet at this level but they produced an excellent result the other week beating Sutton Colfield, after a poor result in their opening game.

Probable Squad: Louisa Greenacre (capt), Lucy Hayman, Helen Brook, Ellie Blake, Lucy Miller, Debbie McAllen, Sarah Cave, Amelia Thomson, Jess Hull, Artemis Clark, Laura Betts, Cherry Seaborn and Angie Wheelhouse.

Magpies Men remained at the top of the division following a win against Broxbourne. A reasonable first half performance resulted in a 2-0 lead however Magpies took their foot off the pedal and had to hang on after letting the visitors back into the game. It was certainly a bad day at the office as too many players had poor games.Injuries and unavailability has disrupted recent performances. Stuart Leate played half a game following injury, Tristan Baynes and David Ling are still out through injury, both players are healing well with Baynes likely to be in contention for a place on 20th October.

This week sees a visit to Blueharts who have won one and lost one with their most recent loss being against Dereham. If Magpies can replicate some of their better pre-season form then they will remain at the top of the league. Early season form puts recently relegated St Albans equal top with Magpies. Game of the day is likely to be St Albans visit to third placed Cambridge City.

All three of the top sides have a hundred per cent record. A guide to form is that both St Albans and Cambridge City have beaten Ipswich by the odd goal. Robert Stimpson Magpies Manager commented earlier this week "I am pleased to have won both games without really hitting any sort of form. Our injuries have disrupted our season but we are very close to being able to field a settled side we will hit a big score soon. However to keep winning with mediocre performances tells me something about our squad".

West Herts 2s 0-5 Magpies 2s

Magpies ran out this game winners, with a convincing
5-0 scoreline without ever totally reaching their best
form.

Magpies started the game strongly, winning numerous
short corners in a row, however were unable to convert
any, eventually though the pressure told as magpies
managed to score twice from open play thanks to
smartly taken goals from Gavin Cole and James Stacey.

Magpies managed to keep the defence tight but Mark
Lewis in goal came out quickly when he needed to.
Before half time magpies managed to give themselves
some breathing space. Richard Larkin's short corner
strike making the lead 3-0. On the half time whistle
another short corner was awarded and magpies put the
ball in the goal, however Phil Cobbalds stroke was
disallowed as it was decided that the ball never left
the circle from the injection!

After half time West Herts came out fighting strongly,
however again the magpies defence held strong, and
having absorbed the early pressure, a fourth goal was
added to the tally, with Jimmy Wheeler converting a
scrappy goal after the ball had been whizzing around
the Werts Herts circle. A fifth goal also came in the
form of Robbie Kinsella, who deserved a goal after he
had earlier hit the post.

Magpies were pleased to take the three points, however
the feeling was that there was still much room for the
performance to improve next week at home to Crostyx.

HARLESTON MAGPIES LADIES 1-2 LOUGHBOROUGH STUDENTS

Harleston Magpies were unfortunate not to have picked up their first point of the season as they pushed Loughborough all the way and this young side showed how much they have improved in the the last two weeks.

Magpies were fast out of the blocks and pressed the visitors very hard in the opening ten minutes with Cherry Seaborn and Angie Wheelhouse supported by Laura Parker threatening to open up the Loughborough defence. All this good work was wasted as Loughboroughs first real attack was not cleared properly allowing them to take the lead with a scrappy goal.

Magpies responded within a few minutes when pressure won them a penalty corner and Artemis Clark levelled the scores with a fierce corner strike. This was nothing less than Magpies deserved and with renewed confidence they continued to control the first half but unfortunately they were unable to add to their score.

Loughborough started well in the second half and Magpies were forced back in the opening ten minutes but survived this pressure and Helen Brook was having a solid game at left defender. Magpies never had the same control in the second half and fell behind to a second Loughborough goal in a disappointing way.

Magpies worked hard to get themselves back into the game and came close to a last minute equaliser from a free hit but it was not to be. This was a very positive performance by Magpies and confirms they are moving in the right direction.

Harleston Magpies 3-2 Broxbourne

Harleston entertained Broxbourne for their first home league game. Harleston started the stronger of the two sides playing some nice hockey, preventing Broxbourne from entering their 25 for 10 minutes. Harleston deservedly took the lead through Andy Hipwell after he latched onto a through ball before audaciously lobbing the keeper on his reverse stick.

Harleston soon found themselves 2 goals up again Andy Hipwell scoring from a penalty corner. Harleston took their foot off the pedal which allowed Broxbourne to get back into the game with Iain Marting having to make a diving save to preserve Harleston's clean sheet at half time.

Harleston again struggled to get going in the second half which allowed Broxbourne to come at them, Harleston conceded a penalty stroke as Iain Martin made a diving safe with his back stick which Broxbourne slotted home. This was the wake up call that Harleston needed as they again extended their lead to 2 goals as Chris Barber rounded the keeper twice before crossing the ball for Neil Toulson to tap home at the back post.

Harleston were then awarded a penalty stroke as Chris Barber was flattened by the Broxbourne but Harleston weren't able to convert which set up a tense last 15 minutes. Harleston struggling to string passes together conceded again from a well worked short corner but were able to cling on to their lead to seal another 3 points.

Next week Harleston travel to Blueharts.

HARLESTON MAGPIES U13 GIRLS AT PELICANS MINI TOURNAMENT

Harleston Magpies entered two U13 Girls teams in the first Tournament of the season at Pelicans finishing 3rd and 8th.

U13 A team finished 8th
v Pelicans A drew 1-1 Paris Wood
v Watton drew 0-0
v Greshams lost 0-3
v Norwich A drew 0-0

7th/8th play off
v Norwich B lost 0-1

Team: Katherine Ridley, Henrietta McDaniel, Hannah Gormley, Lucy Pring, Rosie Cole, Anna Lacey, Paris Wood and Jemima Jacobs.

U13 B team finished 3rd
v Dereham won 1-0 Beth Absolon
v Pelicans B lost 0-1
v Norwich B won 2-0 Lucy Crawford, Sarah Brook

Semi Finals
v Greshams lost 0-1

3rd/4th Play off
v Norwich A won 2-0 Keira Booty, Sarah Brook

Team: Bethan Absolon, Katie Rudd, Sophie Podd, Sarah Brook, Holly Baker, Lizzie Jones, Lucy Crawford and Keira Booty.

It was good to be able to enter two Under 13 teams in the first Tournament of the season to give 16 players the opportunity to play and show what they can do.

Magpies 5s 3-0 Sudbury 3s

Harleston Magpies started strongly with some excellent stick work from Ben Wright and Charles Durrant. However it was Sudbury who put the pressure on the Magpies goal with three short corners in quick succession, ome of which had to be excellently saved by keeper Tom Marshall.

Magpies settled down well after this and with some constructive midfield play were soon 1-0 up thanks to a good strike from Charles Durrant.

In the second half, Magpies maintained the pressure with the defence having very little to do. Ben Wright continued to impress and almost scored but the shot was well saved by the keeper. Two more goals came from short corners, one being neatly slotted away from a tight angle by young Sam Collins and the second from the old hand-Tim Mann.

Final score Magpies 3 Sudbury 0
- Robin Hayward

Sunday 7th October 2007

Magpies Girls first under 11 tournament of the season was held on Sunday Oct 7 at Pelicans.

Magpies started against a strong and well organised Gresham team (eventual winners) and finally lost a tough opening game 2-0. Further games against Dereham, Pelicans and Norwich city resulted in goaless draws. Magpies best performance was against Watton where 2 goals from the impressive Saffron Wilford enabled the girls to get their first win.

Strong performances from Saffron Wilford, Kira Wooltorton and Georgia Pearson ably supported by goalkeeper Madaline Eglington, Catherine Kilbourn, Jessica Young, Olivia Gooderham and Harriet Catchpole enabled magpies to finish a creditable 3rd.

LADIES 1s v Loughborough S (L) 12.30 (W) H L 1-2
LADIES 2s v Lincoln I (L) 1.45 (S) H D 2-2
LADIES Colts A v Sprowston I (L) 2.00 A L 1-0
LADIES 5s v Evergreens II (L) 3.15 (S) H L 3-5
LADIES 6s v Diss (L) 11.00 A L 2-3
LADIES Colts B v Herlings (L) 2.00 A D 2-2
LADIES Dev. v Norwich Union conceded to magpies
Sun
Girls U11 3rd & U13 3rd and 8th, Minis @ Pelicans

MENS 1s v Broxbourne (L) 2.15 (W) H W 3-2
MENS 2s v West Herts 2 (L) A W 5-0
MENS 3s v Pelicans 2 (L) 12.15 (S) H W 2-1
MENS 4s v Sudbury 2 (L) A L 0-2
MENS 5s v Sudbury 3 (L) 4.00 (W) H W 3-0
MENS 6s v Crane 2 (L) A W 2-0
Men VETS v Bury St Edmunds (L) A W 5-0

Sudbury 2s 2-0 Magpies Mens 4s

Magpies Mens 4th XI found their first trip on the road more challenging than they expected coming up against a spirited Sudbury 2nd XI who had only narrowly been defeated the previous week. Nevertheless the tireless work rate of the young Magpies team was a real positive of the day and a lot was learnt from this encounter.

Indeed it was not until the second half that Sudbury final found a way through Magpies solid defence to get the opener. Charlie Graham and Louis Stevens in Magpies defence proving just how much they have come on since the start of the season with outstanding performances.

Sudbury finally gaining their second close to the end of the game when, with Magpies chasing an equaliser, Sudbury caught Magpies on the break leaving Charlie Garrod in goal with a two forwards to deal with. A situation despite his best efforts he could do little about.

Herlings 2-2 Harleston Magpies Ladies Colts B

The first half was tough for both teams Magpies kept a lot of the possession but Herlings kept fighting back and were very strong in defence.

The first goal scored was from Magpies by Beth Alexander and the score stayed 1-0 for the rest of the first half. The second half saw Herlings with most of the possession and many short corners, scoring a goal from one of these short corners and levelling the score at 1-1, then Herlings managed to score another putting them into the lead at 2-1.

After Herlings two goals they had one disallowed. Magpies kept their heads up and managed to bring the score back to 2-2 giving Beth her second goal of the game. Although both teams kept up the hard work the score remained 2-2 at the final whistle.