Angie’s trick and a timely boost

Just over two weeks ago the Men’s 1sts gave a superb display to beat St Albans and last Saturday the Ladies’ 1sts matched it with their well-deserved 3 – 1 win over Sutton Coldfield. All members of the squad were on top form and Angie Wheelhouse’s hat trick was something to behold – a reverse stick shot for the first, a rasping drive high into the net for the second on the cusp of half time and following a superb run by Laura Parker a conversion at the right hand post for the third. The team overcame Sutton Coldfield’s early goal in the second half to give themselves this timely boost going into the long outdoor Christmas break. Well done to all the players and manager Nick McAllen and coach Colin Wheelhouse.

Not to be outdone the Men’s 2nds also recorded a hat trick in the next match (through Gavin Cole) when they gave an impressive display in beating Saffron Walden 7 – 2 to further their promotion chances.

On Sunday we fielded three teams in their respective national youth cups and all three won by various methods and margins. The U18 Girls squeezed through against Ipswich following a 2 -2 draw and a controversial penalty strokes barrage while the U15 Boys beat Dereham 23 - 0 in one of the most ill-matched games imaginable. Our boys were considerably older and bigger than their opponents and one can only hope that the sporting Dereham lads will not be too discouraged by the experience and result. To their credit they kept going and even forced a penalty corner in the last few seconds of the game. In the last match of an eventful afternoon the U18 Boys had a comfortable 4-0 win over Cambridge Nomads. They played well to establish a 3-0 half time lead before some indifferent passing let them down after the break. Congratulations to our teams and best of luck in the next round.

The pitch perimeter advertising boards on the water-based pitch are an important means of fund raising for the club and I thank James Goodson for obtaining the BP LPG board and James Stacey for providing the board advertising his shop (O&C Butcher) in Aldeburgh. Both boards have been erected to the left of the goal at the clubhouse end of the pitch so please give them a look plus all the others around the pitch kindly provided by the various sponsors. If any other members can help the club by this method would they please have a word with me?

The club is also very grateful to Mercian Sports Co. Limited and England Hockey’s Youth Trust for donating a junior goalkeeping set to us following the award of our Clubs 1st designation.

The Cocktail Evening held in the clubhouse last Saturday was a great success although once again it would have been even better had he had another thirty or so people present. The atmosphere was terrific and I thank everyone who supported the event including, of course, the main organisers, namely Tracy Baker, Mary Wright, Graham Clark and Laura Betts. I also thank everyone else who worked so hard to make the event so enjoyable including the two 2nd teams who provided the excellent catering.

Colchester HC is celebrating its centenary with a special dinner on Friday 29 February 2008. The guest of honour will be hockey umpire and Chief Executive of the England and Wales Cricket Board David Collier. If you would like to attend this event please let me know in the hope we can organise a Magpies’ table.


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
27 November 2007

Magpies Coaching Committee are pleased to announce the visit of

ANNA SUCKLING BSc SRD ASD of Nutri-tactics
www.nutri-tactics.co.uk

Anna is a State Registered & Accredited Sports Dietician and specialises in multi-sprint sports including hockey, football and rugby.

Anna will be giving a talk which is geared to hockey and how we can all maximise our performance by looking after the needs of our body.

This meeting is open to all club members, coaches, parents, team managers etc.

Wednesday December 5th at 8.15pm in the clubhouse.

HARLESTON MAGPIES WEEKEND PREVIEW
1st December 2007

Harleston Magpies Ladies, sponsored by Kitchen Sense of Harleston, no game

Harleston Magpies Men, sponsored by Durrants, continued in winning ways against bottom of the
table Harpenden. Although this wasn't the goal glut some anticipated Magpies extended their lead at the top of the league with St Albans' being the victim of a frozen pitch. Harpenden made Magpies fight all the way but keeper Martin had but one shot throughout the entire game.

This week looks to be a sterner test with local rivals Dereham the visitor's to Weybred.Magpies will have to be at the top of their game as the visitors are sure to go up a gear for this encounter. Neil Toulson is expected to be fit and Magpies retain their squad of fourteen. St Albans have to visit fourth placed Bluharts and this is also likely to be a close game.

Robert Stimpson commented earlier this week "We had hoped for a better win but with a number of our players having off days and Harpenden performing their best of the season we were happy to grind out the three points. First versus fifth and second versus fourth are both likely to be close games and we will have to be at our best throughout the pitch to secure the points."

LADIES 1s v Sutton Coldfield (L) (W) H W 3-1
LADIES 2s v City of Peterborough (L) A L 0-1
LADIES Colts A v Watton II (L) 2.30 A L 0-4
LADIES 5s v Pelicans Colts (L) 11.00 A L 0-5
LADIES 6s v Yarmouth III (L) H conceded to us
LADIES Colts B v UEA III (L) 11.30 A L 5-1
SUN - National Cup
U18 Girls v Ipswich H 12.00 W D 2-2
Won 2-1 on Penalty Flicks

MENS 1s v Harpenden # (L) A W 3-0
MENS 2s v Saffron Walden (L) (W) H W 7-2
MENS 3s v UEA (L) A D 1-1
MENS 4s v Bury St Edmunds 2 (L) H W 3-2
MENS 5s v Norwich City 4 (L) A L 1-2
MENS 6s v Bury St Edmunds 4 (L) H D 2-2
Men VETS v City of Peterborough (L) A W 3-0
SUN - National Cup
U15 BOYS v Dereham H 1.00 S W 23-0
U18 BOYS v Cambs Nomads H (W) W 4-0

Harleston Magpies 3-1 Sutton Coldfield

A hatrick of the highest quality from Angie Wheelhouse ensured that Magpies secured their first League win of the season against a high riding Sutton Coldfield team and showed that this young Magpies team had finally come of age.

Magpies started well taking the game to the visitors but could never relax against the quality of the Sutton forward line. Angie Wheelhouse opened the scoring in the first half with a reverse stick shot to go 1-0 in front and was well supported all game by Laura Parker whilst the pace of Cherry Seaborn was a constant threat. With Angie in devastating form she put Magpies further in front before half time with a ferocious shot into the roof of the net.

Despite all the warnings at half time Magpies lost concentration at the beginning of the second half and allowed Sutton to pull the score back to 2-1. For 10 minutes Magpies were rattled under pressure but survived a few scares thanks to good goal keeping from Lucy Hayman and a few missed chances. Magpies gradually recovered their composure and threatened to add to their score.

Jess Hull playing her first game at centre midfield did well whilst Katrina Warnes at left midfield was highly competitive. Magpies were producing a real team performance and once again no one could fault the commitment of the side. With ten minutes to go Laura Parker broke down the right and crossed for Angie to complete her hatrick with a first time shot.

In their final League game before Christmas Magpies will take a great deal of belief from this performance and can look forward to the second half of the season knowing that they can now compete at this level.

GIRLS U18 NATIONAL CUP

HARLESTON MAGPIES U18s 2-2 IPSWICH U18s 2
(WON 2-1 ON PEN STROKES)

Magpies produced a woeful first half performance where they hardly had a shot and did not win a single penalty corner, whilst conceding several themselves. Ipswich took the lead from a freakish bobbly shot from a penalty corner but probably deserved their first half lead.

Magpies produced much more of a fighting performance in the second half led by captain Jess Hull, where for the first time they really pressed Ipswich in their half. As a result they levelled the scores from their first penalty corner when Artemis Clark fired home. Just as Magpies were pushing for the winner Ipswich broke away to win a penalty corner and scored to make it 2-1.

Magpies hauled themselves back into the game with a late winner when Artemis Clark scored from a penalty corner after the first shot had been saved.

Magpies won 2-1 on penalty strokes in a rather unsatisfactory manner.

Harpenden 0-3 Magpies Men 1s

Magpies 1st XI travelled down Harpenden looking to continue their 100% start to the season. However when one of the umpires called off on Saturday morning it looked like the match would be abandoned. Fortunately another umpire was found and the match got underway without any real disruption.

Harleston started the game looking to show the attacking play that has taken them to top of the league and came out the blocks the stronger. However for all their possession Magpies were unable to produce any real clear-cut chances and after their initial good spell, Harpenden came in to the game. The away team were unable to produce their usual brand of passing hockey and became increasingly frustrated as Harpenden looked to play on the break.

Harleston were generally comfortable at the back but did have one scare when a lone Harpenden striker was put through. However veteran keeper Martin used all his experience to hold the forward up long enough for Leigh Sitch to make a covering tackle.

The second half started with the home team still packing the defence and clearly looking to hold on for a draw. Magpies were still unable to get into top gear but eventually a break through came after some crappy play in the D resulted in James Fangor poking the ball over the line.

The goal relaxed Harleston and two further goals were added from Richard “goal machine” Gill through neatly deflected short corners. Tristan Baynes also went close with a reverse stick shot that narrowly went over the bar.

Magpies were pleased to keep a second clean sheet of the season and although this was not their best display of hockey, a ninth successive win meant with St Albans not playing they stretched their lead at the top of the league to 6 points.

Harleston Under 18's 4-0 Cambridge Nomads Under 18's

Harleston Magpies hosted Cambridge Nomads in the Under 18 National Cup competition for the third successive season looking to continue their string of good results against the opposition. Harleston came out of the blocks flying, pressurising the Cambridge defence at every opportunity. With only 2 minutes on the clock Harleston found a break through following a short corner struck by Dan Legg forced a save from the goal keeper and Carl Sitch was the quickest to pounce on the rebound to slot home.

Harleston continued to push on playing scintillating flowing hockey going forward, the movement off the ball simply cutting the Cambridge defence to shreds. With the sustained pressure Harleston scored their second through Chris Barber following a decisive ball from Richard Larkin.

With George Moore coming on with a fresh pair of legs caused immediate problems for the Cambridge left back with his stick skills, it was on one of these mazy runs that George won a short corner which Richard Larkin was able to convert following a good routine.

With Harleston cruising at half time they took their foot off the gas and allowed Cambridge back into the games as they came out fighting. The second half was a much more even contest as Harleston started to dribble with the ball too much which disjointed their flowing hockey.

Despite the game becoming more open the Harleston defensive unit of Johnson, Legg, Blandy, Snelling and Stevens held firm, their dominance so superior that Julian Waelzholz didn't even have a save to make. With chances few and far between Harleston rounded off a good performance when Chris Barber scored his second at a short corner.

Magpies Mens 4s 3-2 Bury St Edmunds 2s

This was by far Magpies Development XI best performance of the year if you exclude the first 10 minutes of the match! Magpies started very slowly against one of the top teams in the league and Bury seized upon this and took the initiative scoring twice in quick succession.

With the game looking like a one way affair the resilience and determination of Magpies young players shone through and with the introduction of Dan Legg and Ben Wright into the Midfield Magpies turned round the slow start and started to pressurise the Bury keeper who looked unbeatable saving shots with all parts of his body.

Craig Snelling eventually managed to break the deadlock arriving late in the D to sweep the ball low and hard into the goal. This goal before half time proved to be decisive and gave Magpies the encouragement they needed to keep chasing the game in the second half which they all did. The forwards of Will Bamber, Andy Caston, George Moore all created opportunities and eventually completed the victory through a Bamber brace of short corner variations.

UEA 3s 5-1 Magpies Ladies Colts B

On a very cold morning and a delayed start because of a lack of umpire for the UEA play eventually started with UEA quickly getting their first goal. Magpies played well but could not prevent UEA's strong forward line quickly adding to this tally to make it 5-0 at half time.

In the second half Magpies fought back strongly Shirley McAllen scored from a short corner and the UEA failed to add any further goals thanks to some good defending from the Magpies.

More Magpies’ Mini Magic!

It was pleasing to see so many people at the club last Sunday for the girls’ minis tournament expertly run by Shirley and Nick McAllen with invaluable help from Richard Larkin (timekeeper), Amy Tuffs (i/c scoreboard), Kirstin Cumming with her team in the kitchen and the Club members who kindly umpired - my thanks to them all. On a cold but thankfully dry morning we saw a lot of excellent hockey and congratulations to Magpies A, managed by Nigel Wooltorton, on winning the U13 event.

The previous day it was good to see former HMHC members Ali Bicker and Lou Waite returning to Weybread with the Doncaster team. Not for the first time Ali scored against us but at least Lou didn’t this time as she was hobbling around on crutches following a football injury. To my disappointment she declined to use the stairlift! Nevertheless I’m sure we all wish her a speedy recovery! As for the game the Ladies’ 1sts played well in their search for that elusive first point (or three) of the season before letting their first half lead slip after the break. Best of luck to the team this Saturday (12.30pm) when in the last outdoor national league match until February 2nd (!) they entertain Sutton Coldfield coached by Magpies’ Vice-President Debbie Leonard who will be making a welcome return to the club.

Congratulations to the Men’s 1sts on retaining their 100% record with a comfortable 3-0 home win over Havering. After conceding three quick goals just before half time Havering packed their defence even more in the second half to thwart the lively Magpies’ forwards. This Saturday the team is away to Harpenden while second-placed St Albans are at home to Broxbourne who have yet to hit form this season.

Have you paid your subscription yet please? If not please do so this weekend. If we applied the rules very strictly all defaulters would by now have been banned from playing until they had paid. I do not want this to happen but unless payment is received in the next few days this might well be the consequence as is an entry on the imminent ‘Name and Shame’ list to be displayed in the clubhouse.


And next day after the Cocktail Evening why not spend a few enjoyable hours at the Club cheering our teams to victory in their respective national youth cups, namely U18 Girls v Ipswich (12.00), U15 Boys v Dereham (1.00pm) and U18 Boys v Cambs Nomads (2.00pm).

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
22 November 2007

HARLESTON MAGPIES WEEKEND PREVIEW
24th November 2007

Harleston Magpies Ladies, sponsored by Kitchen Sense of Harleston, play Sutton Coldfield at home starting at 12.30 in their English League Division I game. This is Magpies final League game before Christmas break prior to the start of the Indoor season.

Sutton Coldfield who were unfortunate to be relegated from the Premier Division last season are coached by Debbie Leonard who knows Magpies well as she coached the Harleston team for four years before work took her back to the Midlands.

Although Magpies are struggling this season they had their chances last week against Doncaster and for the last two games they have produced two good performances but with no result. In the end lack of experience at crucial moments have cost the team at both ends of the pitch.

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

Harleston Magpies Men, sponsored by Durrants, continued their period at the top of East Premier League following a convincing win 3-0 against Havering. Whilst the scoreline may not suggest complete dominance the Magpies goalie had but one shot to save, Havering defended well in the second half to prevent Magpies extending their half-time lead.

St Albans continued their pursuit of Magpies with a narrow victory against equal bottom of the table Wapping. This week it is Magpies turn to play a bottom of the table side with a visit to Harpenden. St Albans have a tough fixture against Broxbourne. However it would be a suprise if the table did not have the same look at the top following these games.

Robert Stimpson commented following the Havering game "this was a confident display against a side who did not stop trying to disrupt our pattern. Whilst on paper the visit to Harpenden should result in three points it will only happen if we continue to get our preparation and attitude spot on."

Harleston Magpies 1-3 Doncaster

Magpies are still awaiting their first point of the campaign after a home defeat to fellow strugglers Doncaster.

The home side's prospects had looked good as they led 1-0 at half-time, but their failure to convert more of their chances came back to haunt them in the second half as Doncaster fired three goals without reply.

Unsurprisingly, given both teams' positions in the league, the match started in a cagey manner.

The Magpies defence looked solid and compact in the early exchanges with the back four of Helen Brook, Louisa Greenacre, Lucy Miler and Debbie McAllen able to deal with most of Doncaster's early attacks.

Magpies went ahead after 25 minutes when, from their first penalty corner, Artemis Clark found the back of the net.

For the next 10 minutes, Magpies were clearly in the ascendancy and put the Doncaster defence under real pressure, creating three golden chances.

But somehow the Doncaster goalkeeper kept the ball out of the goal and the home side had to settle for a single-goal lead at the interval.

Kathryn Hinsley made a real impact coming off the bench, but the missed chances were to prove costly in the final analysis.

Within five minutes of the start of the second half, Doncaster were on level terms and then 2-1 in front following a penalty corner goal and fast counter attack.

Magpies were still in the game, however, and Laura Parker was having a tremendous game in midfield, well supported by Jess Hull and they caused continuous problems to the Doncaster defence.

Magpies had two further excellent chances on the break with Angie Wheelhouse and Cherry Seaborn threatening Doncaster, but the final pass let Magpies down.

Doncaster killed the game off with a late third goal, leaving Magpies left to reflect on those missed early chances.

It does not promise to get any easier for Magpies this weekend, as they face third-placed Sutton Coldfield on Saturday.

LADIES 1s v Doncaster (L) 12.30 (W) H L 1-3
LADIES 2s v Watton I (L) 1.45 (S) H L 1-2
LADIES Colts A v Broadland I (L) 2.30 A L 0-3
LADIES 5s v Thetford I (L) 1.30 A L 0-8
LADIES 6s v UEA 3s (L) 4.00 A D 2-2
LADIES Colts B v Lowestoft Rail. 2s (L) H W 11-0
LADIES Dev. v Pelicans (L) 12.15 (S) H D 2-2
SUN -
Magpies Minis Tournament
U11 A GIRLS MAGPIES minis - 3rd
U11 B GIRLS MAGPIES minis - 5th
U13 A GIRLS MAGPIES minis - 1st
U13 B GIRLS MAGPIES minis - 7th

MENS 1s v Havering (L) 2.15 (W) H W 3-0
MENS 2s v Shefford & Sandy (L) A W 5-3
MENS 3s v IES 2 (L) 3.15 (S) H L 1-2
MENS 4s v Pelicans 2 (L) A D 2-2
MENS 5s v Bury St Eds 3 (L) 4.45 (S) H L 0-2
MENS 6s v Sudbury 3 (L) A L 0-4
Men VETS v Norwich Exiles (L) 4.00 (W) H D 2-2

Magpies Men 1s 3-0 Havering 1s

Calm & Controlled Harleston Keep 100% Record Intact

A Havering team with a track record of being frustrating opposition came to Weybread on Saturday, and they did not let their reputation down. The resulting game was an unspectacular affair in which Harleston were required to be controlled and disciplined in taking a 3-0 win from a game where the usual flowing hockey seen at Weybread was never seen.

On a cold and dark November afternoon it was obvious from the first few minutes of the game that the visiting team were putting all their attention and effort on breaking down the game. Harleston despite of this kept the ball well and the back four of Sitch Snr, Ling Jnr, Sumner and Bedwell moved the ball confidently allowing increasing pressure to be placed on the Havering defence.

The breakthrough came half way through the first period when a clever and well worked short corner was emphatically scored by Gill after a cool pin point pass from Baines. This goal spurred Magpies on and the next ten minutes saw Havering having to defend mercilessly. Despite this and much poor sportsmanship from Havering another two goals were added by the home team. The first of these was a text book goal scored by a Hipwell deflection after a well struck free hit from the ever present Gill, and the second of these was a carbon copy of Harleston’s first giving Gill his deserved second of the match.

Harleston could also have had the chance to add another after a good combination from Sitch Jnr and Hipwell set Barber clean through only for the defending keeper to cynically foul and somehow only concede a short corner. The last five minutes of the half saw the only real pressure from Havering as Harleston took their foot off the gas and played some sloppy hockey. A well struck Havering short corner looked like it would provide a way back into the game but for Gill showing his steel on the line to deflect the head height ball over the cross bar.

The second period saw Harleston completely dominate but a combination of good goalkeeping, disruptive tactics and umpires who couldn’t control the Havering players resulted in a period where territory could not be converted into goals. Despite of this Ling Snr, Wheeler and Fanger caused Havering consistent problems in the rare moments where play was allowed to continue long enough for their pace to show.

The end score line of 3-0 will disappoint Harleston as a game allowed to flow could have resulted in a much superior outcome. Even though a first clean sheet of the season for mature keep Martin and the defence will increase confidence as Harleston go into a difficult set of fixtures before the winter break looking to keep up their excellent run and stay as the only team in the league with a 100% record.

Shefford and Sandy 1s 3-5 Magpies 2s

Thetford 8-0 Magpies 5s

Magpies ladies 5ths travelled to Thetford with a strong team and a good match from last week behind them. Sadly the team did not wake up at the starting whistle and a goal against them was scored within the first minute. Shocked, the ladies then started to play the hockey they are capable of passing the ball and using the wing.

Thetford had a very fast side with the right wing player out running Ginny Crawford and Emma Lacey on several occasions. ‘Pies made a few breaks with the speed of Lisa Kent and Kay Dennis but could not find a finish. Rachel Clifford nearly made the scoreboard with a lovely cross from Becky Ford but it just slipped past the post.

Thetford’s second goal also came in the first half. At half time Georgie Bore gave some encouraging words and we went out to try to recover the game.

Sadly this did not happen! In fact quite the opposite. A flurry of goals were scored against ‘Pies and then poor Peg Bridges after making some monumental saves fell to the ground and twisted her knee. The decision was made to continue for the last 10 mins without a goalie.

Emma Lacey dropped back into defence and Georgie Bore became the ‘backstop’ as Graham Hughes puts it. Then more injury occurred when Georgie stopped dead a long corner ball with the bridge of her foot, so she too went off hobbling. Three goals were score against us in the last 10 minutes with the final score line 8-0.

Emma Lacey had to alert the Thetford captain that not as many players would be going back for teas as pre-arranged as a fair few were off to A and E.

The few players who could stay voted Peg as Player of the match as she made some really good saves.

Next week we are away at Pelicans.

HARLESTON MAGPIES U13 GIRLS MINI TOURNAMENT

Harleston Magpies U13 Girls A team won the Harleston Tournament with 6 wins and two draws.

With four new players making their debut this season it took a while for the team to gel and they were a little fortunate to record a draw against Watton in their opening game.

Gradually the team steadily improved and in the end won the Tournament with points to spare.

U13 Girls A team - 1st

Watton drew 1-1 Sarah Brook
Dereham won 3-0 Beth Absolon, Keira Booty, Lizzie Jones
O Buckenham won 2-0 Beth Absolon, Lizzie Jones
Pelicans A drew 0-0
Norwich B won 3-0 Lauren Reeve, Sarah Brook 2
Magpies B won 2-0 Sarah Brook, Beth Absolon
Norwich A won 1-0 Keira Booty
Pelicans B won 1-0 Beth Absolon

Team: Beth Absolon, Alice Wilson, Tania Pendreich, Sarah Brook, Micayla Tootill, Lauren Reeve, Keira Booty and Elizabeth Jones.


Magpies also entered an U13 Girls B team in the Tournament and they finished 7th.

They would probably have done much better but two girls who had been struggling with illness all week went home early.

U13 Girls B team - 7th

O Buckenham won 4-0 Paris Wood 3, Hannah Gormley
Pelicans A lost 0-1
Norwich B drew 0-0
Norwich A lost 1-3 Katherine Ridley
Magpies A lost 0-2
Pelicans B drew 0-0
Dereham drew 0-0
Watton drew 2-2 Katherine Ridley 2

Katherine Ridley, Sophie Podd, Hannah Gormley, Holly Baker, Paris Wood, Rosie Cole, Lucy Crawford, Lucy Pring and Henrietta McDaniel.

Pelicans 2s 2-2 Magpies Mens 4s

Magpies Mens 4th XI suffered a rare case of player shortages this weekend and with 6 changes and an away form that to date is less than convincing this was always going to prove a difficult match.

However Magpies managed to get into a 2 – 0 lead with goals either side of half time and looked good for their first away win of the season. Duncan Stevens scored Magpies first, recalled to action late in the week and Dan Legg added a superb second beating the keeper with a rising shot from the top of the D. Craig Snelling deserved to make it three but was denied by an outstanding save by the Pelicans goal keeper.

However Pelicans fought back and two rare slips in defence gave Pelicans scoring opportunities which and they took and with Pelicans finishing strongly Magpies held on for the draw.

Magpies as hosts entered two under 11 teams in their own tournament.

Magpies A started very well winning their first two games against Watton 4-0 (Georgia Scott 2, Saffron 1, Kira 1) and a Norwich/Dereham mixed team 3-0 (Saffron 2, Georgia Scott 1).
However Magpies could not sustain their impressive start and a goal less draw against Dereham, a 1-0 defeat against Norwich (eventual winners) and although they managed to beat our own B team 1-0 (Emma 1) Magpies finally finished a very creditable 3rd place.

Team :- Madeleine Eglington GK, Saffron Wilford, Kira Wooltorton, Emma Owen, Geogia Scott, Georgia Pearson, Catherine Kilbourn, Kara Kilbourn.

Magpies B had many girls playing in their first tournament and performed very well. Although losing to Norwich 1-0, Dereham 3-0 and Magpies A 1-0, two very hard fought 0-0 draws against Watton and a mixed Norwich/Dereham enabled the girls to finish in 5th place.

Special mention must go to Ruth Denham who took on the goal keeping task at the last minute and made many crucial saves.

Team:- Ruth Denham GK, Olivia Gooderham, Harriet Catchpole, Jessica Young, Laura Davidson, Alice Milne, Harriet Underdown, Sophie Meynell-Anderson, Sophie Long, Emily McCluskey.

Magpies Ladies 6s 2-2 UEA 3s

Magpies had the first push back, after even play a fantastic side line hit by Liz Cole in her own half sped past all of the circling UEA players, a practised slip in by Rachael Clifford left magpies 1-0 up. At pace UEA soon brought the ball down the middle, with quick passing and sneaky movements, magpies defence and midfield worked tirelessly but to no avail and UEA brought the score to 1-1.

Magpies fought UEA off several times and the midfield and forwards made quick runs up the sidelines using one touch passes and occasionally had to make a quick turn around, ready to defend again, which they always did. Unfortunately a foot in the magpies ‘D’ gave away a short corner, UEA struck the ball with confidence entering the goal, but hitting a UEA foot on the way through, after an initial celebration it was given as a foul.

UEA, who weren’t happy with this decision, came back strongly and then achieved their second goal to make it 2-1. After strong play from both teams, on one attack from Magpies we achieved a short corner. We made most of this opportunity and it was beautifully tapped it in.

Well done to everyone as this match was a tough one!

Magpies Ladies Colts B 11-0 Lowestoft Railway 2s

Lowestoft arrived with 10 players. In the first half the first few minutes brought Shirley McAllen and Rhian Earrye goals and although Lowestoft fought back they were unable to score.

Magpies continued to dominate and scored another SEVEN goals to finish the first half 9-0. In the second half with Magpies having 12 players all the girls had 5 minutes off and played in different positions.

Lowestoft kept their heads up and continued to fight back but conceded two furthers goals the game finishing 11-0.

Goal scorers were Rhian Earrye 4, Tania Pendreich 2, Anna lacey 2, Shirley McAllen 1 and Lauren Reeve 2.

Going up (or down) in the world!

I’m delighted to say that the much promised stairlift has been installed on the side staircase of the clubhouse. Although I do not anticipate it being required too often I’m sure it will prove to be another useful addition to the Club’s facilities following the installation of the disabled toilet which I stress is for the use of everyone.

Needless to say the stairlift is not a plaything but to get the best use out of it this new facility must be readily available and I will ensure sufficient members are instructed in its use.

With the installation of the stairlift we have now completed the upgrade of the Club’s facilities as planned for now (and which have also included new floodlights and balcony) except for the building of the missing two sides of the ‘empties’ store alongside the disabled toilet. As we are getting these free of charge I’m not pressing for the job to be done immediately!

As for any further upgrade of our facilities (such has new changing rooms) we must wait for a) our depleted funds to build up again and b) progress made with the repayment of our outstanding interest-free loans totalling £94,000. It will also be necessary to hand on the baton to a new group of officers and members from those who have been intimately involved with all the fund raising and developments at the club over recent years.

Have you paid your subscription yet please?
A disappointing number of members have still to settle up for the current season. I’m sorry to say that some are serial defaulters. If we applied the rules very strictly all defaulters would by now have been banned from playing until they had paid. I do not want this to happen but unless payment is received in the next ten days this might well be the consequence. All defaulters are being reminded by team captains this coming weekend after which a ‘Name and Shame’ list will be displayed in the clubhouse.

If payment would cause financial difficulties please discuss with your team captain or respective Club Captain (i.e. Julie Podd or Phil Cobbald).



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
14 November 2007

PS. Congratulations to the Men’s 1sts on their superb win at St Albans last Saturday and to the Ladies’ 6ths on going top of Division 3 of the Martin & Acock Norfolk League.

HARLESTON MAGPIES WEEKEND PREVIEW
17th November 2007

Harleston Magpies Ladies, sponsored by Kitchen Sense of Harleston, play Doncaster at home on Saturday at 12.30 in their English League Division I match. Although Magpies are struggling for points this season this young team showed for 50 minutes of the game against a useful Reading team last week that they are capable of competing at this level, but they now need to produce it for the full 70minutes.

Coach Colin Wheelhouse certainly felt it was a very positive performance. Magpies have already played Doncaster earlier in the season losing 4-1 so it will be interesting to measure the progress the team has made. Doncaster are currently one place and four points ahead of Magpies.

Former Magpies player Ali Bicker will be appearing for Doncaster but we understand that Lou Waite a former Magpies captain is out injured.

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

Harleston Magpies Men, sponsored by Durrants, went to the top of East Premier league following a convincing away victory against St Albans last weekend. A confident squad of fourteen made the trip, Neil Toulson sustained an injury after ten minutes and will not be fit for the visit of Havering. This was the best all round team performance for a long time and showed the overall strength of the squad.

Magpies have to be at their best for the visit of middle placed Havering who last weekend lost at home to the improving Dereham by the odd goal in three. Havering will pose a diferent threat to St Albans, they will try to stop Magpies playing their fast open hockey and Magpies will certainly know they have been in a game.

Magpies retain the same squad of thirteen.

Robert Stimpson Magpies Manager commented "I was very pleased with the performance of all the squad at St Albans. Our preparation and attitude was spot on and with our dominance for three quarters of the game we should have won by a greater margin. We showed great character to win the game following St Albans equaliser. Each game is a cup tie now and we need to keep our winning record up against all sides some of which will be happy with a point."

READING 4-1 Harleston Magpies

Despite the score line this was a much improved performance by Magpies and the game in the end was turned by some crucial decisions. Magpies made a shaky start in the opening ten minutes and were saved by some excellent saves by goalkeeper Lucy Hayman.

Unfortunately the first penalty corner conceded saw Reading taking the lead with a drag flick. This Magpies side were not phased by this early set back and in fact improved their performance considerably as the strikers Angie Wheelhouse and Cherry Seaborn received much better support from midfield this week with Artemis Clark on the right playing much higher as wells good play from Jess Hull, Laura Parker and Sarah Cave. This positive response saw Magpies equalise before half time when Angie Wheelhouse made it 1-1.

Reading were 2-1 up immediately after the break on a hotly disputed goal which was clearly never touched by an attacker in the circle but the goal was confirmed by the second umpire 40 yards away. This probably had an impact on the third goal which was conceded within minutes from a penalty corner to make it 3-1. Within the space of 5 minutes a tight game had once again slipped away from Magpies.

Again Magpies produced a strong response and Angie Wheelhouse was denied three times by the Reading goalkeeper who made some good saves after the Reading defence had been opened up.

The attitude of the Magpies team was excellent and Debbie McAllen produced a real battling performance in front of the defence. Reading added a fourth goal near the end but Magpies can take great encouragement.

LADIES 1s v Reading (L) A L 1-4
LADIES 2s v Colchester I (L) 11.30 A L 0-2
LADIES Colts A v Reepham (L) 12.30 (W) H L 2-5
LADIES 5s v Pelicans III (L) 1.45 (S) H W 4-1
LADIES 6s v Lowestoft Railway II (L) A W 6-2
LADIES Colts B v Broadland II (L) (W) H W 3-1
LADIES Dev. v Norwich City (L) 10.00 A W 1-0

MENS 1s v St Albans (L) A W 2-1
MENS 2s v Cambridge City 2 (L) (W) H W 4-2
MENS 3s v Sudbury 2 (L) A D 1-1
MENS 4s v Lowestoft Town (L) 4.00 (W) H W 2-1
MENS 5s v Crane 2 (L) A W 3-0
MENS 6s v Norwich Union 4 (L) (S) H W 3-1
Men VETS v Shefford & Sandy (L) A L 1-3
SUN -
Pelicans minis
U11 BOYS - 2nd
U13 BOYS - 2nd

St Albans 1s 1-2 Magpies Men 1s

A confident Magpies team travelled down to St. Albans for a top of the table clash and came away with a fine and well-deserved 2-1 victory.

The Magpies players were all fired up for the tussle, and the early exchanges paved the way for the rest of the match with pressure from both sides but no sustained possession. Magpies then got into their stride and had a few good chances, which were well saved by the Albans keeper. Magpies then lost talisman Neil “Silver Fox” Toulson with a back injury putting him out for the rest of the match.

With the game going from end to end, Magpies managed to break away through Carl Sitch. His eventual pass to Chris Barber resulted in a shot, which forced a fine diving save from the Albans keeper. This inspired Magpies to search harder for the illusive first half goal. At half time the game was still in gridlock but Harleston had by far the best of the play and were confident going into the second half.

The Second half started as the first finished with Magpies pressure starting to take a toll on the tiring Albans defence. This resulted in an Albans player being yellow carded for a bad tackle in his own D. The short corner that followed brought another fine save from the tireless St. Albans keeper. Magpies finally broke the deadlock with a vintage pass from Richard Gill to Andy Hipwell, which he expertly deflected, into the goal.

Tristan Baynes was shown a yellow card for a stick tackle and Magpies were brought down to ten men. Nevertheless, Magpies continued to attack with the pace of Fanger and Hipwell causing a lot of problems for the slow St. Albans defence. James Wheeler was working hard on the left running himself so hard he had to be substituted with breathing difficulties.

The Harleston defence were then put under a lot of pressure with St. Albans desperate to get back into the game. An athletic display from Andy Bedwell at left back kept them at bay for a while, but a short corner was awarded just inside the 25, and St. Albans capitalised with a well-worked routine to put the ball past veteran keeper Iain Martin and level the scores at 1-1.

The score from Albans reset the counter and made Magpies really work hard. Minutes after this, Albans finally crumbled and gave away a short corner in the dying minutes of the game. Andy Hipwell expertly converted this corner and brought Magpies back into the lead with only minutes to go.

The last minutes were tense as Albans went for the equaliser but the Magpies back four of Sumner, Sitch, Ling and Bedwell denied any such a thing, producing a vintage display of hockey. The final whistle went, Magpies had secured the three points and had taken their rightful place at the top of the league.

Next week sees Magpies entertaining Havering at Home hoping to produce the same level of work rate and tenacity to continue their winning run.

Magpies 2s 4-2 Cambridge City 2s

HARLESTON MAGPIES UNDER 13 BOYS
Pelicans Boys Minis Tournament

Magpies

v Peterborough lost 0-1 (0pts)

v Pelicans A won 2-0 (3pts) Thomas Ridley, Tom Graham

v Wisbech won 8-0 (3pts) Tom Graham (3), Thomas Ridley (3), Kalun Bedingfield, Alex Green

v Watton won 3-0 (3pts) Tom Graham (2), Thomas Ridley

v Norwich City lost 0-1 (0pts)

v Pelicans B won 1-0 (3pts) Alex Green

v Dereham won 1-0 (3pts) Tom Graham

Magpies finished up with 15pts, 15 goals for, 2 against, which gave them 2nd place in the competition.
A strong Norwich City side were worthy winners of the Tournament, with Dereham finishing 3rd.

Ladies Development 1-0 Norwich City

This was a game that had the old girls of the team gasping - not just from the sheer brilliance of the youngsters again, but mainly because the game this week was played at an altogether faster pace than our previous games!
Norwich City had quite a few older players but this did not deter even the smallest of our team ( that doesn't quite mean me!)

We played once more with discipline( with a few reminders from time to time-"release the ball!!" and "keep wider!!") and our determination paid off just before half time.

With a great strike from a free hit by Bethan into the D and Paris in exactly the right position on the back post , we scored a good goal.

It was hard work to hang on to the lead although we did have several more excellent chances denied by City's very good Goalie and in the end I think we deserved our 1-0 win.

Keep going girls!

Magpies 5s 4-1 Pelicans 3s

Magpies ladies 5ths went into the game with a 14 strong team eager to make their mark against Pelicans.

Magpies had the first push back and immediately sped up the field towards the Pelicans goal where an attempt to score was made, but denied. This really gave a good feel for what was to follow in this quality game.

Magpies played like a team keen to score, working the entire pitch and playing to our strengths. Lisa Kent had an amazing game scoring two goals the first of which came in the first quarter of the game. The play came up the left of the pitch and found Rachel Clifford on the left post who couldn't get a clear shot and ably crossed it in front of the keeper for Lisa Kent to pop it into the net.

Pelicans came back quickly with an equaliser which found it's way through the otherwise solid defence of Frances Fulcher, Georgi Bore, Karen Hunt and Virginia Crawford. Peggy Bridges in goal also made her presents felt by making some very good kicks away from goal.

Magpies did not let this affect their play and very quickly made several attempts at goal Becky Ford featured with two reverse stick shots which were saved by the Pelicans goalie. Becky throughout the match made attempts at goal but just couldn't convert it to the scoreboard. The second goal came from a sharp cross from Kay Dennis which found Rachel Clifford.

After the half time break Magpies made some positional changes which gave the fresh legs of Laura Potter, Sam Williams and Sophie Hoseason a run out. The third goal came from a three touch move up the field, stemming from Georgie Bore who assisted the ball up the field to Becky Ford who passes through to the very quick Lisa Kent who then popped it in the goal.

The girls were hungry for more goals and the final one came from a short corner hit out by Becky Ford to Sam Williams who powered home a strong goal.

The final score was 4 - 1 and the play was of very high quality and extremely enjoyable.

Players of the match were Becky Ford and Lisa Kent

Magpies Mens 4s 2-1 Lowestoft

Magpies Mens 4th XI home form continues to impress. In this close fought encounter with few clear cut chances Magpies came through showing considerable experience for such a youthful team. Marshalled by Bob Skinner, Stuart Peters and James Smith the team took the lead close to the end of the first half when strong running by Dan Legg on the left enabled Ben Wright to find time and space in front of goal, converting his chance on the second attempt.

Lowestoft equalised just before the break from a well worked short corner but Magpies continued to press and following a period of pressure and short corners Stuart Peters fired home the eventual winner. The Lowestoft goal keeper a little unfortunate on this occasion. However with Magpies back in front there was still time for Lowestoft to find an equaliser and a nervous final 10 minutes was played out. The home team defence holding on.

Magpies Ladies Colts A 2-5 Reepham

This was always going to be a tough match with Reepham near the top of the table but confidence was high at the start of the game.

Unfortunately; Magpies started badly conceding two quick goals which meant they were always chasing the game. 15 minutes into the game, positional changes saw magpies start to eliminate some of the early errors and they started making numerous chances upfront.

One of these chances was finally taken when Katie Forsyth made an excellent run down the right which resulted in Jose Tibbenham setting up Becky Marshall for her second goal of the season.

Unfortunately Reepham soon regained their two goal lead and then went on to score a further goal before magpies managed to pull one goal back with Jess Withers scoring at the left post from a penalty corner.

Reepham finally won the game 5-2 but Magpies did have chances throughout the game and the defensive line (whose average age was just 15!) were very unlucky on a few tackles which just did not go their way.

Lowestoft 2s 2-6 Magpies 6s
(2 reports!)

(1)
Magpies enjoyed an emphatic victory at Lowestoft against their 2nd eleven.

Magpies had first pushback and opened the scoring within minutes. Rachel Clifford, taking the ball up the left of the field, went on to score. Lowestoft quickly had Magpies on the back foot as they stormed down the middle with a man over and levelled the score a few minutes later. Lowestoft had the upper hand for the next 20 mins or so, with numerous short corners which Magpies did well to defend and some excellent goal keeping maintaining a level score.

Magpies gradually began to play their game with greater confidence, with some good passing and great pace. After several short corners, Janet struck from the top of the "D" - the ball bounced off a few Lowestoft bootlaces but crept over the line for Magpies to take the lead again.

Shortly before half-time, Lowestoft were awarded a short corner which squeeked in off the post despite a valiant attempt to clear by a defender.

After a constructive half-time chat, Magpies came out and took the game by storm. A fantastic pick up on the right from Julia, crossed to Zoe in the centre was well laid off to Rachel on the left and easily slipped in past the goal keeper.

Magpies continued the pressure and increasingly dominated the play. The 4th goal came as Katie converted a short corner and Zoe's fearless persistence in front of goal paid off with number 5 shortly after.

Magpies rounded up the game with a great play on yet another short corner - Janet slipping to Katie, who slipped back to Janet - Number 6!

Man of the Match went Rachel Peters who chased every ball on the right of the pitch, showing both skill and strength throughout the game.

(2)
Magpies Ladies 6ths were away today to Lowestoft! Even though Lowestoft was top of the table it didn’t stop Magpies from winning the game 6-2.

Magpies started with a very early goal from Rachel Clifford but then Lowestoft fought back making it 1 all. Then Janet scored a smashing short corner but Lowestoft managed to get back to 2 all from there with an own goal from Janet. But then for Magpies it was all up hill from here.

Their 3rd goal was scored with an excellent shot on goal hit from Katie. Zoë then set up a stunning goal scored but Rachel Clifford and then scored her own goal. Magpies were slowly but surely taking over the game. Just to put the cherry on top Janet set up a shot goal for Zoë to score, but Janet gets the credit for that goal.

This truly was a magnificent win for the Magpies ladies 6ths. Even though they faced tough challenges including Janet Brown getting a green card, Magpies were truly in the game.

Rachel Peters got ‘Man of the Match’ slowly followed Natasha Stead (Larry) with some truly amazing saves.

Well Done Sixths.

Magpies Ladies Colts B 3-1 Broadland

The first half was dominated by Magpies and Shirley McAllen quickly scored from a short corner.

With Magpies having most of the play they went into half time with two goals up thanks again to Shirley. The second half found Broadland back in the game but with determination from the colts Rhianna Earrye put in Magpies third.

Broadland then put away their only goal of the match finishing 3-1.

Lucy Chubbock had an excellent game in centre mid and Tanya on left mid and Mary Wright played well on her debut. Not forgetting Flora who played excellently in goal making some good saves.