MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR

Start dates:

Monday Boys
Jan 7th

Wednesday Boys
Jan 9th

Thursday Girls
Jan 3rd

Friday Girls/Boys
Jan 4th

Saturday Girls/Boys
Jan 5th

Season’s Greetings

In my final ‘Chat’ of 2007 I wish members, sponsors and all other friends of the Club a Happy Christmas and the very best for 2008. I also take this opportunity to thank all officials of the Club for their hard work so far this season.

Needless to say the past three months have contained some ‘downs’ but they are well outnumbered by the ‘ups’ which I have been pleased to cover in my jottings.

Personalities and events
The Fancy Dress Mixed Hockey planned for Saturday 29 December has been cancelled. The interest in this event was minimal – if that!

Congratulations to Carl Sitch on retaining his place in the England U18 training squad.

The Club has been chosen by NE14 HOCKEY.com, sponsors of the East Leagues, as their Club of the Week following the run of ten wins out of ten by the Men’s 1sts – after which they promptly lost away to Cambridge City! But despite this result the squad has had a superb first half of the season.

Best wishes to Sandra Elliner who is recovering from a knee operation following her hockey injury.

The Mixed squad have received a bye in the first round (Sunday 10 February) of this season’s national trophy and they await their opponents for the second round to be played on Sunday 24 February.

The Men’s Veterans after their narrow national cup win away to Bishop’s Stortford have been drawn to play Bournville away on Sunday 17 February.

Indoor Hockey
Before the above events the Ladies’ and Men’s squads will be taking part in the national indoor league over the first two weekends of January. The Ladies will be in action at Whitgift School (South Croydon) (5/6 January) and Perdiswell Leisure Centre (Worcester) the following weekend (assuming results go their way in South Croydon) in Division 2 South and the Men, after winning Division 2 last season, will be making the big step-up to Division 1 to be played in Eastleigh, near Southampton.

The Ladies, captained by Debbie McAllen, will play Reading, Wimbledon and three regional qualifiers while the Men, captained by Tom Sumner, will be up against Barford Tigers, Doncaster, Guildford, Havant, Sheffield UB, St Albans, Stourport and Surbiton.

I wish the very best of luck to both squads.

Three important dates for your 2008 diary please –

Saturday 2 February – Savoury & Sauvignon Soiree
Saturday 1 March – Race Evening
Saturday 12 April – Silent Auction & Spring Prize Draw

With kind regards and very best wishes.

Magpies Ladies Colts B 4-0 Magpies Ladies 6s

In the first half things were looking good for both teams both teams played some good hockey. However Colts B scored the first goal by Rhian Earye and things went downhill for Ladies 6th after that because one of their players went off un-well and Janet unfortunately went off injured.

However they kept going and Colts B scored again by Lauren Reeve. The second half started with Shirley McAllen scoring a great goal from a short corner. Making it 3-0 and towards the end of the game Bethany Alexander scored from a great pass through from Hannah Lingar. The final score was 4-0.

Player of the match went to Charlotte Catalano and great teas from Daphne.

Merry Christmas!!!

LADIES 1s No Fixture
LADIES 2s v Lowestoft I (L) 10.00 A Postponed
LADIES Colts A v North Walsham I (L) A L 0-1
LADIES 5s v Herlings - friendly 12.15 (W) H W 2-1
LADIES 6s v Colts B (L) 10.30 (W) A L 0-4
LADIES Colts B v Magpies 6ths (L) (W) H W 4-0

MENS 1s v Cambridge City (L) A L 1-2
MENS 2s v Witham (L) 2.15 (W) H W 2-0
MENS 3s v Norwich Union 2 # (L) A W 3-0
MENS 4s v Dereham 2 (L) 4.00 (W) H L 1-4
MENS 5s v Norfolk Nomads # (L) A W 5-0
MENS 6s v North Walsham 2 (L) (S) H L 0-9
Men VETS v Ipswich (L) A L 1-4

Cambridge City 2-1 Magpies Men 1s

Magpies dropped their first points of the season by losing 2-1 to Cambridge City in a closely fought encounter played in wet conditions, but go into the winter break in good spirits being top of the league having picked up 30 out of a possible 33 points on offer so far this term.

The first half was dominated by Magpies who created a number of chances with Fanger and Sumner combining well down the right and Baynes going close with a trademark reverse stick effort. The defence of Bedwell, Ling, Sitch and Sumner controlled the game and veteran keeper Martin did not have a save to make. However, chances went begging and Magpies’ normally fluent short corner routine failed to fire despite numerous attempts. Just as it seemed that the first half would end goalless, Hipwell picked up a sharp pass from Gill and slotted home under the advancing keeper to put Magpies 1-0 up at half time.

The second half proved to be a very different contest with Cambridge looking comfortable in possession and Magpies, starved of the ball, struggling to play their usual attacking style of hockey. Despite their dominance, Cambridge did not create many clear cut chances but deservedly equalised after 50 minutes with their only short corner of the match. The final part of the game saw chances for both sides but it was Cambridge who scored with a breakaway goal with only minutes remaining to condemn Magpies to their first defeat of the season.

Magpies can have no complaints with the result against a well organised and hard working Cambridge side, however the players and coaching staff can be very satisfied with their efforts in the first half of the season. The dedication and application of the whole squad has been first class and has given Magpies a great chance to maintain their challenge for the league title in the New Year.

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The players and management would like to thank all those who have supported the team, home and away, throughout the season so far. Your encouragement and dedication to the cause are greatly appreciated.

Magpies 2s 2-0 Witham 1sts

Magpies 5s 2-1 Herlings

Ladies 5ths met at home on the water for a friendly match against Herlings. Herlings had defeated magpies earlier in the season (against a very depleted 'Pies team of 8!!) so we were eager to make our mark.

The Herlings team play on grass so are hard hitters but Magpies controlled the game with quick passing and speed. Magpies tried a new formation with Becky Ford taking the central defence position and Emma Lacey taking her comfortable Left Wing position. Yaz Bellamy covered very well for the absence of Ginny and a very determined right side was operating with Lisa Kent, Sophie Hoseason and the ever present and solid Frances Fulcher.

Soon into the game the team found the goal with a scrummage around the D and then a push in by Emma Lacey. Sadly the goal was dis-allowed for a foot foul just before the line. Many short corners were given in favour of Magpies in this match but this was highlighted as a weak area as no score arose from any of them!

The first goal came from a run down the right wing and a cross from Lisa Kent, via Soph and firmly put in the goal by Clemmy Ardley-Forder. Thrilled, the girls returned to the centre eager for more goals.

At half time the score was 1 -0.

During the second half the rain poured down but the play continued with some Strong hits from Herlings. Poor Nick McAllen - he wished he had not agreed to a last minute request to umpire as peered out from under his hood whilst his dinner was waiting for him in the clubhouse.

Many attempts were made by Magpies but the second goal came from a cross from Clemmy to Emma who hit the goal home. Herlings never gave up and had some good breaks but they were ably thwarted by Karen Hunt assuming her regular position as Sweeper. One break though saw a shot by Herlings deflect off of Becky Fords stick, the ball skimmed over Peggy Bridges pads for a goal.

The last ten minutes was very tough as the rain was so heavy that neither teams could really see! The final score was 2 -1 to Magpies and it was a very enjoyable match (despite the conditions).

Thanks again to Nick!!

Player of the match as voted by the players was Emma Lacey

A Winning Weekend

There were some excellent performances by our teams last weekend including the Men’s 1sts superb win over Dereham; the Men’s Veterans narrow victory over Bishop’s Stortford in the EH Veterans’ Cup; the U13 Boys in winning their minis event at Gresham’s School where the U11 Boys came second and the Men’s 4ths beating Norwich City 3rds 8-2. And I daren’t overlook the Ladies’ 6ths’ well deserved 5-5 draw away to Broadland 2nds! It was just as well that one of our most experienced defenders made three goal line saves! This result allowed Diss to move past our 6ths and Broadland 2nds but both teams are only a point behind Diss at the top of Division Three of the Norfolk League. This Saturday (10.30am) the 6ths play Magpies’ Colts B who will be out to make up for their 3-2 defeat earlier in the season.

The Men’s 1sts played some splendid hockey against opponents who have had some really good results this season and I wish them well when they travel to play Cambridge City this Saturday looking for their eleventh successive win. Meanwhile the Men’s Veterans went into their game at Bishop’s Stortford without four of their leading players due to injuries (three) and turkey plucking (one) and they came up against opponents who turned out to be better than expected. As a result our team were forced back on defence for much of the first half but after the break, with skipper Bob Skinner’s motivational words ringing in their ears, they played far better. However, they still went behind to a penalty stroke with eight minutes to go before the lively Roger Kent scored from close range and with ninety seconds on the clock Roger and Peter Dolton combined to give Phil Alexander an open goal chance which he took with glee to add to the four goals he scored on Saturday. The team has another away tie in the next round – this time against Bournville on 17 February.

I know I talk a load of rubbish – or at the very least about it! But I haven’t done so for a few weeks. But now I have another gripe (in addition to the innumerable bottles left pitch side) and it is over the many tissues left around. Forgetting for now what is on them – and that is bad enough if you have to pick them up – they partly dissolve as they get wet leaving even more mess to clear up!

Fancy Dress Mixed Hockey – are you interested please in the following event to be played on Saturday 29 December? If you are please let Jose Tibbenham know as follows. A final decision as to whether to go ahead with the event needs to be made this weekend (i.e. Saturday 8 December).

Three important dates for your 2008 diary please –

Saturday 2 February – Savoury & Sauvignon Soiree
Saturday 1 March – Race Evening
Saturday 12 April – Silent Auction & Spring Prize Draw

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
5 December 2007

HARLESTON MAGPIES WEEKEND PREVIEW
8th December 2007

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

Harleston Magpies Men, sponsored by Durrants, extended their lead at the top of the league following their emphatic win against local rivals Dereham and St Albans dropping two points with a draw away to Blueharts. Whilst Dereham battled hard and held Magpies for twenty minutes during which keeper Martin made a fine save the home side took control of the game and showed why they are top of the league. Magpies dominated the remainder of the game and looked a confident side with all members of the squad making a contibution.

This week sees the final game before the Christmas break. Magpies visit third placed Cambridge City and Magpies will need to be at their best to go into the break maintaining their 100% record. This week sees a selection dilemma with England under eighteen international Carl Sitch being available following his weekend away on England duties.

Robert Stimpson commented this week "I have been very pleased with the effort and commitment of the squad both in training and in matches and the discipline in many games when we have been under severe provacation has been exemplary. I shall be asking for another star performance from all the squad before the break. I desperately want us to keep up our record which puts more pressure on St Albans".

Magpies Men 1s 7-0 Dereham

Perfect ten out of ten for Magpies

Harleston Magpies beat Dereham, to extend their lead over St Albans at the top of prem A. Magpies won seven nil at home taking them to a perfect ten straight wins, while St Albans could only draw away at Blueharts.

The opening exchanges saw an evenly contested derby game, with Dereham pressing hard, trying to fashion early chances. Harleston were always dangerous on the break but just failed to connect the passes together. Dereham were close to opening the scoring on a couple of occasions, the second of which forced Ian Martin into a full length dive on his nose to deny the Dereham forward.

Undeterred Harleston carried on playing their hockey, with reward coming midway through the first half. Sumner worked well down the right before delivering to Baynes who stroked the ball home. Soon after, Tristan Baynes scored again, directing the ball powerfully from a short corner. This put Magpies into a two goal lead as they dominated going into the break.

After half time the home side continued to play the better hockey while being repeatedly fouled. Another rash foul by the Dereham goalie on Chris Barber, resulted in a penalty stroke, duly despatched by Hipwell. Andy Hipwell then followed that up by converting well from another short corner. Magpie domination was now apparent, and it was only a matter of time before more goals would come (Ref: Mike Denham). Neil Toulson scored next from a broken down corner making it 5-0.

Dereham’s plight deepened further when they were then reduced to ten men after more industrious tackling. Toulson then took a big hit from behind inside the dee resulting in a harshly awarded penalty stroke. Hipwell professionally scored his second penalty stroke of the game, thus completing his hat-trick. Magpies were also then reduced to ten men after an innocuous incident, but with the game won Harleston continued to dominate in defence through Sitch and Ling.

Finally the game was finished off in style with the best goal of the half coming with a flowing move which climaxed with Wheeler combining with Toulson before Wheeler celebrated as he slotted home.

Norwich City 3s 2-8 Magpies Mens 4s

Both teams had to make several changes to their regular line ups before this match including a last minute switch in umpires due to traffic problems on route but Magpies mix of youth and experience settled the quickest and took the early initiative. Dan Legg was in sparkling form and too much for the Norwich City midfield to handle firing Magpies into the lead with a brace of short corner strikes.

Norwich City deservedly pulled a goal back, their dangerous forward pairing causing Magpies defence problems and leading to various short corners being conceded in the first half from which Norwich City pulled a goal back but with just a few minutes left before half time Will Bamber and Duncan Stevens added a goal a piece to put Magpies in a commanding position and close to their first away win of the season.

In the second half Magpies were determined not to let their first away win slip away and continued to attack the Norwich defence, breaking fluidly and control possession many scoring opportunities came but it was late in the half before Magpies added to the score line.

Finally Dan Legg completed his hattrick with a further short corner strike, Will Bamber added his second and Simon Bardwell filling in for absent team regulars added a pair turning in two pin point crosses from Craig Snelling on the left.

Harleston Magpies U18 Girls finished 4th in the East Indoor Finals in what proved to be a frustrating day.

Magpies played Canterbury in their opening game and gave Canterbury a 3-0 start after a couple of poor give away goals and then proceeded to pulverise Canterbury in the second half. Magpies pulled the game back to 3-2 with goals from Amy Tuffs (pen flick) and Artemis Clark but despite numerous corners Magpies could not find the equaliser. Canterbury then clinched the game at 4-2 with a goal in the last minute.

Magpies got back on track with a comfortable 5-0 win against Saffron Walden HS with goals from Artemis Clark 3, and Lizzie Clymer 2.

Against Queenswood School Magpies needed a result. Unfortunately Queenswood were gifted a 1-0 lead when their shot was clearly outside the circle and then Magpies gifted them a second goal. Magpies were 3-0 down before once again they produced a tremendous second half display with goals from Lizzie Clymer and Artemis Clark 2. Artemis also hit the post twice once from a penalty corner and once from open play. Queenswood added two more goals to come out with a slightly flattering 5-3 win. Queenswood also went on to win the East Finals.

In the final game against Chelmsford Magpies only had pride to play for but despite a great effort Magpies allowed the opposition a 2-0 start but this time there was no come back.

Team; Jess Hull, Artemis Clark, Jade Daly, Helen Brook, Frances Taylor, Amy Tuffs, Katrina Warnes, and Lizzie Clymer.

LADIES 1s No Fixture
LADIES 2s v St. Ives I (L) 12.30 (W) H D 1-1
LADIES Colts A No Fixture
LADIES 5s v Sprowston II (L) 12.15 (S) H L 1-3
LADIES 6s v Broadland II (L) 4.00 A D 5-5
LADIES Colts B v Yarmouth III (L) 4.00 A
LADIES Dev. No Fixture

GIRLS U18 EAST INDOOR FINALS - 4th

MENS 1s v Dereham (L) 2.15 (W) H W 7-0
MENS 2s v Vauxhall (L) A W 2-0 abandoned
MENS 3s v North Walsham (L) 1.45 (S) H W 4-1
MENS 4s v Norwich City 3 (L) A W 8-2
MENS 5s v Dereham 4 (L) 4.00 (W) H W 2-1
MENS 6s v Thetford (L) A L 2-4
Men VETS v Chelmsford Evergreens (S) H W 7-2
SUN - Rudds Mini Tournament @ Greshams
U11 BOYS 2nd
U13 BOYS 1st
English Hockey Vets Cup
Men VETS v Bishops Stortford A W 2-1

HARLESTON MAGPIES UNDER 13 BOYS
The Rudds Minis Tournament - at Greshams

Magpies

v Dereham won 1-0 (3pts) Tim Alexander

v Norwich City drew 0-0 (1pt)

v Pelicans won 2-0 (3pts) Dom Absolon, Tim Alexander

v Watton won 2-0 (3pts) Tim Alexander (2)

Magpies finished up with 10pts, 5 goals for, 0 against, which gave them 1st place in the competition.
Norwich City were 2nd, with Pelicans finishing 3rd.