A busy weekend ahead

A busy weekend (2/3 February) is in prospect and the Saturday matches include the following:

The Ladies’ 1sts will be in outdoor league action for the first time since their marvellous win over Sutton Coldfield on 24 November when they travel to play Loughborough Students. The team welcomes back Naomi Hull but will be without the injured Laura Parker and Ellie Blake who is off on her gap year.

The Men’s 1sts, who lead Cambridge City at the top of East Premier A by eight points and St Albans (who have a catch up game against Broxbourne on Sunday 17 February) by nine points, will be out to complete the double over visitors Blueharts (2.15pm) who are enjoying a very good season having lost just three times.

The Men’s 2nds who are in third place in East Div 1 travel to play leaders Crostyx who last Saturday lost for the first time this season.

The Ladies’ 2nds entertain Ipswich & East Suffolk (12.30pm) hoping that their luck in East Div 1N will change after a run of narrow defeats.

In what could be one of the highlights of our home programme the Men’s 3rds, riding high in second place in East Div 3NE, host Bury St Edmunds 2nds. An entertaining game is assured.

The Ladies’ 6ths will be hoping to maintain their challenge for second place in Norfolk League Div 3 when they play Thetford 2nds away.

Good luck to the above teams and all other HMHC teams in action this Saturday.

On Sunday we have a full programme of tough looking national youth cup games at Weybread as follows. We wish our teams well. Please come along and cheer them to victory.

12 noon
U18 Girls v Saffron Walden

1.00pm
U15 Boys v Ipswich

2.00pm
U18 Boys v City of Peterborough

Also on Saturday we have one of the highlights of the Club’s social calendar as follows.


Congratulations to our teams which won all four events at last Sunday’s Norwich City Minis – a great achievement which promises well for the future of the Club.

Congratulations also to the Boys’ U18s who came so near to securing a semi-final place in the national indoor championships in Kidderminster. After two wins, one draw and one defeat they went out on goal difference after playing some excellent hockey. The event once again demonstrated the narrow margins between victory and defeat there can be in sport as we hit the post against Sevenoaks when leading 3-2 before losing 4-3. The squad under coach Leigh Sitch, assisted by Andy Bedwell and Bertie Steggles, and manager David Johnson did the Club proud in front of their enthusiastic band of supporters.

Personalities
Congratulations to Carl Sitch on finishing as runner-up to his England U18 colleague Liam Doidge of Old Loughtonians HC in the 2007 Higgins Group UK Youth Awards organised by the Hockey Writers’ Club.

Best wishes to Kath Malvern and Jane Wheeler as they recover from their hip operations.

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

HARLESTON MAGPIES WEEKEND PREVIEW
2nd February 2008

Harleston Magpies Ladies, sponsored by Kitchen Sense of Harleston, return to League action for the first time since Nov 24th when they play Loughborough University away on Saturday at 2.00 in their English League Division I game.

This unreasonable long break in the English Hockey calendar does not make life very easy and Magpies will be trying to get back into their stride as quickly as possible after the long break. The break did not come at a good time for Magpies as having battled all season with a very young and inexperienced side they had just recorded their first League win of the season against Sutton Coldfield and were showing signs of having learnt to compete at this level.

Unfortunately the Indoor season has seen Magpies lose Laura Parker to the dreaded metatarsal injury and she will be out for several more weeks. Ellie Blake is also away on her gap year now but Naomi Hull who ironically is away at Loughborough University will play for Magpies for the rest of the season. Her experience should be invaluable.

Magpies lost 1-0 to Loughborough earlier in the season in a tight game but this will be a tough game as Loughborough will have had all the advantages in terms of preparing for the restart of the League programme.

SQUAD FROM: Louisa Greenacre (Capt), Lucy Hayman, Helen Brook, Lucy Miller, Amy Tuffs, Artemis Clark, Katrina Warnes, Naomi Hull, Amelia Thomson, Debbie McAllen, Jess Hull, Kathryn Hinsley, Cherry Seaborn and Angie Wheelhouse.

Harleston Magpies Men, sponsored by Durrants, eased further ahead of St Albans following the convincing win over a poor Broxbourne side and St Albans shock draw at Ipswich. Whilst St Albans have one game in hand on their close rivals there is an eight point gap between Magpies and the chasing pack. This weekend sees Magpies take on fourth placed Blueharts, and St Albans and Cambridge meet in a third versus second. Cambridge City appear to be the form team and it wpuld be suprising if they did not get a point although Albans are going to have to bounce back from last wekend's draw at Ipswich if they are not to lose touch with Magpies. Magpies meanwhile have to take each game at a time and leave it to their nearest rivals to deal with the pressure to make up ground.

Robert Stimpson said after the Broxbourne game "We met Broxbourne on a day when they did not perform however our squad played well and we would have beaten most sides in the league with this form. It is encouraging to see the depth of the squad as this victory was achieved without our under eighteens Jimmie Wheeler, Carl Sitch and Chris Barber. We are trying to develop a larger squad of quality players and this weekend gave us an opportunity to play other players. Wheeler and Sitch return for the Blueharts game."

Harleston travelled down to Kidderminster to take part in the under 18 boys indoor National Tournament. The boys had been drawn in a tough group with Millfield School, Sevenoaks Hockey Club, Sheffield and Wolverhampton.

The boys first game saw them face tough opposition from Millfield School. Harleston started slowly with a few nerves showing and soon found themselves two goals down. Despite this set back Harleston rallied and manager to pull a goal back from Chris Barber before Will Harrison slotted home at a short corner. With the scores level at half time it was all to play for in the second half, Harleston this time coming out the strongest of the two sides and managed to take the lead through Mike Warlow after a great ball from Will Harrison which was dummied by Carl Sitch leaving Mike in space to slot home. This goal made Millfield step their games up and they started to apply more pressure on Harleston, they eventually equalised after sloppy play from Harleston gifted the opposition a goal. Things could have got a lot worse for Harleston as Millfield pressed but a superb double save from Julian Waelzholz ensured Harleston hung on for a point.

Harleston's second game of the day saw them face a fresh Sheffield side yet to play a game. Harleston started better this game but soon took their foot off the gas before finding an opener through Chris Barber. With the first goal Harleston could relax and start playing their general flowing hockey. Harleston increased their lead through James Wheeler slotting home before half time. The second half saw a more even affair, Fred Merrett pushing forward well from defence creating problems for the Sheffield defence, Harleston soon sealed victory when Chris Barber helped himself to another goal. Despite a barrage of short corners resloute defending from Harleston saw them keep a clean sheet.

After an excellent days work Harleston sat top of the group on goal difference having to play the team second early Saturday morning. The only set back of the day was an arm injury to Mike Warlow which required a hospital visit which would rule him out of the important match.

Harleston faced Sevenoaks and again in customary fashion started the slower of the two teams and found them selves again two goals down at the break. Despite this the team rallied and managed to pull them selves level just after half time following goals form James Wheeler and Chris Barber. Harleston then took the lead through Carl Sitch after an excellent passing move. As the game became more open Harleston hit the post with the scores at 3-2, a pivotal moment in the game as Sevenoaks responded with a goal of their own. With time running out both teams went in search of the important winning goal. Harleston conceded a short corner in the dying seconds of the game and with the ball goal bound Will Johnson shouldered the ball off the line to deny a certain goal and keep Harleston in the game despite conceding a flick. The flick was dispatched by Sevenoaks and with no time to restart the game Harleston suffered their first defeat.

The last game saw Harleston play Wolverhampton, with second place up for grabs in the group goal difference was important at this stage of the tournament. Harleston started better knowing only a win would do. The team soon took the lead when Richard Larkin wriggled through the Wolverhampton defence to slot home. Harleston then doubled their lead as Mike Warlow back from injury came on and scored. Harleston were then dealt a blow as Wolverhampton scored, this made the team determined to score more goals but despite all the hard work they could only manage to convert one more time. The final score 3-1.

Harleston now had to wait and hope that Millfield would slip up or not score enough goals to guarantee Harleston's passage to the semi finals. Millfield were in dominant form though and Harleston missed out on goal difference finishing third in their group. The squad would like to thank all of the parents who travelled down to support us at the tournament.

Squad - Julian Waelzholz, Will Harrison, Will Johnson, Fred Merrett, Carl Sitch, Mike Warlow, Chris Barber, James Wheeler, Richard Larkin

Broxbourne 2-7 Magpies Men 1s

Harleston travelled to Broxbourne (one of the teams they traditionally they have struggled against, especially away from home). They were playing without youngsters Jimmy Wheeler, Chris Barber and Carl Sitch who were on under 18 indoor duty, which allowed Stuart Leate and James Stacey to stake claims for the first team.

The team started well and it was soon apparent that James the grease weasel Fanger was “dazzling” the opposition with his speed to set up the opening goal for Richard Ling. Further goals followed quickly from Andy Hipwell and James Fanger helped himself to two goals from close range after good approach play from Tristan Baines. Then came an excellent overlapping run from the energetic Andy Bedwell who was always full, of running and his position gave Richard Gill the time and space to execute a perfect chip over the on rushing goal keeper to ensure a half time lead of 5-0, with goal keeper Iain Martin a virtual spectator.

It was always going to prove a hard task to keep the same intensity in the second half but magpies tried hard to keep the passing game that they had played so well in the first half going. They welcomed Neil ‘the silver fox’ Toulson back for this game and although off balance he wriggled free and unleashed a venomous shot from the top of the D that the home goal-keeper could only look on and admire. Andy Hipwell then fired over the top of the bar, a shot which would have gained maximum points in hurling.

Broxbourne were more adventurous in the second half and a strong run from their centre forward resulted in a far post deflected goal. Andy Hipwell then surged forward to secure his second goal of the game. Late pressure from the home side led to a few short corners, the first was saved comfortably by Iain Martin in goal, the second was chested off the line by Thomas Sumner and the resulting flick deceived Iain Martin to dive low ‘the wrong way’.

This led to the scores being Harleston 7 Broxbourne 2 at the end. A result that the team would have been happy with before the game, with good performances in midfield from Richard Gill, Tristan Baines and Andy Hipwell, the strong running up front from Richard Ling, James Fanger, Neil Toulsan. The defence was ably led by Leigh Sitch and backed up by David Ling, Thomas Sumner and Andy Bedwell.

It must be said what a good job James Stacey and Stuart Leate did and it certainly shows just how strong this magpies squad is and lets hope we can carry on the good work and get to the promised land of the national league.

HARLESTON MAGPIES UNDER 13 BOYS
Norwich City Minis Tournament - at Taverham

Magpies

v North Walsham won 6-0 (3pts) Kalun Bedingfield, Tom Graham (3), Tim Alexander, Will

v Nor/Dere won 5-0 (3pts) Tom Graham (2), Tim Alexander, Will (2)

v Dereham lost 0-1 (0pts)

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

v Watton won 4-1 (3pts) Tom Graham (3), Kalun Bedingfield

v Norwich City won 1-0 (3pt) Tom Graham

Magpies finished up with 15pts, 17 goals for, 2 against, which gave them 1st place in the competition.
Dereham were 2nd, with Pelicans finishing 3rd.

Team: Kalun Bedingfield, Tom Graham, Tim Alexander, Will, James Bentley, James Graham, Mitchell Tomkins, Giles Flatt

U13 GIRLS WIN AT NORWICH CITY MINI TOURNAMENT ON SUNDAY JAN 27th

The U13 Girls produced a series of solid performances including a clean sheet in all their matches which ensured that they finished first in the Tournament. They won their opening game against Watton 2-0 with goals from Sarah Brook and Lauren Reeve and Sarah scored again in a 1-0 win against Dereham. Magpies struggled against Norwich B despite continous pressure and missed chances, but Beth Absolon ensured the win with a firm short corner strike.

The best match was against the runners up Pelicans where in an open game the Magpies front three of Lauren Reeve, Sarah Brook and Lizzie Cole for the first time had space to play in and looked impressive, but failed to make the most of their opportunities. Against N Walsham they nearly conceded a breakaway goal but goalkeeper Maddy Eglington on loan from the U11s made a crucial save and in the end Lizzie Jones score a late winner.

In the final game Magpies beat Norwich A after Sarah Brook hit the cross bar and Lauren Reeve followed up to score. Defenders Tania Pendreich, Sophie Brooks, Micayla Toothill and Beth Absolon ensured Magpies did not concede a goal in 6 matches.

TEAM: Beth Absolon, Sophie Brooks, Tania Pendreich, Micayla Toothill, Sarah Brook, Lizzie Jones Maddy Eglington and Lauren Reeve

Magpies travelled to Taverham to participate in their third tournament of the season. The girls started with two 1-0 wins against Dereham A and Norwich City before finally getting their passing game together enabling them to score five goals without reply against Dereham B.

With magpies now playing their best hockey of the season further wins against Watton 3-0 and a strong Pelicans team 4-0 meant that the girls had comfortably finished in 1st place.

Team:
Madeline Eglington GK, Emma Owen, Georgia Pearson, Kira Wooltorton, Saffron Wilford, Catherine Kilbourne, Georgia Scott, Kara Kilbourne
Goal scorers Georgia Scott 7, Saffron Wilford 3, Emma Owen 3, Kira Wooltorton 1

Special mention must go to goal keeper Madeline Eglington who not only kept goal for the under 11s but also made crucial saves for Magpies under 13 girls helping them to also finish in first place.

Magpies had entered four teams in the Norwich mini tournament and with both the under 11 and under 13 boys earlier in the day winning their respective age groups the girls had made it four first place finishes for the club.

Magpies 2s 3-0 West Herts 2s

JAN 25, 26 - Indoor National Finals
Fri - U18 Boys v Millfield School D 3-3
Fri - U18 Boys v Sheffield W 3-0
Sat 9.30 - U18 Boys v Sevenoaks L 3-4
Sat 13.30 - U18 Boys v Wolverhampton W 3-1
failed qualification on goal difference

SAT 26
MENS 1s v Broxbourne (L) A W 7-2
MENS 2s v West Herts 2 (L) 2.15 (W) H W 3-0
MENS 3s v Pelicans 2 (L) A L 0-1
MENS 4s v Sudbury 2 (L) 1.45 (S) H L 0-1
MENS 5s v Sudbury 3 (L) A W 3-2
MENS 6s v Crane 2 (L) 4.00 (W) H W 3-1
Men VETS v Bury St Edmunds (L) (S) H W 4-1
SUN 27
U11 Boys Norwich Minis - 1st
U13 Boys Norwich Minis - 1st

SAT 26
LADIES 1s v NO FIXTURE
LADIES 2s v Lincoln I (L) 12 noon A L 0-2
LADIES COLTS A v Norwich U 3s (L) A W 2-1
LADIES 5s v Norwich City III (L) (S) H L 2-8
LADIES 6s v Herlings (L) 2.00 A L 1-4
LADIES COLTS B v Thetford II (L) (S) H W 5-1
LADIES DEV. v NO FIXTURE
SUN 27
U11 Girls Norwich Minis - 1st
U13 Girls Norwich Minis - 1st

Team photos of Under 13 girls, Under 11 Girls, Under 13 boys and see below for Under 11 boys

Herlings 4-1 Magpies 6s

Thankfully the grass pitch was not a mud bath and Magpies got off to an excellent start, playing together well as a team. Magpies took the lead halfway through the first half with a well taken goal by Zoe Cole. Soon after the re-start Herlings slipped in soft goal to equalise....more luck than judgement!

Magpies continued to dominate the first half and deserved to be well ahead by half time, but the score remained 1:1

Herlings came out after half time determined to swing higher and hit harder, taking full advantage of the grass pitch. A brief spell saw them put 3 well-struck goals past magpies. Liz Cole took a rather wild ball square on her jaw halfway through the second half.

Although Magpies continued to make some excellent runs forward, they were unable to convert any oportunities and we were disappointed to hear the fulltime whistle blow with a score of 4 :1 to Herlings.

Magpies Ladies Colts B 5-1 Thetford 2s

Despite having no goalkeeper, Harleston Magpies started off strongly, and the opening goal came from Lucy Chubbock within the first five minutes. Magpies had a lot of possession but Thetford defended strongly, preventing several attempts on goal by Magpies. However, Shirley McAllen scored from a short corner with an unstoppable strike, putting Magpies 2-0 up. The young Magpies team dominated the rest of the first half, but were unable to score again.

Thetford started the second half strongly, but this didn't stop Shirley McAllen from scoring again from another short corner. Almost immediately afterwards, Thetford responded with a goal, after the Thetford attackers broke away from the Magpies defence. After scoring, Thetford came back into the game, and although Magpies missed several chances, Hannah Linger soon scored Magpies fourth goal from close range. Finally, towards the end of the match, Lauren Reeve crossed the ball and Rhian Earrye picked it up and slotted it past the keeper. A good game from both teams, with the final score 5 - 1 to Harleston Magpies.

Goal Scorers: Shirley McAllen - 2
Hannah Linger - 1
Lucy Chubbock - 1
Rhian Earrye - 1

Player Of The Match: Beth Alexander

Good luck to our ‘Indoor Boys’

I wish the Boys’ U18s all the very best this weekend when as East Champions they compete in the national indoor finals at the Wyre Forest Glades Leisure Centre in Kidderminster.

Tomorrow (Friday) they play Millfield School (12.30pm) and Sheffield HC (3.30pm) and on Saturday they take on Sevenoaks HC (9.30am) and Wolverhampton HC (1.30pm) with the prospect (hopefully) of a semi-final game at either 4.30pm or 5.10pm. The semi-final winners contest the final next day at 10.40am in the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham. So for two teams and their supporters it is going to be a long weekend. Good luck to our team coached by Leigh Sitch, assisted by Berti Steggles, and managed by David Johnson.

Best wishes also to the Boys’ and Girls’ U11s and U13s in this Sunday’s Norwich minis.

An avid reader of these ‘Chats’ (yes - there are some!) says I was a bit serious in last week’s edition and he was quite correct. I blame it on the time of the year! Incidentally this reader, who is a prominent and inspirational member of the Men’s 3rds, has from time to time expressed an interest in challenging for the chairmanship of the Club and I’ve promised to secure him a hundred votes at the next AGM should he decide to stand!

Talking of the Men’s 3rds (as one often does) the best goal I saw while watching three games in the rain last Saturday was the opener scored by vice-captain Craig Whipps who turned on the edge of the circle before firing an unstoppable shot just inside the right hand post. The team went on to secure a 4-0 win over Lowestoft thereby maintaining their second spot in East Div 3NE.

There were also very welcome wins last Saturday for the Men’s 1sts, 2nds, 4ths and 6ths and the Ladies’ Colts B and Development and good draws for Ladies’ Colts A and 6ths.

Whether to name and to shame? That is the question. I’m talking of members who have yet to pay their subs, training fees and match fees from the first half of the season. I don’t want to put up a list on the notice board but it might come to that unfortunately. So if you haven’t paid up yet please do so this weekend. Invoices will shortly be sent to members who elected to pay their subs and training fees in two instalments.


Another important event coming up is the Silent Auction to be held in the clubhouse on Saturday 12 April. If you an item or a ‘promise’ which can be auctioned please let me know. Last time we held a Silent Auction we raised the magnificent sum of £1700 for club funds.

The Club is also looking for volunteers to join an embryonic Umpiring Committee. I already have three volunteers and two or three more would be very welcome as we look to boost this important side of our activities. Please let me know if you are interested.

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

HARLESTON MAGPIES WEEKEND PREVIEW
26th January 2008

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 NE1 HOCKEY East Men's League Premier A with a win against Wapping whilst nearest rivals St Albans could only draw against Bedford. No doubt both the top sides were finding it difficult to adapt back to the outdoor game following the mid winter break in which the indoor game took centre stage. With Neil Toulson unavailable and two under eighteen players rested pending their involvement in the under eighteen indoor national finals this weekend Magpies took the opportunity to recall Stuart Leate and give a first game of the season to Jamie Stacey. For this weekend's trip to Broxbourne Magpies retain Stacey and Leate and are without Carl Sitch, Chris Barber and Jimmie Wheeler but Neil Toulson returns.

St Albans visit Ipswich who lost badly to Cambridge City 7-1 last weekend Robert Stimpson commented "We were pleased that the fixture computer gave us a game against one of the lower sides in the division for our first game back after the break. The success of our boys in the indoor has thrown up selection problems for this weekend but it has given us an opportunity to give much needed pitch time to other members of our squad. Whilst we are focussed on one game at a time we have to improve the performance levels of our complete squad in the event that we win the league and go forward to play offs."

Magpies Men 1s 4-2 Wapping

After a succesful indoor campaign over the Christmas break Harleston's mens first team returned to outdoor action hoping to carry on the good work in the first half of the season. Their first league game saw them hosting a struggling Wapping side at Weybread. Planing for next weekend saw Harleston welcome back Stuart Leate and James Stacey to the side.

Wapping took the game to a slow Magpies side who themselves struggled to string passes together. Harleston went a goal down within 5 minutes following a Wapping short corner, this took Harleston by surprise but the set back seemed to spur them on. Despite Wapping pushing high Harleston struggled to find the space in behind them until Andrew Bedwell linked well with James Fanger who burst down the wing and into the D where his short was turned into the goal by a Wapping defender. Harleston increased their lead before the break following a broken down short corner Andy Hipwell managed to force the ball over the line from close range.

With Wapping still very much in the game Harleston knew the next goal would be vital. Despite the team still struggling to play with their usual style they did go a further goal ahead when Richard Ling slotted home with a full length dive after good forward movement from himself and James Fanger. The game was finally sealed off in the last 10 minutes when Tristan Baynes fired home from close range after ghosting in from left midfield. With both teams reduced to 10 men in the final 5 minutes Harleston lost their concentration and allowed Wapping to pull a goal back.

With Harleston picking up 3 points and St Albans only managing a draw they extended their lead over their rivals. The team now travel to Broxbourne where they know they will be in a tough game and know they will have to improve on this performance if they stand a chance of picking up points.

Norwich Union 1s 1-4 Magpies 2s

Magpies Ladies Colts B 8-2 Herlings

In the first half and the drizzling rain Magpies started off well, but Herlings were using their strong hits to their advantage. However Magpies soon got an opening goal from Hannah Linger. Anna Lacey scored the second goal after a cross to the left post. After Shirley McAllen came off, Herlings scored from a short corner. The third magpies goal came from a penalty flick taken by Lucy Chubbock. The final goal of the first half was slotted in by Rhian Earrye. By the end of the first half, magpies were 4-1 up.

The second half saw magpies get off to a sluggish start, allowing Herlings to score again. But soon magpies were back in the game with another goal from Hannah Linger. Shortly after, Hannah Linger and Lucy Chubbock were working well together, and scored. Towards the end of the second half, Lucy Chubbock scored from another penalty flick. Finally, with minutes to go, Karen Ray scored from a short corner, making the final score 8-2. Some great goalkeeping from Flora Marfleet who made several excellent saves, and great play and effort from the whole team.

Goal Scorers: Hannah Linger - 2
Lucy Chubbock - 3
Rhian Earrye - 1
Anna Lacey -1.

LADIES 1s v NO FIXTURE
LADIES 2s v Braintree I (L) 12.30 (W) H L 0-2
LADIES COLTS A v Sprowston I (L) (S) H D 0-0
LADIES 5s v Evergreens II (L) 10.15 A L 0-3
LADIES 6s v Diss (L) 3.15 (S) H D 1-1
LADIES COLTS B v Herlings (L) (S) H W 8-2
LADIES DEV. v Norwich City (L) (W) H W 7-0

MENS 1s v Wapping (L) 2.15 (W) H W 4-2
MENS 2s v Norwich Union # (L) A W 4-1
MENS 3s v Lowestoft Town (L) 4.00 (W) H W 4-0
MENS 4s v Norwich Union 2 # (L) A W 5-3
MENS 5s v Norwich Union 4 (L) (S) H L 1-3
MENS 6s v Norfolk Nomads # (L) A W 2-1
Men VETS v Cambridge City (L) A L 4-5

Magpies 6s 1-1 Diss

Despite heavy rain the match got off to a good start with great play down the wings, and some good attempts at goal by Rachel Clifford. Soon after, Magpies took the lead with a superb goal from Liz Cole and we managed to retain our one goal lead throughout the rest of the first half.

Unfortunately during the second half, Diss managed to equalize, with an unlucky goal off the keepers head. However, spirits remained fairly high, and we managed to maintain our 1-1 draw with good defending, especially from the player of the match, Larry, who made some amazing saves.

Early indoor boost for 2008

In my first ‘Chat’ of 2008 I’m delighted to congratulate the men’s and U18 Boys’ indoor squads on their recent outstanding successes which have given the Club a big boost as we enter the second half of the season.

After winning Division 2 of the national indoor league a year ago the men went into this season’s Division 1 campaign looking to consolidate their position but after four wins from four games on the second weekend at Eastleigh they emerged as runners-up to Havant (who they beat 4-2 in their final match) thereby securing promotion to the Premier Division. ‘Well done’ to the squad so enthusiastically led by captain Tom Sumner and manager Martin Fields on this splendid achievement.

Several of the squad helped the Club to win the national U18 championship in season 2002/2003 and it is to be hoped that our present team can go on to similar success the weekend after next when they compete in the national finals at Kidderminster as East champions – a superb result achieved at Colchester last Sunday. Congratulations to the team coached by Leigh Sitch and Andy Bedwell and managed by David Johnson.

The ladies are, sadly, out of the national indoor league despite making a winning start in their Division 2 South campaign at Whitgift School against Wimbledon and Staines. A win in their next game against St Albans was vital in view of the form being shown by their subsequent opponents, Reading (including ex-Magpie Alex Smith) and Trojans. Despite a spirited performance the team went down 6-4 not helped by a couple of sloppy goals conceded in the first half. However, the competition gave some important experience to a number of our younger players which augurs well for the team getting back into the league next season via the East qualifying event.

Personalities and events
Congratulations to Charlie and Neil Harrison on the birth of Lisa. We hope to see all three at the club in the not too distant future.

The End of Season Bash will now be held at the club on either 10 or 17 May.

The Summer Ball has been postponed until Saturday 4 July 2009 due to problems in fixing a convenient date in 2008.


Five more important dates for your 2008 diary please –

Saturday 1 March – Race Evening
Saturday 12 April – Silent Auction & Spring Prize Draw
Sat/Sun/Mon 3/4/5 May – Magpies Tournament
Sunday 22 June – Strawberry Luncheon
Thursday 14 August – Golf Day (Bungay GC)

With kind regards and very best wishes to all members, supporters and friends of HMHC for 2008.

HARLESTON MAGPIES WEEKEND PREVIEW
19th January 2008

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

Harleston Magpies Men, sponsored by Durrants. League hockey resumes after the break this weekend with Magpies hoping to get back to winning ways following their defeat at Cambridge City. The league
table shows Magpies five points above St Albans but the Hertfordshire side has one game in hand. Both sides have been involved in the indoor game over the Christmas period. Magpies performing better than their east rivals by securing promotion to the country's top league the Premier League.

Although Magpies have been concentrating on the indoor scene outdoor training has been taking place and it is vital that the squad quickly adapts to the eleven a side game and starts securing league points again. Magpies have no injuries to report but will be without Neil Toulson for the visit of Wapping. St Albans have two home games against Bedford and Broxbourne and it would be suprising if they didn't secure maximum points. Robert Stimpson commented this week "we were extremely pleased to have played so well in the indoor however our aim is to secure promotion and we must work extremely hard to maintain our lead in the league."

There is a Level 1 Coaching Course being run at Harleston on Sundays
24th February,
16th March,
30th March.

Application form is available from Mary Wright at
Mary@twtennis.fsnet.co.uk

Cost of course is £135
however Active Norfolk are offering Bursaries of 75%.

Robert Stimpson has forms available please e-mail
r.stimpson@btconnect.com
as a matter of urgency as these have to be completed four weeks before course.

For those club members who assist with coaching following the course the club will reimburse the remainder of the fees.

Harleston Magpies men, sponsored by Silverfx, gained promotion to the Indoor National League Premier Division after two successful weekends of indoor hockey.

The team finished runners up to Havant in Division 1 having won 6 out of their 8 games. Promotion places the side in an elite division amongst the top 9 teams in the country, with the possibility of playing live on Sky Sports next January.

It was Magpies’ first season in Division 1 after gaining promotion last year. The team went into the tournament looking to secure their league position for the following season. This was virtually achieved in the first weekend following 2 wins out of 4, which included wins over Surbiton and Doncaster and defeats to St.Albans and Stourport.

Having suffered 2 defeats, it only left an outside chance of promotion. However a stunning set of results in the second weekend saw Magpies ruthlessly snatch the second promotion spot. The team won all 4 matches to take second place ahead of St. Albans.

Harleston started well with an 8-2 defeat of Barford Tigers. They then demolished Guildford 11-3 with both Andy Hipwell and Matt Riches scoring hat-tricks. Magpies continued to go from strength to strength and on Sunday defeated Sheffield UB 10-1, Andy Hipwell again in the goals with a second successive hat-trick.

The 3 wins set up a final showdown match with champions Havant. Magpies had to win to gain promotion, anything less resulting in third place. The side started the game in the perfect fashion going 3-0 up within the first 12 minutes. Havant started to come back into the game and pulled one back. The match entered a key phase when Harleston had a man unfortunately sin-binned. During this phase, the 5 man Harleston team withstood constant pressure from the champions. Once restored to full strength the team regained their 3 goal advantage. Havant pulled one more back, 7 minutes from time, but were unable to make any more inroads due to resolute defending from the whole team.

Promotion is a fantastic achievement for the club and the success can be put down to the outstanding ability and commitment of the 13 man squad, managed by Martin Fields.

Promotion was achieved on the same day that the Magpies U18 boys team won the East Indoor Championships in Bedford. The result takes the U18’s to the National Finals later in January.

Harleston Magpies boys under 18 side travelled down to Colchester on Sunday with high hopes of progressing through the regional round to reach the National Finals weekend.

The squads first game saw them beat a strong Perse side 2-0. This was a good display from Harleston with great defensive work from Will Harrison, Will Johnson and Julian Waelzholz ensuring Harleston kept a clean sheet.

The second game saw Harlerston face one of the tournament favourite Framlingham College. Fram started the better side and found themselves a goal up early on, this set back seem to wake to Harleston up. Harleston started to play fluid hockey the forwards linking well together. Harleston soon started to find the net with some well worked short corners and although Fram did pull a couple of goals back Harleston ran out 6-3 winners.

The next game saw Harleston face Bedford School, the opposition again struck first going a goal up. Harleston soon equalised and from there on in it was one way traffic as Harleston won in style 6-1.

The next game was the toughest of the day facing Old Loughts, the other team flying high. Again Harleston went behind to a stong Loughts side before they woke up. Harleston were moving the ball well round but found them selves 2 goals down after good Loughts finishing. Harleston managed to pull a goal back before finding themselves 3-1 down before the break. Harleston came out stronger in the second half and 2 goals in quick succession saw Harleston level following good link up play between the Harleston midfield and forward line. With the match drawing to a close Harleston managed to find the vital fourth goal and hung on to win 4-3.

With Harleston already through their last game saw them face Watford Grammer School. Yet again Harleston found themselves a goal down but the team pulled through to win 4-1.

A good day saw Harleston finish top of the group and with it qualifying for the indoor finals weekend in two weeks time at Kidderminster.

Squad - Julian Waelzholz (Gk), Will Harrison, William Johnson, Fred Merrett, Carl Sitch, Richard Larkin, Jimmy Wheeler (c), Mike Warlow, Chris Barber, Andrew Bedwell (coach), David Johnson (manager)

LADIES 1s No Fixture
LADIES 2s v Lowestoft I (L) 12.30 (W) H L 1-2
LADIES COLTS A v Briston (L) 2.15 (W) H W 1-0
LADIES 5s v Old Buckenham II (L) (W) H L 1-4
LADIES 6s v Norwich Union IV (L) 10.45 A W 2-1
LADIES COLTS B v Diss (L) 10.30 (W) H D 2-2
LADIES DEV. v Yarmouth (L) 10.00 A W 2-0

MENS 1s v Indoor National League – Div 1
Runners Up

Magpies U18 boys team won the East Indoor Championships in Bedford. The result takes the U18’s to the National Finals later in January.

MENS 2s v Vauxhall 1s A W 4-1
MENS 3s v IES 1s 12.15 (S) H L 1-2
MENS 4s v IES 2s (S) H W 2-1
MENS 5s v IES 3s A
MENS 6s v IES 4s A
Men VETS v Colchester (L) (S) H W 3-0

Norwich Union Ladies 4s 1-2 Magpies Ladies 6s

Magpies earned a hard fought victory at Norwich Union against their 4th team.

Magpies had the first push back but got off to a sluggish start and couldn't seem to find the back of the goal. Suddenly the game took a turn for the worse when Larry took a back fall and landed on her shoulder, soon followed by Janet being knocked to the ground and having to go off briefly. Norwich Union then caught us off guard and managed to score just before half time. But Magpies soon equalized when Zoe scored a great goal, well set up by Rachel Clifford.

After a good half time team chat, Magpies came came back looking stronger and scored again within the first minutes of the second half, from the left, yet again by Zoe. During the rest of the second half we managed to keep the score at 2-1 even though there were some excellent runs from Jaz and the rest of the forwards and some challenges to our defence towards the end of the game. Thankfully the Magpies defence held them off.

We came away with a 2-1 won after a hard but victorious game. Well done Magpies. Players of the match were Zoe and Georgie.

Magpies Ladies Colts B 2-2 Diss Ladies 1s

This started off as a very even game. Magpies had several short corners in the first half and managed to put away a goal from one of these near the end of the first half thanks to Shirley.

During the second half Diss put away their first goal making it 1-1. Magpies played well and managed to pull another goal back from a short corner routine slotted in by Shirley. Diss continued to fight hard and managed to score an equaliser in the final few minutes.

Vauxhall 1s 1-4 Magpies 2s

Our Under 11 boys team finished a creditable 3rd in this invitation event. There were 8 teams divided into 2 groups. Magpies featured in a group with Bury HC, Bradeston Hall and Ipswich HC.

Norwich Union Ladies 4s 1-6 Magpies Ladies Colts B

In the first half it was quite an equal game but by half time Magpies had scored 2 and Norwich 1.

In the second half Magpies continued to fight hard and the goals soon came.

The final score as 6-1 Goal scorers were Shirley McAllen - 3, Rhianne Earrye - 2, Lucy Chubbock - 1.

HARLESTON MAGPIES - WOMENS INDOOR NATIONAL LEAGUE DIV 2 SOUTH

Magpies started well on the opening day with a comfortable opening win against Wimbledon 5-1, which enabled a number of players to taste their first experience of Indoor National League without any serious pressure.

The goals were scored by Artemis Clark 2, Angie Wheelhoue, Debbie McAllen and Laura Parker. In their second game on Saturday against Staines Magpies started slowly and found themselves 2-0 down but rallied before half time to go 3-2 up. In the second half Staines struggled to contain a rampant Magpies side who went on to win 9-3 thanks to goals from Angie Wheelhouse 4, Artemis Clark 4 and Ellie Blake.

On Sunday Magpies knew they needed one more win to qualify for the second weekend and the first match against St Albans was the game they had to win, as the final two games were potentially much harder.

Unfortunately Magpies were rattled early on by some poor umpiring decisions which not only cost them goals but also led to the Magpies defence losing its composure. As a result Magpies were always chasing the game as St Albans continually held a two clear goal lead and in the end Magpies lost 6-4, although Magpies did have a chance to snatch a late point but were unable to capitalise on two very late penalty awards.

Magpies now faced an uphill task and went on to lose to Reading 2-1 in a very tight game (Artemis Clark) in which the team contained Reading really well but in turn struggled to create many goal scoring chances. In searching for the elusive third win Magpies had given a lot physically and paid the price in the final match against Trojans who were the best team there. Despite being only 1-0 down at half time Magpies wilted badly in the second half to lose 7-1.

The ten players gave everything and the five players making their Indoor National League debuts will be better for the experience, but it means Magpies will have to start against next year in the East Indoor League.

Squad: Debbie McAllen (Capt), Lucy Hayman, Louisa Greenacre, Helen Brook, Ellie Blake, Jess Hull, Angie Wheelhouse, Laura Parker, Artemis Clark and Cherry Seaborn.

Harleston Magpies men, sponsored by Silverfx, had a decent first weekend to the National League Indoor campaign. Last year the team were promoted to Division 1 after winning the Division 2 title. The side finished the first weekend mid-table after 2 wins and 2 defeats.

The team travelled down to Eastleigh in a confident mood ahead of playing some of the top sides in the country. The weekend started well with an 8-6 win over Surbiton. Despite being 4-3 down at half-time, the team turned it around with a strong second half display. Goals came from Tim Shelley, Toby Tibbenham, Tom Sumner, Jimmy Wheeler, Tristan Baines and a hatrick from Andy Hipwell.

The second game against St Albans was also tight. St.Albans took a 4-2 lead into half time. However the second half again saw magpies producing a stronger display and started to exert considerable pressure on the opposition. However, the game hinged on a disappointing umpiring decision. A penalty flick was given after a shot was turned off the line by a magpies player. Unfortunately the umpire believed it hit a magpies foot on the line and awarded the flick, which was duly converted. This effectively killed of the game and despite a late magpies comeback were defeated 6-4. Goals came from Tim Shelley, Tristan Baines and Andy Hipwell.

The 1st game on Sunday saw magpies firing on all cylinders. They defeated a strong Doncaster who were relegated from Premiership National league last season. Harleston won 9-5 which included 4 goals from striker Andy Hipwell. Tristan Baines and Richard Gill chipped in with 2 goals apiece and Tim Shelley scored 1 to cap a fine display. In form keeper Iain Martin also pulled of a succession of fine saves to keep Doncaster at bay.

The final match of the weekend ended in a narrow 5-4 defeat to Stourport. The team were 3-2 down at half time and were unable to get back on level terms. Goals again came from Hipwell, Shelley, Tibbenham and Baines.

Last weeks squad: Iain Martin (gk), Berti Steggles (gk), Tristan Baines, Leigh Sitch, David Ling, Tom Sumner (c), Matt Riches, Richard Gill, Andy Hipwell, Tim Shelley, Jimmy Wheeler, Toby Tibbenham and Richard Ling.

Next weekend sees the squad again travel to Eastleigh for the 4 remaining games of the competition. The team will look to climb the table for a possible top 4 finish.

Magpies agree Men’s Indoor Shirt Sponsorship with Silverfx

Harleston Magpies are pleased to announce that they have agreed a shirt sponsorship deal with sports clothing manufacturers Silverfx for the mens indoor team. Silverfx will supply playing shirts for the indoor team for the next two indoor campaigns, the first of which was played last weekend.

The men's team travelled down to Eastleigh to compete in National League Division 1 after promotion from Division 2 last year.

Silverfx supply sports clothing across a range of sports including hockey, football, rugby and cricket. In addition to playing shirts the company also manufacture playing kit such as shorts, skirts and socks as well as training items such as jackets, tracksuits and polo shirts. Silverfx is capable of short lead times of around 5-6 weeks for customised clothing.

If you would like to learn more about what Silverfx have to offer please log on to www.silverfx.info