Cannock Crunch

After last Sunday’s excellent 6-2 away win over Kingston upon Hull it is ‘Cannock Crunchtime’ for the Men’s 1sts this weekend (May 3-5) when they play their last three matches in the EHL Qualifying Tournament. After two rounds of matches Cardiff & UWIC lead the table on six points with Magpies in second place on four points followed by University of Durham (3), Harborne (3), Fareham (1) and Hull (0).

The squad thoroughly deserved their win last Sunday after going behind early in the game. After Andy Hipwell equalised on his way to another splendid hat trick the team raised their game even higher in the second half to take control with some top class flowing hockey. Wins against Durham on Saturday (5.00pm) and Harborne (Sunday 2.00pm) would put the squad in a strong position for a coveted top two place before their last game against Cardiff at 11.00am on Monday. Best of luck to manager Robert Stimpson, coach Les Howlett and the rest of the squad for these three vital games.

I hope as many members as possible will be able to attend the End of Season Bash at the club on Saturday 17 May (7.30pm). The event is open to all ages and entry is by ticket only - £10 (U13s £5) including food - obtainable from Mary Wright 0774 779 5481, Mike Denham 01603 506925 or at the bar over the Magpies’ May Bank Holiday Tournament. Dancing will be to ginger tom & the GO cats.

And talking of the May Tournament I remind you as follows of the programme.

Saturday 3 May - Open Mixed Challenge

Sunday 4 May - Veterans

Monday 5 May - Ladies’ and Men’s Club XIs

Last weekend’s Yazoo East Mini Finals were a great success at the club and I join East President Bill Felton in thanking all the club members who worked so hard throughout the two days. Writing on behalf of East Hockey Bill concluded his communication to me by saying “I would like you to pass on our sincere thanks to your committee and all involved at the weekend and I am sure it will not be too long before the East are asking to come back to Magpies because not only did we enjoy coming so did the many teams involved”.

Congratulations to our teams which did so well in the Dereham minis last Sunday and especially the U11 Girls and the U11 Boys who won their events. Commiserations to the U15 Girls who bowed out of the national plate in the semis at Leicester. However, the team can be proud of their fine run in the competition.

The Summer Mixed Hockey will once again be played on Monday nights (7.30pm) commencing on 12 May and continuing on 2 & 16 & 30 June and concluding on 14 July. Please bring a white and coloured shirt and £3 match fee!

More dates for your diary please!


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

Magpies on final flight to National League

Harleston Magpies Men, sponsored by Durrants, enter the final weekend of their play offs to enter the National League when they visit Cannock for three games against the remaining opposition in their round robin.

Following a fine 6-2 victory against Kingston upon Hull Magpies take on University of Durham 5.00 p.m. Saturday 3rd May, Harborne 2.00p.m. Sunday, and Cardiff & UWIC 11.00 a.m.on Monday.

Magpies find themselves in second position after two games, Cardiff heading the group. The Welsh side look to be early favourites to go through and although Fareham have only secured one point it is likely they will be battling it out with Magpies for that second promotion place.

Early results would indicate that National Leagues side Hull will not be good enough to survive and indeed Magpies were pleased with their convincing win against a team who had played this season in the national league.

Hull took an early lead and fought all the way in a game which Magpies always looked like winning but it was not until the last quarter as Hull began to tire against Magpies relentless pace that Magpies dominance was converted into a four goal margin.

Robert Stimpson Magpies Manager commented following the Hull game "We certainly got what we deserved at Hull. A fine squad performance with our strength in depth in evidence. We have been planning all season for this weekend and feel we have developed a squad which is suited to a three game marathon. I expect all our squad to play a part in the weekend where our fitness and the versatility of our players will come to the fore.”

Magpies Squad :- Iain Martin, Leigh Sitch, Tom Sumner, Tristan Baynes, David Ling, Carl Sitch, Richard Ling, Neil Toulson, Chris Barber, Dan Stasin, Stuart Leate, Lawrence Baynes, James Fanger, Richard Gill, Andy Hipwell, Jimmy Wheeler, Andy Bedwell, Mark Lewis.

For Further information please contact Robert Stimpson 01728628243 (H) 07976741719 (M)

Hull 2-6 Harleston Magpies

‘Barber Cuts Loose as Magpies Hit Hull for Six’

Harleston followed up last week’s draw against Fareham with a convincing 6-2 win in their second EHL play-off game against a Hull side fighting to retain their National League status. The result leaves the side second in the table with four points from their opening two games and ensures that the squad will approach the final weekend’s games confident of securing a place in the National League next season.

Magpies were subdued for the first ten minutes as they struggled to adapt to their host’s direct style of play and, despite gradually finding their feet and creating some early chances, went a goal down from a short corner breakdown. Magpies reacted well to the set-back and soon started to play their free-flowing hockey that has been their trademark all season. Tom Sumner was particularly dominant down Harleston’s right flank and one of his incisive runs brought a short corner which Hipwell put away to make the scores level at half time.

After some inspirational half time words from coach Les Howlett and manager Robert Stimpson, Magpies came out in the second period determined to push on and pick up all three points from this must-win game. Their increased intensity was too much for a visibly tiring Hull side and Magpies quickly went 3-1 up through a Hipwell penalty stroke and a sharp close range finish from the in-form Toulson. The two goal cushion did not last long as Hull pulled one back with a deflected shot from a tight angle.

However Magpies kept their momentum and for the final 15 minutes produced some memorable attacking hockey with Baynes and Wheeler combining effectively down the left and Leate putting in his best performance of the season in an attacking right back role. The pressure told as Hipwell secured his hat-trick through a well worked short corner and Barber calmly finished a swift passing move to put the result beyond doubt. With the three points secured there was still time for Barber to score the best goal of the game in the final minute when he lost his man and expertly turned a pin point pass high into the roof of the net.

Hull will be disappointed with the loss which leaves their chances of success in the play-offs hanging by a thread but can have no complaints about the 2-6 scoreline which was a fair reflection of Magpies’ complete dominance in the last quarter of the match.

Magpies travel to Cannock next week to compete in their remaining 3 play-off games (against Durham University, Harborne and Cardiff) over the bank holiday weekend knowing that three wins will guarantee National League hockey next season.

The players and management would like to thank their dedicated spectators for making the long journey to Hull and look forward to receiving further support at Cannock.

HARLESTON MAGPIES UNDER 13 BOYS
Dereham Minis Tournament - 3rd

v Pelicans B won 2-0 (3pts) Kalun Bedingfield, Tom Graham

v Watton won 1-0 (3pts) Thomas Ridley

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

v Dereham B won 1-0 (3pts) Thomas Ridley

v Dereham A won 4-0 (3pts) Alex Green 3

v Pelicans A lost 0-2 (0pts)

Magpies side finished up with 15pts, 10 goals for, 2 against, which gave them 3rd place in the competition on goal difference having tied with: Dereham B (15pts) who came 1st, and Pelicans A (15pts) who were 2nd.

Team: James Graham, Thomas Ridley, Tom Graham, Mitchell Tomkins, Kalun Bedingfield, Alex Green, Dom Absolon, Barnaby Carless

HARLESTON MAGPIES U13 GIRLS AT DEREHAM TOURNAMENT

Magpies Under 13 Girls made the worst possible start losing 1-0 to Watton which probably cost them any chance of winning the Tournament.

Magpies played much better after that and were very unlucky not to score in a 0-0 game against Norwich City, where they dominated the match but could not score.

The game against Dereham seemed to be going the same way but this time Magpies had a bit of luck as the Dereham defender diverted the ball into their own goal.

Magpies played well again in an even contest against the eventual winners Pelicans and the match could have gone either way. Magpies finished the Tournament with two convincing wins against against Norwich City B 5-0 (Keira Booty 2,Lizzie Jones, Beth Absolon and Lauren Reeve) and 5-0 against Pelicans B (Tania Pendreich 2, Lizzie Jones, Lauren Reeve and Keira Booty).

Magpies finished 3rd with Keira Booty starring up front and Lizzie Jones playing very well at centre midfield.

Team: Beth Absolon, Katie Rudd, Sophie Brooks, Micayla Tootill, Lizzie Jones, Keira Booty, Tania Pendreich and Lauren Reeve.

Men's EHL Qualifying Tournament
MENS 1s v Kingston Upon Hull W 6-2

National Youth Plate Semi-Final
Magpies U15 Girls v Leicester U15 L 3-5

Dereham Minis Tournament
Magpies U11 Girls 1st
Magpies U13 Girls 3rd
Magpies U11 Boys 1st
Magpies U13 Boys 3rd
(joint 1st but 3rd on goal difference)

Magpies entered their sixth and final tournament of the season at Dereham playing for the Alex Hill memorial trophy.

Having finished 3rd twice, 2nd once and 1st in their last two tournaments Magpies were aiming at a third consecutive first place.

A strong team performance saw Magpies win all six games, scoring 14 goals and conceding none. Goalscorers were Saffron Wilford (5), Georgia Scott (4), Kira Wooltorton (2), Emma Owen (2) and Georgia Pearson (1).

These players along with Laura Davidson and Madeleine Eglington GK gave Magpies yet another first place finish to end a very successful season.

Magpies also entered a second team in the tournament which gave other members of our squad the chance to gain valuable tournament practice. Although the girls failed to win any games our team played with great spirit and battled very hard.

Team:- Ruth Denham GK, Harriet Underdown, Jessica Young, Sophie Long, Kara Kilbourne, Sophie Meynell-Anderson

Splendid turnout – excellent game

What a splendid turnout for last Sunday’s EHL Men’s Qualifying Tournament game against Fareham! My thanks to the approximately 300 people who came along and witnessed an excellent game. After our two-goal lead evaporated I must say I was happy with a point – especially so as with five minutes to go I was prepared to settle for just that! I wish the squad all the very best for their away game this Sunday (27 April, 2.00pm) against Kingston upon Hull. It would be good to go into the May Bank Holiday weekend at Cannock with four points.

The Mixed team also established a two-goal lead last Sunday, against Banbury, and how the game was going a comeback by our visitors never entered my head. Then all of a sudden the game was level with a dreaded penalty shootout looming. But on came Super Sub Colin Wheelhouse for another starring cameo performance and his cross led to the late winner. And it was his speed and determination which created the penalty corner and which led to him slotting home from close range for the first goal before a typical run and shot by Richard Larkin gave us what seemed like a safe two-goal lead. Well done to the team who are now at home in the national quarter-finals against Eastcote (who ended my brief managerial career some years back when we lost to them on penalty strokes) on Sunday 11 May – a date which clashes with the U18 Boys’ and Girls’ national finals and the men’s county championship!

Good luck also this Sunday to the U15 Girls who are away to Leicester in the semi-finals of the national plate - let’s hope they can repeat the fine performance they gave against Old Loughtonians in the previous round – and to our teams in the Dereham minis.

This Saturday and Sunday the Club is hosting the East Minis with the U11s on Saturday (11.30am) and the U13s on Sunday (11.00am). Although no Magpies’ teams have made it through to these national qualifiers please come along for what should be an enjoyable weekend. On Sunday we have an U9 team playing in a fun event on England Hockey’s inflatable pitch. And there will also be a bouncy castle for us all to enjoy!

Followers of England hockey will be sorry to have learned of the retirements from all hockey of Helen Grant (due to an ongoing knee injury) and from international hockey of Brett Garrard. Helen played 105 times for England (scoring 30 goals) and 11 times for Great Britain scoring 4 goals and defender Brett made a record 193 appearances for England and 68 for GB.

The Summer Mixed Hockey will once again be played on Monday nights (7.30pm) commencing on 12 May and continuing on 2 & 16 & 30 June and concluding on 14 July. Please bring a white and coloured shirt and £3 match fee! I’m grateful to David Francis for kindly agreeing to run the evenings – with, no doubt, some help from Debbie!

More dates for your diary please!


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

Magpies visit National League side Hull

Harleston Magpies Men, sponsored by Durrants, take on National League side Kingston upon Hull away with a 2.00 p.m. push back on Sunday 27 th April. Whilst a trifle disappointed to only pick up a point against Fareham on Sunday having been two up this may well prove to be a point gained, against a side who looked a class outfit.

With this week’s opponents losing to Midland’s winner Harborne, Cardiff the other winner playing Fareham, Magpies need to pick up maximum points to put them in a good position before the three game finale at Cannock. Needless to say Hull’s record, albeit against better opposition, is less than impressive. Three wins , two draws and fifteen losses, with a goals for of thirty eight, and seventy conceded.

Magpies have watched their opposition in their play off game against Robinsons and feel if they can play to their potential they can secure the points. Robert Stimpson commented after the Fareham game "A number of our players were surprised at the pace of our game on Sunday. This was a much higher standard than we have experienced all season and we need to maintain this over the remaining games. I don’t expect Hull to be as skilfull or quick as Fareham, but I believe we will be in a much tougher physical encounter."

Magpies Squad :- Iain Martin, Leigh Sitch, Tom Sumner, Tristan Baynes, David Ling, Carl Sitch, Richard Ling, Neil Toulson, Chris Barber, Dan Stasin, Stuart Leate, Lawrence Baynes, James Fanger, Richard Gill, Andy Hipwell, Jimmy Wheeler, Andy Bedwell, Mark Lewis.

For Further information please contact Robert Stimpson 01728628243 (H) 07976741719 (M)

Harleston Magpies 2 Fareham 2

Harleston took on South league winners Fareham in their first of 5 play off games looking to gain promotion back into the National league.

The team flew out off the blocks stringing passes together and pushing hard buoyed by the massive crowd who'd come to cheer the team on. With only a couple of minutes on the clock Fareham were reduced to 10 men with a clumsy challenge.

With the numerical advantage the team continued to press looking for the first goal, despite the pressure Harleston were unable to find the break until 20 minutes in when good play down the left from Tristan Baynes and Carl Sitch found players queuing up in the middle when Andy Hipwell slid the ball under the advancing keeper.

Harleston thought they were 2-0 up a few minutes later when Andy Hipwell's short corner looked goal bound until the Fareham keeper turned the shot onto his bar. In the last 10 minutes of the half Fareham came back into game and started to pressurise the Magpies defence. Fareham should have found the equaliser just before the break but somehow managed to fire over from 5 yards with the goal begging.

Again after the break Harleston came out fighting and snatched a quick goal within three minutes when Carl Sitch slotted in from close range. With the game now in their control and could start to relax. Again Fareham started to push but resilient defending from David Ling halted many of the attacks prematurely.

Harleston were dealt a blow when Richard Gill, who was dominating midfield was harshly sent off following a stick tackle. Down a man Harleston allowed their concentration to slip and Fareham managed to snatch a goal with a well taken finish. Back up to the full 11 Harleston started to find their rhythm again and started to carve out more chances. Fareham however had other ideas and banged in an equaliser at a short corner. This goal led to a tense final 10 minutes despite chances for both teams neither were able to find the break through.

Harleston with a great team effort were happy with the point against a strong Fareham side and now travel to Hull next weekend in great spirits.

The team would like to say a big thank you to all of the supporters who came down to cheer on the team.

National Mixed Cup
Magpies Mixed v Banbury W 3-2

Men's EHL Qualifying Tournament
MENS 1s v Fareham (South Winners) D 2-2

Ever wondered what it would be like to be an umpire?
Well an opportunity has arisen to find out!

A L1 umpire course is being hosted by Norwich City Hockey Club:

Date: SATURDAY 24 May 2008

Time: 9.30 am - 4.00 pm

Where: Taverham High School in the Norwich City/Broadland Hocky Club clubhouse

Age: 15+

For more details please contact Alan Jones, email alan@wittsend.co.uk

An application form can be downloaded from:

http://www.nhua.co.uk/Level_1_course_registration_form.doc

East meets South

I’m sure there is no need for me to remind members and supporters of the main event this weekend – but I’m going to do so all the same! On Sunday (20 April) at 2.15pm the Men’s 1sts – East League winners by 15 points from St Albans – entertain Fareham (who won the South League by 11 points from Chichester) in the first round of matches in the EHL Qualifying Tournament.

I quote from manager Robert Stimpson’s programme notes as follows. “Apart from the national league side Kingston Upon Hull, who we visit next Sunday, all the sides in the play-offs have - as regional winners - impressive records and today’s visitors have achieved excellent results in arguably the strongest region. I am sure the game today will be keenly contested and I am really pleased that a game of this importance and quality can be played in front of our home crowd. Fareham will have brought a number of supporters and this makes for a game charged with atmosphere”. If you want to read the rest of what Robert has written you may do so on production of £1 on Sunday!

I’m sure there will be a big crowd to support the squad who under the management of Robert and coach Les Howlett and the leadership of captain Leigh Sitch and vice-captain Richard Gill have worked so hard this season to become East Champions. Promotion back to the national league would put the icing on an already very attractive cake.

To get your vocal cords in good working order why not come along at 12 noon on Sunday to support the Mixed team as they take on Banbury in the National Trophy. In view of the Fareham game our team will show a few changes from that normally fielded and we will need to be on top form if we are to turn the tables on Banbury who rather spoiled our party by beating us when we hosted the national semis and final in June 2005.

While the excellent run of our team in the national veterans’ cup came to a halt last Sunday at East Grinstead everyone involved under the leadership of Jerry Blackmore can take great credit for once again doing the club proud. Well done also to our Under 9 team on winning the 8-team tournament at King’s Lynn last Sunday.

I’m sorry to say I missed the Silent Auction & Party last Saturday after I was sent home by Kirstin and Philippa! It wasn’t for anything I said! I was feeling ill. I thank Kirstin, Philippa, Jose and everyone else who helped with and attended the event which made the really excellent profit of £2100. In addition my thanks to everyone who supported the Spring Prize Raffle which made the very useful profit of £800.

More dates for your diary please!



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

Magpies Play Offs Game

I wanted to remind you of the play off game to take place this Sunday at Weybread push back 2.15 p.m.

Magpies take on Regional Winners

Harleston Magpies Men, sponsored by Durrants, take on the country’s regional winners in a round robin with entry to the National League being the prize for the top two out of six. Magpies have won their league convincingly winning twenty one of their twenty two games but now they have to go up a gear against other winners who have all completed their season with impressive records.

The first two games are played one home and one away before the final games are played at the ground of one of the most successful teams in the country namely Cannock. Before that weekend at the beginning of May Magpies take on South winners Fareham at home and travel to the national league side Hull, fighting to remain in the league.

Fareham visit Weybread on Sunday 20th April with a push back of 2.15.

Magpies have had a week away from competitive hookey and this time has been used very well on the training ground.

Robert Stimpson commented earlier this week "After two seasons in which we came runners up in the league we have at last won the title but unfortunately for one season only, because of reorganisation to the league there is no automatic promotion.We are certainly worth a place in the league, now we have to prove it over a five game series. The squad have worked very hard all season with commitment at training and in games being high. We have to take that into our games and be consistent in our performances.”

Magpies have received reports on all their opposition including Fareham. Traditionally the South league is the strongest of the regional leagues and Sunday’s opposition have drawn one game, losing two and scoring ninety nine goals with conceding thirty two.

There will be a difference in styles between the two sides. Magpies no frills approach, encouraged by a crowd likely to be the biggest at Weybread for a decade, is likely to put this group of local lads on the way to play offs success.

Magpies Squad :- Iain Martin ,Leigh Sitch, Tom Sumner, Tristan Baynes, David Ling, Carl Sitch, Richard Ling, Neil Toulson, Chris Barber, Dan Stasin, Stuart Leate, Lawrence Baynes, James Fanger, Richard Gill, Andy Hipwell, Jimmy Wheeler, Andy Bedwell, Mark Lewis.

For Further information please contact Robert Stimpson 01728628243 (H) 07976741719 (M)

East Grinstead 3-1 Magpies Mens Vets

Harleston Magpies veterans lost 3-1 to East Grinstead in the semi-final of the EHA Veterans' Cup.

Having reached the final last season, Magpies were confident going into the match but knew it would be a tough contest against the team who won the cup two years ago and were captained by Richard Leman, who led Great Britain to Olympic gold in 1988.

East Grinstead gave Magpies' defence a busy afternoon, with goalkeeper David Brown keeping them in the match with a string of fine saves.

Grinstead opened the scoring after 20 minutes scrambling home a short corner.

Magpies finished the half strongly, with Phil Cobbald working hard up front but Grinstead settled the tie half way through the second half with two short corner goals.

Magpies didn't let their heads drop and were rewarded when Johnathon Aldridge converted a late penalty stroke.

National Vets Cup - Semi Final
MENS VETS v East Grinstead A L 1-3

U9 Pelis Minis
U9 Magpies Minis - 1st

Magpies entered a Norfolk Under 9 tournament for the first time on Sunday 13th April.