9 out of 10

Last Saturday the club fielded ten teams and nine of them emerged with a win. Quite a day! Congratulations to all nine teams and commiserations to the Ladies’ 2nds on their narrow defeat against table-topping Norwich Dragons. The team are still nicely placed, however, just three points behind the leaders.

Illness kept me away from Weybread last Saturday depriving me of the chance of seeing 34 goals in five league matches – 30 for Magpies with just 4 against!

The Men’s 5ths got the ball rolling with their 9–1 win over Bury 5ths before the Men’s Veterans maintained their 100% record with a 8–1 win, also against Bury. Meantime the Ladies’ 1sts recorded their first home league win of the season beating Staines 3-2 (with two more goals from the prolific Angie Wheelhouse) to move into third place in the league. Later the Men’s 1sts maintained their 100% record with a comfortable 7-0 win over Ipswich 2nds with Andy Hipwell scoring his first hat-trick of the season and the Men’s 4ths beat Pelicans 2nds 3-0 to record their second win of the season with a hat-trick by James Legg, playing his first game since his recent enforced lay-off.

This Saturday the Ladies’ 1sts have the day off while the Men’s 1sts have their most testing game of the season away to Cambridge University. Meantime we have just four games at Weybread with the Ladies’ 5ths playing Norwich City 4ths (10.30am); the Men’s 6ths, after two encouraging wins, taking on Lowestoft Railway (12.30pm); the Men’s 2nds entertaining St Ives (2.15pm) looking to build on their improved form and the Men’s 3rds, who sit proudly at the top of their league, hosting UEA (4.00pm). The 3rds maintained their fine form last Saturday with a 2-0 away win over Ipswich 4ths during which Matt Brand continued his remarkable goalscoring run and Andy Smith scored his first goal since taking up nappy changing duties a few months back!

Good luck to all our teams in action this weekend including the Men’s Veterans who undoubtedly have the most daunting task when they travel to play fellow table-toppers Ipswich who already have the impressive goal record of 25-2 from just four games.

Harleston Fireworks Spectacular (Weybread, Friday 7 November 2008)
I take this opportunity to remind you of this annual event, hosted by HMHC, and which is run by a committee comprising Harleston Lions, Harleston Scouts and Magpies HC. Please click on the link on the Home Page of the club’s website for full details.

HMHC members are asked to please help once again with car parking, teas/coffees and stewarding. If you are able to help and have not already done so would you kindly sign your name on the board in the clubhouse this Saturday or else phone James Smith on 01379 898767.

News and comments in brief:

Congratulations to goalkeeper Alistair McGregor (GB, Scotland & Loughborough Students) on being named by Great Britain Hockey as its Athlete of the Year 2008. After his performances in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Chile and then in Beijing there is no doubt that he is a most worthy winner.

Have you paid your HMHC club subscription yet please? To avoid the dreaded Name and Shame list please do so this weekend.

Since the shameful decision, announced in April 2007, to ditch the National Hockey Stadium in Milton Keynes it was inevitable that the England Hockey would eventually be looking for a new home for its offices and ‘sometime in the spring of 2009’ the offices will be moved to Bisham Abbey where the South Regional Development and Performance staff are already located.




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

With the evenings drawing in there is no better time for the excitement of watching fireworks and on FRIDAY 7th November at Magpies’ Hockey Club in Weybread the Harleston Town Fireworks Spectacular will be back and once again filling the skies above Harleston with a magnificent display of fireworks set to music.

The event, now in its 21st year, is once again being organised by Harleston Lions, Harleston Scouts and Harleston Magpies Hockey Club featuring a professional fireworks display by Fantastic Fireworks.

Fantastic Fireworks have an international reputation and in recent times have completed displays at Catherine Palace, St Petersburg, provided Liverpool with firework displays to celebrate achieving the status of European Capital of Culture and have been responsible for the finales at the Proms in the Park and the Hampton Court Music Festival. They are promising another display not to be missed!

On the night gates open at 6.00pm with a BBQ, fairground rides and organ and other attractions to entertain until the bonfire is lit at 7.00pm so please come along hungry and enjoy an evening of excitement and fun!

Tickets will be available on the night at £6 for adults and £4 for children (between ages 5 and 16) or in advance until Wednesday 5 November at £5/£3 respectively from Kitchen Sense, Jacksons Fruiterers (formerly Gipsons) and Wiskas Pet Shop in Harleston or directly from Harleston Scouts and the Hockey Club.

Parking is plentiful and free!

Outside of Harleston tickets are also available from Goodie’s Farm Shop (Pulham Market) and Simply Cards (Bungay).

Finally, our thanks go to everyone who supports this event in whatever way and we hope to see as many of you as possible at Harleston Magpies Hockey Club on FRIDAY 7th November for a true family bonfire night and professional fireworks display helping much needed funds be raised for Harleston Scouts, Lions and Hockey Club.

Harleston Magpies Men
Preview for Magpies 1st November

Following a fine 7-0 demolition of Ipswich Harleston Magpies men, sponsored by Hunton Legg, sit proudly at the top of the league some five points away from Havering and Blueharts. Whilst Any Hipwell weighed in with another well deserved hatrick it was really pleasing to see Chris Barber and Neil Toulson score one each and Jimmy Wheeler another brace thus underlining the team effort which is a hallmark of Magpies new season.
This weekend Magpies visit Cambridge University .

Two seasons ago the University pipped Magpies for promotion to the national league and so not only do Magpies need the points but they have a score to settle with the boys. As is often the case the students have started their season slowly as new players get bedded in. However their 5-4 victory against Peterborough indicates they are nearly up to speed.

Magpies have an injury doubt with Stuart Leate and Tom Sumner is unavailable, a weekend when the squad policy will be put to the test. With Havering playing Stortford and Blueharts Peterborough another three points could possibly widen the gap below Magpies.

Magpies thirds maintained their unbeaten run in division 3ne with a 2-0 win over a determined Ipswich team.

Ipswich had most of the first half play but exceptional defending in particular from Deben Nelson and Phil Good kept the score at 0-0 until magpies scored against the run of play. Magpies won a short corner in which Matt Brand displayed his show pony skills with a neat flick.

The second half was a different affair with Magpies controlling and dominating play for long periods. The second goal was scored by the unlikely source of Andy Smith with a truly epic pirouette shot on the edge of the area, which took a wicked deflection to go in the net.

The game was marred in dying few minutes when Craig Whipps was sinned binned for a backhanded lunge tackle in which he failed to get the ball but did get the player.

This was a big game for Harleston Magpies II as they played Norwich Dragons I, a top of the table clash.
Magpies had a few players missing this week, but still felt confident going into the game. This was the worst start Magpies had had this season, and they gave the ball away very easily. Norwich Dragons put a lot of pressure on the Magpies defence for the whole of the 1st half, and Magpies were very lucky to only be 1-0 down at half-time, and this was down to shear determination and some excellent saves from Calianne Clark.

Magpies made a few changes at half-time, which proved to be successful, and Magpies managed to put a lot more pressure on the Dragons, with Verity Blyth having an excellent half, and using her speed to cause problems.
Magpies had a few chances and a last minute shortcorner, their only one of the match, and it narrowly went wide. This was Magpies’ first loss of the season.

Magpies II don’t have a game next weekend, but will hopefully bounce back for their game on the 8th November, away at Dereham.

LADIES 1s v Staines (L) 12.30 (W) H W 3-2
LADIES 2s v Norwich Dragons (L) A L 0-1
LADIES 3s v Beccles 1.45 (S) H
LADIES 4s v slip date
LADIES 5s v slip date
LADIES 6s v slip date
LADIES DEV. v slip date

MENS 1s v Ipswich II (L) 2.15pm (w) H W 7-0
MENS 2s v Cambridge City II (L) 2 A W 4-3
MENS 3s v Ipswich 4 (L) 2.30 A W 2-0
MENS 4s v Pelicans 2 (L) 4.00pm (w) H W 3-0
MENS 5s v Bury St Edmunds 5 (L) (w) H W 9-1
MENS 6s v Felixstowe 2 (L) 11.30am A W 3-2
Men VETS v Bury St Edmunds (L) W 8-1

WOMENS SLAZENGER ENGLAND HOCKEY LEAGUE EAST CONFERENCE

HARLESTON MAGPIES 3 STAINES 2

Harleston Magpies made an excellent start with early dominance that was rewarded by two really well executed goals. After 15 minutes Charlotte Harrison won the ball on the left of midfield and drove at the Staines defence before slipping the ball to Artemis Clark who in turn pulled the ball across the face of the goal for Angie Wheelhouse to open the scoring. Three minutes later Angie Wheelhouse broke away on the right hand side and looked certain to take the early shot from the top of the circle but instead passed to Artemis Clark who took her chance well to make it 2-0. At this point Magpies were in control but had a scare a minute before half time when the Staines forward broke away but was denied by goalkeeper Lucy Hayman’s outstretched foot.

Magpies coach emphasised at half time the need to learn the lesson of the previous week as they had to make a solid start at the beginning of the second half, but over elaboration in their own half allowed Staines to dispossess them and the counter attack led to Kery Maskery pulling a goal back on 43 minutes. Within a minute Magpies had restored their lead when a quickly taken free hit by Debbie McAllen saw Angie Wheelhouse put Magpies 3-1 up.

Unfortunately Magpies never seemed comfortable in controlling this lead as Staines pushed forward in numbers in order to force their way back into the game and in the end a defensive error saw Jo Murphy score with twelve minutes left to play. Magpies appeared to have wrapped up the game when Angie Wheelhouse put Artemis Clark clear who rounded the goalkeeper expertly and reversed sticked the ball into the open goal. Whilst Magpies were celebrating the goal the umpire had inexplicably disallowed it which nearly caught out the home side. In the final 5 minutes Magpies killed off the game by keeping the ball much to the frustration of Staines. This win sees Magpies move up to third place.

Magpies 7 Ipswich 2s 0

Magpies, sponsored by Hutton Legg, comfortably beat a struggling Ipswich side to stretch their lead at the top of the NE14HOCKEY East Men's Hockey League Premier Division to five points after five games.

The tone for the afternoon was set prior to the push back with some inspirational quotations and words of wisdom from Magpies' colourful manager Robert Stimpson as he sent out his team onto the pitch prepared for a tough test against their local rivals.

Despite an initial spell of pressure from Ipswich's youthful forward line Magpies soon gained control and broke the deadlock after 10 minutes with a regulation short corner from Andy Hipwell after an earlier effort by the star striker had been saved off the line. Two more goals followed soon afterwards. The first was poached by the lively James Wheeler after neat interplay with Hipwell, and the second was coolly finished off by the experienced Neil Toulson as Magpies' quick passing had opened up the visitors' defence. There was time for one more goal in a one-sided first half as Wheeler comprehensively drilled the ball home past Ipswich's unprotected keeper to send Magpies into the break 4-0 to the good.

Ipswich began the second period in a more determined manner and played some neat hockey at times, but it was the home side who stretched their lead on the 45 minute mark as Chris Barber stroked the ball home to finish off a dazzling run from Pete Bale, who after taking some time to find his feet as right defender soon began to sparkle in his new role.

Magpies were solid at the back throughout, with Andrew Bedwell in particular continuing to prove the doubters wrong with yet another sound defensive performance as time and again he gobbled up Ipswich attacks.

The visitors were reduced to 10 men as a result of a bad tackle on Wheeler but felt aggrieved that no action was taken against the Magpies player who, they alleged, was involved in some on-the-deck rough-and-tumble with the Ipswich offender. Magpies made the most of the numerical advantage and Hipwell added two more goals, the second of which was a rasping pile-driver into the top corner of the net.

The 7-0 scoreline perhaps flattered Magpies, and Ipswich felt that they had not had the rub of the umpires' decisions throughout the 70 minutes, however with five wins from five, 20 goals scored and only one conceded, Magpies' position at the top of the table appears justified at this early stage in the season.

Magpies 2s gained their 2nd consecutive win and their first away from home this season against Cambridge City 2s.

Apart from the early moments Cambridge dominated the first 20 minutes. It came as no surprise when they opened the scoring. A series of missed tackles around the top of the area, allowed a Cambridge player to have lots of time to convert a free shot on goal. Magpies were struggling to get into the game with their defence and midfield unable to cope with the attacking force of the opposition, fortunately Cambridge were unable to capitalise on this.

From out of nowhere Magpies produced a superb flowing move down the right hand side involving Dave Miller and Safa setting Ben Wright free to find Gavin Coleman at the back post to hit the ball in. With renewed confidence Magpies started to dominate and took the lead when young and old (Wright and Cobbold) combined for Cobbold to fire a cross which Martin Fields spectacularly beat the keeper at his near post. Magpies carved out another couple of chances just before half-time but were unable to increase their lead.

The second half started the way the first finished with Magpies playing their best hockey of the season, Harrison hit the post with a drag flick and followed it up not long after with one whistling past the post. They created lots of chances but through a combination of good goalkeeping and poor finishing they were unable to increase their lead. Eventually Safa got the third goal with a typical, crunching reverse stick shot which was too quick for the keeper. Magpies continued to pile on the pressure but when Cambridge broke, they did so dangerously and Livings was forced into several good saves including one excellent reaction save from close range.

Cambridge pulled a goal back from a short corner with magpies claiming the shot was too high. Magpies again looked for another goal which nearly came from a run by Fred Merrett from deep in his own half but he was unable to get in a decent strike. The fourth goal eventually came from a Harrison drag flick nearly knocking the goal backwards after it crashed into the top left-hand corner.

Magpies tried to run the clock down but sloppy defending led to a late Cambridge break which allowed them a shot on target which wasn’t dealt with properly by Livings who eventually cleared the ball into the attacker who bundled it over the line to make the final score line of 4-3 much closer than it should have been.
Man of the match went to Ben Wright who got 8 votes out of 14. Next up for the 2s is St Ives at home.

Safa dreaming of his reverse stick goal!!

Exciting Futures for Cherry and Ben

Junior hockey has been transformed at national level this season with the establishment of a new competition called England Hockey’s Futures Cup which replaces the U15 and U17 Regional Tournaments. Four cluster squads from the Junior Regional Performance Centres (JRPCs) will compete against each other at U16 and U18 level (Boys and Girls). The U18 tournament will take place at Cannock HC from Thursday 30 October to Sunday 2 November with the U16 tournament running from Friday 31 October to Sunday 2 November, at the same venue.

The four squads are called Mercia Lynx, Pennine Pumas, Saxon Tigers and Wessex Leopards and from the four tournaments players will be selected to attend National Age Group squad training.

The Saxon Tigers’ squads have emerged from JRPC inter-cluster (called Tier 1) training based on Bury St Edmunds, St Albans and Oxted/Tonbridge and I am delighted to say that HMHC will be represented in the U18 Girls squad by Cherry Seaborn and in the U16 Boys squad by Ben Wright. Congratulations and best wishes to Cherry and Ben for the weekend after next and commiserations to those HMHC members who didn’t make the final squads.

Harleston Fireworks Spectacular
(Weybread, Friday 7 November 2008)
This annual event, hosted by HMHC, is run by a committee comprising Harleston Lions, Harleston Scouts and Magpies HC. HMHC members are asked to please help once again with car parking, teas/coffees and stewarding. Please follow James and Rob Goodson (the first volunteers) and sign your name on the board in the clubhouse over the next two weekends under the heading which most takes your fancy!

Some excellent hockey was played at Weybread last Saturday with the Ladies’ 4ths beating Evergreens 2nds 10 – 0 (congratulations to Rachel Clifford on her five goals!); the Ladies’ 2nds deserving more than a draw against a defensive Yarmouth team; the Ladies’ Development maintaining their excellent run with a 6-0 win over Lowestoft (making it four wins from four games with a goals record of 24–0!); the Men’s 2nds coming to life with an excellent 6-0 win over Ipswich 3rds (did my ‘threat’ before the game that they should swap places with the 3rds have anything to do with it?!) and the Men’s 3rds retaining their 100% record with a hard fought but sporting 2–1 win over Bury St Edmunds 2nds. Matt Brand continued his fine run of form with a splendid winner which involved him rounding the keeper before thrashing the ball into the empty net. If you want to see the goal have a word with Matt – the moment was splendidly caught on video by his father, including the celebration! A most enjoyable and sunny day at the club was rounded off with the Men’s 6ths gaining their first win of the season and Will Johnson doing a fine job debuting (in modern sporting parlance) behind the bar as Katy’s deputy.

Overheard before the Men’s Veterans game at Peterborough last Saturday – “Roger Kent is playing so the game will require two balls!” On behalf of Roger I take exception to that remark. Roger has been known to pass the ball! In fact he did so to good effect in the game in question setting up Les Howlett for two goals before the latter went into ‘jug avoidance’ mood (so I’m reliably informed) in the 3-0 win which keeps Simon Bardwell’s men riding high in their league.

This Saturday the Vets will be in action at home against Bury St Edmunds with the game brought forward to 12.15pm to accommodate our visitors while the Ladies’1sts host Staines (12.30pm), hoping to put away the sort of chances which eluded them in their 2-1 defeat at Old Loughtonians last Saturday, and the Men’s 1sts entertain Ipswich 2nds (2.15pm) looking to maintain their 100% record after an excellent 4-0 win over City of Peterborough 2nds. Good luck to all our teams in action this Saturday.

On Sunday 9 November a number of National Cup competitions take place with Magpies hosting four games on that day, namely Under 15 Girls v Pelicans at 11.00am, Under 18 Girls v Ipswich at 12.45pm, Men’s Veterans v Pelicans at 2.30pm (all on the water) with the U15 Boys playing Dereham on the sand at 11.45am. The Under 18 Boys play Bury away.

On Sunday 16 November we host our annual Mini Tournament with the Under 11 and 13 Boys playing in the morning and the Under 11 and Under 13 Girls playing in the afternoon. Your support during the day would be most welcome. Congratulations to our U11 Boys, U13 Boys and U13 Girls who all won at North Walsham last Sunday. The Under 11 Girls have yet to play.



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

Harleston Magpies Men
Preview for Magpies 25th October

Harleston Magpies Men’s first eleven sponsored by Hunton Legg kept up their assault on the league title with a convincing victory against a Peterborough side whose early season form had been impressive. With Bluharts being well beaten by Havering Magpies retained their two point lead over Havering but both sides pulled away from the chasing pack.

This week Magpies have what appears to be an easier game against local rivals Ipswich, the Suffolk side’s first team sit at the bottom of the national league and magpies second team opponents have already lost two league games by seven clear goals. However all teams see a game against the league leaders as their cup final, add the local rivalry that exists with Ipswich and Magpies may be pushed very hard. If Magpies continue to approach each game with the attitude exhibited so far then there is likely to be only one result. Magpies expect to have a fully fit squad available for selection.

NORTH WALSHAM MINI HOCKEY TOURNAMENT

Harleston Magpies U13 Girls and U13 Boys teams both had a successful day at the first Mini Hockey Tournament of the season hosted by North Walsham.

The U13 Girls played in the morning and started with a solid 1-0 win against Pelicans with Jemima Jacobs scoring the winner. From then on the goals started to flow beating Dereham 3-0 (Sarah Brook, Paris Wood and Holly Baker) , North Walsham 5-0 (Sarah Brook 2, Holly Baker and Jemima Jacobs 2), and Watton 4-0 (Jemima Jacobs 3 and Holly Baker). In the final game Magpies finished with an impressive 8-0 win against Norwich City with Jemima Jacobs scoring 6 with further goals from Holly Baker and Sarah Brook. This was a promising start with the team showing some lovely passing movements.

Team: Katie Rudd, Hannah Gormley, Sarah Brook, Holly Baker, Kira Wooltorton, Paris Wood and Jemima Jacobs.

The U13 Boys also played well in the afternoon to win their Tournament. Magpies twice led in the opening game against Dereham but were finally held to a 2-2 draw with goals from Sam Lyne and Mitchell Tompkins. A 4-0 win against Pelicans saw the team grow in confidence as James Bensly, Sam Lyne and Mitchell Tompkins 2 scored the goals.

There was no stopping Magpies now as they beat North Walsham 6-2 (Sam Lyne 2, Mitchell Tompkins 2, James Bensly and Sonny Molloy), Watton 5-1 (Sam Lyne 2, James Bensly and Mitchell Tompkins 2) and finally Norwich City 6-0 (Sam Lyne 2, James Bensly, Mitchell Tompkins 2 and Josh Elgood) to clinch the Tournament. This was a good team performance with Sonny Molloy playing well at the back and U11 goalkeeper Jordan Wiseman helping out with some good saves.

Team: Mitchell Tompkins, Sam Lyne, Rory Aldridge, Josh Elgood, James Bensly, Sonny Molloy and Jordan Wiseman.

LADIES 1s v Old Loughtonians (L) A L 1-2
LADIES 2s v Yarmouth I (L) (W) H D 0-0
LADIES 3s v Briston (L) A W 1-0
LADIES 4s v Evergreens 2s (L) A W 10-0
LADIES 5s v UEA III UEA (L) A L 2-4
LADIES 6s v Norwich City IV (L) A W 2-0
LADIES DEV. v Lowestoft (L) 12.15 (S) H W 6-0
Sunday 19 Oct
U13s North Walsham Minis 1st

MENS 1s v City of Peterborough 2s (L) A W 4-0
MENS 2s v Ipswich III (L) (w) H W 6-0
MENS 3s v Bury St Edds 2 (L) (s) H W 2-1
MENS 4s v Gorleston 1 (L) A L 0-1
MENS 5s v Sudbury 3 (L) A L 2-3
MENS 6s v Bury St Edmunds 4 (L) (w) H W 4-0
Men VETS v City of Peterborough (L) A W 3-0
Sunday 19 Oct
U11s North Walsham Minis 1st
U13s North Walsham Minis 1st

WOMENS SLAZENGER ENGLAND HOCKEY LEAGUE EAST CONFERENCE

OLD LOUGHTONIANS 2 HARLESTON MAGPIES 1

Harleston Magpies had a frustrating day in a game they should never have lost but paid the price for not converting pressure and penalty corners into goals. In contrast Old Loughtonians won the game in a 2 minute spell just after half time when they won their only two penalty corners of the match and scored from both, although the legality of the second one could be questioned.

The first half started quite cagily as Magpies tried to get used a difficult pitch and both defences were generally on top with Louisa Greenacre, Helen Brook and Lucy Miller relatively untroubled and Lucy Hayman in goal hardly tested. Magpies finished the half strongly and won several penalty corners without seriously threatening the home goalkeeper.

The game turned dramatically at the beginning of the second half as Old Loughtonians scored twice from penalty corners through Emille Bellet in the 37th minute and Rebecca Halle in the 38th minute. Magpies were stunned by the turn of events but to their credit worked tirelessly for the next 20 minutes as Old Loughtonians were pinned in their own half. Artemis Clark and Angie Wheelhouse were giving the home defence a difficult time as Magpies tried to force their way back into the game. It was not easy as the packed defence persistently broke down play by any means possible but a series of free hits and penalty corners could not be converted into goals. With ten minutes left to play Frances Sumner pulled a goal back to give Magpies a lifeline but time was against them and Old Loughtonians rode their luck to hang on to the win.

Magpies are at home next week against Staines starting at 12.30

City of Peterborough 2nd 0 – 4 Harleston Magpies 1st

After a tremendous victory against last year’s main competitors, Harleston travelled to Peterborough to try and build on their excellent start to the season.

Both teams began the game well without creating many clear cut chances. As Harleston started to dominate, they created a well worked opportunity which Wheeler managed to pull wide from short distance. Eventually they found the opener through an expertly executed short corner from Andy Hipwell. Harleston controlled the play, pressing for the second, which was provided through another well worked short corner routine ending with Chris Barber flicking passed the sprawling keeper. Magpies tried to push on pressurising the Peterborough defence and creating some great opportunities but they were unable to improve on their advantage before half time.

Both teams started the second half strongly with end to end action. With Peterborough pressing high, trying to get back into the game, gaps were left in their defence and half way through the second half Harleston increased their lead through Andy Hipwell who slid the ball under the advancing keeper for his second after a fast break. Soon after this another flowing move from Magpies resulted in their final goal, after Sitch’s rampaging run forward which then combined with Andy Hipwell to allow Richard Ling’s ferocious shot to be deflected into the path of Tom Sumner who finished from close range. This sealed an emphatic 4-0 victory for Harleston leaving them 4 wins from 4 games.

Magpies 3rds played Bury St Edmunds 2nds hoping to build on the early momentum gained from three straight victories.

Paul Shelley opened the goal scoring after 5 minutes with a salmon like dive from a wonderful Matt Brand pass. Unlike previous games the opposition pushed strongly and finally scored at the end of the first half. Magpies started off slowly in the second half and only began to play well in the finally twenty minutes with quick and fluid passes. A wonderful move and exemplary finish by the leading goal scorer Matt Brand was enough to secure all three points.

Credit must go to the hard working element of the team and in particular James and Robert Goodson who were determined and led by example.

Harleston Magpies Ladies 2nd were at home to Yarmouth on Saturday, and were keen to continue their winning form, but unfortunately this was not to be.

Magpies started the game strongly, and put a lot pressure on the Yarmouth defence, however Yarmouth packed their defence and remained solid throughout the game.

Yarmouth have always been a physical side, and the game was a battle from start to finish. The match was start, stop the whole way through and Magpies never found their rhythm, even though they had the most possession.
The only chances Magpies had were shortcorners, which there wasn’t any shortages of, however after a good start to the season with shortcorners, they failed to make the most of them and the final score was 0-0.

Peterborough Veterans 0 Magpies Veterans 3

Such was captain Bardwell’s desire that the long journey would not have a detrimental effect on his team that the Vets arrived earlier than Magpies first team who had the same start time.

Harleston had a 100% record after two league games and wanted to start as they finished last week but this plan was thwarted when the captain lined up in midfield rather than a seat on the touchline near halfway.

Magpies made a bright start and won a short corner after 5 minutes. John Wells’s slipped a pass to Les Howlett who scored with ease. Magpies continued to dominate and were moving the ball around faster than the home side could cope with. It was not surprise when a quick break from defence saw the ball transferred from Roger Kent to Peter Lock then on to Wells who scored. A third soon followed from Howlett after which Magpies relaxed and allowed Peterborough more of the ball.

The Magpies defence thwarted the sporadic Peterborough attacks. Pete Dolton adapted to the role of left defender by staying on that side of the pitch for most of the game. Jerry Blackmore was a more than able replacement for his brother and the evergreen (or should that be evergrey) Pete Finnie was coolness personified.

Magpies failed to score in the second half despite setting up Roger Kent setting up numerous chances. Les Howlett had chances to complete a hat trick but either some hitherto unknown force field or link up with a far eastern betting syndicate caused his shots to go wide. The latter theory gained credence when a goal bound shot towards the Peterborough goal was saved by a Magpies stick and deflected around the post.

In the latter stages, defenders Dolton and Blackmore enhanced the reputation of the opposing goalkeeper by shooting straight at him from promising positions. Skipper Bardwell continued to urge his players forward though it was noticeable that he himself was static at the time. Still three goals, none conceded and no cards will have sent him home happy

Magpies Development Team continued their impressive start to the season with a convincing 6-0 win against Lowestoft Development. With Magpies playing some of their best hockey of the season goals came at regular intervals through out the first half. Kira Wooltorton opened the scoring soon followed by further goals from Lauren Reeve and Rosie Chubbock. Holly Baker scored a quick fire hat-trick enabling Magpies to go in at half time leading 6-0. Magpies continued to dominate possession after the break but failed to score any further goals against a resilient Lowestoft defence. Elizabeth Jones and Sarah Brook went close on numerous occasions but found the young Lowestoft goal keeper in fine form. Magpies now go into a two week break having scored 24 goals and conceding 0 in their first four games of the season.

After a disappointing result last week away to Letchworth, magpies 2s bounced back with some authority in their first home league game of the season.

Magpies started well but couldn’t and created several chances which they were unable to convert. Ipswich enjoyed their share of pressure in the magpies half but they couldn’t penetrate a strong looking defensive line for magpies.

Magpies nearly created an opening when a ball dropped for Robbie Kinsella, who struck a ferocious shot which struck the keeper in the face denting his helmet in the process. Magpies finally opened the scoring when Dave Miller was on the end of a good break from the magpies midfield and Martin Fields made sure / stole from less than a yard out.

The last two minutes for the first half proved decisive when first Will Harrison pile-drived a drag flick into the top right-hand corner. The third was another well worked break finished off by Safa.

Magpies started the second half the way they finished the first, and were soon 5 goals up. Robbie Kinsella finished the first of two from a tight angle going in off the post. The second was a coolly converted slap by Martin Fields from a good cross from the right hand side.

Ipswich had a brief spell of pressure but created little.The rout was rounded off by a Tiger woods esc bunker shot by Robbie Kinsella over the keepers head finished on the volley by Gav.

The game got fairly scrappy towards the end resulting in two yellow cards for Ipswich and one for Ben Wright when he got in a off the ball scuffle with a bloke twice the side of him.

Man of the match went to Will Harrison after he quickly destroyed Robbie Kinsella in a arm wrestle as they were both tied on 4 votes a piece. Hopefully we can carry this good result to Cambridge where we’ll face a Cambridge city side who are level on points with us.

Magpies Ladies 4th’s 10 – 0 Evergreens Ladies 2nd’s

Another beautiful sunny day saw Magpies face Evergreens for their second league match at home. Magpies came rapidly out of the blocks, pressuring the Evergreens defence, and quickly went a goal up through Rachel Clifford. Clifford got her second soon after, a good ball through the middle from captain Tracy Reeve finding her by the near post to tap in. Beth Alexander scored the home side’s third, before Clifford added the fourth.

Magpies dominated possession, playing quality flowing hockey, with Tracy Reeve and Treacle Snelling controlling the game from the midfield, supported well by Georgie Bore in her sweeper role. Kay Dennis made it five nil midway through the first half, and Clifford got her fourth goal shortly before half time.

More of the same followed in the second half, with the Magpies piling on the pressure, attacking the away side’s goal fiercely, looking to increase their impressive tally.

Rachel Clifford capped a brilliant performance with her fifth goal shortly into the half, and Beth Alexander got her second. Liz Cole, Nic Beevor, and Georgie Scoot in the Magpies defence remained solid, clearing up the loose balls giving the midfield the freedom to support the attacking play, with Laura Tibbenham on the left side making some terrific runs, beating players and supplying the forwards with some brilliant balls into the D; and she was unlucky not to get on the score sheet herself. Zoe Cole on the right wing also making some good runs, combining well with Treacle Snelling behind her.

A well worked short corner routine ended with Snelling cracking a shot into the goal for Magpies’ ninth. Kay Dennis got her second, and put the home side into double figures, just minutes before the final whistle, pushing the ball past the Evergreens keeper into the far corner.

A completely commanding performance from the 4th’s, with Kristina Erith in the Magpies’ goal only touching the ball once! Well done to all 12 players! Brilliant!

Kay Dennis, Magpies Ladies 4th’s.

Katy has taken the regular bar job but naturally is not available all the time. My ladies who have helped in the past are not now available and so I am looking for stand in replacements. For those with little experience help will be given and there is no regular commitment.

In the first instance please e-mail me or call for a chat.

r.stimpson@btconnect.com

Robert Stimpson
01728628243

Parents, Subs and Litter

Calling all parents and guardians: I hope you know that instead of waiting in your cars during youth training sessions you are very welcome, if you wish, to avail yourselves of the facilities of the clubhouse including the kitchen. There is always plenty of milk, coffee etc so please feel free to make yourselves a drink.

Calling all players: payment of subscriptions and training fees were due at the end of September so if you haven’t already paid would you please do so this weekend. I never like seeing a ‘Name and Shame’ list of defaulters on the notice board but this might be necessary in the not too distant future. It goes without saying (although I’m going to do just that!) that subs and training fees are a very important part of the Club’s income and are vital to enable us to meet the many early season expenses which include pitch marking costs, league and other competition entry fees, electricity bill, water abstraction licence fee, coaching expenses etc. And we still have outstanding pitch loans of £71,000 to repay!

Calling all litter louts (if the cap fits!) Water bottles (often almost full of their expensive contents), bottle tops, dirty paper handkerchiefs, used plasters, etc. continue to be left alongside the pitches and these items have still not learned to find their own way into the nearby rubbish bins! Do I need to say more?! ‘No’ I hope – except that I intend to feel the collar of one of our young members who was seen last Saturday throwing a bottle from a car while in the car park!

Last Saturday was another very successful day for the club with eight of our teams recording wins including the Men’s Veterans who won their first competitive game of the season when beating Norwich Exiles 2 – 1. While I was watching the team’s star player was undoubtedly goalkeeper Kim Steggles (yes – really!). His performances season after season rarely receive the praise they deserve and the same applies to Graham Ramm for his excellent umpiring. So I’m pleased to put matters right here and now!

And talking of in-form goalkeepers Richard Harms had a superb game last Saturday for the Men’s 1sts in their impressive 4 – 1 win over a skilful St Albans. This week the Men’s 1sts are away to City of Peterborough 2nds seeking to maintain their one hundred percent start to the season while the Ladies’ 1sts, after their excellent 3 – 0 away win over Sevenoaks, are on the road again when they travel to Old Loughtonians intent on keeping their unbeaten record.

Congratulations also to the Ladies’ 2nds who recorded their fourth straight win when they beat UEA 5 – 1 last Saturday and this week they are home to Yarmouth (12.30pm) while the Men’s 2nds after a draw and a defeat will be determined to record their first win of the season when they entertain Ipswich 3rds (2.15pm). Well done also to the Men’s 3rds who beat Gorleston 5 – 1 away (with three more goals from the prolific Matt Brand) and who are this week at home to Bury St Edmunds 2nds (1.45pm); to the Ladies’ 4ths who beat Diss 6 – 2 away and who entertain Evergreens 2nds (10.30am); to Ladies’ Development who won 12 – 0 away to Pelicans and who are now at home to Lowestoft (12.15pm) and to the Ladies’ 6ths who won 4 – 0 against UEA 3rds. This week the Ladies’ 6ths (who have ten points from a possible 12) are away to Norwich City 4ths. Good luck to all our teams this week.


NB. Message from Active Norfolk – the U16 Girls JAC Hockey Trials which were due to take place on Sunday 12 October are now being held on Friday 24 October at Dereham HC, 7 – 9pm. Please arrive 20 minutes before armed with a Player Registration Form which can be downloaded from the JAC page of the Active Norfolk website www.activenorfolk.org/hockey

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

HARLESTON MAGPIES LADIES WEEKEND PREVIEW

Harleston Magpies Ladies sponsored by Kitchen Sense play Old Loughtonians away on Saturday in their English Hockey League game, with a 1.30 start. Magpies confidence is on the up with a solid 3-0 away win against Sevenoaks last week which moves them up to 4th place in the League. Magpies are now unbeaten in their opening three League games and Old Loughtonians who were relegated from the Premier Division last season are sitting in mid table, although their game last week was called off at Reading.

Magpies can be pleased with two successive clean sheets which suggests they are improving their defensive qualities but there is still plenty of work to be done as this new team continues to develop its team work. There is no reason for Magpies to fear any team in this League but they know that results depend on their own performance rather than the quality of the opposition. Frances Sumner, Anna Toulson and Charlotte Harrison who all missed last season have quickly made up for lost time and are now showing their quality and experience.

SQUAD FROM: Louisa Greenacre (Capt), Lucy Hayman, Helen Brook, Lucy Miller, Debbie McAllen, Lauren Micklebugh, Frances Sumner, Charlotte Harrison, Laura Parker, Anna Toulson, Katrina Warnes, Artemis Clark, Bryony Lund, Cherry Seaborn and Angie Wheelhouse.


Harleston Magpies Men
Preview for Magpies 18th October

It is early days in the East Premier League with sides having played only three games however Magpies have already sent out messages to their rivals that they have lost none of the form which gained them the league title last season. St Albans last season’s runners up were beaten comfortably at home by magpies with a 4-1 victory. Defensively they looked sound and this week their finishing was excellent. Their opponents secured more corners but good defending kept the score to one.

With the chasing pack Blueharts, Havering and City of Peterborough all winning Magpies retain their two point lead but all three sides are but two points away. This week’s opponents Peterborough, a National League second team beat Dereham 6-2 and look to be a tough side.

Robert Stimpson Magpies Manager commented after the St Albans game "This was a thoroughly deserved win with our forwards working very hard and taking their chances.We have to focus on next week’s game which is just as important as this. The chasing pack look to have some good sides who will all want to beat us. We are deservedly sitting at the top of the league however we need to keep the impetus up as there may be a day when things don’t go quite so well.”

LADIES 1s v 11 Sevenoaks (L) A W 3-0
LADIES 2s v UEA I (L) A W 5-1
LADIES 3s v Loddon I (L) (W) H L 3-6
LADIES 4s v Diss (L) A W 6-2
LADIES 5s v Lowestoft R II (L) (S) H D 0-0
LADIES 6s v UEA III (L) (S) H W 4-0
LADIES DEV. v Pelicans (L) A W 12-0
Sunday 12 Oct
U11s/U13s Pelicans Minis cancelled

MENS 1s v St Albans (L) (W) H W 4-1
MENS 2s v Letchworth (L) A L 1-3
MENS 3s v Gorleston I (L) A W 5-1
MENS 4s v Norwich Dragons (L) (W) H D 2-2
MENS 5s v Norwich Dragons (L) cancelled H
MENS 6s v Sudbury 3 (L) A L 1-2
Men VETS v Norwich Exiles (L) (W) H W 2-1
Sunday 12 Oct
U11s/U13s Pelicans Minis cancelled

Magpies stepped out onto the pitch to play the game which would answer their question of whether all the pre-season hard work and commitment had paid off. Beating St. Albans would give them three out of three wins for the beginning of the season, and take points away from their biggest rivals of last season.

It was another warm day with the sun shining, and both teams eager to face each other on the pitch. The game started at a high intensity, Albans and Magpies pushing very hard for the ball. High pressing from Albans gained them three short corners in a row, however, were not able to convert any of them. Magpies had a break through, with some good work from the forwards winning a short corner for the home side. A well dragged out ball enabled Hipwell to rocket the ball passed the Albans keeper to open the scoring.

Further into the game Magpies continued to push hard where some great play down the left hand side of the pitch left young Jimmy Wheeler with a one-on-one with the goalie, slotting a reverse stick shot in the goal hitting every white framed oracle on its way across the line.

Albans continued to pass the ball around well but not managing to convert their chances, leaving them goalless at the end of the first half.

The high intensity that Albans started the game with was starting to HYPERLINK "http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=deteriorate" deteriorate, but Magpies kept the same pace going, where soon they gained possession of the game. This lead to a break where Jimmy Wheeler grabbed a cheeky reverse stick deflection where he ended up on the floor, but quickly got back up to celebrate. Albans thought back hard and won themselves a short corner and managed to convert it gaining one goal back.

Many warnings had been given throughout the game for tackling, but unfortunately T. Baynes was the one who took the wrap for them all when he was shown a yellow card for a tackle which seemed mild to previous ones which had been warned by other players on the pitch. Magpies managed to continue playing well during this time and kept Albans from making any progress back.

Once all eleven players were reunited together on the Magpies squad they pushed back even harder where they won another short corner to try and increase the score board by another goal. The final whistle blew, so everybody lined up on the edge of the D trying to grab the last possible chance to score. It was birthday Boy Neil Touslon who deflected the ball into the back of the net to make the final score 4-1, a good victory for Magpies.

Andrew Hipwell was back from the missed game last week, and James Fanger was out due to injury.

Harleston Magpies Ladies 2nd were away to UEA on Saturday, and with 3 out of 3 wins, they were looking for 4 out of 4.

With only 5 minutes to warm up due to pitch slot being late, the first 5 minutes of the game was appalling and UEA nearly scored. This quick scare soon made Magpies switch on, and in the following 10 minutes Magpies dominated, with great skill from Rachel Goodson and speed from Verity Blyth down the right hand side (all game) created the first 2 goals, scored by Verity Blyth and Kathryn Bullen.

Magpies then dominated the game putting the UEA defence under considerable pressure. 2-0 at half-time.
In the second half Magpies continued to play well, with Bryony Lund’s strength in the centre of midfield and the experience of Julie Podd in defence, the team were in control of the game.

4 more goals came in the second half, one of which was a UEA goal and the rest Magpies, and they all came from short corners. The first was a strike from Bryony Lund, the second a deflection from Josie Molloy, and the third a rebound of the keeper, which Laura Betts slotted into the goal. 5-1 at full-time, which puts Magpies 2nd’s at the top of the league table.

HARLESTON MAGPIES HOCKEY CLUB OCTOBER HALF TERM COURSES 2008
MONDAY 27th AND TUESDAY OCTOBER 28th 2008

FOR GIRLS AND BOYS AGED 9 TO 14 YEARS OLD
COST £12 FOR ONE DAY AND £8 FOR 2nd DAY

10.00AM-4.00pm Each day

This is for outfield players only. Regrettably no goalkeepers on this course.

DETAILS:
Please meet in the Clubhouse at 9.45am with the intention of starting on the pitch at 10.00am. Depending on the weather conditions, we will normally work for one hour on the pitch followed by a break. The emphasis will be on practicing the skills of the game as well as a variety of fun games.

Please bring your own packed lunch although soft drinks, crisps, etc can be purchased from the Clubhouse. Please bring appropriate clothes for the weather conditions . As the sessions are held on artificial surfaces trainers or astro shoes are essential. No studs.
Non Club Members are welcome.

Organiser Nick McAllen 01508 493269

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

>> Click here for application form <<

PLEASE RETURN THE APPLICATION FORM WITH A CHEQUE PAYABLE TO
NICK MCALLEN
46, RECTORY LANE, PORINGLAND, NORWICH NR14 7SL

To assist the organiser please bring your own stick or borrow one from school.

NOT A SUITABLE COURSE FOR ABSOLOUTE BEGINNERS

WOMENS SLAZENGER ENGLAND HOCKEY LEAGUE EAST CONFERENCE

SEVENOAKS 0 HARLESTON MAGPIES 3

Harleston Magpies Ladies moved up to 4th position with this convincing 3-0 away win which kept Sevenoaks at the bottom of the table, whilst Magpies confidence will be further boosted as they remain unbeaten this season.

Magpies were off to a flyer as they raced into a 2-0 lead within 14 minutes with two goals built on excellent team work. Angie Wheelhouse opened the scoring with a tap in after Artemis Clark had set up the chance for her. The build up to the second goal started on the left hand side as Helen Brook played the ball back to Debbie McAllen in midfield who found Anna Toulson on the right hand side with a long pass. Anna took the ball into the circle before setting up Artemis Clark to score. Whilst Magpies controlled most of the first half a few old defensive frailties occasionally appeared to give Sevenoaks the odd chance especially from two penalty corners. Generally the new midfield this season of Charlotte Harrison, Frances Sumner and Anna Toulson looks more effective week by week.

The second half was more even in terms of possession whilst the Magpies defence dealt with most attacks Sevenoaks could muster, but Magpies pushed for the third goal to put the match out of reach. Magpies press in the second half was much tighter with the likes of Cherry Seaborn, Katrina Warnes and Laura Parker pressing the ball higher in the Sevenoaks half of the pitch to great effect.

With 2 minutes to Angie Wheelhouse scored the third goal which they deserved to round off a solid hard working team performance.

Magpies will play their third League game away in four games when they visit Old Loughtonians next week.

Magpies Development team played their third game of the season at King's Lynn against Pelicans. From the start Magpies completely dominated the game with goals coming at regular intervals. Tania Pendreich scored a first half hat-trick and with further goals from Elizabeth Jones and Lauren Reeve Magpies went to the interval with a five goal lead. With Magpies making many positional changes goals continued to come through Kira Wooltorton 3, Rosie Chubbock 2 and Holly Baker 2.

Pelican's to their credit never gave up but with Sarah Brook, Holly Baker and Elizabeth Jones very influential in midfield and Sophie Podd having a fine game in defence Magpies finished with a fine 12-0 win.

After a tough away fixture last week. The 2s were on the road again, this time with a tough trip to Letchworth known for being a very hostile place to go and play. Having started the better in the first 5 minutes, it was magpies that had the early chances with Robbie homing in on a rebound from a short corner to slot magpies into the lead early on.

Things were looking good as we continued to pile on the pressure, but with some good saves by their goalkeeper and short-corners not quite coming off, we couldn’t quite capitalize on possession. Letchworth suddenly sprang into life with some pressure which our defence kept out relatively comfortably.

The defence was finally broken when a dodgy short corner was given and was cruelly deflected in by one of our defenders. Letchworth carried on their momentum by forcing 5 short corners on the trot towards the end of the half, but the defence stayed solid.

The second half started and magpies started the brighter again, but unable to create clear cut chances against a strong Letchworth defence. Letchworth then scored twice more from short corners first of which coming from another defensive deflection. As the half grew on, magpies were pressing more and more but unable to break down the Letchworth defence and couldn’t really create any clear cut chances.

With Magpies constantly trying to force the killer pass too early, left Letchworth with the opportunities to break frequently and with numbers. Magpies had a possible claim for a penalty stroke when a strike from Robbie at a short corner seemed to be kicked out of play from the post-man. The umpire decided that it should be a long-corner. Late pressure from Letchworth forced some decent saves from young new-boy John Livings in the magpies goal.

Man of the match went to Freddie Merrit, who played consistently well through out the match. With the first home game of the season against a strong Ipswich team, hoping that we’ll get our first win in our first home game of the season.

Diss 2 – 6 Magpies Ladies 4th’s

A glorious sunny day saw Magpies travel to East Harling to play Diss. The home side started strongly putting Magpies on the back foot somewhat, and took the lead early on. Diss doubled their advantage soon after from a short corner. Magpies slowly started to get into the game, keeping a bit more possession, but Diss continued to threaten on the attack. Against the run of play, Magpies won a short corner, and a well taken hit found Nic Beevor brilliantly positioned by the back post to tap in for the away side right on the stroke of half time.

Magpies came out after the break a different side, with only minutes played when Kay Dennis drew the teams level slotting home from a good ball through the middle. Georgie Bore added a third with a cracking shot after a well worked short corner routine. Kay Dennis got her second shortly after, sweeping the ball into the far corner of the goal. The away side were really on a roll, with Zoe Cole and Rachel Clifford combining well on the forward line, Cole crossing in the D for Clifford to get a fifth for Magpies. Clifford got her second soon after from a stinging cross from the right wing. Magpies stayed resolute at the back, the defence solid and confident on the ball, with the midfield supporting the attacking play.

An awesome result for Magpies, to come back from two goals down to win so comprehensively, shows the hard work, effort and determination the whole team displayed throughout the seventy minutes. Well done girls, onwards and upwards!

Kay Dennis, Magpies Ladies 4th’s.

Floods, rain and wins

Spectators who had to put up with flooded roads and continuous rain last Sunday (it relented shortly after the hockey!) were rewarded with two exciting matches at Weybread in which the Ladies’ 1sts gained an excellent national league point in a goalless game with Reading and the U15 Girls had a convincing national cup win over Cambridge City by four goals to one with some sparkling hockey. Congratulations to all four teams for playing so well in such horrible weather. Equally encouraging was the news that the U18 Girls had won their cup game 9 – 0 away to Cambridge City.

I offer a belated but warm ‘welcome back’ to the Ladies’ 1sts to Charlotte Harrison, Lauren Mickleburgh, Frances Sumner and Anna Toulson (nee Truman). It is really good to see them playing for the club once again. Hopefully they and the rest of the squad will come away from Sevenoaks on Saturday with a win to help move the team up the table after a couple of draws.

Last Saturday the Men’s 1sts left it to the second half to secure a good 4 – 0 win over Dereham. The only downside was two yellow cards for the team making it five in two games. It is to be hoped that these will not be costly later in the season when three yellows for a player means missing a game.

This Saturday the Men’s 1sts entertain St Albans (2.15pm) and a win would move them eight points ahead of their nearest rivals from last season. However, this is sure to be a tough encounter with St Albans determined to make up for their disappointing start to the season and Magpies encouraged by the return of Andy Hipwell who missed the Dereham game.

Meantime the Men’s 2nds after a 2 – 2 draw (it was nearly a win!) at Brentwood are away to Letchworth; the Ladies’ 2nds following their excellent 1 – 0 win over Norwich City are away to UEA looking to make it a dizzying four wins from four games and the Men’s Veterans (after a cancellation and a ‘no fixture’ weekend) play their first league match of the season when they entertain Norwich Exiles (3.15pm). It is good to see the name of Norwich Exiles retained (if only by the veterans) as it brings back happy memories to those of us of a certain age when we used to play against Norfolk Wanderers, Norwich Grasshoppers, Carrow and Norwich Earlham in addition to Norwich Exiles; names now only associated with the past and this year joined by my old club Norwich Union (now Norwich Dragons – following Norwich Union’s highly regrettable decision to sell Pinebanks). And to make matters worse the very name of Norwich Union Insurance will soon be a thing of the past to be replaced totally by Aviva. How things change!



News and comments in brief:

• Congratulations and best wishes to Vice-Presidents David and Judy Cobbald who celebrated their Golden Wedding on Tuesday 7 October.
• Congratulations also to Carl Sitch (now a member of Loughborough Students) on being selected for the England’s twenty-two man training squad for the 2009 Junior World Cup to be held in Singapore and Malaysia in June 2009.
• In these worryingly difficult financial times the Club is especially grateful to all our sponsors for their invaluable support.
• The door at the top of the clubhouse stairs will shortly be replaced – apologies for the inconvenience while it has been necessary to keep it permanently locked.
• Richard Larkin assures me that it is this weekend that he eventually starts his university course at York! Why do they always start so late at York? Seriously - good luck Richard to you and all other members who have already started their courses. We look forward to seeing you all at Christmas and finding out how you have been getting on.

Best wishes to all our teams this weekend and kind regards to all members, supporters and friends of the Club.

HARLESTON MAGPIES WEEKEND PREVIEW

Harleston Magpies Ladies sponsored by Kitchen Sense play Sevenoaks away on Saturday with a 1.30 start in their English Hockey League game. After two League games Magpies have two points from two drawn matches. Whilst the game away at Maidstone was a lost opportunity, the home point against Reading on Sunday was an excellent result earned the hard way in appalling weather conditions against a side that are fancied to win the League.

Magpies now need to build on their steady start to the season and look for their first win and Sevenoaks away has always been a testing place to go, but Sevenoaks have had a difficult start to the season losing both their opening games. The confidence gained from the Reading result now needs to be turned into points against lesser opposition and this will be the test for Magpies this weekend.

SQUAD FROM: Louisa Greenacre (Capt), Lucy Hayman, Helen Brook, Lucy Miller, Debbie McAllen, Lauren Micklebugh, Frances Sumner, Charlotte Harrison, Laura Parker, Anna Toulson, Katrina Warnes, Artemis Clark, Bryony Lund, Cherry Seaborn and Angie Wheelhouse.

Harleston Magpies Men
Preview for Magpies 11th October

Harleston Magpies Men sponsored by Hunton Legg found themselves at the top of the East Premier league following their second victory whilst their rivals’ results went Harleston’s way. Last season’s main contenders St Albans were held by Bishops Stortford, Blueharts could only draw with Cambridge City, and Cambridge University lost to Bedford. Harleston without leading scorer Andy Hipwell beat local rivals Dereham 4-0 to top the league by two points.

This week St Albans visit Magpies and will be keen to pick up three points to make up ground on the leaders, whilst the league looks more open this season with improvements in many sides the visitors will need to win in order to pose any early season threat to Magpies.

Magpies will be back to full strength and Manager Robert Stimpson will be able to use his fifteen squad members to full effect. Whilst St Albans may have some players better than those in the home side Magpies have by far the strongest squad in the league and will be fitter than their visitors. It would be disappointing if Magpies did not use their resources to full effect and pick up the points.

Harleston Magpies 4 Dereham 0

Harleston Magpies welcomed Dereham for there first home league game of the season. Magpies dominated the possession from the off with Dereham setting out to frustrate. This lead to the majority of play being in the middle of the pitch as Dereham battled hard to resist Magpies probes. Dereham were reduced to 10 men when one of there defenders took the ball above his head. As the half wore on Magpies started to get into good positions but could not take full advantage. With the half drawing to a close Harleston’s Jimmy Wheeler burst onto the ball inside the 25, rounding the defender before being fouled by the Dereham goalie. Advantage was played but with two to beat, Stuart Leate was unable to convert. Half time came with the score locked at 0-0.

It was a bright start to the second half with Dereham getting an early short corner which was defended well. This seemed to stir Harleston as they took complete control of the game. The pressure told when the despairing Dereham defender deliberately blocked after Chris Barber had broken clear, resulting in a penalty flick. To compound the problem the defender was sin binned. Baynes dispatched it. Continued pressure resulted in a second goal as Richard Gill and Richard Ling combined, from a well worked free hit. Magpies started to turn the screw resulting in a number of short corners. These were converted into goals by Triston Baynes and Richard Gill respectively taking the score to 4 – 0. Harleston then found them self’s reduced to 10 when Neil Toulson mirrored Dereham’s first card taking the ball above his head. Further punishment followed for Magpies when Gill competed for the ball in the midfield. Gill followed Toulson to the bin. Harleston closed the game out for the remaining minutes to take the 4 – 0 win and all three points.

GIRLS U18 NATIONAL CUP

CAMBRIDGE CITY 0 HARLESTON MAGPIES 9

Magpies were expecting a tricky away tie but took an early lead through Verity Blyth which settled the side down and gave them time to learn to play together as a team for the first time. Cambridge had their best spell in the first half when Magpies struggled to clear the ball out of their defence for a ten minute spell. Hannah Linger made it 2-0 before half time in what was scrappy first half performance.

Magpies played some scintillating hockey in the second half with the forwards carving open the Cambridge defence with some lovely passing movements as Emily Wilford and Hannah Linger made it 4-0. Lizzie Clymer and Bryony Lund added further goals from penalty corners, whilst Verity Blyth scored two more goals to bring her tally to four.

This was a good team performance with the defence playing a very solid game and the midfield working hard.

Team: Bryony Lund (Capt), Calianne Clark, Amy Brook, Lauren Barber, Siobhan Wooltorton, Jessie Withers, Becky Marshall, Becky Banham, Laura Tibbenham, Lizzie Clymer, Hannah Linger, Verity Blyth and Emily Wilford.

WOMENS SLAZENGER ENGLAND HOCKEY LEAGUE EAST CONFERENCE

HARLESTON MAGPIES 0 READING 0

Harleston Magpies made their first home League appearance of the season on Sunday with a tough match against early League leaders Reading, who opened the season with a commanding 7-0 win against Sevenoaks last weekend.

Magpies were determined to improve on a disappointing performance against Maidstone last weekend, however they struggled in the opening exchanges conceding three penalty corners in the first 5 minutes and Lucy Miller made an important block early on to deny former Magpies player Alex Smith.

In atrocious conditions, Magpies found their feet and their massive commitment and work rate saw them pressurise Reading at any given opportunity, Katrina Warnes pressurising the ball carrier mercilessly. Chances in open play were scarce for both sides, Magpies failed to convert their penalty corners, but neither side could create a clear goal scoring opportunity. Magpies closed out the first half strongly, retaining possession well and making Reading work hard.

With no let up in the weather the second half followed a similar pattern with Reading not allowed to play their flowing hockey of last season, Charlotte Harrison working tirelessly on the left of midfield. As the half progresses Magpies continued with their high tempo and after hard work on the right hand side from Frances Sumner, Charlotte Harrison deflected the ball just wide from arguably Magpies best chance. Magpies realising a draw was an excellent result against the favourites to win the League, continued to play sensible hockey and ground out the remaining ten minutes of the game with a professional attitude to record back to back points for the first time since January.

Harleston Magpies II 1 v Norwich City I 0 (Division 2 North East)

Magpies 2nd team battled hard against Norwich City and deserved their 3rd league match win. The first half started slowly, and despite both teams applying pressure, neither were able to score. However, a City mistake on the goal line, saw a penalty flick given to Magpies and Amy Tuffs stepped up to put them in the lead.

The second half was dominated by Harleston. Bryony Lund provided strength in midfield and allowed Magpies to switch play. They worked well together, creating many opportunities, including a string of short corners. However, despite this, they were unable to add any more goals to the score sheet.

A great and gutsy team performance from Magpies and a well deserved win!

Saturday 4th October
magpies 5ths vs. magpies 6ths

After returning from north walsham last week with spirits running high, the 5ths were looking to keep their streak alive; we had our regular team, and our regular guest Richard Larkin with his last match for the club before running off to uni! Both teams were really looking forward to this game as every time they meet it is always an exciting experience.

The 6ths had lost many of their previous players to the 4ths and were fielding a new but still strong team, the 6ths were being guided by Kevin and his skilled and experienced players, the 5ths had had a new captain Ed Watson who has had a brilliant start to the season with some new members to the team with Will, Phil and Pete, all who have contributed brilliantly to the team.

The game started pretty evenly with strong pressure and determination from both teams the game nearly went 1-0 to the 6ths with a close but brilliant save from tom Marshall kept the score board even, the 5ths then broke out from this, opening the score board with a brilliant goal from Richard Larkin, the 6ths kept the pressure on the 5ths, but they were brilliantly recovered from the 5ths defence with most of the credit going to Rob Bensley. the 5ths midfield were passing and moving the ball well and creating several chances for the forwards, even though they were 1-0 down the 6ths were still battling on with a close short corner but a spectacular save from Tom Marshall kept the 5ths in front, with another goal from Will our new defender with his first goal of the season, before half time the 6ths applied heavy pressure and nearly broke through but the half time whistle was blow with the 5ths 2-0 up.

The second half opened up with a quick goal from Ed Watson to put the 5ths 3-0 up, then with another brilliant goal from Phil the 5ths were 4-0 up, despite brilliant efforts from Adam he still couldn’t grasp that ever allusive goal, but with the next goal from Guy Paul the 5ths were 5-0 up, even with the end of game near the 6ths still didn’t give up they got some terrific chances from two short corners but the 5ths defence were really on the ball (quite literally) with 2 minutes to go Guy Paul lands his second goal of the game putting the 5ths 6-0 up. With the full time whistle the 5ths were over the moon with a spectacular result, but had to give some credit to the 6ths even 6-0 down they never gave up, and the 5ths look forward to the next encounter. Good result lads!!!!

5ths 6-0 6ths

Jordan Ball

Harleston Magpies Development Team

After last weeks enforced lay off Magpies ladies development team were back in action with their first home game of the season against Dereham. As in their first game Magpies started very positively and dominated possession throughout the first half. Magpies energetic midfield of Sarah Brook, Holly Baker and Kira Wooltorton created many openings which saw Jemima Jacobs go close on numerous occasions. Derehams goalkeeper had a fine game denying magpies the half time lead they deserved.

The second half was a more even encounter but Magpies finally got their rewards when Sophie Matsell in her first development game finished off a fine move after Jemima's shot came back of the post. With ten minutes to go Sophie added a second from close range to give Magpies a very encouraging 2-0 win.
This was another fine team performance against a Dereham side whom battled bravely throughout.

Broadland II 2 – 1 Magpies Ladies IV

Magpies’ first away match saw them travel to Taverham to play a strong Broadland side. The first half was evenly contested in terms of possession, but Broadland were stronger on the attack and took the lead midway through the half, and added a second shortly after. Magpies fought back and a well taken free hit from Georgie Bore found Laura Gilbert in the D who got one back for the away side.

Magpies pushed on in the second half, creating more chances and working hard until the final whistle, but were unable to get the equaliser. Joint players of the match were Georgie Bore and Georgie Scott, putting in fine performances at the heart of the defence with Bore also making some good moves forward. Magpies must get back to winning ways when they travel to East Harling to play Diss next week.

Kay Dennis, Magpies Ladies 4th’s.

LADIES 2s v Norwich City I (L) W 1-0
LADIES 3s v Broadland I (L)L 1-6
LADIES 4s v Broadland II (L)L 1-2
LADIES 5s v Thetford II (L) H D 2-2
LADIES 6s v Lowestoft Railway II (L) W 4-1
LADIES DEV. v Dereham (L) W 2-0

Sunday 05 Oct
LADIES 1s v Reading (L) H D 0-0

Nation Youth Cups
U15 Girls v Cambridge City H W 4-1
U18 Girls v Cambridge City A W 9-0

MENS 1s v Dereham (L) 2.15 (W) H W 4-0
MENS 2s v Brentwood (L) A D 2-2
MENS 3s v Harleston Magpies 4 # (L) W 3-0
MENS 4s v Harleston Magpies 3 (L) L 0-3
MENS 5s v Harleston Magpies 6 (L) W 6-0
MENS 6s v Harleston Magpies 5 # (L) L 0-6
Men VETS v no game

Magpies Under 15s played Cambridge City in the 1st round of the National Cup in wet & cold weather at Weybread. The conditions did not effect the enthusiasm and skills of the young Harleston players. The talented midield trio of Sarah Brook, Holly Baker and Lizzie Jones quickly took control of the game with some excellent tackling and passing. Rhian Earrye put a clever deflection on a Hooly Baker shot to put Magpies 1-0 up after about 10 minutes. The home side had half a dozen further chances to increase their lead thanks to good balls into the D from Sarah and Rhian. Holly Baker managed to sweep home first time from a pass from Sarah to make it 2-0 at half time.

8, 2, 1

Last weekend was a very encouraging one for the club with eight wins, two draws and just one defeat (and that after a fine performance). Unfortunately two games were ‘lost’, in addition to the postponement of the game between the Men’s 2nds and Vauxhall, with Watton calling off the Development League match and Bishops Stortford Veterans also cancelling claiming they couldn’t field a team to match our team. ‘So what’ I say! Two cancellations so early in the season is a big disappointment and with no fixture for the Vets this week means that Simon Bardwell’s team does not start league action until October 11.

This Saturday promises to be a very interesting one at Weybread with the Men’s 1sts, after their 1 – 0 away win over Bishops Stortford - congratulations to Pete Bale (on scoring) and to goalkeeper Richard Harms (for a clean sheet) on their debuts – entertaining Dereham (2.15pm); the Ladies’ Development team also playing Dereham (10.30am); the Ladies’ 2nds hoping to make it three wins in a row when they play Norwich City (12.30pm); the Ladies’ 5ths taking on Thetford 2nds (12.15pm) following their encouraging 3 – 0 win over Herlings and two eagerly awaited inter-club men’s games.

The 3rds take on the 4ths (4.00pm) and both had promising wins last weekend. On a lovely day with the sun putting on its best face for once the 3rds made rather heavy weather of beating Lowestoft Town 3 – 0 after being put ahead by Matt Brand who picked the ball up near the half way line to score a fine individual goal. It needed a thumping shot from Craig Whipps to make the game safe in the second half. Meantime the young 4ths scored a decisive 5 – 1 away win over Norwich City 3rds despite captain James Smith being sidelined by illness.

In the other inter-club game this Saturday at 1.45pm (I always cheer the teams on in turns!) the 5ths, after their good 3 – 2 away win over North Walsham 2nds, take on the 6ths who despite a 3 – 1 loss to a seasoned Norwich City 4ths played some really excellent hockey with several youngsters making their league debuts. Skipper Kevin Ridley (who is not in the latter category!) put the team ahead after 20 seconds before departing the field very shortly with rib injuries. This left the experienced trio of Nick Tibbenham, Tiger Young and Jerry Blackmore with plenty to do in defence and mid-field. Jerry told me it was one of the best performances he had ever seen from a development team.

On Sunday the Ladies’ 1sts, who started their national league campaign last Saturday with a 2 – 2 draw at Maidstone, entertain Reading (12.30pm) mindful that their opponents thumped Sevenoaks 7 – 0 last weekend with five goals coming from penalty corners. Following this match the U15 Girls take on Cambridge City in the national youth cup while the U18 Girls are away to Cambridge City (1.00pm). Both Boys’ teams have byes. Good luck to all our teams this weekend.

News and comments in brief:

• Best wishes to Will Johnson for a speedy recovery from the operation which has necessitated him delaying his university course for 12 months.
• My thanks to John Moore for mending the scoreboard and for all the other electrical jobs he has done at the club in recent weeks. We are indebted to John and to Doug Sitch for all they do for HMHC.
• Congratulations to Giles Flatt who celebrated his 14th birthday last Saturday – and thanks to his Mum Jules for the excellent cake!
• Dates for your diaries please! Fireworks Spectacular (Friday 7 November) and Cocktail Evening (Saturday 15 November).
• My thanks to Kevin Ridley (despite his injury!) and John Pestell (after his excellent umpiring) for looking after the bar last Saturday.
• Entries to the Level 1 Umpire Course to be held at Kirkley High School on Sunday 5 October (9.30am – 4.00pm) will be welcome right up to the day of the course. Please contact Alan Jones on 01603 747956 if you require further information.
• A Foundation Umpire Day is being run at Watton HC on Sunday 2 November. The Foundation Umpire Award is the step between the Young Umpire Day (aimed at 10-13 year olds) and the Level 1 Umpires Award. The Foundation Umpire Award is aimed at any participant aged 14+ and offers them an introduction to umpiring 11-a-side hockey. Please see www.activenorfolk.org/events - under November - for more details.

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