LADIES 1s – no game
LADIES 2s v Long Sutton (L) (H) 12.30 (W) 2-0 W
LADIES 3s – no game
LADIES 4s – no game
LADIES 5s – no game
LADIES 6s v Thetford 2s (L) (H) 2.15 (W) 3-2 W
LADIES Dev. – no game

MENS 1s – no game
MENS 2s v Letchworth (L) (A) 1.30 3-6 L
MENS 3s v North Walsham (L) (A) 4.00 5-2 W
MENS 4s v Lowestoft Town (L) (H) 10.30 (W) 2-1 W
MENS 5s v Watton (L) (A) 2.30 2-3 L
MENS 6s v Pelicans 3s (L) (H) 4.00 (W) 7-2 W
MENS Vets v Chelmsford (game postponed until 5/12)

Dear Member

1. May I please remind you of this event which is being held at the club on Friday 6 November 2009. The gates open at 6.00pm (not at 6.30pm as shown on the board at the entrance to the club) with the bonfire at 7.15pm followed by a spectacular fireworks display. I hope you will be able to attend with family and friends and if so please come as early as possible to enjoy the BBQ, Children's Rides and other attractions before the lighting of the bonfire. NB. Tickets for the event are on sale at the clubhouse bar.

2. We are still looking for members to help on the night with the teas, stewarding and car parking. If you are able to help (and many thanks to members who have already volunteered) would you please put your name on the board in the clubhouse this Saturday or if you are not attending this Saturday would you please contact James Smith - by call or text to 07780 663100 or via email to james.smith@targetfollow.com. It would be much appreciated if you could be on site at 5.30pm or as soon as you can manage.

3. James would also like to hear from members who are free to help with the preparations during the day of the event. There is always plenty to do!

With kind regards

Mike Denham

Harleston Magpies mens 2nd XI made it 3 wins out of 3 at home and are now top of Premier B. After a disappointing performance last weekend away at Harpenden, Magpies were looking for a performance. Which was duely delievered with a 7-2 victory over Cambridge Nomads.

In a tight first half Magpies took an early lead when a shot from Will Martin was saved by the Nomads keeper only for Dave Francis to sweep in the rebound from close range. The second goal came from a well worked penalty corner when Lawrence Baynes fierce cross was deflected in by Dan Legg for his first of the season. With two goals to the good Magpies took their foot off the gas and Nomads came back into the game when a run from a Nomads forward down the left wing evaded everyone and his shot couldn't be stopped on the line. Magpies responded well and added a third not long after from another penalty corner. When the rebound from the intial flick was then followed up by Hamish Barton who's shot hit the cross bar and fell to Ben Wright at the back post who cleared up.

The second half started in similar fashion with Magpies well on top. A fourth was added early in the second half when Robbie Kinsella converted a penalty corner. With Magpies once again in control concentration levels once again slipped as needless penalty corners were conceading and this gave Nomads a way back in as they converted a well worked one. Magpies responded well again with Robbie's second goal of the game after good work down the left flank from Craig Snelling and Dave Francis opened up space for Dave to fire the ball across the D and for Robbie to finish cooley at the back post.

The final two goal finished off a good display from Magpies as first Craig Snelling powerful shot from the left was converted by Rich Ling in traditional fashion. The final goal was Lawrence Baynes second of the season when good running by Martin Fields unlocked the defence for Lawrence Baynes to fire home despite the best efforts of the defender on the line whos effort was admirable.

With this victory Magpies are now top of the table and still unbeaten this season. Next up for the 2s is an away trip to fellow promotees Letchworth, where Magpies took to continue their good form. Man of the match was Lawrence Baynes for a solid performance in Midfield pulling the strings and making thing happen.

There were several 'firsts' last Saturday with, arguably, the most notable being the first goal for five years by Rob Goodson! I'm sorry to say I arrived too late at Weybread to see this special achievement (and subsequent celebration) but I have it on unimpeachable authority that it was the vital and match clinching seventh goal (!) in the 3rds 10-1 victory over Sudbury 2nds. Nearly lost in all the excitement were Matt Brand's five goals as he took advantage of Martin Field's promotion to the 2nds to regain the side's top scorer spot!

Other 'firsts' were the first wins of the season for the Men's Veterans who beat Bury St Edmunds 2-0 and for the Men's 4ths who defeated Norwich Dragons 2nds 9-3 and Angie Wheelhouse's first hat trick of the season. And what a hat trick it was as the Ladies' 1sts beat St Albans 5-1 in front of an appreciative home crowd. Angie's first goal was a deft deflection at a penalty corner, the second a crunching reverse stick shot from the top of the circle and the third a superb strike from the left high into the top of the net. This treble takes Angie to seven goals for the season one ahead of the in-form Cherry Seaborn - who scored the other two fine goals - and to the top spot amongst the league's leading goalscorers. This was an excellent win for the squad especially as they were without Anna Toulson through illness and Artemis Clark due to a back injury.

The Men's 2nds were also in fine form at Weybread with a 7-2 win over Cambridge Nomads to take them to the top of their league. Did I see another well directed mishit finishing in the back of the net? If so long may it continue Robbie! Meantime the Men's 5ths were unlucky to go down to a controversial 3-2 defeat against North Walsham 2nds. With the number of members in the club this team should not be struggling to find enough players every week and it is to the credit of Richard Allcock and Jordan Ball that they are managing to field a team each Saturday.

The Men's 1sts, after their narrow defeat at top of the table Canterbury, have this weekend off as do the Ladies' 1sts, 3rds, 4ths, 5ths and Development while the Ladies' 2nds, who were unlucky to only draw 2-2 away to Norwich City last Saturday, entertain Long Sutton (12.30). Other matches at home on Saturday are – 10.30 Men's 4ths v Lowestoft Town, 2.15 Ladies' 6ths v Thetford 2nds and 4.00 Men's 6ths v Pelicans 3rds. Good luck to all our teams in action on Saturday.

News and comments in brief

· Last Saturday's Curry-Oke Night was a great success and thanks are due to everyone who supported the event (we had a really good turnout) and to the members who provided the excellent curries. As for the singing the club clearly has a lot of hidden talent as typified by the several appearances at the microphone of the captain of the Men's 6ths!

· Well done to Beeston and East Grinstead who have joined Reading in the next round of the EuroHockey League.

· If you are interested in hockey and stamps I recommend Dil Bahra's excellent website www.hockeyonstamps.com. Dil is secretary of the Hockey Writers' Club and has served as press officer at several international hockey tournaments.

· England Hockey has had a change of mind and from 1 November 2009 an adapted version of the self-pass at free hits and re-starts will apply in all mini hockey competitions.

· England Hockey has also announced that there are 'some very significant changes' to the indoor rules with effect from 1 November 2009. These include time-outs for teams and a self-pass option at a free push. Copies of the FIH Rules of Indoor Hockey 2009 are available from www.englandhockey.co.uk/umpiring.

· The England Senior Masters Divisional Tournament for players between the ages 50 – 55 will be held at Beeston HC on May 1-2 2010. Players wishing to attend the trials for the East Men's team are asked to contact Brian Roberson at brianrogerson@gmail.com.

· Tickets for the Harleston Fireworks Spectacular (Friday 6 November – gates open 6.00pm) are available from the clubhouse bar. Please come!

With kind regards and best wishes Mike Denham 01603 506925 MDenham975@aol.com 27/10/09

Canterbury 2 - Harleston 1

Harleston made the long journey down to Canterbury to face their toughest test of the season so far against table topping Canterbury. An unchanged side from the previous weeks 2-2 draw with Bromley started strongly moving the ball around well. Despite coming under early pressure from the aerial threat that Canterbury possessed it was Harleston who took an early lead when following great movement from Bale created space for Duncan Graves in the D, the young forward found Andy Hipwell unmarked to finish in fine style.
Canterbury soon came back at Harleston forcing the away team back deeper into their own D. Harleston were unable to keep pressure on the home side as they were forced back with the long ariel ball. Harms saved well from a well taken short corner but eventually the teams resistance was broken when the ball fell to a Canterbury forward at the top of the D who fired across goal where the ball was turned over the line at the back post.

Despite conceding Harleston fought back strongly but went a goal behind when Canterbury slotted home from a short corner. With this the tides started to turn and Canterbury started to create chances from short corners where Mark Wheelhouse cleared off the line twice to keep the deficit to 1 goal. Harleston had a chance to equalise before the break when Bale broke into the D only to see his shot ricochet off Graves and go wide.

During the second half Harleston started to step up earlier to minimise the aerial threat - the tactic worked and despite Canterbury still finding their forwards high Harleston were able to hit them on the break. Both Hipwell and Gowing were denied by saves from the Canterbury keeper. Despite giving corners away Harleston defended this threat well, Harms again producing a couple of fine saves. From one of these corners Canterbury thought they had won a flick but the ball struck Wheelhouse in the face outside of the post.
In a frantic finish to the second half Canterbury were reduced to 10 men but despite the advantage Harleston could not grab a vital equaliser from two short corners at the final whistle, one of which was cleared off the line by a Canterbury defender.

The team now have a weeks break before the league recommences in a fortnight when the team are at home on Sunday agaianst Indian Gymkhana.

Please see match report below from Magpies Ladies 1st team match Saturday 24th October.

Harleston Magpies Ladies 1st XI produced an impressive performance for their home crowd to beat St. Albans 5-1. The experience of Angie Wheelhouse and youth of Cherry Seaborn combined to score all 5 goals between them, with Wheelhouse coming away with a hat-trick. Wheelhouse opened the scoring after just 7 mins from a well-worked penalty corner routine. Seaborn put Magpies 2-0 on 24 mins after Fran Sumner intercepted a pass from the St. Albans defence just outside the circle. Magpies experienced a period of pressure just before half-time after conceding a goal from a penalty flick. However, Magpies regained their composure after half-time and Wheelhouse scored with a reverse stick shot from the top of the circle after 50 mins. Only 2 minutes later Wheelhouse completed her hat-trick with a superb first time finish into the top corner after Debbie McAllen's quick free-hit into the circle caught the St. Alban's defence sleeping. Seaborn ended the impressive goal scoring show on the 65th minute with another well worked penalty corner routine.

Overall, an excellent team performance, which leaves Magpies 3rd in the league - with only 3 points separating 1st and 3rd spot.

LADIES 1s v St Albans (L) (H) 12.30 (W) 5-1 W
LADIES 2s v Norwich City (L) (A) 11.30 2-2 D
LADIES 3s – no game
LADIES 4s v Broadland 2s (F) (A) 2.30 6-3 W
LADIES 5s – no game
LADIES 6s – no game
LADIES Dev. – no game

MENS 1s v Canterbury (L) (A) 1.00 1-2 L
MENS 2s v Cambridge Nomads (L) (H) 2.15 (W) 7-2 W
MENS 3s v Sudbury 2s (L) (H) 10.30 (W) 10-1 W
MENS 4s v Norwich Dragons 2s (L) (A) 3.00 9-3 W
MENS 5s v North Walsham 2s (L) (H) 4.00 (W) 2-3 L
MENS 6s v Norwich City 4s (L) (A) 10.00 2-2 D
MENS Vets v Bury St Edmunds (L) (H) 1.45 (S) 2-0 W

Cambridge City Vets 2 Harleston Magpies Vets 1

You would have thought that with Cambridge, and especially the university, at the fore front of cutting edge technology and innovation, someone would have realised that putting an astro pitch in the middle of a field nowhere near any of the other prerequisites such as supply of water or changing rooms, shows a lack of basic thought.

Anyhow the travelling vets arrived and the pre match entertainment was much to our captain's liking as we watched a football match in which the team in blue actually won. The skill level was also akin to the tractor boys and the way Emily put away the third goal was well impressive.

Was it a sign of over confidence of apathy on the part of others that Magpies arrived with only ten players? Anyhow negotiations secured the services of Geoff (surname unknown).

Magpies made a bright start, having the better of the early minutes with Jon Wells having a shot well saved by the Cambridge keeper. A short corner was won but the injection towards the top of the D was lacking. In fact it was lacking the last 8 yards it needed to travel to reach the top of the circle.

Simon Bardwell had a shot deflected as magpies moved the ball around well and it was slightly against the run of play when Cambs took the lead when a defenders stick cause a deflection ended up in the goal.

The lead was doubled with a fine individual goal and Magpies had to chase the game and chasing is not our strength. A goal was pulled back when Geoff(no surname) scored from a narrow angle but chances in the last minutes were few and far between which mean that Magpies still emulate Ipswich Town in not winning a league game this season yet. However we have played ten or eleven fewer games.

AUTUMN DRAWS ON

A draw was a 'popular' result last weekend with five of our teams, including both 1st elevens, sharing autumnal points with their opponents. But as we all know a draw can bring elation, satisfaction or plain disgruntlement! Depending on who I spoke to the Ladies' 1sts could have won at Horsham but on the other hand 1-1 was a fair result; being 2-0 up with eleven minutes to play the Men's 1sts felt as if they had lost despite drawing 2-2 against Bromley and Beckenham and despite being on the back foot for much of the match; the Men's 2nds felt it was a point won and not two dropped (so I was told) with their late deflected 1-1 equaliser at Harpenden; the Ladies' 6ths did a good defensive job to finish 1-1 with Breckland and the Men's 4ths came from a goal down to finish 1-1 with North Walsham in an evenly contested match -without captain James Smith who sportingly went to Ipswich to umpire for the 5ths - to secure their first point of the season.

In the other matches the Ladies' 2nds failed to take advantage of their early pressure against Wisbech before being hit by three quick goals just before half time; the Ladies' 3rds and 4ths maintained their 100% records with good wins over Panthers and UEA 2nds respectively; the Ladies' 5ths went down to second placed North Walsham 2nds; the Men's 3rds (for whom Martin Fields has replaced, at least temporarily, Matt Brand as the team's 'goal machine') beat Dereham 3rds 4-0 to continue their perfect start to the season; the Men's 5ths went down to Ipswich Crane and the Men's 6ths played splendidly to beat Sudbury 3rds 4-1 and the 10-men Veterans lost 2-1 away to Cambridge City. Meantime the Ladies Development full squad played a hastily arranged practice match after being given an unwelcome walk-over by Lowestoft.

In case you have no intention of reading any further (!) I remind you now of the Curry-Oke to be held in the clubhouse at 7.30pm this Saturday (24 October). Tickets will be on sale at the door at £10 (£5 for 16s and under). Please come along to enjoy the curry and karaoke.

This Saturday the Ladies' 1sts entertain St Albans (12.30) hoping to maintain their excellent start to the season while the Men's 1sts travel to table-topping Canterbury for their severest test of an equally encouraging season to-date and they will need to keep a close eye on Kwan Browne, the highly talented Trinidad and Tobago international. At Weybread, in addition to the Ladies' 1sts, we should be well entertained by the free-scoring Men's 2nds and Men's 3rds when they take on, respectively, Cambridge Nomads (2.15) and Sudbury 2nds (10.30) and by the Men's Veterans when they play Bury St Edmunds (1.45) and by the Men's 5ths when they play North Walsham 2nds at 4.00pm. Meantime the Men's 4ths are away to Norwich Dragons 2nds and the Ladies' 2nds face another hard test away to Norwich City while the rest of the Ladies' teams, with the exception of the 4ths who have a friendly away to Broadland 2nds, have the weekend off for half-term.

Good luck to all our teams in action this Saturday.

Last week I reported on the encouraging progress some of our young members have made along England Hockey's Single System Player Pathways and this week it is the turn of two older members to be in the spotlight (and to be congratulated) with the news that Philip Cobbald and Jonathan Aldridge have been selected to represent England Over 45s and England Over 50s respectively in the Hong Kong International Masters Tournament from 24 to 31 October. The other teams in the event include Hong Kong (as hosts), Australia, Ireland, Singapore, New Zealand, Scotland, and Malaysia.

News and comments in brief

· Belated congratulations to Tom and Donna Marshall on the birth of daughter Neve.

· Last Saturday the Men's 6ths featured the very welcome father and son combinations of Jonathan and Rory Aldridge and Kevin and Thomas Ridley.

· My thanks to Tony and Sue Williams, John Pestell and Melissa Hunter for their help with the 'Danish Oiling' of the balcony last week and to George Hunter for his strimming of the banks etc.

· Congratulations to Nick and Shirley McAllen and 'team' for running last Sunday's highly successful minis tournament and well done to the winners, namely Magpies (U11 Boys), Norwich City (U11 Girls), Dereham (U13 Boys) and Magpies (U13 Girls).

With kind regards and best wishes
Mike Denham 01603 506925 MDenham975@aol.com 20/10/09

HARLESTON MAGPIES U13 BOYS IN MAGPIES FRIENDLY TOURNAMENT SUN OCT 18TH

An inexperienced U13 Boys team had the chance of some useful practice with two matches against Dereham and Norwich City playing both teams twice.

In the first match Magpies were outplayed by a useful Dereham team losing 2-0 and Magpies looked like a team that had not played together before. In the next match Magpies beat Norwich City 4-0 with goals from Eddie Martin, Jack Frere-Smith, Robert Johnson and George Collins.

In the return game against Dereham Magpies were unfortunately 1-0 down in a minute but after that showed a terrific improvement as they really gave Dereham a game conceding a late second goal.

In the final match against Norwich City Magpies won 3-0 with goals from Eddie Martin 2 and George Collins.

Team: George Collins (Capt), Jack Free-Smith, Eddie Martin, Jack Heydon, Robert Johnson, Jordan Wiseman and Toby McManus. Sonny Molloy was unfortunately ill on the day.

HARLESTON MAGPIES LADIES WEEKEND PREVIEW

Harleston Magpies Ladies sponsored by Kitchen Sense are at home this Saturday against St Albans starting at 12.30. St Albans are currently 7th in the League with five points from five games having scored seven goals and conceded nine goals. Magpies having drawn away at Horsham last week in a difficult fixture have slipped back to third place with Ipswich remaining top by one point from Chelmsford and three points clear of Magpies.

Magpies will be looking to maximise home advantage this weekend against a St Albans side who have had a difficult couple of weeks. So far this season Magpies have produced two excellent home performances against Southgate 3-1 and Northampton 5-0 where they have been able to play their best hockey on the water based pitch, whereas away from home they have been unable so far to produce the same quality of passing. Over all it has been a very positive start to the season with the best defensive record in the League and having scored 11 goals in five games Magpies carry plenty of threat going forwards.

However despite conceding a late equaliser at Horsham with six minutes to go it was probably a fair result and definitely a very useful point. Anything less than three points on saturday will see Magpies slip further away from the leaders and see teams like Horsham go past them.

Squad from: Louisa Greenacre (Capt), Lucy Hayman, Lucy Fields, Bryony Lund, Katrina Warnes, Debbie McAllen, Ellie Bale, Frances Sumner, Cherry Seaborn, Verity Blyth, Anna Toulson, Gemma Jones, Eilbhe Whelan, Artemis Clark and Angie Wheelhouse

Photos from an enjoyable morning of mini hockey featuring 21 junior teams from around Norfolk.
Thanks to Nick and Shirley McAllen for organising the event and to the Magpies Youth committee for their hard work on the day.
It was also good to see so many teenage Magpies at the club helping out with umpiring, coaching and scoring.

The Ladies 3rd posed for a team photo before their top of the table clash with Panthers of Sheringham.

Harleston Magpies 2 - Bromely and Beckenham 2

Harleston started in high spirits after their 6-0 thumping of Chelmsford last weekend however they knew that the Bromely side would pose a bigger threat than than their essex rivals. Bromely started the stronger forcing Harleston onto the back foot, the home side struggling to string passes together and turning the ball over too easily in vital positions. Despite the early pressure Richard Harms was only called into action to palm the ball away after a deflection in the D. About 10 minutes in Harleston started to find their rhythm Tristan Baynes reaching the base line before playing a superb ball across the face of the goal which brought a great double save from the Bromely keeper to deny Andy Hipwell.

With the game now open Harms again was called into action saving smartly from a well worked short corner. Five minutes after this Harleston took the lead after Tom Dunnett released Tristan Baynes at the top of the circle, the experienced midfielder calmly slotted the ball to Simon Hipwell who fired home on his National ague debut. Harleston could have doubled their lead when Tom Dunnett flashed a ball across goal which was inches away from Hipwell's and Toulson's stick, the score however remained 1-0 at half time.

With an open start to the second half Bromely started to increase the pressure hassling the Magpies defence trying to force them into a mistake. The tide turned when Bromely where reduced to 10 men, Harleston were able to maintain possession of the ball it was from movement round the back that the second goal started. After a quick transfer the ball was fed into Baynes in midfield who found Dunnett free the skilful midfielder then thread the ball through to Andy Hipwell to smash home from the top of the circle.

Harleston were then reduced to 10 men forcing pressure onto the home side although they weathered the storm well, David Ling clearing one attempt off the line, eventually Bromely found the important goal from a short corner. From here it was all one way Harleston conceding from another corner but managing to hold on for a point in a game which could have gone either way.

Next week the team make the long trip to Canterbury in what promises to be a tough encounter.

WOMENS ENGLAND HOCKEY LEAGUE – EAST CONFERENCE

HORSHAM 1 HARLESTON MAGPIES 1

Harleston Magpies came within 6 minutes of claiming all three points in a hard bruising encounter at Horsham but whilst a draw may be a fair result overall it was still very frustrating to be denied that close to the finishing line.

As it turned out had Magpies made the most of their clear superiority in the first half the late goal from Horsham would have been irrelevant. Magpies took the lead after ten minutes when Cherry Seaborn's pace proved too much for the Horsham defence and she managed to slot the ball into the goal from a narrow angle. This confirmed a bright start from Magpies with Artemis Clark, Angie Wheelhouse and later Verity Blyth proving a handful to the Horsham defence. This was the spell when Magpies could have put the game safe. The Magpies midfield including an excellent performance from Bryony Lund were able to control much of the match which gave the Magpies forwards some quality service.

The warning signals came just before half time as Horsham produced their first real threat and goalkeeper Lucy Hayman was forced into action and the Magpies defence was forced to scramble the ball clear.

The second half saw Horsham in the ascendancy territorially as the Magpies midfield had to spend more time battling for the ball rather than pushing forward. As the time slipped away the Horsham coach was forced to play more attacking options and Magpies did concede too many penalty corners. Horsham did try to claim an earlier equaliser but fortunately the umpire had a clear view and no Horsham player had touched the ball in the circle.

Finally with six minutes to go a long ball from a Horsham midfielder was not dealt with by the Magpies defence and Horsham levelled the scores. Ironically Magpies had two good chances in the final minutes to snatch the winner as Horsham were not sure whether to go for the winner or hang on to what they had been fighting for most of the second half.

This close battle between the 2nd and 3rd placed teams allowed Chelmsford to take advantage on the day and go into second place. Next week Magpies are at home to St Albans on Saturday starting at 12.30.

Harleston Magpies mens 2s traveled away to Harpenden 1s on saturday and were dissapointed to only come away with a point as they were left to rue missed opportunities.

With Simon Hipwell being promoted to the first team and Captain James Stacey and Matty Steinthorpe unavaliable, we welcomed Ben Gowing into the squad as Simons replacement in midfield. A new look back four of: Craig Snelling; Dan Legg; Hamish Barton; and Jamie Legg came under pressure from the start with Harpenden starting the strongest and looking to test the defence early in the game hoping that they were still recovering after a long journey down.

Despite the early pressure Magpies were first to create a chance when good play down the right from Ben Gowing and Jamie Legg released the rocket (Duncan Steven) into the opposing 23, Duncans ball into Robbie Kinsella was intercepted just as Kinsella was about to pull the trigger. Despite creating the better opportunities it was Harpenden who finally took the lead, when a break down of a Magpies penalty corner allowed Harpenden to break with number over. As they flooded down the now vacante left hand side of the Magpies defence, player ran back in order to try and help their defence. The shot from Harpenden flew past the unsighted Livings in goal and gave Harpenden the lead.

The second half started much brighter for Magpies as they started to get hold of the game and play more attractive hockey. This then gave us more confidence and allowed up to create more problems for the Harpenden defence after good work from our wide men Ben Wright, Ben Gowing and Jamie Legg. As the match continued and Magpies were still behind the game became more frantic and scrappy as both teams went flying into tackles. When Magpies did break the back line they found an inform keeper whom did not want to give up his cleansheet. Harleston managed to pull back level with 10 minutes to go when Rich Lings penalty corner struck the foot of a Harpenden defender and found its way into the back of the net.

With the game now level Magpies looked to press home and score the winning goal, the best chance fell with 2 minutes to go when after good work from Ben Wright down the left hand side fired the ball into the circle for Lawrence Baynes to collect, the Harpenden defenders then surrounded him and forced the shot wide, leaving the game to end as a draw.

Dispite an untypical Magpies performance the 2nd team are still unbeaten and second as they looked forward to the visit of Cambridge Nomads to Weybread who are currently 4th after beating Broxbourne 3-2 on sunday.

MENS 1s v Bromley Beckenham (L) (H) 2.15 (W) 2-2 D

On Sunday Magpies were hosts for an Under 13 Girls minis tournament and entered two teams.

Magpies A won all six games and were clear tournament winners scoring 18 goals and conceding 1

Results v Norwich B 4-0, Magpies B 4-0, Dereham 2-0, Norwich A 1-0, Watton 4-1, Pelicans 3-0

Team Ruth Denham GK, Georgia Pearson, Laura Davidson, Kira Wooltorton, Charlotte Nickson, Lily Felton, Catherine Kilbourn, Saffron Wilford

Goal scorers Kira Wooltorton 7, Saffron Wilford 7, Charlotte Nickson 2, Lily Felton 1, Catherine Kilbourn 1


A much younger Magpies B team managed to win one game, draw one and lost 4

Results v Dereham 0-1, Magpies A 0-4, Pelicans 0-1, Norwich A 0-1, Norwich B 0-0, Watton 1-0

Team Ellie O'Sullivan, Sophie Meynell-Anderson, Imogen Meynell-Anderson, May Bowden, Emily McClusky, Sophie Long, Kara Kilbourn, Krystal Jenkins, Ellie Preston Bloom
Goal scorer Sophie Long

We travelled to Sheringham to face a mature team for a bruising encounter with Panthers who were top of the table on goal difference. Magpies started brightly and scored an early goal through Hannah Linger. The opposition disputed the rules leading to this goal and it made them more determined and physically more challenging.

The contrast in styles between the skillful Magpies youngsters and the more traditional hockey style of Panthers was particularly shown in their attack where Flora Marfleet had her best game in goal yet and made some fine saves under great pressure. Sarah Brook put Magpies 2 ahead whilst the defence with fine performances from Sophie Moore and Georgie Scott and particularly Frances Taylor in midfield kept the Panthers out. A break by the home team saw them grab one back.

A settling talk at half time saw Magpies come out more determined and their talent showed through with another goal by Anna Lacey to make the scoreline 3-1 at the end. A another fine team performance with Becky Banham having her best game yet and the team showing maturity and determination to win.

LADIES 1s v Horsham (L) (A) 12.30 1-1 D
LADIES 2s v Wisbech Town (L) (H) 12.30 (W) 0-3 L
LADIES 3s v Panthers (L) (A) 2.00 3-1 W
LADIES 4s v UEA 2s (L) (H) 1.45 (S) 2-1 W
LADIES 5s v North Walsham 2s (L) (A) 1.00 2-7 L
LADIES 6s v Breckland (L) (H) 10.30 (W) 1-1 D
LADIES Dev. v Lowestoft (L) (A) 4.00 3-0 W/O

MENS 2s v Harpenden (L) (A) 12.30 1-1 D
MENS 3s v Dereham 3s (L) (A) 3.00 4-0 W
MENS 4s v North Walsham (L) (H) 12.15 (S) 1-1 D
MENS 5s v Ipswich Crane (L) (A) 1.00 2-7 L
MENS 6s v Sudbury 3s (L) (H) 2.15 (W) 4-1 W
MENS Vets v Cambridge City (L) (A) 3.30 1-2 L

Magpies Ladies IV - UEA II

Magpies faced UEA in their second home league match of the season, looking for a fourth consecutive victory.
Magpies, as has been the norm, started well, keeping the ball, & making progress into UEA's defensive third. The home side certainly were the more creative and enjoyed the early possession and had some chances on goal and won several short corners, but couldn't manage to convert, with UEA not threatening the Magpies goal. The breakthrough eventually came near to half-time; a short corner routine ending with a Kay Dennis shot on the rebound to put Magpies in the lead. The home side kept strong to take their advantage into the break.

The second half saw UEA unexpectedly level the score; their first chance on goal and they grabbed the equaliser. Magpies' heads stayed up, and they fought for the winner; Becky Ford, Sarah Legg, Liz Cole and Claire Snelling defending brilliantly, and a good pass from Ford up to the forward line ended with Zoe Cole scoring the winner, slipping the ball past the 'keeper into the corner.

A hard-fought game for Magpies, their battling performance in the second half making their win very well deserved. Four league matches, and four league victories! Well done girls!

Kay Dennis, Magpies Ladies 4th's.

Ladies II 0 v St Ives 4

Another new lin eup due to injuries, saw a young Magpies side battle against a more experienced St Ives team. The team struggled to settle into the game early on and let in 2 quick goals,. Some good work from defence, especially from Charlotte Catalano, kept the score at 2 - 0 into half time.

Magpies picked up the tempo in the second half, applying pressure to St Ives, but still lacked any real conviction, struggling to string passs together & unable to create any real chances.

A disappointing results for Magpies II, who have a lot to work in for the following matches. Well deserved man of the match went to Charlotte Catalano for the second week running.

Weybread was a happy hunting ground last Saturday for home points as it was seven games played and seven wins for HMHC. The Ladies' 3rds set the ball rolling by beating Watton 2nds 4-0 to maintain their fine start to the season and shortly afterwards the Ladies' 5ths achieved their first win of the season with a resounding 6-0 victory over Old Buckenham 2nds. Next up were the Ladies' 1sts and with four goals in the first half against Northampton Saints victory was virtually assured but it could have been different had Cali Clark not made a fine penalty stroke save at 2-0. Cherry Seaborn again caught the eye posing some unanswered questions to the visitors' defence with her speed and two goals in an excellent 5-0 squad victory.

It was then the turn of the Men to get in on the victory act with the 5ths edging out Dereham 4s 4-3 to achieve their welcome first win of the season before the 3rds took their record to three wins from three with a hard earned and incident packed 3-1 victory over old rivals Gorleston; rounded off by a calm penalty stroke conversion by Paul Shelley.

The final two home successes were achieved by the Men's 2nds who beat Broxbourne 5-1 and the Ladies' 4ths who beat Watton 3rds 4-1. Both teams are newly-promoted and both now have nine points from a possible nine. From where I stood it seemed that Simon Hipwell put the 2nds ahead with a well directed mishit with Robbie Kinsella doing the same in the last few seconds! No doubt both will claim otherwise! But this was another fine win for the team with the other goals coming from David Francis and MOTM Hamish Barton (2).

Spirits were raised even higher at Weybread with the news of the excellent 6-0 win by the Men's 1sts at Chelmsford and it was good to hear later of the 5-2 win by Ladies Development over Norwich City.

This Saturday at Weybread - with the Ladies' 1sts away to Horsham, the Men's 1sts playing on Sunday and the Men's 2nds away to Harpenden - pride of place goes to the newly-promoted Ladies' 2nds who entertain Wisbech Town (12.30) still seeking an elusive first win of the season. Please come along and give your support to the team.

The Men's 1sts entertain Bromley and Beckenham at 2.15 on Sunday in what promises to be an exciting and closely contested match in front of, hopefully, another big crowd. The bar will be open from 12.15pm. The lucky number programmes will still only cost £1!

Good luck to all our teams in action this weekend.

Congratulations to our young members who have progressed along England Hockey's Single System Player Pathways – namely Sarah Brook (U15), Tom Graham (U15) and Verity Blyth (U17) who attended a High Performance Assessment Camp last weekend and to Ben Wright, Cali Clark and Cherry Seaborn who will be playing for the Saxon Tigers U18s in the Futures Cup at Cannock at the end of the month. To those members who have not progressed to this stage I urge not to be too disappointed. Ratty Alexander missed out on selection for the Junior World Cup years ago but subsequently went on to play for GB in the Olympics and recently won a gold medal for England in the European Championships!

News and comments in brief

· The club is hosting a series of Mini games (for U11 and U13 Boys and Girls) involving local clubs on Sunday starting at 9.30am.

· Our teams playing away from home are asked to phone the clubhouse with their result as soon as reasonably possible please.

· Last weekend John Ryan Van Der Rief converted five penalty corners for Old Georgians against Team Bath Buccaneers in the national league and still ended on the losing side!

· Many thanks to our teams which regularly post their match reports on the website. If your team doesn't – why not?!

· Congratulations to Reading on getting through to the next round of the EuroHockey League. Hopefully East Grinstead and Beeston will also be successful when they compete in their first round pools in Paris over the weekend of 23-25 October.

· Tickets for the Curry-Oke to be held in the clubhouse on Saturday 24 October (7.30pm) are available from the clubhouse bar. Please come!

With kind regards and best wishes

Mike Denham 01603 506925 MDenham975@aol.com 14/10/09

HARLESTON MAGPIES LADIES WEEKEND PREVIEW

Harleston Magpies Ladies sponsored by Kitchen Sense are away on Saturday against Horsham with a 12.30 start in their England Hockey East Conference fixture. After last weekend's 5-0 home win against Norhampton Magpies have moved up to second place pushing Horsham into 3rd place on goal difference.

Magpies have recovered well from their opening League game defeat at Sevenoaks recording three straight wins in a very positive response. Horsham have had a difficult start playing three out of their four games away from home beating Cambridge City 6-2, St Albans 2-1 but losing 2-0 to Chelmsford. In their only home game they beat Northampton 2-1. This will be Magpies toughest game so far and will be a real test. We know that Horsham are a much stronger team than last season and their position in the table confirms that, so Magpies will need to be at their best to achieve a result.

From Magpies point of view the positives have been a defence that has only conceded two goals so far which is a big improvement on last season and but they know they will be tested on Saturday. In addition Magpies carry a real threat going forwards and one hopes that this potential will be fulfilled by taking our chances.

Team wise Lucy Hayman returns in goal but Calianne Clark who stood in last week can be pleased with her performance especially saving a penalty flick. Verity Blyth is also back this week but although Anna Toulson and Gemma Jones played a small part in the game last week we await to hear their fitness situation to see if they are available.

Squad from: Louisa Greenacre (Capt), Lucy Hayman, Lucy Fields, Bryony Lund, Katrina Warnes, Debbie McAllen, Ellie Bale, Frances Sumner, Cherry Seaborn, Verity Blyth, Anna Toulson, Gemma Jones, Eilbhe Whelan, Artemis Clark and Angie Wheelhouse.

Magpies Look To Consolidate Position

Magpies returned from their visit to local rivals Chelmsford with three points ,a significant improvement in goal difference and a boost to confidence. Recent performances had created goal scoring opportunities but conversion rate was poor. Whilst the goals for tally of six was very creditable Magpies domination in the second half could have resulted in a greater margin. The work rate and intensity of Magpies team play was second to none and this has been the key to results so far. Once again this was a good squad performance however Ben Gowing, who had a fine game, will be missing from this weeks line up, fellow youngsters Duncan Graves and Tom Dunnett both contributed to the goals tally. It is important to Magpies success that the young and inexperienced players in the squad continue to turn in good performances ,as consistency is vital at this level. Whilst the first team have started well in their league the seconds have a hundred per cent record and sit equal top of their league. Gowing’s replacement will therefore come from a successful reserve team who are training regularly with the first team group.

This week’s opposition are Bromley & Beckenham .They have won one drawn one and lost two games so far. Their two losses have been against top sides Old Loughtonians and Canterbury where goals against were both kept to three. A share of the points against Chelmsford should not be taken as a guide to their form. As it appears they have the ability to raise their game against better sides. With the game being held on Sunday 18 th October at Weybread push back 2.15 pm it is expected that another fine crowd will support Magpies following their fine away win at Chelmsford.

Squad: From Richard Harms;Gareth Furlong;Tom Sumner;Mark Wheelhouse;David Ling;Leigh Sitch;Stuart Leate;Richard Gill;Pete Bale;Andy Hipwell;Tom Dunnett;Tristan Baynes;Duncan Graves;Neil Toulson;James Fanger;Simon Hipwell,Duncan Scott.

Harleston Magpies Mens 2s made it 3 wins out of 3 with a convincing 5-1 victory over Broxbourne 1s. This result means that Magpies are now second in the table on goal difference alone.

In an open first few minutes, Harleston created the first opportunity when a cross from Simon Hipwell was narrowly missed by a sprawling Richard Ling. With Magpies continuing to press managed to force a penalty corner which Simon Hipwell's shot was too hot for both the Broxbourne keeper and defender on the line.

With Magpies in the lead they pushed forward for the second goal. In another spell of sustained pressure, a missed placed pass from defence allowed Broxbourne to break on the Magpies area, around the on rushing keeper and slide the ball into the goal to draw things level. With the game level again Magpies took control and started to produce the type of hockey that gained them promotion the season previous. As the half drew to a close Harleston started to create clear cut chances, finally however Magpies did finally re take the lead after great play down the right from Matt Stainthorpe who fed the ball through to Dave Francis to finish coolly in the bottom corner and give Magpies the lead they deserved as they went into the break.

The second half was an opportunity for Magpies to prove to other teams that they are true title contenders. Harleston made it 3-1 when Hamish Barton Stuck a trade mark penalty corner beyond the reach of the keeper and into the net. Magpies were now firmly in control of the game and shortly after made if 4-1 when good work from Lawrence Baynes in the centre of midfield set up Robbie Kinsella to fire home from the top of the circle. With the game now looking like it was now concluded, Hamish Barton wrapped the scoring up with another trade mark penalty corner.

Next up for Magpies is an away trip to Harpenden 1s who are currently 5th in the table after 2 wins and a loss. Man of the match went to Hamish Barton for his performance in both attack and defence.

WOMENS ENGLAND HOCKEY LEAGUE – EAST CONFERENCE

HARLESTON MAGPIES 5 NORTHAMPTON SAINTS 0

Harleston Magpies moved up to 2nd place after this clinical performance, just edging out Horsham and Chelmsford on goal difference but still one point behind the League leaders Ipswich. Magpies dominated the first half and took the lead after 12 minutes through Cherry Seaborn and from then on they continued to open up a shell shocked Northampton defence. Angie Wheelhouse made it 2-0 on 18 minutes from a penalty corner and at this point there seemed no way back for Northampton.

However untidy defending gave Northampton a chance as the forward broke clean through and after a scramble on the goal line Northampton were awarded a penalty flick. Goalkeeper Calianne Clark making her first appearance of the season dived to make a smart save from the penalty flick.

Magpies came close to adding a third when Artemis Clark nearly scored from a penalty corner. After 29 minutes Bryony Lund scored her first National League goal with a strike from the top of the circle. On the stroke of half time Angie Wheelhouse made it 4-0 with a classy deflection from a penalty corner striker. This was impressive finishing which Magpies could not produce the previous week against Cambridge City.

In the second half Magpies tried to maintain their momentum but as is often the case they just could not produce the clinical finishing in the second half. The one exception was a terrific goal after 54 minutes when Artemis Clark intercepted a pass and attacked the circle before releasing a pass to Cherry Seaborn who scored with a terrific diving deflection. There were other very encouraging performances from Jas Barlett making her first team debut up front and also from Eilbhe Whelan also making her debut in midfield. Ellie Bale had to contend with a physical encounter against her opposite number all afternoon whilst Calianne Clark completed a good day with a sharp save from a penalty corner strike in the final five minutes.

This was Magpies third successive League win after losing their first game of the season and the defence is looking solid whilst the midfield and forwards are just starting to show the potential they have going forwards. Next weekend Magpies play third placed Horsham away which will be a real test of the team's prospects for the season.

Ladies 5th 6 Old Buckenham 2nd 0

Magpies dominated this game from the start pressurising the oppositions defence and goal throughout the match. Goals came at regular intervals during the first half with Jess Howland scoring the first followed by two penalty corners from Shirley McAllen. Lizzie Jones scored the fourth with a strong shot from the edge of the circle.

In the second half Magpies continued to play with pace and skill in all departments with Shirley and Jess adding to the score. After losing the first league game and having the second conceded it was good to get 3 points and play in such convincing style.

Herlings 4 - 0 Magpies Ladies 6th

This weekend saw a return to the league for the sixth team. Various circumstances meant that only 10 and a half players travelled to the grass pitch that serves as Herlings' home ground. The half player being in the form of Kristina Erith who must be commended this weeked for her involvment in 3 games. Kristina played the first half outfield for us before returning to the club to play in goal for the 4ths, having already playing for the 3rds earlier in the day!!

Magpies started with confidence knowing a win would keep their unbeaten record intact, but jsut 10 minutes into the first half Herlings scored their first goal, shortly followed by a second and thena third shortly before the half time whistle.

Magpies now down to ten players kept their heads up and battled hard to capiltalise on their many short corners. Unfortunately this was not to be and Herlings put a fourth goal in 10 mins from the end of play.
Magpies are back on home (astro)turf next weekend against Brekland at 10:30.

Katie Webb (Captain)

Chelmsford 0 - Harleston 6

Harleston arrived at Chelmsford on Saturday hoping to consolidate a solid start, which saw them placed in 5th, above their opponents who were languishing in 9th after a poor opening to the season. Magpies started well but failed to capitalize on their possession and Chelmsford started to threaten, the scores only kept level thanks to the superb keeping of Richard Harms and a defence which has conceded the fewest goals in the league.

Magpies opened the scoring however when Tristan Baynes scored a penalty stroke following a foul on Andy Hipwell when through on goal. The score remained at 1-0 until half time however, with Harleston failing to recapture the form they had shown in their previous fixtures. The break therefore came at an excellent time for Magpies, who emerged a different side, constantly threatening in open play and from set pieces. This was illustrated on 40 minutes when a surging run from Stuart Leate was rewarded with a penalty corner, which was duly converted by an Andy Hipwell drag flick.

Magpies continued to press forward as the game began to break down and got their third minutes later when Duncan Graves beat the keeper 1 on 1 after a mazy run by Gareth Furlong from right back. The goals continued to flow throughout the 2nd half, with two moments of magic from Tom Dunnett presenting opportunities to Ben Gowing and Pete Bale, both of whom were only too happy to convert and put Magpies into a commanding position at 5-0.

As the clock ran down, several rash challenges saw trips to the sin bin for members of both sides. It was Magpies who had the final say however after Neil Toulson's run, with the resulting shot rebounding to Graves who tapped home for the simplest of finishes, his second and Harleston's sixth. It ended that way, an emphatic 2nd half performance and victory, which should provide Magpies with confidence leading into their next fixture, which will be played on Sunday 18th at home against Bromley and Beckenham.

Playing at home the team were pleased to welcome Kristina Erith in goal as Flora was playing seconds. Magpies started strongly and pushed forward early with Holly Baker working hard up front to keep possession. A good team effort saw Birthday girl Frances Taylor push forward to take a fine shot from the top of the circle to take the lead. Becky Banham took the ball well from a good move from Micayla Toothill from deep in defence to make it 2 - nil.

Kristina was called on a couple of times when defending short corners and made some fine kicks to keep the defensive scoreline clean. Magpies continued to pressure the Watton defence and Rhian Earrye was well positioned on the right to collect the ball and score a well struck shot from the edge of the 'D'.

In the second half Magpies continued to dominate and squashed any attacking moves from the Watton forwards with Georgie Scott having another solid game. Finally a foul in the circle lead to a stroke being awarded and Holly Baker stepped up to score the flick to make the final result 4-0.

LADIES 1s v Northampton Saints (L) (H) 12.30 (W) 5-0 W
LADIES 2s v St Ives (L) (A) 2.00 0-4 L
LADIES 3s v Watton 2s (L) (H) 10.30 (W) 4-0 W
LADIES 4s v Watton 3s (L) (H) 4.00 (W) 4-1 W
LADIES 5s v Old Buckenham 2s (L) (H) 10.45 (S) 6-0 W
LADIES 6s v Herlings (L) (A) 2.00 0-4 L
LADIES Dev. v Norwich City (L) (A) 4.00 5-2 W

MENS 1s v Chelmsford (L) (A) 2.00 6-0 W
MENS 2s v Broxbourne (L) (H) 2.15 (W) 5-1 W
MENS 3s v Gorleston (L) (H) 1.45 (S) 3-1 W
MENS 4s v Dereham 3s (L) (A) 12.00 2-5 L
MENS 5s v Dereham 4s (L) (H) 12.15 (S) 4-3 W
MENS 6s v Felixstowe 2s (L) (A) 11.30 2-5 L
MENS Vets v Ipswich (L) (A) 12.00 3-7 L

Magpies travelled to Taverham to play top of the table Norwich City and came away victorious winning 5-2.

It was Norwich who dominated early possession and looking very confident soon went in to a 2-0 lead. Magpies were slow in responding but as the game developed the girls fought their way back in to the game. Catherine Kilbourne swept home from close range before Kira Wooltorton rifled home a short corner making the half time score 2-2.

The second half was a more even encounter but Magpies looked dangerous on the break and Catherine managed to find the net on three further occasions following excellent build up play down the right from Kelsey Horlock and Paris Wood. There was still time for Magpies keeper Ruth Denham to make three vital saves ensuring that Magpies recorded their most impressive win of the season to date. This was a very hard fought victory with all the girls working tirelessly for the team.

Magpies Ladies IV 4 - 1 Watton III

Magpies welcomed Watton for a late afternoon push-back at Weybread, hoping to continue their good start to the league campaign.

The home side started well, enjoying more of the possession in Watton's defending third, and were rewarded with a goal early on; a Treacle Snelling shot rebounding off the 'keeper for Rachel Peters to score her first goal of the season. Magpies pushed on, and when Lucie Hadley found herself one-on-one with the 'keeper she kept her composure with a strong strike past the 'keeper to double their lead. Watton did get into the game more, putting pressure on the Magpies defence but couldn't get one back. Kay Dennis made it three for Magpies, scrambling the ball into the corner, and got her second goal shortly before the break putting Magpies in complete control of the match. Watton scored, what turned out to be a consolation goal, just before the whistle went for half-time.

The score remained the same throughout the second half, Magpies not able to find their flowing play of earlier, with Watton certainly having more chances on goal but Bella Hall and Becky Ford were magnificent at the back, making crucial tackles and last-minute clearances. Credit must also be given to Treacle Snelling, Tracey Reeve and Lucie Hadley in the midfield for their tireless running and commitment.
A fantastic result for Magpies, continuing their excellent start to the season. Bring on next week!

Kay Dennis, Magpies Ladies 4th's.

Harleston Vets 0 Shefford and Sandy 0

Much todo about Nothing

As another season starts, here is a poser for you. What have George Bush, Tony Blair and Simon Bardwell in common? Answer at the bottom of this account.

Anyway to the hockey, there is always are air of anticipation before playing one's first game of the season. How have team mates summered? Who are the ones with unreal optimism went out and bought a new stick in the summer? Who did not bother to buy a pair of astros on the grounds that the current ones will easily outlast the muscles that operate them?

The effect of the self pass rule could be catastrophic to Magpies Vets; we don't want ways of speeding the game up, we want it slowed down. Also it is now a licence that certain members of the team- no names mentioned (but if you want a clue think Bishop of Bath and _ _ _ _ _ ) do not have to pass to a team mate at any time now.

Magpies welcomed Angus Wilkinson in the forwards and Alec Cumming in goal. I hasten to point out that the latter is not an age qualified Vet but goalkeepers playing behind our defence tend to age very rapidly.

A large crowd was present but all showing excellent common sense, kept their back to the play

Before the game could start the orange ball was changed for a white because one of the opposition had an abnormal gene on his X chromosome. However this was his mother's doing not his.

The game started and finished goal less. Harleston gave an object lesson in how not to score from short corners. One opposition player was yellow carded for repeatedly going beyond the ball in tackle/ruck situation. S and S tackled anything that moved (good reason for staying stock still). The defence held firm and honours were even.

And the answer to the question at the top---believe it or not they all managed to be elected for a second term of office!

HARLESTON MAGPIES LADIES WEEKEND PREVIEW

Harleston Magpies Ladies sponsored by Kitchen Sense are at home on Saturday against Northampton Saints starting at 12.30. Northampton were promoted from the Midlands Region last season and picked up a useful point last week at home against St Albans in a 1-1 draw. Prior to that they lost two difficult away games at Horsham 2-1 and Chelmsford 3-1. It could be that they are starting to find their feet in this League and they will take confidence from their result last week.

Magpies beat Cambridge City 2-0 away last week with the second goal coming in the final five minutes which left Cambridge at the bottom of the League with no points. Had Magpies taken their chances earlier the win could have been more comfortable but as it turned out they had to grind out a result in the second half. This was Magpies first clean sheet of the season which is encouraging as Magpies conceded too many goals last season. The win sees Magpies move into third place and as always it is important Magpies take advantage of their home games.

This week will inevitably see a few changes to the team. Calianne Clark will start in goal as Lucy Hayman is away but it has always been the intention to give her more games this season as she needs the experience if she is going to make the step up to the first team. Anna Toulson could be out for a while and Verity Blyth is unavailable as she is in the East set up. Emily Wilford who made her debut on Sunday has school commitments. Hopefully Gemma Jones who has missed the last two games through injury might be back. This means national league debuts for Eilbhe Whelan who has joined from UEA and Jas Bartlett another youngster who is promoted from the second team.

Squad: Louisa Greenacre (Capt), Calianne Clark, Lucy Fields, Katrina Warnes, Bryony Lund, Debbie McAllen, Frances Sumner, Ellie Bale, Cherry Seaborn, Eilbhe Whelan, Jasmine Bartlett, Gemma Jones, Artemis Clark and Angie Wheelhouse.

Magpies Look To Turn Possession Into Points

Newly promoted Magpies look to turn close encounters into points as they visit local rivals Chelmsford. The Essex side who narrowly missed relegation last season have just one point to show from their three games. Both sides have played a cross section of teams and Magpies superior points tally and mid way position could be representative of the team’s strength. This weekend’s game looks interesting with Magpies defence having let in but three goals in as many games whereas Chelmsford have let in twelve. At the other end Magpies have mustered but three goals despite long periods of possession in all three games. Chelmsford however have scored ten with two against league leaders Canterbury. Maybe this is the week that Magpies strike force will finally come good.

Pete Bale returns to the squad following unavailability through work. Otherwise Magpies rely on the same squad for the fourth week running. Whilst a comparatively short pre-season combined with an influx of new players made it difficult to get a settled side , this has now been achieved and the squad is benefitting from training and playing together. It is very encouraging to see the established players stepping up to the standard and the young players improving as they gain experience at this level.

Squad: Richard Harms;Gareth Furlong;Tom Sumner;Mark Wheelhouse;David Ling;Leigh Sitch;Stuart Leate;Richard Gill;Ben Gowing;Pete Bale;Andy Hipwell;Tom Dunnett;Tristan Baynes;Duncan Graves;Neil Toulson;James Fanger;

Harleston Magpies II 3 Cambridge City 2

Harleston Magpies 2nd XI recorded their second successive win against Cambridge City 1s. In a tight game Magpies had to once again come from behind to defeat a side who were a stern test for our first team last season.

The game started in frenetic style with Cambridge trying to press home their advantage on a slow starting Magpies hitting the post in the opening minutes. Cambridge then opened from a short corner when a deflected shot found its way to the far post and was turned in from close range to give city the lead.

Like last week, going behind seemed to wind Magpies and struggled to find their flowing hockey which was so destructive last week against Pelicans. Eventually Magpies started to regain their confidence and Robbie Kinsella equalised for Magpies with a powerful shot past the keeper after a mazy run from Lawrence Baynes who then laid the ball off to Kinsella to finish. With renewed confidence Magpies continued to press forward in hope of taking the lead before the interval, with little chances being made by either side it look the last play of the half for Magpies to take the lead when Hamish Bartons flick from a penalty corner was too good for the City keeper as it went rocketing into the roof of the net.

With Magpies now in front it was Citys turn to be on the back foot at the start of the second half. With some good attacking play Magpies were creating chances but could not convert with both Robbie Kinsella and Duncan Steven going close to name a few. Magpies got their third and decisive goal when after good attacking play down the left hand side from both Craig Snelling and Simon Hipwell, Ben Wright fed the through a crowd of players to find Simon Hipwell who had continued his run in front of goal to then slip the ball between the on rushing goalkeepers legs.

With the game looking won Magpies took their foot off the gas and allowed Cambridge back into the game. Several rushed/silly tackles led to a succession of City penalty corners in which they scored their second goal with a well worked move around the front runners and finished from close range past the keeper. With their now only being one goal between the two teams Cambridge looked the more likely side to get the next goal with a continuing on surge of pressure which the Magpies defence managed to keep the on coming attacks at bay.

The last 10 minutes proved a frightful one for the on looking supporters as Cambridge created several clear cut chances only to be thwarted by the Magpies defence and their keeper John Livings who was forced into action with several fine saves. The last moments of the match was heart in the mouth stuff, when Dan Legg lost his footing outside the box and obstructed the player to concede yet another penalty corner, with the final whistle having gone it was 11 on 5 and the 5 came out on top when a Cambridge foul was spotted in the melee on the stroke spot which ended the attack and gave Harleston a deserved second win of the season.

Man of the match was Simon Hipwell whos pace and skill was too good for Cambridge as he ran the show for Harleston on some occasions. Next week Harleston are at Weybread again, this time at home to Broxbourne who will pose yet another tough challenge for the league new boys.

The outstanding performance at Weybread last Saturday was undoubtedly the 3-2 win by the Men's 2nds over Cambridge City. Last season the teams were two divisions apart but relegation for City and promotion for Magpies brought them together for this high quality match in which the home team came from a goal down to equalise with a rasping shot from Robbie Kinsella before going on to lead 3-1 early in the second half. A second goal for City made the final few minutes more tense than at one time seemed likely and a last gasp penalty corner for the visitors added to the drama. MOTM for Magpies was Simon Hipwell, who gave a typically all-action display, followed closely by goalkeeper John Livings and defender Hamish Barton who it is good to have back at the club following his studies at Exeter University. This Saturday the team entertain Broxbourne (2.15) looking to build on their excellent start to the season with a third straight win.

Another welcome returnee from university studies is Ross Briggs and he was in fine form in goal for the Men's 4ths who went down to a lone first half strike by Martin Fields for the 3rds. Thereafter Ross was determined not to be beaten again with a string of outstanding saves in a sporting and well contested and umpired match.

A little earlier the Men's 1sts picked up a useful point against Holcombe. I was happy to settle for a 1-1 draw especially after Holcombe forced two well-defended penalty corners in the final seconds. However, the general consensus after the game that it was two points dropped. Very unusually Magpies failed to win a penalty corner despite getting into the Holcombe circle on a number of occasions. The 1sts travel to Chelmsford this Saturday while the 3rds will be at home to Gorleston (1.45), defending their 2-wins-from-2 record, while the 4ths are away to Dereham 3rds seeking to pick up their first points of the season.

This Saturday the Ladies' 1sts entertain Northampton Saints (12.30) looking for a third successive win after their 2-0 victory last Sunday away to Cambridge City. Magpies, for whom Emily Wilford made an encouraging debut, enjoyed the majority of the play in front of a good number of their supporters, but were thankful for a couple of smart saves by goalkeeper Lucy Hayman and City's failure to take advantage of two dodgy back passes before the in-form Artemis Clark and Cherry Seaborn combined for the latter to slip the ball past the City 'keeper early in the second half. With three minutes to go the team secured a deserved victory when Artemis set up Angie Wheelhouse to add to her highly impressive goal tally for the club. I take this opportunity to make it quite clear that I was not the spectator who suggested to one of the umpires that he pays a visit to Specsavers! I have to confess, however, that I did add that they do two pairs for £75! To his credit the umpire took the joke very sportingly.

It will also be good to see the Ladies' 3rds and 4ths at home this week as they take on Watton 2nds (10.30) and Watton 3rds (4.00) respectively as they look to maintain their excellent starts to the season with four wins from four games between them. Meantime the Ladies' 2nds are away again and they will be determined to secure their first win of the season when they take on St Ives.

Good luck to all our teams in action with Saturday.

News in brief

· Congratulations to Sarah and Gavin Cole on the birth of Isabelle and to ex-Magpies Donna Causton and Evie van Poortvliet on their recent marriages.
· Thanks are due to Richard Allcock and Jordan Ball for taking on, respectively, the captaincy and vice-captaincy of the 5ths.
· Well done to the U18 Boys who beat Bury St Edmunds 5-0 last Sunday in the first round of the EH Cup.
· It was good to see Andy Palmer at the club last Saturday. He is making encouraging progress after breaking his arm playing in goal for the Veterans at the end of last season.
· Pelicans 4ths have withdrawn from Div 2 of the Norfolk League and - following the earlier withdrawal of Norwich Dragons 4ths from Div 3 - is another worrying sign of the health of women's hockey in other parts of the county.
· Congratulations to Jo Baker on her recent marriage. Jo was until recently England Hockey's PR and Communications Officer before leaving to set up her own design consultancy. There is a photograph of Jo in the clubhouse presenting Kirstin Cumming with one of the several EH hospitality awards won by the club - thanks in no small part to Kirstin's efforts.
· I am pleased to say that Tricia Heberle, the former GB and England women's coach, is back in our sport with Hockey Australia as High Performance Network Manager.
· Last Saturday Shefford & Sandy Vets claimed a moral victory over Magpies following their 0-0 draw and a convivial drink in the clubhouse. In my experience there are not too many points for moral victories!

With kind regards and best wishes

Mike Denham 01603 506925 MDenham975@aol.com 6/10/09

Magpies suffered their first defeat of the season against Dereham going down 2-0. In a very even first half Magpies found the Dereham goal keeper in fine form and although striking the post three times it was Dereham who went in at half time leading through two well worked goals.

Magpies pushed hard in the second half and had good possession but again could not find the goals needed. Frankie Eaves, Kira Wooltorton and Charlotte Nickson worked tirelessly in midfield and Kara Kilbourne in her first game went close to scoring on numerous occasions. This was a good test for the girls who can consider themselves unlucky to meet a goal keeper in such form.

Cambridge City II 2 Ladies Magpies II 1

Magpies started well, barely seeing the ball in their own half. The combination of Lucy Cubbock, Lauren Barber & Rachel Goodson on the right, played some great hockey & worked the ball well, providing some promising crosses into the D, with Jaz Bartlett working hard to get on the end. Although Magpies had endless possession, Cambridge hit them on the brea and a lack of tackle, meant the ball trickled over the line,
leaving Cali Clarke helpless in goal. The second goal come in a similar fashion with a lack of solid tackling & poor marking resulting in the ball ending in the net despite some solid stops from Cali that were failed to be cleared. Magpies nearly pulled a goal back from Lauren Mickleburgh's shot that was unfortunately above the back board on a short corner.

Second half was started brightly & some rearranging in positions provided an encouraging start. Eilbhe Wheelan and Mickleburgh continued the pressure well on the left hand side. CC dominated the middle, breaking down any potential Cambridge attacks.

Magpies goal came from a well rehearsed short corner routine with Jessie Withers neatly & calming flicking the ball over the keeper for a well deserved goal.

WOMENS ENGLAND HOCKEY LEAGUE – EAST CONFERENCE

CAMBRIDGE CITY 0 HARLESTON MAGPIES 2

Harleston Magpies moved up to 3rd place in the League with this away win and they can look back on a solid performance that ensured all three points. Magpies started well as they gave the home side a number of problems especially attacking down the right where Cherry Seaborn and Artemis Clark proved difficult to contain. This early pressure won Magpies several penalty corners but the Cambridge goalkeeper was able to ensure they maintained a clean sheet.

At the other end Cambridge had a good early chance on the break and Magpies were fortunate not to concede. The pattern remained the same throughout the first half as Magpies stretched the Cambridge defence but could not find the final touch, whilst defensively the Magpies defence had to be very careful of the counter attack. Emily Wilford came on in the first half to make her League debut and made a promising debut.

With the score 0-0 at half time Magpies were soon in front in the second half after some skilful play in the circle by Artemis Clark and she set up Cherry Seaborn who swept the ball home to make it 1-0. This was nothing less than Magpies deserved and there was every chance if Magpies could score the second goal the game would be over. However the temporary suspension of Louisa Greenacre and at the same time conceding two successive penalty corners led to temporary panic in the Magpies defence as they tried to reorganise. Fortunately one smart save by goalkeeper Lucy Hayman ensured Magpies survived this difficult 5 minute spell.

Magpies regained their composure and started to dominate the game physically, although their passing lacked the quality of the previous week. Cambridge's last chance came from a misplaced back pass but Magpies scrambled the ball away. With 5 minutes to go Magpies ensured all three points when Artemis Clark again gave the Cambridge defence problems and Angie Wheelhouse was quick to react and scored with a reverse stick shot. This was nothing less than Magpies deserved having been the better team throughout the match, but had they taken their chances early in the first half this would have been a much more comfortable afternoon for the large band of Magpies supporters.

We travelled to Pelicans after last weekend's successful league debut. Magpies started strongly with a good defensive line-up and not long into the half after some excellent work from forwards Holly Baker, Anna Lacey and Sarah Brook, saw Sarah put Magpies ahead. The team looked good going forward and were well supported by Frances Taylor who dominated the midfield. Pelicans struck back following a short corner strike which thundered past Flora Marfleet in goal, leaving the teams equal at half time.

The team continued to work well with Georgie Scott and Sophie Moore having excellent games at the back and Magpies had many opportunities to score and had most of the play. Finally Sarah Brook scored again to put Magpies 2-1 up. Frances succumbed to illness for the final twenty minutes and Amy Brook calmly stepped into centre midfield to ensure that Magpies came away with a deserved 3 points.

Julie Podd
Captain

Harleston Magpies 1 - Holcombe 1

Harleston played their 2nd home game of the season welcoming Holcombe to Weybread. Both teams started on 3 points in 4th and 5th place only separated by goal difference. The team welcomed Matt Stainthorpe to the team with Pete Bale unavailable due to work commitments.

Harleston started slowly allowing Holcombe to pressurise their back line which resulted in a turn over ball which goal keeper Harms had to react quickly to to close down the shot which David Matthews fired over on his reverse stick. With that wake up call Harleston started to see more of the ball playing the ball around with more confidence than previous weeks. Despite a lot of the ball Harleston didn't create their first chance until 10 minutes in when Hipwell was released into the D but could not force the ball past the keeper.

The defensive unit worked well together looking improved down the left with Baynes and Sitch ending Holcombe attacks. Harleston had Gill to thank after he picked the ball off the line from a short corner strike, soon after this Harleston again switched the ball round the pitch well again releasing Hipwell into the D again however he was foiled by the keeper. The scores remained even for the rest of the half despite good flowing hockey from both teams.

Again Holcombe started better in the second half but Harleston came straight back at them trying to play off their back defender to create space for the forwards. Leate battled well at left back making two crunching tackles forcing Holcombe back on to the defensive. Harleston finally found the break through they were looking for when Baynes and Hipwell combined releasing Ben Gowing who coolly pulled the ball back before slotting the ball expertly past the keeper.

Harleston relieved by the goal took their foot off the gas and paid the price 5 minutes later when the ball was turned over on the half way leaving Ling one on one at the back causing him to dive in resulting in a penalty flick and a caution. Dave Matthews stepped up and slotted the flick past Harms to level the scores.

Harleston tried to raise their game but saw their chances dashed when Gill was shown a yellow card leaving the team down to 10 - despite the disadvantage the team dug deep and managed to repel the Holcombe attack. With the team back to 11 Graves rounded the keeper before pulling the ball back to Hipwell who could only find the post with the goal gaping. The momentum was now fully with Harleston but again they were reduced to 10 men when Toulson saw yellow and the momentum swung back to Holcombe who pressurised Harleston in the last couple of minutes with two short corners.

With the final whistle coming the scores were level at 1-1, Harleston looking back ruing their chances they saw the result as two points dropped but looking forward to their away trip at Chelmsford next weekend.

LADIES 1s v Cambridge City (L) (A) 12.30 2-0 W
U18 BOYS v Bury St Edmunds (EH Cup) (H) 12.00 (W) 5-0 W

Magpies Ladies 6th 7 - 0 Loddon 3rds

Another break in league fixtures saw the ladies 6th entertain Loddon 3s in a friendly at home this Saturday.
Loddon started with only 10 players and put on a brave show to start with but the so far undefeated ladies 6ths soon broke down their defense early on with some brilliant passing movements resulting in debutant Sophie Matsell to slot the ball past the 'keeper for Magpies first goal. Magpies then quickly made this 2-0 with a long awaited first goal of the season Clemmy Ardley-Forder.

Loddon put up a good fight but with one player less they found it a great struggle against this Magpies side who were full of confidence, and another 2 goals in quick succession from first a great effort from Emma Lacey which was tapped in by Clemmy and the second from determined Lisa Kent saw Magpies go in to the break 4-0 up. It could have been one more before half time had Jo Mayer's goal not been disallowed.

During the break in a true sporting gesture Magpies donated Rosie Blackmore to the Loddon side in order make up the numbers. As the second half got under way Loddon found themselves in the game a bit more making a couple of surges up the field but to no avail as on the break Magpie got another goal this time captain Katie Webb finding the backboard. Another two goals in the second half from Clemmy and Katie saw the final score end up 7-0.

A great performance from the whole team and credit must go to stand in goalie (who never actually had to touch the ball) Frances Fulcher.

Player of the Match - Sophie Matsell.
6ths are back in league action next week away to Herlings, lets hope we can continue our unbeaten record!!


Katie Webb
Captain

LADIES 2s v Cambridge City 2s (L) (A) 12.30 1-2 L
LADIES 3s v Pelicans 2s (L) (A) 12.00 2-1 W
LADIES 4s v Pelicans 3s (L) (A) 10.30 1-0 W
LADIES 5s v Pelicans 4s (L) (H) 1.45 (S) Cancelled
LADIES 6s v Loddon 3s (F) (H) 10.30 (W) 7-0 W
LADIES Dev. v Dereham (L) (H) 12.15 (S) 0-2 L

MENS 1s v Holcombe (L) (H) 2.15 (W) 1-1 D
MENS 2s v Cambridge City (L) (H) 12.15 (W) 3-2 W
MENS 3s v Magpies 4s (L) (H) 4.00 (W) 1-0 W
MENS 4s v Magpies 3s (L) (A) 4.00 0-1 L
MENS 5s v Thetford Town (L) (H) 10.45 (S) 0-5 L
MENS Vets v Shefford & Sandy (L) (H) 3.15 (S) 0-0 D

Pelicans III 0 - 1 Magpies Ladies IV

After their brilliant start to the league campaign last week, Magpies travelled to Kings Lynn for an early push back against fellow-promoted Pelicans, the team that pipped Magpies to the league title last season.

Magpies were certainly up for this game, and they seemed the stronger side in the opening exchanges, enjoying more of the possession and getting the ball into the home side's defending third. However, Pelicans looked dangerous on the break, and Magpies needed to stay solid and composed at the back to contain the home side's threat. Magpies won a couple of short corners, and certainly had more shots on goal than Pelicans but could not convert any of their chances and the first half ended goalless.

Pelicans came out hard in the second half, and the match seemed to be swaying into their favour, until Magpies had a good move on the right hand side, with Rachel Peters crossing the ball into the 'D', which ended in a Kay Dennis goal, the ball slotted in past the keeper from close range. Magpies were determined to keep their lead, and defended brilliantly against Pelicans' short corner routines; Liz Cole, Sarah Legg, Claire Snelling and Becky Ford at the back for Magpies were not going to be beaten. Similarly, Kristina Erith in the Magpies' goal pulled off some brilliant saves to keep the score at one nil.

A brilliant display from Magpies, perhaps not their best hockey, but they fought hard for the victory and it was certainly well deserved. Bring on next week!

Kay Dennis, Magpies Ladies 4th's.