Saturday 18 December
LADIES 1s - East Indoor Championship (Cambridge)
v Sevenoaks 1-2 L, v Cambridge City 6-0 W,
v Old Loughtonians 2-0 W, v Maidstone (match not played)
LADIES 3s v Thetford (L) (H) 12.30 (W) OFF
LADIES 4s v Yarmouth 2s (L) (A) 1.00 OFF
LADIES 5s v Norwich Dragons 3s (L) (H) 2.15 (W) OFF
LADIES 6s v Norwich City 4s (L) (H) 12.15 (S) OFF
GIRLS Dev. v Norwich City (L) (H) 1.45 (S) OFF
U18 BOYS – East Indoor Finals (Univ of Essex, Colchester) 4th
Sunday 19 December
MENS 1s - East Indoor Championship (Cambridge) OFF
U18 GIRLS - East Indoor Finals (Univ of Essex, Colchester) OFF

Harleston Magpies Vets 6 Indian Gymkhana Vets 2 (Vets KO)

It was difficult to say whether preparation would be enhanced or otherwise by the lack of hockey in previous weeks. Being the professional outfit that they are various fitness regimes were used including one player joining an aerobics class. I do not intend to name this player for obvious reasons but to find out look to the east of Sussex.

It was expected that there would be a contrast in styles with the opposition having individual stick skills against Magpies passing and teamwork.

It was a portent of what was to come that prior to the start Magpies did a series of running and stretching exercises whereas Indian Gym were round in a circle talking.

Magpies who were at 'full' strength other than Jerry Blackmore who was reducing the turkey population of north Suffolk., started with the aged combination of Dolton and Wells on the bench where they were joined for a short time by young Kieran Peters. Kieran was then asked by the umpire to move to the other side of the pitch for health and safety reasons - quite why the one with youthful reactions and agility is thought to be in any sort of danger from an errant hockey ball while the two elderly gents are not is difficult to comprehend.

In the opening minutes, Magpies moved the ball fluently from flank to flank but lacked the precise pass into the circle. While Indian Gym attempted to reach their front players with long passes and missed out the midfield.

Roger Kent did make one run into the D which was brought to an end when he was in an uneven competition with the force of gravity. His protestations that he was tripped allowed him to be awarded the first card of the game (a green). For what its worth, Roger was wronged. There is a totally fallacious follow up to this in Mike's Musings.

Against the run of play Indian Gym took the lead following a deft piece of control that went unpunished as hot spot has not yet been installed at Weybread. This brought about an immediate response from Magpies with Phil Cobbald scoring direct from a short corner. Again Magpies fell behind when a long pass into the D was sweetly struck giving Murray Graham no chance only for Magpies to equalise within minutes from their second short corner with Jon Aldridge deflecting in Phil Cobbald's shot.

Too much chat – see bit above about their warm up routine reduced Indian Gym to ten players. The award of a third short corner just before half time initiated a discussion group from the offending team. This only delayed the inevitable and Phil Cobbald hit an even better shot than previously to give Magpies the lead for the first time.

It was stating the obvious to say that the first goal in the second half would be crucial. Magpies comparative youthfulness and fitness now gave them a considerable advantage. Players had more space and gaps appeared. A superb passing movement that involved most of the team took the ball from one side of the pitch to the other then into the circle where the final pass picked out Roger Kent who administered the final touch.

Magpies dominance of possession increased as did the opposition's frustration and some of their deft stick skills took place further and further from the ball. Stuart Peters and Martin Reader added more goals. Another yellow went to Indian Gym, the player in question defended himself saying he had not hit the Magpie marking him very hard.

A final Indian Gym short corner came to nothing- in fact the push out came to rest six feet from the injector who was then lost for words. Magpies progress into the last sixteen and will have to wait a while to find out who they meet in the next round as a number of the other fixtures are yet to be played. We will be hoping for another home tie especially so the old chap who appears at the end of tea to finish off the left overs can have another meal.

Thanks go as always to the umpires, to the supporters and to Simon Bardwell for his culinary delight.

WELCOME RETURN – BUT FOR HOW LONG?

In my final Musings of 2010 there is plenty to comment on from last weekend's welcome return of outdoor hockey. However, we might not be so lucky this coming weekend with the threat of a return of the cold weather although the emphasis will be on more indoor hockey after last Saturday's and Sunday's excellent youth performances.  

At Weybread last Saturday the Boys' Development played extremely well to record their first win of the season over Dereham with goals by Sol Barker, Kieran Peters (showing centre half Dad how it is done!) and Archie Winter (2).  Meantime the Ladies' 2nds were gifted an early goal against Watton only to be pegged back in the second half by a fine strike from the edge of the circle. Despite going close on a number of occasions Melissa Hunter and her team were unable to find the winner in an evenly contested match.  

It was then the turn of a strong looking Men's 2nds to go one better than the Ladies when they took on Norwich City but it was not to be. After early Magpies' pressure City - who exercised their right to decline the invitation to play on the water-based pitch after it came available at short notice - scored a lucky looking goal but there was no luck about their well worked second after the break and, with their good tackling and goalkeeper in top form, they ran out deserved winners. A 2-0 defeat was a disappointing result for Magpies, who were missing Robbie Kinsella, after their good run of form.  Shortly afterwards the Men's 6ths and Ipswich Cranes 2nds grabbed the chance to play on the water and with skipper Kevin Ridley inspiring his young team with a display of hard running and accurate passing the 6ths ran out 3-1 winners of a very enjoyable match also notable for a mishit shot from Jonathan Aldridge which eluded the keeper. It was a toss up as to who was the most embarrassed, the keeper, Jonathan or, even, the ball as it reluctantly went over the line!    

Away from home the Men's 3rds scored a vital 4-2 win over second placed Norwich City 2nds with goals by Philip Cobbald, Gavin Cole (2) and skipper Matt Brand edging the team away from the four relegation spots, while the Ladies' 4ths and Ladies' 5ths beat Pelicans 3rds (7-3) and Broadland 2nds (3-1) respectively to cement their places at the top of their league. The Men's 5ths went goal crazy away to North Walsham 2nds winning 10-0 with Chris Thornton leading the way with five goals supported by James Goodson (2), Rob Goodson, Joel Nelson and skipper Will Main.

On Sunday the Men's Veterans beat Indian Gymkhana 6-2 to move into the last 16 of the EHB Cup in the most eventful and enjoyable game I witnessed all weekend. Magpies were twice behind but goals by Philip Cobbald (2), the second a thumping short corner on 35 minutes, and Jonathan Aldridge ensured we were 3-2 up at the break. Thereafter further goals came from Roger Kent, Stuart Peters and Martin Reader with keeper Murray Graham making a vital save at 4-2. The first half was especially notable for a 'green' given to Roger Kent for 'simulation' in the Indian Gym circle. Did he fall over his shoelaces? A cruel teammate suggested at tea (to friendly merriment) that it would be the only card Roger receives this Christmas!!  

On Saturday the U16 Boys got our indoor season off to a great start by winning their three matches to clinch the East championship in Colchester thereby qualifying for the national finals to be played in Wolverhampton on Saturday/Sunday 22/23 January. On Sunday at the same venue the U16 Girls made it a Magpies' double by also becoming East Champions when they won their three matches to join the Boys as national finalists. Congratulations to the players and managements (and supporters!) of both teams.

Good luck to our U18 teams (Boys and Girls) as they seek to emulate the U16s when they play in their East championships this coming weekend at Colchester – namely the Boys on Saturday and the Girls on Sunday. Meantime it is 'good luck' also to the Ladies' 1sts (Saturday) and Men's 1sts (Sunday) as they compete in their respective East championships (Kelsey Kerridge Sports Hall, Cambridge – please see website for fixtures) in preparation for the two weekends of the national league (Div 1) commencing on Saturday/Sunday 8/9 January.

Please also see the website for details of the five rearranged Ladies' outdoor matches it is hoped we will be able to play this Saturday. Good luck, of course, to our teams.

The Durham University national league first teams will be paying a training visit to the club on Monday/Tuesday 10/11 January (following matches in London) and will play practice matches against our first team squads with the Men playing on the Monday and the Ladies on the Tuesday – both matches to start at 7.15pm.  

I hope that all members, parents, supporters and other readers of this column are able to have a happy and peaceful Christmas. Musings will be back in January. In the meantime the Home Page of the website will be updated with any significant developments.

Mike Denham   01603 506925     

MDenham975@aol.com   14/12/10   

Saturday 11 December
LADIES 2s v Watton (L) (H) 12.15 (S) 1-1 D
LADIES 3s v Broadland (L) (A) 1.00 0-4 L
LADIES 4s v Pelicans 3s (L) (A) 12.00 7-3 W
LADIES 5s v Broadland 2s (L) (A) 10.00 3-1 W
LADIES 6s v Thetford 2s (L) (H) 2.15 (W) 3-0 W (conceded)
GIRLS Dev. v Dereham (L) (A) 1.30 3-0 W
MENS 2s v Norwich City (L) (H) 1.45 (S) 0-2 L
MENS 3s v Norwich City 2s (L) (A) 2.30 4-2 W
MENS 4s v Ipswich Cranes (L) (A) 1.00 1-1 D
MENS 5s v North Walsham 2s (L) (A) 1.00 10-0 W
MENS 6s v Ipswich Cranes 2s (L) (H) 3.15 (S) 3-1 W
BOYS Dev. v Dereham (L) (H) 12.30 (W) 4-0 W
U16 Boys – East Indoor Finals (Univ of Essex, Colchester) CHAMPIONS

Sunday 12 December
U16 Girls – East Indoor Finals (Univ of Essex, Colchester) CHAMPIONS
U16 Boys v Pelicans (EHB Cup) (A) 11.00 15-2 W
MEN’S Vets (EHB Cup) v Indian Gymkhana (H) 2.00 (W) 6-2 W

North Walsham 2nds 0 Harleston 5ths 10

After a two week break due to the weather, the Mens 5ths travelled to Cromer to play North Walsham. It was clear that the Magpies were the better team early in the game and with a midfield of the Goodson and Nelson brothers, little got through to bother the defence. Magpies passing play was sharp and Walsham saw little of the ball. The attacking play was relentless from Magpies and opportunities were presenting themselves within the first few minutes of the game.

Chris Thornton tucked in the first goal soon after, and the flood gates opened. North Walsham never looked like scoring with the Magpies forwards and midfield holding their opposition in their own half. Magpies went into the break 5-0 up. Much of the same followed in the second half with Magpies dominating in all areas of the field. The second half saw the goal of the game, the likes of which we will never see again, because it was a screamer of a reverse stick shot by Rob Goodson!!! Other goal scorers were Chris Thornton (5), Joel Nelson (1), James Goodson (2), and Will Main (1).

A very positive result for the 5ths to take into the Christmas break. The next game is on the 8th of January against Felixstowe which could prove to be quite a different game against much stronger opposition.

The first fine dry bright day of the month so off we go to an indoor tournament, the U16 Boys East Region Championship at Colchester.

Four teams took part: Old Loughtonians for Essex, the regional champions, Sudbury for Suffolk, City of Peterborough for Cambridge and Magpies representing Norfolk.

The first game pitched Harleston Magpies against Old Loughtonians – which was a very close affair with Magpies sealing a close victory 4-3.

The second game was against City of Peterborough who deservedly took a two goal lead until Karen Absolon arrived in the crowd and helped to turn the tide and Magpies ran out 5-3 winners.

In their final game Magpies won 7-0 with some exceptional goals, great movement of the ball and defending including a saved penalty flick by James Graham.

This was a fantastic performance by all of the boys, well captained by Will Blythe, who did the club proud.

Well done and good luck in the National Finals in Wolverhampton later in January.

Goal scorers were: Elliot Smith 6, Tom Ridley 3, Tom Graham 4, Dom Absolon 2, Mitch Tompkins 1.

Thanks to the parents for their vocal support and driving abilities.

MG

11.12.10

After all the snowy weather the Girls Development took a trip to Dereham this Saturday. The girls played well during the 1st half managing to keep Dereham at bay. A good run up by Kara Kilbourn enabled Lily Felton to tap in the first goal for us. We were then given 2 short corners which were taken very well with some good attempts at goal but the Dereham goalie kept the ball out.

From our third short corner, a strong hit from Beatrice Flatt gave Emily McCluskey a shot on goal which the keeper deflected onto Kara Kilbourn who slid it past the goalie making it 2-0.

During the 2nd half Dereham were on the attack more but good defending by May Bowden and Nicole Eaves made it hard for them to penetrate our goal.

We had alot of play in the Dereham half with some nice passing, many chances were missed, however, Beatrice set Emily McCluskey up for a good goal taking the final score to 3-0 to a ever enthusiastic Girls Development Team.

Pelicans III 3 - 7 Magpies Ladies IV

After a break from hockey for nearly three weeks due to the adverse weather conditions, Magpies knew they faced a tough task when they travelled to Kings Lynn to face Pelicans. And with only 11 players they knew they would have to concentrate from the very first whistle if they were to extend their unbeaten run.

And the away side did just that; taking advantage of Pelicans lack of goalkeeper for the first few minutes, a loose ball in the D was picked up by centre forward Kay Dennis to give Magpies the lead early on. Captain for the day, Kay Dennis, doubled the away side's lead a few minutes later, when a good ball through from centre midfielder Hannah Booty left Dennis to run it into the D and competently slip the ball past the Pelicans 'keeper. However, Pelicans were dangerous on the break, with their left midfielder causing Magpies problems and got a goal back when a shot wasn't cleared properly and the rebound was flicked into the corner. Goals seemed to be the order of the day, when Magpies once more extended their advantage through Laura Schultheiss, her deflected shot flying past the 'keeper high into the net. But again Pelicans came back at Magpies, scoring again from close range to cut Magpies lead. Shortly before the end of the half a well timed first time strike by Rosie Blackmore gave Magpies back their breathing space, making it 4-2 to the away side going into the break.

Magpies came out for the second half knowing they were the better side and started asserting their authority, showing some of their excellent form from previous matches. They had a good spell in the Pelicans D, winning several short corners and were unlucky not to convert, before a good move on the forward line found Schultheiss wide in the D to crack home a terrific shot. Then it was Pelicans turn to win a short corner, and use it wisely they did when the ball found its way through the Magpies defence to make it 5-3. Magpies were not going to concede again though, and with Rosie Blackmore, Kay Dennis and Laura Schultheiss combining brilliantly on the forward line for the away side, they extended their lead again, a superb cross from Schultheiss on the right wing finding Dennis in front of the 'keeper to sweep the ball home and complete her hat-trick. And another good ball through the middle from Schultheiss gave Dennis her fourth of the match, cooly passing the ball past the 'keeper into the corner.

A fantastic result for Magpies, ensuring they stay at the top of Division One. Thanks to all 11 players for their effort and commitment in what was not an easy match, and special mention to Tracy Reeve for coming back into the side and giving a solid performance on the right of midfield. Bring on the trip to Yarmouth next week!




Kay Dennis, Magpies Ladies 4th's.

All matches postponed due to the bad weather.