Those of us travelling from Norwich were summoned to an early meet with on field captain Bardwell. As expected, this was to give him longer to regale us with his man of the match performance last week (while we were saving our energy for the Over 50s knock out match.)

For those involved in that game last week, today was the second game in a week played on an astro pitch whose designers were unable to use a spirit level.

With IES in second in the league, this was an opportunity for Magpies to further close the gap with the top places though defeat would leave them seven points adrift. A relatively young IES side (though I suppose this could be said of the opposition each week) started very keen and enthusiastic whereas Magpies took a while to move through the gears rather in the manner of an old Morris Minor. Murray in goal was forced into two good saves as Magpies found it difficult to keep possession or clear their lines

Eventually, Magpies forced a short corner this lead to Eric having a shot cleared away by a defenders foot. The resulting penalty stroke was converted. Eventually, there was parity in the possession stakes and the ball was kept rather than given away. The Wells and Kent partnership was aided by Alistair Williamson controlling central midfield.

In the last minute of the first half, Alistair, from a free hit, moved to create a space for a pass into the circle which was played into the goal by Pete Dolton unexpectedly so far up field.

As the second half started it was obvious that the next goal was going to be crucial and it went to Magpies with Eric scoring with a strong shot to the delight of his fan club of daughters.

The game opened out as both limbs and minds slowed. IES gained a goal from a short corner with Murray deceived by the total lack of pace on the shot. Without further alarms Magpies ran out comfortable winners.

There are now five teams at the top of the table separated by just two points with two games to go before the Christmas and New Year break

Harleston Magpies Men's 1st XI vs Peterborough Venue: Weybread Time: 14.15

Harleston hosted Peterborough in their last fixture before the long winter break hoping to build on last week's victory. The side were without Stuart Leate, Simon Hipwell and Mark Stacpoole through work, sickness and injury respectively but welcomed back top scorer Ben Wright. Peterborough had beaten Magpies 8-2 in the previous fixture and the home side were looking to even the score.

Magpies started the brighter and pressed high and hard from the off looking to pressure a potentially shaky defence into a mistake. Their early efforts were rewarded with short corners but unlike last week these were left unconverted and the scores at 0-0. Peterborough started to find their feet in the game and began to exert good pressure of their own. Despite creating some good chances the away sides efforts were rebuffed by the Magpies defence and the game looked to be heading into the break as a stalemate. However with just 3 minutes left in the half a short corner was awarded to the away side. Despite the initial effort being saved, the away side managed to bundle home the ball despite appearing to foul one of the home sides defenders in the process. Magpies were left to regroup at half time and consider ways of getting back into this close game.

The second half started in a similar fashion and Magpies were again in the ascendancy taking the game to their opponents. They pressed hard looking for an equaliser but also had to be aware of the away sides threat on the break. Both sides were able to win short corners and the game started to become more end to end but still the score remained the same. Midway through the second half Magpies had their best chance to equalise when Richard Gill shot following a slip corner move, the goalie got something on the ball but unfortunately Peter Bale contrived to miss from less than a yard with the ball striking his foot instead of his stick to cross the line. Magpies picked themselves up and pressed on but to no avail. At the other end young goalkeeper Reece Leonard had a Man of the match performance keeping Magpies in the game whenever the away side broke and threatened. Late in the game Magpies captain Mark Wheelhouse and his Peterborough counterpart were both sent to the sin bin for an altercation and the second half finished with no more clear chances for either side.

The Magpies side left the pitch very downhearted at not getting anything from a game that should probably have resulted in both sides sharing the points. They must take stock of what has been a difficult first half to the season but lift their heads and focus on the positives including the emergence of some excellent young players and also a return to fitness and performance of key figures. If they prepare well post Christmas the second half of the season has the potential to be very different story.

GIRLS U18 PLATE COMPETITION

HARLESTON MAGPIES 4 NORWICH CITY 0

The first half was a very close match with both sides creating chances and Norwich City having the edge in midfield. Magpies took the lead from a penalty corner after 21minutes when Sarah Legg's penalty corner strike was saved by the goalkeeper, but Lucy Chubbock was on hand to force the ball over the line. Norwich continued to create chances and Jessica Harvey in goal made some useful saves whilst Fiona Mackenzie who played with an injury had a solid game as sweeper.

Magpies played much better in the second half with Tania Pendreich dominant at centre midfield and Jess Howland and Krystal Bishop causing plenty of problems up front. Two goals from Krystal Bishop after 54 and 65 minutes sealed the match and capped a fine individual performance. Lucy Crawford completed the scoring on 69 minutes.

Thanks go to Alice Dolton and Kim Hazell for helping out and making impressive Magpies debuts!

Magpies Ladies 5ths 3 Pelicans 3rds 0

Magpies applied pressure from the start and were rewarded when, Player of the Match, Alice Bamber converted a penalty corner variation. With the forward line of Kara Kilbourn, Emily McCluskey and Sophie Long working well together Kara added a second before the break.

The second half was more open with the defence of Janet Brown, May Bowden, Molly Alexander, Karen Ray and Laura Davidson defending well as a unit. Kara added the third just before the end as Magpies ran out convincing 3- 0 winners.

Norwich Dragons 0 Harleston Magpies 7

On Saturday 26th Magpies travelled to Norwich aiming to keep their unbeaten run. Magpies started the game at a tempo that Dragons struggled to compete with and the first 15 minutes was played entirely in Dragons' half. Lauren Barber was unfortunate to have her goal from a short corner harshly disallowed for height but Magpies kept up the pressure and Emily Brown opened up the scoring after a sustained attack from Anouska and Krystal to give us a much deserved lead. Shortly after, Krystal Bishop made it 2-0 with a nice aerial finish to Anouska Hipperson's hard work. Magpies were playing some of their best hockey of the season and the defence of Siobhan Wooltorton and Frances Taylor were relatively untroubled. After another lovely attacking display Krystal crossed into the goal mouth for Emily Brown to deflect in making it 3-0 at half-time. Dragons came out in the second half with renewed determination but after a few minutes Kira Wooltorton, Lauren Barber and Georgia Pearson working tirelessly in midfield stamped their authority back on the game and it wasn't long before Anouska scored her first goal. Her second followed shortly after with a cleanly hit strike. Dragons were looking tired by this time but Magpies superior skill and fitness levels were shining through. Dragons tried to push up and get something from the game but this left them exposed at the back and Catriona MacIver was able to break away to score for Magpies' sixth. An emphatic victory was aptly sealed when Magpies won a short corner, injected by Anouska who was then there to deflect the well struck shot into the goal for her hat trick and Magpies' seventh; the whole team played extremely well with lovely movement and passing throughout all good preparation for next week's match against Ipswich 3s.

Man of the Match: Emily Brown

St Albans 5 Magpies 0

Magpies sponsored by Kilbourns.co.uk finished a very demanding month of league action with defeat away at St Albans.

St Albans started the game confidently and moved the ball at speed forcing Magpies to defend in numbers. Before half time St Albans forward Samantha Archer scored two goals to put the home team ahead.

Magpies did improve their performance in the second half and created a number of attacking opportunities which troubled the St Albans defence. Unfortunately Magpies were unable to convert any of these opportunities. A clinical St Albans team extended their lead further before the end of the game by scoring a further three goals.

Magpies do not return to National League East Conference action until February. Until then the team turns their attention to playing indoor hockey. This year sees the team return to the National League Premier Division after a very successful campaign last year winning the first division title.


Player of the Match: Verity Blyth

Lowestoft Railway 1 - 0 Magpies Ladies IV

A ten o'clock push-back at East Point Academy found Magpies facing Lowestoft in a crucial bottom of the table clash.

The early signs were positive for Magpies, with their passing and movement improving from recent weeks, and they enjoyed some good spells of possession in the home side's defensive third. Magpies knew how important the three points were and pushed hard to find the opener, and they won several short corners, but even with some strong strikes from the top, and some differing routines, they could not get the ball across the line. Railway were quick on the break, but the Magpies defence seemed able to cope with the home side's forwards and dispatched the ball away competently. Unfortunately for the away side, Railway were awarded a short corner, and when the ball was not cleared away properly, the home side somehow got it past the 'keeper to go a goal up; and Railway took that lead into half time.

Magpies were desperate to get something from the game and battled hard, but their task was not made any easier when early on in the half they went down to 10 after a harshly awarded yellow card for Vicky Blackmore. The away side continued to fight, and again they had a spell of short corners, with Sarah Legg, Rosie Blackmore and Kathryn Bullen all having shots on target, but it seemed nothing was going to get past the Railway 'keeper. In the final few minutes Bullen was desperately unlucky to see another good attempt fall just outside the far post. And Railway went home with the points.

Credit must again go to Sarah Legg for another player of the match display. Performances are improving for Magpies, but these must be turned into points if they are to keep their place in the Premier League.

Kay Dennis, Magpies Ladies 4th's.

HARLESTON MAGPIES LADIES 1ST TEAM WEEKEND PREVIEW

Harleston Magpies Ladies sponsored by Kilbourns.co.uk are away this Saturday against St Albans starting at 1.30 in their final League match before the start of the Indoor season.

At the moment Magpies are going through a difficult spell with three successive defeats and it does not get any easier this weekend when they taken on St Albans away, who are unbeaten and second in the League two points behind the leaders Surbiton.

Fortunately Magpies are still in 6th position but the teams below them have been slowly eroding away Magpies comfort zone and whatever happens on Saturday Magpies will need to improve in the second half of the season, if they are to avoid being dragged into a relegation scrap. Fortunately there is every chance that a number of experienced players could be back in the new year.

However Magpies need to travel to St Albans on Saturday with real belief because despite the prominent position that St Albans are in, they have in recent weeks drawn at home against the bottom team Horsham and last week drew away 0-0 with Old Loughtonians, who are one place from the bottom.

Any result at St Albans would be a positive way to finish the first half of the season. Despite losing to the League leaders Surbiton last week Magpies put in a real fighting performance. They will need the same attitude this week and a much tighter defence.


SQUAD: Frances Burrell and Charlotte Harrison - Joint Captains, Katrina Warnes, Louisa Greenacre, Lizzie Jones, Lisa Griffin, Naomi Hull, Sarah Brook, Jess Howland, Hannah Palmer, Angie Wheelhouse, Holly Baker and Verity Blyth

Magpies To Sign Off With Win?

Magpies returned from Middlesex having convincingly beaten Indian Gymkhana 5-3.This win was achieved without the services of top goalscorer Ben Wright. With injuries and unavailability Magpies travelled with fourteen and this win was therefore even more creditable.

This weekend Magpies play their final game before the mid season break. Peterborough are the visitors to Weybread on Sunday 2.15 push back. The visitors have had a good first half to the season beating the sides in the lower half of the table. Whilst Peterborough can be relied upon to score goals their defence has conceded many goals even against the lesser sides. Magpies visited Peterbough earlier in the season and were subjected to a 8-2 mauling.That day Magpies fielded a much weakened side including a number of young players with little national league experience. For the return visit Magpies welcome back Ben Wright and Mark Stackpoole, but are without Stuart Leate. With a large crowd expected Magpies hope to secure three points which could put them in touch with the group of teams just above them.

Team from: Mark Wheelhouse (capt);Richard Gill;Tristan Baynes;Andy Bedwell;Pete Bale;Tom Graham;Richard Ling;Sebastion Knights;Elliot Smith;David Ling;Simon Hipwell;Rees Leonard.Alex Slater;Leigh Sitch;Ben Wright;Mark Stackpoole; Will Blyth.

Harleston Magpies 7ths 4 Bury St Edmunds 4ths 0

For the fourth time this season and with two more to come before Christmas, Magpies 7ths found themselves playing at home at 4pm. Are we only allowed to play after everyone else has gone home and after sunset? Would it be bad for younger and perhaps more impressionable members of the club to see us in action? (Please note in action is two words and not one). Are we the Magpies equivalent of Prince John?

Having said that, looking back at the game, I can see why it was perhaps best that as few people as possible were present. Highlights were two saves by Eric deputising in goal for Murray, a goal by Chopper and another from Joe- I hesitate to call it a shot – from the range it was scored a nudge were be a more suitable description. There was a lot of possession for Magpies that was not used as best it might.

Thanks go to Phil and Kevin for umpiring and for their conversation that helped to pass the time.

Tunbridge Wells o50s 0 Harleston Magpies o50s 7

Harleston moved into the last eight of the over 50s cup with an efficient rather than sparkling performance. To begin with passes were often underhit on the slow surface but Magpies generally were in control.

The first two short corners each led to goals with Philip Cobbald converting a penalty stroke after his shot was illegally stopped and then Bob Skinner deceiving the defender on the line with the lack of power in his shot after the goalkeeper had saved the initial strike.

The two highlights of the first half were a sideline hit from Keith Alexander from deep in Magpies 25 which managed to travel sixty yards down the pitch without going more than two inches away from the sideline and then in the final minute Jim Stather chased after a through ball, the Tunbridge goalkeeper came from his goal and then convinced the ball would go out of play let it pass him, only for Jim, with all his experience from playing on Denes Oval, to reach the ball a yard out from back line and, first time, score from an absurd angle.

In the second half a fine run and reverse stick flick by Jon Aldridge increased the lead to 4-0. Tunbridge did have the ball in the Magpies net but after a goal had been awarded the umpires consulted and the result was a 16 to Magpies.

By now Tunbrisge were running out of legs and Magpies scored three more in the last six minutes – another corner by Cobbald and Jon Aldridge added two more by robbing players inside the Tunbridge D before shooting home. Surprisingly the players he robbed were in white shirts.

Magpies are now through to the last eight and have been drawn at home against Reading who Magpies played in the HA Cup twenty years ago. Five of those who represented Magpies then are now in the Over 50s squad. This is to be played on February 12th.

Dereham 4ths v Magpies 7th

Saturday 19th November


Dereham at the start of the match were top of the league, having not lost a single point to date. Magpies, on a good run of form having won the previous four matches. Dereham free scoring in their previous matches, Magpies extremely tight at the back, having only conceded 5 goals to date. The stats suggested this would be a good game, and so it materialised.

Despite the lack of the two Peter's (Finney and Dolton), deciding to conserve energy for their trip with the over 50's away to Tunbridge Wells, we had two very good replacements, masters of the game in my eyes, Ali Williamson and Stu Peters. The 1st half was characterised by Magpies making good ground forward but often lacking in a finalising pass in or around the D. Followed by Dereham braking with pace, utilising there 4 very young and quick 'youth policy'. This caused many problems, but their shots were never anything to worry about, and only secured one short corner in the 1st half. Magpies on the other hand had at least 4 shorts, and on 3 occassions ending in their keeper saving and us failing to put the ball in the back of the net on the following rebounds.

A tactical position change meant Magic moving from left half to left back and David Blackmore going the other way. This soon had the desired affect. Another short secured, keeper saves and this time Blackmore follows up and calming flicks over the keeper into the net. 1-0 to Pies at half time.

The first 5minutes of the 2nd half were quite strange from a magpies point of view. The stout team defending of the 1st half seemed to disappear and we soon found ourselves 2 goals to 1 down. However, heads were not dropped and Magpies soon upped their game and pressure on the opposition defence. Lots of opportunities were created and a couple more shorts. Jon Wells coming up for each for his usual striking position from his unusual position of right back. This more relaxed less involved role in the game appeared to effect his usual striking prowess, as I don't remember the Dereham keeper being overly tested by Jon at any time.

Pies got themselves back into the game with a pass from the right dead ball line to the awaiting Joe Walker, from his usual spot about 4 feet out from the goal. Duly dispatched, 2-2. This seemed to have two effects. Rock Dereham and buoyed Pies. Pies continued in their constant pressure, and were rewarded by two well taken goals by Stuart Peters. 4-2. The final 10minutes were all about magpies again closing down players well and defending as a team.

Special note needs to go out to the 3 rotating strikers, Eric, Joe and Chopper. Tireless the whole game with lots of running and good hold up play. And to Simon Bardwell, a new energy appeared over bardy this week, tracking back, running forward, and all timed to perfection. His efforts and energies fed to the rest of the team and what an example he set. Congratulations on his Man-of-the-Match performance.

MotM – Simon Bardwell

DotD – Peter Dolton


Deputy Reporter – Tom 'Magic' Miller.

NORTH WALSHAM GIRLS DEV 0 HARLESTON MAGPIES GIRLS DEV 7

Harleston Magpies played some excellent hockey as they took a 4-0 half time lead. Issy Knowles completed a first half hatrick, whilst Gina Scottbarber added the other goal. Beatrice Flatt and Katie Crawford played well at the back in the absence of Sandra Elliner. Anna Harrod and Clea Turvill scored in the second half before Issy Knowles scored her fourth to complete the scoring. Eliza Bell and Elle Eglington were strong in midfield.

Team: Katie Crawford (Capt), Lucie Gooch, Beatrice Flatt, Phoebe Preece, Evie Metcalf, Eliza Bell, Elle Eglington, Sophie Bodmer, Clea Turvill, Gina Scottbarber, Anna Harrod, Annabel Young and Issy Knowles.

Harleston Magpies Men's 1st XI vs Indian Gymkhana (away) 20th November 2011 Time: 13.30

Magpies travelled through the mist and fog to West London under the Heathrow flight path to play Indian Gymkhana. The last few weeks have been difficult for Magpies with good performances not being rewarded by any points on the board. Indian Gym have had a mixed first half of the season with some good wins but also some heavy defeats. Magpies prepared well for the match with an overnight stay but were limited to a 14 man squad due to injury which included top scorer Ben Wright. Magpies gave a National League debut to 17 year old James Baker, son of club legend Stuart.

Magpies started the game well and the new away pitch allowed for some flowing moves. During a break into the circle from the right hand side, key man Richard Gill seized on a bouncing ball to smash in a goal past a flailing keeper to give the away side a deserved lead. Unfortunately this lead did not last long as a resurgent Gym drove down the other end and secured a penalty corner that was expertly fired home by Jagdeep Gill (no relation). In the past this may have unsettled Magpies but they reasserted their control and were generally very patient in their build up. On 26minutes it was the turn of another experienced head to put Magpies ahead, when Tristan Baynes delivered a beautiful back hand strike low into the bottom corner from the top of the circle. This was swiftly followed up by a successful penalty corner strike from England junior Elliot Smith, who had taken over flicking duties from the injured Wright. The half closed with Magpies 3-1 up but very aware that one good half of hockey has not been enough recently and Gym would always be a threat after the break.

As expected Gym started the half pressing much higher up the pitch and limiting Magpies time at the back. This however left holes in their already shaky defence and Magpies were able to secure a second penalty corner, which was again dispatched into the net by the promising Smith. Many sides would have thrown in the towel at this point but the Sikh based side do not have this in their nature and were soon bombarding the Magpies back line and using their high skill levels to generate fouls in and around the circle. Despite good effort across the pitch Magpies were guilty of sitting back and inviting pressure and soon it told when a free man was left back post for an easy tap in to make it 4-2. Now in the assurgence the home side pressed on and soon had a man advantage when David Ling missed a tackle in the circle but was judged to have shown intent to foul and was given a 10minutes sin bin. The home side took this opportunity and from some intricate passing in the circle secured their third goal from close range. With the teams only one goal apart the match became an end to end contest with the result difficult to predict. Magpies were pressing and creating lots of chances. They will be frustrated that often their final decision-making in the circle let them down at key moments. At the other end Gym also had their fair share of chances but could not find their way past the Magpies rear guard. With 4 minutes left following a failed Gym attack, man of the match Simon Hipwell combined well with Baynes to give Zeb Knights a tap in at the back post which secured all 3 points leaving the final score as 5-3.

Magpies have played better but got nothing from games this half of the season so were relieved and elated to have collected 3 points from this difficult away fixture. The win puts them only 2 points behind their nearest rivals and will inject confidence when they host Peterborough next week in what promises to be another exciting encounter.

Goals - Richard Gill, Tristan Baynes, Eliot Smith x 2, Sebastian Knights
Men of the Match - Simon Hipwell, Richard Gill and Elliot Smith

Magpies Ladies 5ths 2 Norwich Dragons 3rds 1

Magpies got off to the worst possible start conceding in the opening minute after a series of defensive errors. The team then fought hard to get back into the game with Player of the Match Sophie Long leading the way. Shirley McAllen equalised with a well struck shot from the edge of the circle.

The second half saw Magpies exerting pressure but Dragons looked dangerous on the break. Shirley scored her second from a penalty corner. After all their hard work Magpies could have only come away with a draw but for an excellent save from GK Jess Harvey right at the end.

Team:- Jess Harvey, Janet Brown, Karen Ray, Laura Davidson, May Bowden, Molly Alexander, Shirley McAllen, Sophie Meynell-Anderson, Harriet Underdown, Emily McCluskey, Imogen Meynell-Anderson, Sophie Long, Nicole Eaves.

Magpies 0 Surbiton 4

Magpies sponsored by Kilbourns.co.uk produced a promising second half performance against the league leaders at Weybread on Sunday unfortunately this was not enough to earn Magpies any points.

Magpies knew that a strong start putting Surbiton under pressure as soon as they received possession of the ball was going to be crucial, to stop the opposition settling and playing their fluent passing game which has allowed them to remain undefeated this season.

Magpies did start well and attacked with conviction, Frances Burrell, Hannah Palmer and Angie Wheelhouse linking up down the right to force a penalty corner. Magpies could not convert the corner and continued to be frustrated by the organised Surbiton defence who worked hard to breakdown Magpies attacking opportunities.

Surbiton won their only penalty corner of the game after 20minutes and took the lead with an accurate strike from Chloe Strong. Two minutes later Abi Robinson was on the end of a fast break from Surbiton and put them 2-0 ahead. Before Magpies could recover Sandra Frankland extended Surbiton's lead further and the away team went into the half time break with a three goal lead.

With another 35mintues to play Magpies had to regain some control and composure at the start of the second half to make sure Surbiton did not continue to extend their lead. The whole team stepped up to this challenge with individual performances improving across the pitch. Ellie Bale and Catherine Cranmer returning to the team for the first time this season soon settled into the high tempo and combined well on the right. Katrina Warnes and player of the match Sarah Brook worked tirelessly on the left to breakdown and frustrate the Surbiton attack.

Unfortunately Magpies were not able to convert the opportunities they had created and it was Surbiton who scored the only goal of the second half when Chloe Strong forced the ball in from a narrow angle. Magpies will be looking to produce a committed and high tempo performance for the full 70 minutes when they travel away to St Albans next week.

Harleston Magpies 3 Dereham 0

Playing at home this week against bottom of the table Dereham, Magpies were out for yet another win to maintain their unbeaten record.

Within the first five minutes of the game, Magpies found the ball being played dangerously by Dereham in their own half, meaning that goalkeeper Flora Marfleet had to make a crucial save to prevent Magpies from going 1-0 down. Soon enough however, Magpies were on top form and the ball was in the Dereham half with players creating opportunities and gaining repeated short corners. Continuous efforts and excellent linked play down the right hand side won Magpies their fourth short corner of the game with a near miss on the back post. Quick to react to this, Dereham had a fast break winning themselves their first short corner of the game, but Magpies defence stayed strong and confidently cleared the ball back into their attacking half. Yet another short corner was won by Magpies where after some battling, Lucy Whiting assisted Krystal Bishop on scoring the first goal of the game. Soon after, following a harsh decision from the umpire and dispute from other players, Tania Pendreich was given a yellow card towards the end of the first half.

Beginning the second half of the game with only ten players, Magpies had to keep their concentration to stay in the lead. When the team was brought up to eleven players again, Saffron Wilford gained the first short corner of the half. With Lauren Barber striking the ball, Emily Brown was found on the back post to score Magpies' second goal. Before long, Dereham had won themselves a short corner which was lifted into a brave Siobhan Wooltorton and then assertively cleared out of the Magpies half. Great speed from the Magpies' attackers brought the ball into Dereham's half yet again where a reverse stick pass from Lucy Whiting found Tania Pendreich, who deflected the ball into the goal giving Magpies a 3-0 lead. With Dereham fighting back hard, the ball was played around in Magpies half leading to some strong defending from Frances Taylor and Siobhan Wooltorton. However a short corner was soon won by the opposition, but was cleared by the Magpies' defence with assurance. The ball was soon brought back into the Dereham half with the Magpies dominating play and winning more short corners which they were unfortunate to convert into another goal. Determination kept Magpies going strong with Lucy Whiting making a dive at goal in the final two minutes of the game which was saved by Dereham's keeper.


Magpies had their 10th win of the season with Lauren Barber voted as player of the match for her skill and quick reactions throughout the game.

Magpies Ladies 3s 0-2 UEA Ladies 1s

2nd place Magpies hosted 3rd place UEA for an early pushback, knowing it was going to be a tough game with only 1 point seperating the teams. UEA started strongly, getting a shot off within 30 seconds, Magpies defence and midfield fought hard to stop the UEA attacks however they kept coming forcing goalkeeper and player of the match Kristina Erith to make multiple saves to keep the home side in it. Magpies managed to get a few breaks and good passing between Georgi Minta, Jemima Jacobs and Rachel Herod saw Magpies break into the UEA 'D' but a good save from the UEA keeper kept Magpies' efforts out of the goal.

UEA had a long spell of possession, ending in an initial save and then another shot, well stopped by Frankie Eaves on the line, however Magpies' luck ran out two minutes before half time and UEA went 1-0 up and took the lead into the break. UEA again came out strongly, and Magpies knew they had to keep fighting if they wanted to pick up even a draw, and kept battling hard against the continuous barrage of shots, but again UEA were rewarded with a goal to finish at 2-0. Magpies should be pleased with their efforts against a strong side that were in the league above last season, and pick themselves up for next weeks game away at Evergreens where they must pick up points to keep themselves in the top 4.

HARLESTON MAGPIES LADIES 1ST TEAM WEEKEND PREVIEW

Harleston Magpies Ladies sponsored by Kilbourns.co.uk are at home this Sunday starting at 12.30 against the unbeaten League leaders Surbiton.

Last weekend Magpies lost away 3-0 to third placed Sevenoaks in a score line that does not truly reflect the performance the team produced on the day. It was a much improved performance and they will need to take the same attitude into Sunday's game. Surbiton and St Albans are currently level on points at the top of the League and both are unbeaten. These are Magpies next two opponents in what is a really tough run in to the end of the first half of the season before the Indoor season begins.

Magpies are still in 5th position and most of the results went for Magpies last weekend as they try to keep space between themselves and the teams below them. Fortunately Magpies picked up some crucial home points earlier on which were essential. They have been hit very hard with injuries and illnesses over the last few weeks which have left the squad very stretched. Catherine Cranmer is available this Sunday to add some vital experience and depth to the squad. Ellie Bale may

also be available to join the team on the bench in her first appearance since having a baby.

Surbiton's record is quite impressive to date with six wins and two draws and they are also the leading goal scorers in the League with twenty two goals.



SQUAD FROM: Frances Burrell and Charlotte Harrison - Joint Captains, Katrina Warnes, Louisa Greenacre, Lizzie Jones, Lisa Griffin, Naomi Hull, Sarah Brook, Jess Howland, Hannah Palmer, Angie Wheelhouse, Holly Baker, Verity Blyth,Emily Wilford, Catherine Cranmer and Ellie Bale.

Magpies Travel to Indian Gymkhana

Magpies travel to Middlesex on Sunday to take on Indian Gymkhana. The Indian side will provide a very different opposition to that encountered so far in the league.Whilst Gymkhana occupy a mid table position their last two results have been losses against Old Loughtonians 2-4 and Wimbledon 0-6.Magpies recently losing to both sides by the odd goal gives them an indicator that this game is winnable.

Pete Bale returns to the squad following unavailability through work, Tristan Baynes and Mark Wheelhouse have recovered from injuries ,however Ben Wright misses through an injury. It is disappointing to miss top goal scorer Wright who has been in sparkling form, however the defence will look a great deal tighter with the return of Wheelhouse and Bale.

Team from; Richard Gill;Tristan Baynes;Stuart Leate;Andy Bedwell;Pete Bale;Tom Graham;Richard Ling;Sebastion Knights;Tristan Baynes;Elliot Smith;David Ling;Simon Hipwell;Rees Leonard.Alex Slater.

Yarmouth 1 Harleston Magpies 2

Magpies were going out to defend their unbeaten run once again at Great Yarmouth, after a late start Magpies started with a strong attack and had several attempts on goal early on in the first half, Krystal Bishop relentlessly chasing down the ball causing forced errors in the Yarmouth defence allowing these attacks and increasing the pressure but all were denied by the keeper and defence. After giving away a penalty corner Yarmouth scored from a shot at the top of the circle leaving Magpies trailing 1 : 0 at halftime. After the break Magpies came out fighting and again had several attacks with one resulting in a deflection from the keeper into the path of Anouska Hipperson who`s shot was stopped on the line by a defenders foot giving Mapgpies a penalty flick which was converted by Hipperson to bring the score line to 1:1. Shortly after this another cross and goal mouth scramble resulted in Emily Brown putting away the winning goal and keeping the unbeaten run going.

Man of the match went to Krystal Bishop for her continuous efforts in chasing down the ball against an organised defence.

HARLESTON MAGPIES MINI TOURNAMENT SUNDAY NOV 13TH FOR U12 AND U10 GIRLS

Harleston Magpies hosted their annual Girls Mini Tournament with ten U12 teams and seven U10 teams. Some excellent hockey was played in the warm conditions.

Unfortunately Magpies U12 A team having finished 2nd and 1st in recent Tournaments saved their worst results for their own Tournament. They did not play badly but for some reason just seemed unable to finish off their good work by putting the ball in the net. They were unbeaten but no less than seven 0-0 score lines ensured that they would not be competing for the medals. Their only wins came against Watton and Norwich Dragons. They finished 5th.

Team: Georgina Warren (Capt), Anna Kilbourn, Hannah Dobson, Lottie Summers, Ismay Whittaker, Alice Woollatt, Sophie Child, Mia King, Martha Lawrence and Amelia Preece.


Magpies U12 B team continue to progress the more they play Tournament hockey. It is very hard to compete against A teams but the side did well with four drawn matches. Their best results were drawing against Pelicans and Magpies A. They finished 9th.

Team: Hollie Sewell, Charlotte Johnson, Shannon Hedge, Ellen Harness, Matilda Warde-Adlam, Mia Gower, Abigail Bourne, Amy Hill, Liberty Chatten and Rose Winter.

The U10 Girls are doing their own Tournament report.

We are very grateful for the large number of helpers who gave up their time to make this a successful Tournament.

HARLESTON MAGPIES U14 GIRLS EAST CHAMPIONSHIP MATCHES AT BURY ST EDMUNDS

Harleston Magpies U14 Girls were unfortunate to lose their opening match 3-2 to Norwich City after conceding a late goal. A draw would probably have been a fair result. Gina Scott-Barber and Kara Kilbourn scored the goals for Magpies.

In Magpies second match the hosts Bury ran out 3-0 winners.

Other results:

Bury 0 Dereham 1

Norwich City 0 Dereham 0

Harleston Magpies squad:

Ruth Melton, Gina Scott-Barber, Beatrice Flatt, Kara Kilbourn, ElizaBell,Nicole Eaves, Krystal Jenkins, Emily McCluskey, Sophie Dixon, Katie Crawford, Verity Tomson, Elle Eglington, Sophie Long and Imogen Meynell-Anderson.