Sunshine and Sadness, Magpies Hockey

Chairman's Chat

Sunshine and Sadness

Glorious sunshine, good company and some excellent hockey; what more could one want for the perfect weekend? Answers on a postcard …….!

Canterbury HC was an excellent setting for last weekend’s round-robin national championships where our U18 Boys’ and U18 Girls’ squads did the club proud with some first class team performances in the heat cheered on by a large, enthusiastic and vocal crowd of supporters. While victories were elusive both teams finished with two draws and one narrow defeat each and both drew against the eventual winners – 0-0 against Bowdon (Boys) and 1-1 against Belper (Girls) thereby demonstrating how little there was between our squads and the champions.

The highlights for the Girls were their last second penalty corner equaliser against Belper by Artemis Clark and the fine equaliser by Lizzie Clymer against Leicester. Meantime the highlights for the Boys were the narrow angle reverse stick goal by Carl Sitch against Beeston and the comeback against Reading to draw 3-3 after being two goals down early in the game. All three goals were special with Chris Barber getting the team back quickly into the game following a penalty corner; a superb run and shot by Ben Gowing following an aerial pass by Carl and finally a crisp reverse shot by Jamie Legg.

The Boys finished in third place with the Girls in fourth when a win against Leicester would have given them second place. Congratulations to both squads under respectively captains Richard Larkin and Jess Hull and their management teams of Leigh Sitch and Bertie Steggles (Boys) and Nick McAllen and Nigel Wooltorton (Girls).

As I watched the games on Sunday I couldn’t help feeling sad that several of the players might never play for the club again with the prospect of university places looming in the autumn. I wish them and all our other young members the best of luck with their examinations.

On a happier note I’m pleased to say that tickets are going better now for Saturday’s End of Season Bash at the club. The event (which starts at 7.30pm) is open to all ages and entry is by ticket only - £10 (U13s £5) including food. So if you haven’t got your ticket (you will be very welcome) please contact Mary Wright 0774 779 5481 or Jose Tibbenham 07881 811259 as soon as possible.

Last week I thanked by name several members who had played a large part in organising the Magpies’ Tournament but afterwards I realised I had omitted mentioning Karen Ray who did so much towards the success of the event. Sorry Karen!

I also thank David Francis and Kathryn Hinsley for all their hard work with the Mixed team again this season. The team went out of the national trophy last Sunday at the quarter-final stage against Eastcote by 3-2 not helped by several registered players being required to play elsewhere.

The Summer Mixed Hockey will once again be played on Monday nights (7.30pm) commencing on 2 June and continuing on 16 & 30 June and concluding on 14 July. Please bring a white and coloured shirt and £3 match fee! (Last Monday’s opening session was cancelled owing to lack of numbers due no doubt to several players recovering from their weekend exertions).

Another date for your diary please!

Sunday 22 June
Strawberry Luncheon
Shotford Hall, Harleston
(by kind permission of Jill and Roy Whipps)
Tickets (including a drink) are £10 (adults), £5 (children 7 to 12) with children under 7 free
are obtainable from Daphne Beckett (Tel: 07850 709297) or David Alexander (Tel: 01508 530237)

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

Mike Denham (Chairman)
Tel: 01603 506925
E-mail: MDenham975@aol.com
14/5/08