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Umpires

Umpire Course 3rd December

Become an Umpire and Help Your Club

The following course is now available to book via the England Hockey website Find A Course page

Date Sunday 3rd December
Time 9am-4:40pm
Venue Felixstowe Hockey Club, Maidstone Road, Felixstowe, Suffolk, IP11 9QR

Bookings close on Wednesday 22nd November.

Please be advised bookings must be made in the name of the participant – bookings cannot be made on behalf of someone else. Guidance for those having trouble with the booking process is available at the link above.

 For any queries please contact umpiring@englandhockey.co.uk

match-previews

Ladies 1st Team Match Preview 14th October 2017

This week Harleston Magpies Ladies 1s, sponsored by Musker McIntrye, are at home to Sevenoaks, who sit joint top of the league having won all three of their games so far. Sevenoaks are always strong and difficult to play against, which they have shown having beaten Wimbledon 1-0 this season, the team who won the league last season. Magpies know this will be their toughest test so far this season, with team work being key to a good performance.

Last weeks loss against Cambridge City was disappointing for the team, which saw Magpies create chances, but they couldn’t convert any of them into goals. The team did adapt to different formations during the game which was a positive and they will continue to work on these in this weeks game.

This week the team welcomes back Lizzie Clymer and Aoife Lowe-Davies.

Squad: Lucy Belsey (Captain), Lauren Barber, Charlotte Peet, Louisa Greenacre, Jess Howland, Katherine Ridley, Annie Nunn, Emma Lee-Smith, Victoria Findlay, Lauren Mickleburgh, Aoife Lowe-Davies, Lucy Whiting, Alice Woolatt, Lizzie Clymer and Olivia Locke.

Press Release

Norfolk Mini Hockey Festival Sunday 8th October 2017

Norfolk Mini Hockey Festivals Kick Off with Encouraging Results

Norwich Dragons hosted the first Norfolk Mini Hockey festival of the new season on Sunday 8 October providing no less than 39 under 10 and under 12 boys and girls teams with the opportunity to play some competitive matches.  Harleston Magpies Hockey Club fielded nine teams across the competitions.

The first event of the new season is always interesting for coaches with new faces in each age group, which makes team selection tricky. But Magpies returned from the tournament with some great results.  The U12 girls started the day winning the gold tournament and finishing third and fourth in the silver competition with two young squads, a very good start.  Magpies’ boys U12s achieved a credible third place finish in both the gold and silver tournaments showing much promise and considerable potential for future tournaments.

The Girls U10s then took centre stage with two very ‘new look’ teams.  In the gold tournament a third place finish was achieved with just one match conceded, and in silver tournament the Magpies girls went one better performed above all expectations remaining unbeaten, conceding no goals and finishing second.

The best was yet to come from Magpies Boys under 10s.  The silver tournament saw a young team with 5 of the 7 players experiencing their first ever tournament hockey achieving a win and draw before two losses finishing fourth overall.  However in the gold tournament the team found their confidence and form finishing a fantastic first!

James Smith, Magpies Youth Development Officer was delighted, saying: “All our youngster performed exceptionally well, taking all their effort in our weekly coaching sessions into every match.  The Magpies coaching team couldn’t ask for more. I am sure if the group continue with the same dedication, more success will follow.  I can’t help feeling particularly proud of our boys U10 group though. It’s been a long time since we last won a tournament at this age level. I hope this is the first of many more successes.’

For more information on Youth Hockey at Magpies and how your son or daughter can get involved visit Magpies website www.magpies-hockey.co.uk and the Magpies Youth tab.

Attached photo of the combined U12 Girls Silver Squad and Boys U12 Silver Squad –  photo credit: James Smith, Harleston Magpies

Update

Rosie’s Weekly Wrap Up 7th October 2017

Update From Fixtures 7th October 2017

Maximum point for the Magpies Men’s and Ladie’s Seconds this weekend courtesy of Dereham who proved the weaker side. The Men got off to a flying start with Matt Watson scoring after just 34 seconds. The momentum continued for the rest of the game and through hard work off the ball, and simple but effective hockey, Magpies won 7-0 thanks to goals from Sam Moore, Martin Fields (2), Ben (2) and another from Matt.

With a shortage of players throughout the Ladies teams this week it was a much changed Ladies seconds side and despite the best efforts of Plum Sweet, Kath Johnson, Siobhan Steggles and Amelia Herschel-Shorland in defence, Dereham scored first. This prompted Magpies into action who came out stronger in the second half. Debbie Francis and Fran Burrell lead the way in midfield with Phoebe Eglington working tirelessly on the right. Alice Wiseman showed fantastic commitment and skill on her second team debut and helped to win two short corners which were converted by Debbie to take the game to 2-1.

The Ladies first team will be disappointed with their 3-0 loss against a very strong Cambridge City this weekend. Two goals from Olympic gold medalist Helen Richardson-Walsh ensured a Cambridge victory but congratulations go to Olivia Locke and Laura Tibbenham on their National League Debuts.

The Men’s first XI anticipated a tough game against unbeaten Peterborough but managed to strike first via Archie Winter thanks to a reverse stick pass from Sam Paterson. The away team rallied and had mor possession towards the end of the first half, equalising through a well worked team goal. Tension was building on the pitch as both teams battled for the next goal and Magpies were reduced to 10 men whilst Archie Winter served two minutes in the sin bin.

The second half started in the same vein as the first but with Peterborough in attack and as Magpies relieved the pressure through the defensive pairing of Andrew Bedwell and Leigh Sitch the ball found it’s way to Pete Bale who managed to pick out Archie Winter who slotted a reverse from a tight angle to put Magpies 2-1 up. The visitors converted a short corner to equalise and the game ended at 2-2 with Magpies rueing a few chances but they look forward to next week away at Chelmsford next weekend where the aim will be to pick up maximum points.

Elsewhere there were impressive wins for the Men’s and Ladie’s fifth teams who managed convincing defeats over IES and Reepham. Both Tom and Jake Caston got on the scoresheet for the Men alongside Ben Emms and James Smith. Magpies stalwart Jose Tibbenham scored a hatrick for the Ladies with a goal added by Victoria Spouncer.

There was a fantastic result for the Men’s 6th team whose trip to Felixstowe was well worth it. The travelling side proved much too strong for a youthful Felixstowe 4th team and had the majority of the possession, meaning Nick Moss in goal had very little to do. Goals came at regular intervals from Lewis Belsey (5), Josh Marlow (2), Simon Rodwell, Mark Ash and Richard Alcock.

mens 1s reports, Reports

Mens 1st Team Match Reports 7th October 2017

Mens 1st Team vs City Of Peterborough 1st Team (Home (L) D 1-1)

It was a grey day at the nest as Magpies welcomed City of Peterborough who were unbeaten heading into the game. The game started with real intensity and Magpies picked up where they had left off the week before with a real dominant showing in the first 10 minutes but not coming away with a goal. The game became very even with chances at both ends. Magpies were first to strike though with a dinked reverse stick ball from Sam Paterson through to Archie Winter who calmly slotted a reverse sweep through the keepers leg from an angle.

The game became slightly more in favour of Peterborough towards the end of the first half and they were soon to equalise through a nice well worked team goal. The game became very heated towards the end of the half and Magpies found themselves unfairly down to 10 when Archie Winter was shown green with a minute to go.

The second half started in the same vein as the first but with Peterborough in attack and as Magpies relieved the pressure through the pairing of Andrew Bedwell and Leigh Sitch the ball found it’s way to Pete Bale who managed to pick out Archie Winter who was fresh on from the card. He was left with a 1v1 and who coolie slotted a reverse from a tight angle to put the pies 2-1 up. The game became back and forward with both teams having chances and Peterborough were next to take the chance from a well worked short corner and a good deflection which ended up going in off a magpies players body.

As the game ticked by the chances started to build up for magpies but they were unable to convert any of them. The game ended 2-2 with Magpies rueing a few chances but they look forward to next week away at Chelmsford next weekend where the aim will be to pick up maximum points.

ladies 1s reports, Reports

Ladies 1st Team Match Report 7th October 2017

Ladies 1st Team vs Cambridge City 1st Team (Away (L) L 3-0)

Harleston Magpies sponsored by Musker McIntyre Estates Agents this week travelled to Cambridge City. Magpies went into the game knowing that they would be a Cambridge City team much boosted from that of the previous season. With an ever increasing injury list and school fixtures making some of the younger players unavailable, Magpies called up Laura Tibbenham and Olivia Locke to the team to make their National League debuts.

The game started slowly, however, as the first-half progressed Cambridge’s Olympic Gold Medalist Helen Richardson-Walsh inevitably began to take control of midfield. After 15 minutes Cambridge worked a great move down the left, carrying along the baseline and the resulting cross being put past Magpies’ keeper.

For the remainder of the first-half Cambridge continued to control the game and created several half chances without really putting the Magpies’ keeper, Charlotte Peet, under too much pressure. Emma Lee-Smith continued to probe with some strong injections into our attacking circle but unfortunately Magpies’ forwards were unable to get on the end of them.

1-0 down at half-time, coach Rob Sorrell rallied the troops and Magpies came out fighting. For the first ten minutes Magpies controlled the game and created several chances to score. Magpies won a number of short corners and a Lucy Whiting effort was denied by the post; but sadly Magpies were unable to find a break-through. Midway through the second half Cambridge broke down the right and following a quick free hit on the edge of the D penetrated the circle which was well deflected by the Cambridge forward to make it 2-0.

Magpies did not allow their heads to drop and continued to press. After a quickly taken free-hit, a fantastic through ball to Emma Lee-Smith drew a foul, resulting in a penalty flick to Magpies; unfortunately, the firm shot to the bottom left was well saved by the Cambridge keeper.

This appeared to really spur on Cambridge who then took control of the remainder on the half and forced a number of short corners one of which was stopped on the line by a Magpies’ foot and a penalty flick was awarded. Helen Richardson-Walsh stepped up and coolly converted making it 3-0, which was the resultant final score.

It was a tough day for Magpies, with Cambridge worthy winners but Magpies will take heart that they worked hard and gave it their all. Those stepping up made a great contribution and gained confidence as the game went on.

Next week, Harleston Magpies welcome high-flyers Sevenoaks to the Nest, who will be looking for revenge after Magpies’ 1-0 home win last season.

Squad: Charlotte Peet (GK), Lucy Belsey (Capt.), Lauren Barber, Jess Howland, Katherine Ridley, Louise Greenacre, Olivia Locke, Emma Lee-Smith, Annie Nunn, Lauren Mickleburgh, Charlie Harrison, Lucy Whiting, Tor Findlay, Alice Woollatt, Laura Tibbenham

junior-youth teams, Reports

Girls U12 A Tournament Report 8th October 2017

Girls U12 A Tournament  (Norwich Dragons 1st Place)

The first tournament of the season, with much kinder weather than last year at Dragons, saw an entertaining morning’s hockey with some good competitive matches.
This was the first time the U10s moving up had come together with last year’s U12s in a match situation and it certainly took them all a while to find their feet. A below par performance in the first match saw us squander a 2-0 lead in the dying seconds of the game against Norwich City Lions with the match finishing a 2-2 draw. Next up was Dragons A and this time we quickly found some shape to our attack and managed to feed the ball from all different angles to Evie Brice up front who put away all 5 in the 5-0 win which was a great result. In the next match it was Anna who led the charge on goal with a nicely taken reverse stick strike and then goals began to come from all areas with the result finishing 6-0. City Lions proved more of a challenge and we had to work hard in all areas of the pitch, but there were some nicely worked team goals with moves the full length of the pitch ending with far post tap ins and the final result was a 3-0 win. Last up was Pelicans and the girls took to the field confident that 1st place was in reach if they could keep scoring goals – and they did not disappoint. 5-0 was the final result with everyone in the squad making a great contribution. Magpies were thus placed in 1st place overall, equal on points with City Lions but with a better goal difference.
So a very positive first outing with lots to work on in training before our next tournament on 22nd October at St Josephs.
Thanks to Dragons and all our opposition for a lovely tournament
mens 4s reports, Reports

Mens 4th Team Match Report 7th October 2017

Mens 4th Team vs IES 4th Team (Home (L) D 1-1)

This was a classic ‘game of two halves’! In the first half Magpies struggled to settle down, and pressed by IES continually gave the ball away. IES deservedly went into half time one goal up. A slight tactical change at half time led to a significant improvement with Magpies taking much better care of the ball and working it around the pitch well. Tom Norton scored a well taken equaliser and in the last few minute Magpies had chances to win the match.

ladies 5s reports, Reports

Ladies 5th Team Match Report 7th October

Ladies 5th Team vs Reepham (Home (L) W 4-0)

Following last weeks disappointment of losing 4-3 to an blatent foul which should have resulted in Broadlands winning goal being disallowed Magpies came out full of fight.

Jose Tibbenham put Magpies ahead early on to settle any nerves.  Magpies played some flowing hockey down both flanks and created many chances but the final touch eluded them.

A nasty fall resulting in a stick hitting a Reepham player in the head resulted in a lengthy break for treatment early in the second half .  Jose Tibbenham went kicking back while the goalkeeper was temporarily suspended and then went back up the other end soon after to score a follow up from a short corner.  The ever dependable defensive three were once again in complete control.  Tibbenham rounded off her hat-trick before player of the match Victoria Spouncer followed up a short corner to cap a fine display

ladies 7s reports, Reports

Ladies 7th Team Match Report 7th October 2017

Ladies 7th Team vs UEA 4th Team (Away (L) L 0-3)

The match began with just ten Magpies’ players compared to a UEA squad of fifteen.  Right from the start, UEA took control and we struggled to get the ball into their half of the pitch.  Katie Davy, our young goalkeeper, played superbly and never gave up.  However, when we managed to get the ball in UEA’s circle, Jo Meyer struck the ball hard at the goal but it hit the keeper’s leg and narrowly missed.  UEA scored two goals during the first half.

Karen Ray advised us to block UEA’s passes and a loyal spectator told us to keep a tight formation.  With this in mind we kept control of the ball and Megan Beckett made some fine runs.  The defence played well and kept the ball away from the circle.  However, UEA were awarded a short corner and scored a third goal from this.  The game was really enjoyable and UEA were a friendly team.

mens 5s reports, Reports

Mens 5th Team Match Report 7th October

Mens 5th Team vs IES 5th Team (Away (L) W 5-3)

Magpies mens 5th have finally found that winning formula and goal scoring touch!  An experienced IES 5ths started brightly pressurising Magpies from the start but Magpies determination shone through with their youngsters looking sharp in midfield snapping at the heels of the IES team whenever they were out of possession.

It wasn’t long before this determination paid off.  Tom Caston stool a loose ball in the D and fired off an immediate shot which evaded the keeper, Ben Emms followed suit with a similar steel and tight angle shot to make it 2 – 0 at half time.  However very quickly after the break Magpies were caught napping defensively and IES pulled a goal back.

In previous weeks this could have led to a collapse but not now, an interception, swift interplay of passes and James Smith added a third popping the ball in the bottom left corner when one on one with the keeper.  IES responded with their second, Magpies hit back through Jake Caston, IES pegged Magpies back via a dispute short corner but with 5 minutes left to play Magpies secured the win when Smith was able to drive at the IES defence, pulling the ball back across the centre of the D for the advancing Caston – Tom adding his second and securing Magpies first win of the season.

Tom Caston just pipping Ben Emma to the man of the match title.

mens 2s reports, Reports

Mens 2nd Team Match Report 7th October 2017

Mens 2nd Team vs Dereham 2nd Team (Away (L) W 7-0)

We started off strong with some brilliant link up play, which was finished off by a slick finish from Bensley after just 34 seconds.
We carried on this momentum all throughout the first half. By keeping it simple and working hard off the ball we created 3 more goals before the half time whistle. 1 by Sam and 2 from Marti. We took a slow start to the second half, despite conceding a few short corners our defence stayed strong, and sniped the ball off Dereham’s attack at any given moment.
Our fitness proved vital in the later stages of the game, as we were able to get in and behind the defence for 3 more goals. 1 more from Bensley (set up superbly by Jake) and 2 from Ben.

ladies 2s reports, Reports

Ladies 2nd Team Match Report 7th October 2017

Ladies 2nd Team vs Dereham 1st Team (Home (L) W 2-1)

A changed side took to the pitch at weybread in positive fashion ready for what has become a bit of a derby game.
Dereham were well organised and came out strongly and it was clear it was going to be a close game. The Magpies defence of Plum, Kath, Shev & Amelia were very busy and playing well, however after a surging run Dereham managed to score a decent goal taking them 1-0 up. This seem to prompt us into action and after some positional changes at half time we came out a lot more strongly and organised.
The team were determined to get something from this game and Debbie & Fran lead the way with lots of possession and passion from the middle of the pitch. Phoebe worked tirelessly at right midfield, applying plenty of pressure, showing her legwork and defensive skills when required. We were very glad to welcome Alice ‘Bobby’ Wiseman for her 2nd team debut, she showed exactly the type of skills & commitment we love to see, a promising future is ahead of her.
Our pressure was paying off Debs managed to break the deadlock and bang in a goal from a shortcorner, to great excitement from our coach Sam and temporary manager Lucy Field.
We kept the momentum and after some great linking play, Bobby won us another short corner, which in similar style, Debs banged in number 2!
After a few shaky minutes and a defensive corner on the 70th minute, we welcomed the final whistle and were all buzzing to get 3 points!
Lots of different nominations for man of the match showed what a fantastic team effort it was, but Bobby was the overall winner – well deserved.
Away to Watton next week!
ladies 2s reports, Reports

Ladies 2nd Team Match Report 30th September 2017

Ladies 2ns Team vs Lowestoft 1st Team (Home (L) W 7-0)

After a difficult start in the first league game, ending in the game being abandoned Magpies ladies 2’s were looking to get their first points of the season under their belts. Magpies had a strong team and went into the local derby fairly confidently.

In the opening minutes of the game Magpies looked strong, working the ball nicely around the Lowestoft players and looked threatening attacking the oppositions circle. Magpies were rewarded early when a good work of play saw Laura Tibbenham able to run into the D draw the Lowestoft keeper to the left and slip the ball right for Eglington to slot the ball home, 1-0. Magpies continued to press hard not letting up on the Lowestoft defence, resulting in a short corner for the Magpies ladies, a good drag out from Olivia Locke to Anouska Stott at the top gave Stott time to strike the ball, with a small deflection the ball ended up in the net 2-0! As the half went on the pressure continued for Lowestoft and in an effort to clear the ball out the ball hit a defenders foot on the line. Anouska Stott stepped up to take the flick and coolly put the ball left passed the goal to take us into half time with a 3-0 advantage.

Magpies were confident going into the second half but knew they couldn’t be complacent. They continued working the ball nicely Herschel-Schorland and Summers were getting the ball down the left hand side. The Magpies girls found themselves in the D several more times earning another short corner. The ball came straight out Debbie Francis who calmly strikes the ball from the top to make the score 4-0. The short corners kept on coming in the second half with Magpies attacking strongly; a nice ball out to Stott at the top, slipped left to Tibbenham who hit the ball in to the far post for Katie Woollatt to touch in to make the score 5-0. Shortly after another shot corner came a little scrappier this time, after the initial save Alice Woollatt was able to get the rebound in 6-0. In the final ten minutes of the game Tibbenham received the ball on the Penalty spot, turned and flicked the ball off her reverse past the goal to make the final score 7-0.

Overall a great result from the Ladies 2’s and a great way to come back from a difficult week before. The ladies will look to add another three points to their tally next week against Dereham at 12pm at home.

Update

Rosie’s Weekly Wrap Up 30th September 2017

Update From Fixtures 30th September 2017

Three points each for the top four teams this weekend and an impressive 25 goals between them. The Men’s 1sts proved too strong for Saffron Waldon with goals from Will Martin, Sam Patterson, Dave Gilbert (2) Andrew Bedwell and Simon Hipwell.

The Ladie’s 1sts followed suit and held out for a narrow victory over St Albans thanks to Lizzie Clymer’s long range strike. The Ladie’s 2nds found themselves 3-0 up at half time against Lowestoft Ladies due to consistent pressure on the opposition resulting in goals from Phoebe Eglington and two for Anouska Stott, including a penalty flick. A succession of short corners provided opportunities for Debbie Francis, Katie Woollatt and Laura Tibbenham to get their names on the scoresheet, resulting in a 7-0 win for Magpies in their first league game.

The hotly anticipated bi-annual league game between the Men’s 2nds and 3rds didn’t disappoint. An early goal from Gavin Cole ruffled the feathers of the seconds who bit back with a string of 5 goals from Jamie Legg (2), Martin Fields, Sam Moore and Richard Larkin.  The goals kept coming in the second half, Jamie Legg adding to his tally, as well as Stuart Field and Matt Bensley getting in on the action. Greg Jagger slotted two goals away for the Thirds in the last few minutes only for Jamie to increase his tally to 5 goals, and the result to 11-3.

The Ladies 3rds went 4-2 down away to Norwich Dragons 2nds whilst the Ladies 4ths hosted Broadland and lost 2-0. It was fantastic to have David Brook back in the dugout where he belongs!

Magpies Men’s 4ths had a very convincing 5-1 win over Pelicans with goals from Mitchell Tompkins, Arthur Johnson, Stuart Peters and debutant Hugo Thomas. Despite the Men’s 5ths losing 5-1 there were many positives to take from the game, notably determined performances from Ed Brice and Ben Emms, and a reverse stick goal from James Smith!

Magpies losses also came away from home for the Ladies 6ths (5-0 against Broadland) and the Ladies 7ths who had a much improved second half after letting 6 earlier goals through against Norwich Dragons.

MAGPIES FAMILY QUIZ NIGHT NEXT SATURDAY

Teams are (forcefully) encouraged to come and spend their money at the bar during the quiz!

ladies 1s reports, Reports

Ladies 1st Tea Match Report 30th September 2017

Ladies 1st Team vs St Albans 1st Team (Home (L) W 1-0)

Harleston Magpies Ladies 1st team sponsored by Musker McIntyre Estate Agents welcomed St Albans to Weybread for their first National League home game of the season. After last week’s disappointing performance away at league newcomers Barnes, Magpies were determined to improve key areas of their game and pick up their first points of the season in front of a home crowd. 

Magpies started the first half at a high intensity, moving the ball early and utilising the forwards athleticism to attack with pace and press the St Albans defence. This pressure forced an error the from the St Albans defence which saw Magpies regain possession in the attacking twenty five and with an accurate pass, Emma Lee-Smith set up Lizzie Clymer who hit a first time strike from the top of the circle which beat the scrambling St Albans defence and goalkeeper to give Magpies a deserved early lead. 

Before half time Magpies were unlucky not to extend their lead when Abby Gooderham was denied by the post and further Magpies attacks were contained by the St Albans defence.

The second half saw Magpies continue to threaten the St Albans goal but unfortunately they were unable to create a clear goal scoring opportunity which would have eased the nerves of the home crowd. 

With only one goal between the teams St Albans pressed for the equaliser creating numerous problems for the Magpies defence. The defence was strengthened this week with the addition of Lottie Summers who made many crucial tackles and interceptions on her National League debut. 

The team continued to work hard until the final whistle to maintain a clean sheet and record their first league win of the season. 

Next week the team travels to Cambridge City who have also started the season with one victory and one defeat.

mens 1s reports, Reports

Mens 1st Team Match Report 30th September 2017

Mens  1st Team vs Saffron Walden 1st Team (Home (L) W 6-1)

Harleston Magpies Men’s 1s sponsored by Dynamic Sport welcomed Saffron Walden to the Nest on a late September sunny afternoon. The pies welcomed back Will Martin and Tom Sumner to their first league game this season after missing last week due to various commitments.

Harleston started with an intensity that Saffron Walden were shocked with but one they could not match. It wasn’t long till this intensity paid off, Will Martin started a mazy run in midfield beating numerous players then ending with a turn on the base line to deliver the ball across the D to the eagerly waiting magpies attackers. After the cross being rebounded off the keeper, Will Martin once again found it at the end of his stick only to slot the ball in the back of the goal. This excellent intensity continued and was rewarded with Magpies being awarded a short corner, and up stepped Sam Paterson (the self-proclaimed best flicker in the league), who delivered to his name and rifled in the ball into the roof of the net. Magpies continued to assert their dominance with numerous circle entries from long phases of continually possession of the ball, and it wasn’t long till a short corner was won through Jack Hobbs placing the ball on a defenders foot. With Paterson off the pitch UEA Dave stepped up and slotted the ball in-between the goalie and the postman to add to his ever increasing tally for the season.

The intensity began to die down and the Pies allowed Saffron Waldron to string a few passes together, Saffron Walden were then awarded a short due to some poor knowledge of the rules. After an aggressive number one run the Saffron Waldron player glided past him, to send the ball towards the bottom corner, alone for a big left kicker from last weeks Man of the Match John Livings to save it. But the danger wasn’t cleared and a cross into the danger area was ricocheted off a Saffron Waldron stick into the back of the net, 3-1 to Harleston. Magpies responded in the best way possible by going on the attack and winning another short, with the first shot being saved, the ball fell to the feet of Andrew Bedwell, who calmly slotted the ball into an empty goal for his first goal of the season!! The umpire’s whistle blew and at half time it stood at 4-1, after a positive team talk from coach Tim Whiteman, it was the home team that came out once again with the greater intensity. The second half started will with a number of good passes being stringed together starting all the way from the back, after a wide lead from the Birthday Boy Jake Sewell he collected the ball and composed himself to cross the ball into the D to find UEA Dave, who collected it and finished the ball with calmness and composure to score his second of the game.

It wasn’t long once again till Magpies had another short corner, Sam Paterson had the chance for another, but fluffed his flick and the ball ended up at the feet of Simon Hipwell, who topped his shot but it was the bobbling ball that deceived the post man who missed it completely. The pressure continued with numerous short corners being won, giving Patterson the chance to add to his tally, but all his flicks shot over the bar, with some nearly clearing the fence behind. The final whistle then went with the score ending 6-1 to the Magpies, a very good start to the season with the first home game.

Next week the Magpies welcome City of Peterborough who drew 4-4 with Wapping this weekend. The match promises to be very competitive so lots of support welcome please. Push back at 2:00pm.

 

MOM – Will Martin

mens 4s reports, Reports

Mens 4th Team Match Report 30th September 2017

Mens 4th Team vs Pelicans 3rd Team (Home (L) W 5-1)

Despite exerting early pressure Magpies went behind following a miss controlled hit into the D. Magpies hit back almost immediately when Mitch Tomkins, making his first appearance for the 4ths for 4 years finished neatly. Magpies controlled the rest of the half with goals from Hugo Thomas and Arthur Johnson.

Pelicans came back into the game in the second half, but rarely threatened the Magpies goal. As the game stretched out Magpies scored two more goals from debutant Hugo Thomas and Stuart Peters.

mens 3s reports, Reports

Mens 3rd Team Match Report 30th September 2017

Mens 3rd Team vs Mens 2nd Team (Home (L) L 3-11)

You’ve got to love an inter club match! Well that’s what the large number of spectators clearly thought as the Men’s Third team hosted the Men’s Second team in front of a crowd which matched in size the national league ladies match that proceeded it.

No doubt hoping for a close match to get into they would have been encouraged when Gavin Cole, found unmarked in the last third of pitch by Robert Kinsella, took the ball around the keeper to finish and put the underdogs in front. However the best thing for the neutral spectators would have been for the thirds to have frustrated their “visitors” and kept the ball better but unfortunately several back to back errors gifted a three goal salvo which would effectively seal the match in the first 20 minutes.

Either side of half time it was good to see the seconds get into their stride and combine as a team to ruthlessly stretch their lead to 10! Jamie Legg deserving particular mention with 5 goals. It was a chastening experience for the third team players and supporters who have largely been untroubled at home for over 3 years but despite lessen odds every challenge was still entered into as if it was still 0-0 and every attack was supported by runners who looked like they were in pursuit of the winner not a mere consolation. And indeed latecomers to the match might have been surprised by the last ten minutes as the third team scored not one but two consolations, both claimed by Greg Jagger. Within this spell further chances also came from good work by Robert Kinsella, David Cadman, and notably debutant Kieran Peters. So, 11-3 but was the last 10 minutes due to compassion by the 2s? Or good commitment and fitness by the threes? The players and spectators withdrew to the bar to discuss.

ladies 6s reports, Reports

Ladies 6th Team Match Report 30th September 2017

Ladies 6th Team vs Taverham (Away (L) L 0-5)

The 6s were determined to march into this game with a positive attitude and belief despite last minute uncertainties and changes to the squad. Jane Collins provided sound leadership and organisation on the day, with Julie Davy assisting from the dugout, whilst trying to put our players into ‘best fit’ positions. We started well and were not fazed by and early Broadland goal. With Flea Perry, Jane, Elena Flatt and Marie Davy working hard in defence, even the 2 goal deficit at half time seemed surmountable.

The second half did not go Magpies way, however. Katy Davy made some stunning saves, but another Broadland goal followed. Man of the match, Krystal Jenkins, provided great control and stability in midfield, with positive work from Ebony Hoskin and Jenny Meyer creating attacking opportunities. Forwards Rachel Clifford made some fine runs up the left wing, and Janna fired some much needed aggressive and positive shots into the D, but unfortunately none of these efforts converted to goals. A further blow was a face injury to sweeper Flea halfway through the second half, which needed hospital treatment. A hasty reorganisation was required to continue the game, but we were a little unsettled and 2 further Broadland goals then followed, although Lydia Barrett created a good chance with a run on goal.

Despite the scoreline, the team left with a positive attitude and a consensus that our overall performance had improved on last week’s. We are pleased to say that Flea is OK and is now glued together, and extend our thanks to all family and friends who helped and supported with care, hospital lifts, car transport etc. Also thanks to Gillian Stokes and Heather Brand for organisation during the week, but who couldn’t be with us for the game.