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2^nd XI: The seconds were on top form with an exhibition of controlled hockey. Goals from Duncan Armsby, Neil Moon and Straun Wilkins sealed a well deserved 3-0 win against Bath Buccs 'C' which is realy the Bath University 1st XI.

3^rd XI: & Wanderers: The return 'Battle of Westbury' was again hotly contested and full of good attacking hockey. The difference between the two sides was their finishing in the D. The thirds were very sharp, Andy Pound pointed out that at least 5 of their goals were picked up off the rebound. Tony Webster hammered in 4 goals and Gareth Nichols grabbed 3. Nathan Walkey added one to his season's tally. The Wanderers continued to take the game to the thirds and were rewarded with a late consolation goal when Hugh Woodward's alleged touch to Alan Spark's through ball went into the net! The thirds were very good value for their win and are now 11 points clear at the top of the table.

	Pl	W	D	L	F	A	Diff	Pts
Westbury & UB B	15	14	0	0	68	8	60	39
Firebrands C	15	10	1	4	51	37	14	31
Robinsons C	15	9	3	3	43	28	15	30
Westbury & UB C	15	9	2	4	59	40	19	29
Firebrands D	15	7	4	4	42	38	4	25

Wizards: O Bristolians started the slightly stonger team going forwad for the first 10 minutes, but despite their possession they wer unable to muster any shots at goal and Pete Murphy reported at half time that he hadn't touched the ball. The Wizards began to have the greater possession and there were some sweeping moves, good inter-play and a host of chances. Pete Farrell was unlucky with three back to back efforts following up a short corner when the visiting keeper manage to keep out each shot. Mark Colton had a short corner turned off the line and then Pete was again unlucky not to score with several chances that went very close. A goal did come just before the interval, and it was Alan Christopher's determination that made the opportunity. he chased a through ball and with the keeper trying to block the shot and player the ball squeezed into the corner. The second half didn't have the quality hockey that the Wizards displayed in the first period, but it was a chance for the defence to show their strengths. Mark Colton, Chris Cocks and Jon Bower were rock solid and Andy Cameron made everything he did look easy, he didn't put a foot wrong throughout the game. On the 3 occasions that O Bs did get a sniff at goal Pete Murphy was there to pull of some great saves. This was the team's third clean sheet in a row. Another hard earned 3 points keeps the Wizards 6 points ahead with a game in hand.

	Pl	W	D	L	F	A	Diff	Pts
Westbury & UB D	13	11	1	1	56	18	38	34
Som Gryphons B	14	9	1	4	47	25	22	28
West Glos C	14	8	3	3	39	22	17	27
West Glos B	14	8	2	3	36	17	19	26
Old Bristolians B	13	6	4	3	42	25	7	22
N Bristol B	12	6	4	4	40	38	5	22

Warriors: The Warriors visted N Bristol and lost by the odd goal in 3. Will Enderby was the scorer.

Widgets: The Widgets got back on track with yet another win, this time against Somerset Gryphons. Dave Money was at his preditory best scoring his second hat-trick of the season. Jon Fox scored the other goal. The Widgets opened up their lead scoring from each of their two opening attacks (their only 2 attacks I'm told!). At 3-0 in the second half, Somerset pulled a goal back but the Widgets went back up the other end and after 4 rebounds Dave reversed sticked in the 5th attempt to make the game safe.

Westbury & United Banks HC: Results for Saturday 20/1/07
Team	Opponents		League	Scr	Scorers
1^st XI	v Marlborough	H	Premier 1	2-2	Hancock Goodman
2^nd XI	v Bristol UWE	A	North Div 1	0-3
3^rd XI	v O Bristolians II	A	Br & NW Som Div 1	2-1	Butt Webster
Wanderers	v Robinsons IV	H	Br & NW Som Div1	2-1	Taylor A Woodward
Warriors	v Robinsons V	H	Br & NW Som Div 2	4-2	Chase 3 Harvey
Widgets	v S Glos III	H	Br & NW Som Div 3	1-2	Sheppard
Match comments
1^st XI: The first team earned a point in a game Chris Poulsom told me they could have won.
2^nd XI: The seconds are in a run of games against all the top teams and this week lost 3-0 at Bristol UWE.
3^rd XI: The thirds march on at the top of their division. Andy Griffin told me it was a scrappy game, but it's another 3 points in the bag. O Bristolians scored first, but goals from Chris Butt and Tony Webster made it a 2-1 win.The bonus for the thirds was the Wanderers beating 2nd placed Robinsons.
Wanderers: The Wanderers were well worth their victory against Robinsons. Robinsons opened the scoring , but it didn't take long for the Wanderers to equalise. Shortly afterwards they went ahead. The scorers were Alex Taylor and Hugh Woodward. In the second half the Wanderers looked very strong both defensively and driving forward. Tim Denner shone in the heart of the defence and Andy Pound was hardly called on to touch the ball. Steve Millman, Dave Watkins, Alan Sparks, Doug Scott and Geoff Rickard at various times were the combination that controlled the midfield. A third goal would have eased any worries of a Robinson's come back, and Alex and Jon Jarvis were agonisingly close on several occasions each, but either saw their shot saved by the keeper or flash just the wrong side of the uprights. When time ran the Wanderers had kept their lead intact and beaten the team in second place in the division. This was an excellent performance leading into the 'Battle of Westbury' next week - the thirds v Wanderers!
Warriors: Mike Harvey had a late Christmas present in the opening quarter of this game. The Robinsons left back hit his sixteen across the 'D' to and unmarked Mike, who then coolly flicked it past the keeper. However, it was Robinsons who reacted after this goal and a minute later leveled the score when Westbury failed to clear under pressure. Another minute and another Robinsons goal, again when the ball was not cleared from a rebound from the pads. Robinsons looked the better attacking side for quite long spells in the first half. The Warriors in their turn took the game to the visitors and Graeme Brown used his pace well down the right. Joel Chase was set up with a chance. His first flick hit the goalkeeper and came back to him, his second hit the back of the net for 2-2. As the half went on the Warriors gained confidence and put together some of the best hockey they've played this season. A short corner gave them the go-ahead goal, thumped in by Joel Chase. Just before half time, Andy Cooper had the ball in the face and retired to clean up the blood. In the second period the Warriors buoyed by their lead were looking very sharp. John Ludley was in inspiring form in midfield and Jon Bower looked a tower of strength at the back. Andy Cooper came back looking like Hannibal Lechter with a bandage around his face to hide the blood. Pete Murphy was called into decisive action several times, but the Warriors with Graeme Brown dropping back to make a 4 man midfield were in command. Another scorching Joel Chase short corner gave them a 2 goal cushion, and this is how it stayed at the close. An outstanding performance from everyone in the team, probably the best I've seen the Warriors play in a couple of years.
Widgets: The Widgets strove manfully to be effective against S Glos, but got sucked into playing up and down the middle of the park. The home keeper saved 4 or 5 very good goal attempts from Dave Money and Harry Newington. At half time there was no score. Mid way through the second half S Glos scored when a break down their right led to a goal. Not long afterwards, Austin Sheppard struck powerfully from a short to square things up. A point was now easily in the Widgets grasp, yet it didn't inspire them to keep their shape and control the ball. Another right wing raid saw S Glos score a winner. Brian Callis played well at sweeper and didn't deserve to be on the losing side.

Westbury & United Banks HC: Results for Saturday 13/1/07

Team

Opponents

League

Scr

Scorers

1^st XI

v Isca

Premier 1

1-4

Frost J

2^nd XI

v Somerset Gryphons

North Div 1

0-2

2^nd XI

v Worthing II (Sun 14/1/07)

HA 2nd XI Cup

2-3

Wornell Pearce-Smith

3^rd XI

v S Glos

Br & NW Som Div 1

3-1

Coates Cutts Taylor A

Wanderers

v N Bristol II

Br & NW Som Div1

5-3

Millman S 3 Scott Watkins

Wizards

v Firebrands VI

Br & NW Som Div 2

4-0

Crofts Puetz Harvey Christopher

Warriors

v Somerset Gryphons III

Br & NW Som Div 2

2-2

Thomas Chase

Widgets

v Weston III

Br & NW Som Div 3

6-4

Money 3 Fox J 2 Ogilvie

Veterans

v Hereford Vets (Sun 14/1/07)

HA Veterans Plate

2-3

Millman S Thomas

Match comments

1^st XI: Phil Meakin writes: After our pre-Christmas good form I went into this game with great hopes of a win. Unfortunately these were left shattered after a truely awful 5 minute spell early in the second half when Isca scored 3 times. We started the game well and had several good chances and a few short corners in the first half. We were occasionally let down by the precision (lack of) in our play in their 25 and if we had taken those chances I'm pretty sure we would have won the game. Nil each at half-time and Isca had been in our D once. Sometimes I think it might be best just to sit in silence at half time because whatever is said, the opposite seems to happen. So, after things like "We must keep it tight at the back" and "Everyone keep their concentration high" or even a simple "Our first touch is important" it all goes to sh*t within 30 seconds. An innocuous pass across the top of our D, going directly onto Rich Deakin's stick without him moving is nudged by Ali Price's reverse stick to an Isca's forward and bang, 0-1. Then a drag flick from a short and another goal from a short which broke down and suddenly we're 3 down. JamesFrost pulled one back from the p-spot and we did have a handful a chances after that to get back into it. But as the game worn on our intake of mince pies and lack of exercise over Christmas started to show and Isca scored a breakaway fourth. A very disappointing result and we must raise our game next week at home against Marlborough.

2^nd XI: The seconds lost to Somerset Gryphons by 2-0. In their cup match at home to Worthing in the HA 2nd XI Cup ended in a 3-2 defeat. Dave Wornell and James Pearce-Smith were the scorers.

3^rd XI: The thirds are now 9 points ahead of second placed Robinsons (who were held to a draw), after their 3-1 win against S Glos. Andy Griffin's view: A much improved South Glos gave the 3rds a tough game with both teams scoring from short corners in the first half. Nick Coates scoring for Westbury. The second half was much improved performance with Westbury keeping possession of the ball and playing with more confidence. Two goals in the second half came from Alex Taylor and Chris Cutts following some good play down the right. South Glos will be tougher opposition for most teams in the second half of the season.

	Pl	W	D	L	F	A	Diff	Pts
Westbury & UB B	13	12	0	0	58	6	52	36
Robinsons C	13	8	3	2	39	24	15	27
Westbury & UB C	13	8	2	3	56	31	25	26
Firebrands C	13	8	1	4	40	32	8	25
Firebrands D	13	6	4	3	36	31	5	22

Wanderers: Steve Millman reports: A hard fought victory against a side that just did not want to be beaten! Westbury cruised into a two goal lead and were well on top, but North Bristol came back hard and dominated the last 10 mins of the half, deservedly scoring through a flick and a short. The second half saw Westbury having to stay strong to win back control, and goals from Doug Scott and Steve Millman restored our two goal advantage. When Dave Watkins defied captains instructions by appearing at the top of the D to slot the fifth the game was safe, but still North Bristol battled and added their third from barrage of short corners after time. Andy Pound berated our forwards for not running back!!! Notable Wanderers debuts from 15 year old Will Glynn in defence (nice new stick Will!) and Hugh Woodward as an attacking midfielder. The pace of Hugh, Doug and Geoff Rickard up front being our main weapon.

Wizards: There was a top performance from the Wizards to beat a determined Firebrands side that was much better organised than in the first game. They had two strong runners from midfield, and it needed everyone to be at the top of their game to keep them in check. The visitors started stronger, but the Wizards built up their momentum with Si Andrews and Steve Puetz directing the play down the flanks. The opening goal was a cracker from Mark Crofts, he wove past several defenders, and with the ball right at the edge of the D he hammered in an unstoppable cross shot. Both sides had short corners, but the better scoring chances fell to the Wizards. The vital second goal game from a short corner. Steve Puetz picked up the rebound and thumped it home. The defence of Colton, Cocks, Cameron and Croker were well on top in the second half. A rain storm made the surface a lot slower, but this did not stop the Wizards. Mike Harvey and Alan Christopher scored in a five minute spell, both picking up rebounds to slot home. With the Warriors holding Somerset Gryphons, the Wizards are now six points clear. W Glos C also beat their B team who were in third place.

	Pl	W	D	L	F	A	Diff	Pts
Westbury & UB D	12	10	1	1	55	18	37	31
Som Gryphons B	12	8	1	3	41	19	22	25
West Glos B	12	7	2	3	32	15	17	23
West Glos C	12	6	3	3	31	18	13	21
Old Blistolians B	11	6	3	2	29	21	8	21
Robinsons D	12	6	2	4	35	29	6	20

Warriors: Well done to the Warriors who went to second placed Somerset Gryphons and earned a creditable draw. If the game had finished 3 minutes earlier it would have been an away win! The Warriors opened up a 2-0 lead with Pete Thomas and Joel Chase on target. The home team were probably expecting an easy win but the Warriors gave them a real shock. The home team got both goals back in the late minutes of the game and were apparently pleased to earn a point. The Warriors hard won point helped check Somerset Gryphons and allow the Wizards to open up a bigger gap at the top. The Warriors are seven points ahead of bottom placed Yate and two behind Firebrands.

Widgets: The Widgets were under pressure from Weston in the opening 20 minutes, yet three quick raids opened up a 3-0 lead. Jon Fox struck first picking up a rebound, Duncan Ogilvie slammed home the second from a Harry Newington cross and Dave Money reverse sticked in from a narrow angle. Weston pulled one back before Jon Fox belted in his second of the game. In the second half Dave Money completed his hat-trick and Weston squeezed in 3 more goals. The Widgets finished up worthy 6-4 winners. Harry Newington showed much more composure in his centre midfield role. Austin Sheppard stepped off the plane from his skiing holiday, stepped on the pitch as the first substitution, drilled the ball down field with his first touch which created the second goal. The Widgets have reached the heady heights of 5th place in their division.

Veterans: Westbury were slow to settle on the fast pitch at Hereford in the Veteran’s Plate match. With Stuart Horn ill, Mike Harvey was pressed into service as goalkeeper. He twice saved shorts, but the veterans couldn’t cope with the physical side of the game and found themselves 2-0 down without having really taken part in the game. There was more cohesion in the play as Tom Taylor and Tony Webster down the left and Pete Farrell, Alan Sparks and Chris Cocks down the right began to find their passes. Hereford were surprised when Tony’s quick short pass to Steve Millman allowed him just enough time to drill in his shot. At half time Westbury were still in the game and were much more effective going forward straight from the restart. Pete Farrell flashed several crosses over and Tony was taken out in tackle that was more akin to American Football, but the card given was only green, when yellow should have been the minimum. Several home players used their bodies as battering rams when they could just as easily stuck to the skills that they had in abundance. Jez Longden, despite aggravating a thigh injury, won a great many tackles and Mark Colton twice cleared off the line at the near post. Mark Crofts battled away in midfield to set up several attacks. The home side were stunned, claiming a stick tackle from Martin Palmer’s jabbed shot from the top of the D. Pete Thomas had ghosted up from full back to guide the shot past the keeper for 2-2. Hereford appealed for an offence, but for once we got the verdict. It looked as if penalties would decide it, but with 2 minutes to go Hereford scored to win the game 3-2. The home team, the holders of the trophy, were the better team, but Westbury Veterans gave it a good go and were unlucky not to get a draw.

Westbury & United Banks HC: Results for Saturday 7/1/07
Team	Opponents		League	Scr	Scorers
1^st XI	v Robinsons	A	Friendly	can	Robinsons couldn't raise a side
2^nd XI	v Shepton Mallet	A	Friendly	can	pitch waterlogged
3^rd XI	v Shepton Mallet II	A	Friendly	can	pitch waterlogged
Wanderers	v Shepton Mallet III	H	Friendly	6-0	Taylor A 4 Taylor T Woodward
Wizards	v Shepton Mallet IV	A	Friendly	2-2	Watkins Woodward
Widgets	v Bristol UWE IV	A		3-2	Chase 2 Ogilvie
Veterans	v O Bristolians Vets (Sun 7/1/07)	A	Friendly	8-2	Webster 2 Taylor T Colton Crofts Millman S Harvey Farrell.
Match comments
2^nd XI & 3^rd XI: Once again the water based pitch was unplayable as a result of the rain.
Wanderers: The Wanderers with a number of Wizards making up the side were well on top of their game at Shepton Mallet. 2-0 up at half time with goals from Alex Taylor and Tom Taylor. The Wanderers were camped in the home team's half for most of the second period. Hugh Woodward was unlucky to hit the cross bar not once but twice in a five minute spell. He did find the net a little later. On another day he could easily have had a hat-trick. Alex Taylor was in sharp form in front of goal. He had several closes misses, but banged in 3 more to bring his personal tally to 4. Will Glynn had his first run out for the Wanderers and looked comfortable on the ball. The 6-0 score line could quite easily have been doubled. The home keeper made some very good stops, and quite how James Holliday hit his shot wide was a surprise. The day's comedy moment was Jamie Cranfield arriving late having forgotten his kit. He fudged together some gear, but he looked more like a low budget movie 'super hero' in lycra leggings. For shin pads he used the Shepton Mallet Monthly Magazine, one stuffed down each sock!
Wizards: Shepton Mallet opened well and looked a lot sharper than the team that turned out against the Wanderers. They had a very skillful forward who caused a few problems during the game. Pat Tampkins took on a man to man marking role on him and worked hard throughout the game to keep him in check. He scored twice, but they came from short corners, Paddy having done his job well to contain him. His first half goal was cancelled out Westbury's opening goal scored by Dave Watkins who picked up a Steve 'Thunderbolt' Puetz short corner strike and slotted it in. Sam Banting was in outstanding form in goal, whilst Alex Payne and Steve Puetz were dominant in defence. A good spell of Westbury pressure produced a 2-1 leadwith Hugh Woodward firing in a second rebound after shots by Martin Palmer and Pete Thomas were stopped by defenders. Shepton scored in the second half to make it 2-2. Pete was unlucky not to get the vital touch after some good work by Si Andrews. After a spell of Wizards pressure the home team came back strongly at the end. Sam Banting made an excellent close range save and Tim Palmer and Alex Payne prevented Shepton's best scoring chance from being turned into a winner. The Wizards were unable to play their usual flowing hockey, but it was a good competitive run out for everyone who took part. Thanks to Mssrs Banting, Puetz, Cranfield, Woodward, Watkins and Glynn for doubling up.
Widgets: The Widgets played their rearranged league match against Bristol UWE. Text from Duncan Ogilvie: The Widgets were 2-0 down at half time against Bristol UWE, but we came back to win 3-2. Two identical short corner strikes from Joel Chase, before I (Duncan) managed to get the winner.
Vets: George Banting's banter: The first game of the New Year for the Veterans saw them run out comfortable winners against O Bristolians. Westbury rapidly established a 4-0 lead in the first half….with both umpires having to be asked about the second goal (scored by Pete Farrell), fortunately O Bs confirmed that Pete had scored! The umpires couldn’t answer other questions though, and they had no idea regarding the capital of Germany. Having gone 4-0 up, we went to sleep a little and let two goals in before half time. A stirring half time team talk, and a couple of bottles of bubbly to celebrate Jez’s 50th birthday (shared by the umpires), set us up well for the second half. More and more space began to appear in midfield as the Christmas pies began to take their toll, but we managed to score 4 more goals (and had one disallowed…….ask the umpire) and conceded none (thanks to Stuart Horn being alert to the end). A satisfying win before our trip to Hereford next week followed by an enjoyable couple of pints (and some of Jez’s birthday cake) in The Miner’s. Goals scorers….Tom Taylor (1), Colton (1), Crofts (1), Millman (1), Webster (2, jug avoidance), Harvey (1), Farrell (1)…….people who didn’t score….Horn, Longden (50), Thomas, Cocks, Ludley, Banting, Sparks (who played for OBs).

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