Untitled Document

Westbury & United Banks HC: Results for Saturday 30/1/10
Team	Opponents		League	Scr	Scorers
1^st XI	v Truro	H	Premier 2	3-1	Cutts 2 Thomas J
2^nd XI	v Cheltenham II	H	North Div 1	pst	pitch frozen
3^rd XI	v O Bristolians II	H	Avon Div	2-3	Tucker Armsby
Wanderers	v Bristol Univ IV	A	Br & NW Som Div1	1-3	Taylor M
Wizards	v Somerset Gryphons III	H	Br & NW Som Div 2	3-0	Webster 2 Parker
Warriors	v Westbury Widgets	A	Br & NW Som Div 3	3-1	Ratcliffe D Colton Ogilvie
Widgets	v Westbury Warriors	H	Br & NW Som Div 3	1-3	Wanklyn
Badgers	v S Glos	A	Bristol Badgers	3-1	Wanklyn Mulla Yuill
Match comments
1^st XI: Following last week's disappointment against Robbies, much was said and much was suggested by the 1st team squad about how we should review tactics and what those tactics should be in any given situation. Followed by a rather unorthodox training session organised by Paul Mason to test and assess the individual fitness characteristics of each player. All of the above had its proponents and opponents. But everyone mucked in and gave it their best go. Saturday came. For thirty five minutes, Westbury showed what could be achieved by playing as a unit and fighting together. The score was 2-1 at half time, the sizeable crowd was in high spirits and thinking that an unthinkable reverse of the score of 3-0 to Truro in Truro was on the cards.The second half was an diabolical shame if you were a partisan Westbury fan. Truro spent 34 of 35 minutes camped in the Westbury 23. Terry Watts and in particular the invigorated Johnny Parrish were both indominatable, with the help of Stuart Blake and Andy Smerald both of them playing out their skins, Westbury held on for the time being, a rapid diving save from the Westbury keeper being the only time Truro looked to level the scores. Shortly thereafter Westbury put a 3rd in the goal to the utter celebration of the large crowd who had gathered in both expectation and hope of a famous victory. It was to be.For 70 minutes Westbury showed why they are a Prem 2, going on Prem 1 team. We were simply unbeatable in many ways. Truro played very very well for 70 minutes, but apart from the occasional scare. Westbury were the winners.This report has failed to mention bad umpiring decisions. Simply because there were none. This was a clean, hard, committed game played by clean hard committed players. At no point would cards have helped, the umpires rose and fell on their decisions and errors. Unlike the game in Truro, this was a spectacle for all. Helped no end by clever and thoughful umpiring. Fingers crossed this prevails henceforth.A small note from myself will say that I have the utmost pride in this performance, but now the bar has been raised. Anyone who wants to call themselves a first team player must play to that level week in week out or face being dropped. I do not fear that this will be a problem. Westbury to the fore.
3^rd XI: The thirds deserved something from this game but fell to a late goal that gave O Bristolians a 3-2 win. Ben Tucker who struck a short corner and Duncn Armsby were the scorers.
Wanderers: Bristol University were worthy winners against the Wanderers winnin 3-1. They also hit the cross bar and had two disallowed. Matt Taylor scored a consolation goal. Had the University played like they did in the first half they could have won by a bigger margin, but they didn't link with each other, playing their own individual game.
Wizards: The Wizards wrapped up a 3-0 win against Somerset Gryphon to make it three successive wins. Tony Webster found his scoring touch with two goals and Sam Parker bagged the other.
Warriors v Widgets: The Widgets looked the better side in the first half against the Warriors. In the opening minutes Pete Thomas found the whole goal at his mercy, he put his shot in only to see Andy Pound dive to pull off an amazing save. The Widgets could have been 3-0 up with a bit of luck in front of goal or if Andy Pound had not been in such splendid form. The Widgets did take the lead when Josh Wanklyn scored his first Saturday goal when he pounced on a loose ball that eluded the Warrior's defenders at the right hand post. Dave Holliday noted the goal was a great manoeuvre involving Pete Ratcliffe & Josh (& himself c) completely bypassing the Warrior’s defence. Pete drew 2 defenders & Josh left his behind. When I crossed my “loose ball” (reverse stick, one foot from the back line, as I remember) I could only see Pete & Josh with no opposition near them. A well crafted goal for a deserved lead. Somewhat against the run of play, Dave Ratcliffe made a long, jinking run towards the end of the half, from left midfield leaving several Widgets in his wake before brilliantly placing his shot wide of Joe Petch. The Warriors took more control of the game after their shakey first half. Justin Chave and Liam Glorney were calling the shots in midfield. It was the Warriors 'special teams' that turned the game in their favour. Injector - Harvey, stopper - Palmer, striker - Colton. Mark's shot was a thumper and it capped a fine game for the Warriors sweeper. Duncan Ogilvie rounded off the win when he turned in Liam Glorney's right wing cross. The Widgets gave a good performance, but lacked the experience to hold the ball up front. Pete Thomas was desparately unlucky to see what should have been a goal bound shot come back off the post and Ned Holmes pushed the rebound agonisingly wide. The Warriors have now won three games 'on the spin' and are looking a more confident side who can aim to pick up more wins in the coming weeks.

Westbury & United Banks HC: Results for Saturday 23/1/10
Team	Opponents		League	Scr	Scorers
1^st XI	v Robinsons II	H	Premier 2	0-2
2^nd XI	v Weston-Super-Mare	A	North Div 1	2-3	Butt Poulsom
3^rd XI	v W Wilts II	A	Avon Div	4-0	Tucker 2 Walkey 2
Wanderers	v Somerset Gryphons II	H	Br & NW Som Div1	0-1
Wizards	v N Somerset II	H	Br & NW Som Div 2	4-0	Chave 2 Newington Ash
Wizards	v Bristol & West V (24/1/10)	H	Br & NW Som Div 2	2-1	Chave Cooper Andrew
Warriors	v Robinsons V	A	Br & NW Som Div 3	2-1	Cooper Andy Enderby
Widgets	v Bristol & West VI	H	Br & NW Som Div 3	2-1	Alger T 2
Badgers	v Firebrands	A	Bristol Badgers	0-0
Match comments
1^st XI: First game back. It showed. We were all over them for the first half. 1-0 Robbies at half time. (Flukey mis-hit short corner deflected cleverly into goal) Second half was more difficult as each player started trying to do it all themselves. Robbies had lots of chances. They missed a flick, we got a shot on goal. 2-0 Robbies full time. We need to re-learn to work as a team, get fitness up, availability needs to stay as good as it currently is and we will prevail.
2^nd XI: The seconds had another close dfeat away at Weston. The two gaols were scored by Chris Buttt and Chris Poulsom.
3^rd XI: Richard Beesley writes: A good 3 points for the 11/12 that made it to the correct pitch!!! A tight first half with some great possession hockey from the team allowed us to go in at half time 1 - 0 up thanks to a Tucker strike from a well rehearsed short corner routine!! Some inspirational words from the captains at half time meant we had the first 10 minutes of the 2nd half without the ball, but manged to keep them out with some great work from Polly and MOM Danny Lochtman, plus some other defenders..... Tucker made it 2-0 with a great strike form another short, then the Beesley/Walkey show!!! 2 quick break away goals from Mr Walkey, started from our 16 using those short passes, using the triangles to work the play up the pitch, moving the ball side to side........., No direct as them come!! Using what they descibe as a West Wilts tactic......Missing everyone out except your forwards and they did the rest. A well deserved 3 points, a well deserved clean sheet and a well deserved pat on the back to all 12 that did not stop and all played their part. Keep it going lads, 2 down, 8 to go!!!, Only 6 go down, easy!!!!
Wanderers: The Wanderers fell to a 1-0 defeat at Somerset Gryphons. The home side capitalised on a series of short corners, by scoring one of them. The Wanderers couldn't find the equaliser.
Wizards: Tony Webster writes: Due to the bad weather and a few technical problems at Coombe Dingle recently the Wizards found themselves at the start of 5 games in 3 weeks. 1st up came North Somerset. This game proved never look at the league table and think your in for an easy game. I must admit there were a few faces I'd never seen before but the 1st half was a bit of a scrappy affair with a lot of westbury pressure. We thought we had taken the lead when a short corner was drilled into the back of the net goal given, we started to celebrate when the umpire at the other end came over and after a lengthy chat the goal was chalked of decision the ball hadn't come out of the D. 0.0 at half time. This is when Chris Cocks pulled a stroke of genius at first I thought he'd asked a young boy to come and give the half time team talk, but as he got closer I realised it was Steve Millman. His words must have hit home as 4 goals were scored without reply in the 2nd half,2 from Justin Chave 1 from H Newington and a lovely reverse hit from Tom Ash. If our portly left winger had found the target more, we might have run in 6 or 7. Two great performances from young Mulla and Parry, but every player in the team can take pleasure from the result.
Wizards: Tony Webster adds: On to sunday and minus a couple of players from Saturday. Andy Cameron was having his side burns trimmed and young Alex was playing for the Badgers. Bristol and West proved a stern test as always. Once again a bit of a scrappy 1st half, but this time we found ourselves 1-0 down at half time. Yours truly carried on from Saturday and couldn't even find the football goal let alone the hockey net. Once again a positive team talk at half time .Today I was trying to avoid a chat from Steve Millman as he was umpiring and his sons football team had beaten my boys 4-3 in the morning. From our 1st attack we got it back to 1-1, a great move down the left finishing with Andrew Cooper firing a ball to the far post where Jjustin Chave slotted home. A period of strong Westbury play followed. The winner came with a ball coming into the D from our right, it looked like Bristol & West would clear easily but there was a puff of smoke and from nowhere Andrew Cooper arrived, there was a clash of sticks and the ball was in the corner of the net. Such is Andy's pace I didn't see him enter the D or leave it celebrating .We then had to take some pressure with a great reaction save from Jon Jarvis low to his right keeping us in front. One of the things this weekend proved is that having a settled side does help. Everyone who played for the Wizards gave everything on both days I'im afraid my lack of memory on names is the reason there arn't many mentioned, so if you read this post and played please add your thoughts. However, young Zane Mullaa, David Parry, Andrew Cooper and Justin Chave had good games both days.
Wizards: On Sunday the Wizards turned in an excellent performance to beat Bristol & West 2-1. At first it looked as if it was going to be one of those days when a team dominates the game, has a host of chances and finds a visiting keeper in brilliant form. There were too many chances to count, some of them being three or four in rapid succession! Typically the opposition tokk one of their few chances to lead 1-0 at half time. The Wizards came out of their blocks quickly and in the first minute Zeyn Mulla fed the ball t o Harry Newington, Harry nudged it on to Justin Chave who went past the keeper to tap in an equaliser. The Wizards to a man played well with Chris Cocks sweeping up very successfully at the back. The game was won when the ball ran to Andrew Cooper who controlled it and placed it past the impressive visiting keeper to win the game. The whole side played an outstanding game.
Warriors: The Warriors played in a game almost devoid of any real quality. Both side struggled to make an impression going forward. Westbury had a near veteran defence of Andy Pound, Mark Colton, Adrian Napper, Brian Nichols and Dave Ratcliffe to thank for limiting Robinsons to a goal from a penalty stroke. The Warriors opened the scoring. Martin Palmer crossed the ball from the right, it hit something, very possibly Duncan Ogilvie's foot and bounced out of the D. Everyone froze like George meeting Sinead in Wake's Progress. The umpire played an advantage that Robinsons did not use, so Andy Cooper thawed out, collected the ball and struck from the top of the D. The game looked to be heading for a draw, when a moment of top quality arrived ten minutes from the end. Mark Colton hit a diagonal ball from left back the right midfield. Will Enderby then surged on a long run that took him to the D, where he expertly flicked the ball in past the keeper. A top class goal to earn all three points.
Widgets: John Jarvis reports: Due to school comittments the 'youth team' only fielded two youngsters and the 3rd youngest was 33! With Joe Petch in goal, who had a fine game, the team debuted its captain, JJ, as a floating sub, hoping not having to play for too long.The team started off well with Tommy Alger and Dave Harris creating chances before Alger opening the scoring, I think with a reverse stick shot, before the oppo equalised. It was then that the so-called captain decided to come on for the last 10 minutes, something not seen for over two years!! After seeing Dave Harris's controlled volley disallowed for dangerous play, Mr alger turned up to make the score 2-1 at half time. With the vice-captains team talk ringing in the players ears, Westbury controlled the start off the 2nd half. JJ had to come on after 10 minutes for the unfortunate Ned Holmes who was injured. Tom was given a yellow and this sending of ended in a reshuffle off the team with JJ playing centre half, then centre back after Tim Denner, who also had a good game, had to go of with cramp. Dave Harris still created a lot of chances and once Tommy was back on the game should have been made safe. Nothing against the older members of the team, but with the youngsters we would have beaten this team easily but well played to everyone who played. A good result with a 2-1 win. A big game next week against the Warriors.
Badgers: Pete Farrell reports: Badgers first match after the Christmas break saw us at Failand on Sunday afternoon. As Joe Petch couldn't make it, JJ was drafted in as a junior between the sticks, complaining bitterly about the condition of his legs following his exertions the previous day as an outfield player. Talk before the game was about keeping some shape to our team, making sure the wide players stayed wide and about trying to make sure we kept possession by using short sharp passes to a team mate in space. We played some good hockey in the first half and created chances but were unable to find the final pass that would lead to a clear goal scoring opportunity. Towards the end of it we came under more pressure partially due to some skillful play by Brands but also because we stopped applying the principles we started out with. Too often trying to play the ball through the middle of the pitch. That said we turned round at 0-0.In the second half we kept trying to work the ball wide with some success, and as the game wore on and players on both sides got tired more space opened up and we created some really good clear opportunities. Harry fizzed a shot across teh goal. The last one resulted in Zeyn cutting in from the right to receive a return pass from Alex Yuill, only to see his shot well saved by the keeper. Unfortunately it caught the keeper on the inside of his knee and hurt him so much that he was unable to continue and as there were only a few minutes to go we agreed that the match should end then with the score still 0-0.So a creditable performance against a good team. There were noteworthy perfomances from George Minchin, good tackling and sensible use of the ball; Harry Jepson, who made intelligent runs and got into space well at centre forward, just a shame he didn't get more chances to unleash the fearsome shot he has; Alex Webber, who listened to advice and kept wide; Zeyn Mulla, who once again showed devastating pace, at one point taking the ball past and away from one of the Brands seniors who plays in their 3rd/2nd team!Thanks to those who came to support and encourage and to Stampy for umpiring. Next match is Sunday 31st January vs S Glos at Golden Hill, 11.30 start. If there are any senior players who are able to play or umpire please post reply on this thread. ...and even if you just want to see the future of the club in action come along and watch..it would be much appreciated.

Westbury & United Banks HC: Results for Saturday 16/1/10
1^st XI	v Team Bath Buccs III	A	Premier 2	pst
2^nd XI	v Stroud	H	North Div 1	1-3	Colquhoun
3^rd XI	v Bristol UWE II	H	Avon Div	2-2	Tucker Walkey
Wanderers	v Firebrands III	A	Br & NW Som Div1	pst
Wizards	v Frys	A	Br & NW Som Div 2	pst
Warriors	v Bristol & West VI	H	Br & NW Som Div 3	5-1	Palmer M 2 Ogilvie 2 Cooper Andrew
Widgets	v Bristol UWE IV	A	Br & NW Som Div 3	3-7	Goodman 3
Badgers	v Bristol & West	H	Bristol Badgers	0-4
Veterans	v Marjons of Plymouth (17/1/10)	A	HA Vets Cup	1-6	Millman S
Match comments
2^nd XI: The seconds pressed for an equaliser againts Stroud when they were 2-1 down, but Stroud scored a late third to consigns the seconds to a 3-1 defeat. Tom Colquhoun was on target.
3^rd XI: The thirds almost pulled off an audacious win against top of the table Bristol UWE. Ben Tucker rifled in a short corner. Nathan Walkey went round the keeper to score after a great run down the right wing by Alex Yuill. Bristol had most of the play in the second half and pulled one back. The thirds defence stuck at their task but couldn't hold out as Bristol snatched a late equaliser and also came close to winning it. However, this was a well earned point.
Warriors: The Warriors played their best hockey of the season against Bristol & West. An early goal from Andrew Cooper was snapped up after Duncan Ogilvie had two shots saved. Simon Hewitt who had a storming game, set up number two. His through ball was given a reverse stick 'dink' by Martin Palmer and went in off the inside of the post. Scorer turned provider and Duncan Ogilvie swept in a cross from a self hit right wing corner. 3-0 at half time, the warriors were unlucky not to add more. Toby Whitehead was the unluckiest player on the pitch. He drilled in one shot only see a hit given for an offence moments before he struck. His next drive found the identical spot on the back boards, but the umpire had already blown for a short corner! Simon Hewitt then brilliantly set up Duncan Ogilvie for number four with a skillful run down the right wing. Toby Whitehead then completed his bizarre hat trick, this time turning in a Bristol & West shot into the roof of his own net. However, Toby and fellow midfielders Dave Green, Liam Glorney and Andy Cooper were the driving force behind this excellent win. Liam created the last goal when his shot at the right hand side of the goal was deflected to the other side by Martin Palmer's outstretched stick.
Widgets: The Widgets did well to get three goals against Bristol UWE with James Goodman getting a hat trick. Joe Petch saved his first ever penalty stroke. Bristol UWE hit seven goals.
Veterans: The Roving Reporter writes: After a couple of aborted effforts the veterans finally made their trip to Plymouth for the 3rd round cup tie. After meticulous preparations for the previous attempts, this time we were without a minibus and a number of our players who put their acting careers ahead of their hockey. The Wake's Progress had better be worth it! First surprise of the day was when we met former Westbury first teamer Glynn Evans at Coombe Dingle. Was this a late call up? Sadly no, Glynn had just turned up to ask us to collect some kit he had left at Plymouth in 1991!After the long journeyCaptain Webster gathered his troops on a baking hot afternoon led his team in the warm up. The team clearly meant business..... or at least a determination to do better than the 11 goals conceded against these opponents 2 years ago. The pre match questions would soon be answered, would Webster go for just two up front, would any gem like formations be seen in the midfield, and would he prefer Pound in goal or the big bright yellow dustbin?The game started with Plymouth's strong team moving the ball fluently and overloading their right hand side to create lots of pressure on the Westbury D. It was going to be a tough game. Westbury's defence worked hard to keep with their men, but some deft skills and neat lay offs were already threatening to open up the scoring. We didn't have to wait long......But straight from the push back Westbury rallied. Millman took a self pass and showed his pace driving deep into the opposition half. Webster was just as quick and the two rolled back the years with a couple of neat interchanges leading to Webster driving into the D where he was stick tackled. A top piece of umpiring followed as the ball rolled to Millman at the top of the D, play allowed to continue for his rising shot hit the net before Webster had a chance to strop at not winning the short!Oh no, I think we upset them.....Shadows are difficult to chase, particularly when they're better at hockey than you! Westbury tried and tried, but it was clear Plymouth had too much ability and they showed good finishing skills as well to go 4 -1 up at half time. We did ask for a review of one of their goals, but unfortunately Daryll Harper ruled against us.The 2nd half was a very different story. Did Plymouth take their foot of the pedal? Had Westbury's squad been holding something back? Was the half time team talk and tactical change the factor? Probably a mix of two of the three, but whatever, Westbury pinned Plymouth back and created chances. Webster hit the post and was then denied in a 1 on 1 by the Plymouth goalkeeper (who was MUCH better than Rich Wheeler!). Plymouth were restricted to long distance attacks, still dangerous despite some heroic defending by George Banting and Mike Harvey. When they were through on goal, goalkeeper Andrew Pound was outstanding. Pound was clearly 'in the zone', although he might have been better off between the posts.Despite their best efforts, Westbury were unable to score again. Millman and Stamp decided falling over was a better idea than passing and eventually Plymouth did add two more, one of them after Pound's kick wrongfooted Harvey to leave a simple job for the attacker. On full time Plymouth gained a penalty stroke, which was always going to be saved while the rest of the teams shook hands on a hard fought and hugely enjoyable battle.So, a 6 - 1 defeat to put us out of the cup, but Captain Webster made it clear he was delighted with the effort shown and proud of his team.Pastie, beans and beer with oppo and umpires followed, with a couple more beers on the way home. Roll on next year.
Badgers: Chris Poulsom reports: The Badgers resumed their fixtures today playing Bristol and West at home. The sun was shining and the usual supporters watched eagerly from the side in anticipation. This was not to be Westbury's day, possession was dominated and we had the best of the chances however it was just not to be. We hit the post and cross bar during the game and their keeper made a number of good saves to keep us out. Bristol and West took their chances and we ended up 4-0 down come the final whistle.Everyone played very well, the build up play was excellent and we we unlucky not to convert any of our chances.Thanks to Jez for umpiring, for Owen 'Own Goal' Kemp, Tez, Faz for helping out on the pitch and to the Longdens for taking charge of shirt washing.Next week is Firebrands away at Failand, 2.30pm push back.

Westbury & United Banks HC: Results for Saturday 9/1/10
Team	Opponents		League	Scr	Scorers
1^st XI	v Bristol & West	H	Friendly	Can	Snow
2^nd XI	v Bristol & West II	A	Friendly	Can	Snow
3^rd XI	v Bristol & West III	H	Friendly	Can	Snow
Wanderers	v Bristol & West IV	A	Friendly	Can	Snow
Wizards	v Bristol & West V	H	Br & NW Som Div 2	Pst	Snow
Warriors	v Bristol & West VI	A	Friendly	Can	Snow
Widgets	v Bristol & West VII	H	Friendly	Can	Snow
Badgers	v O Bristolians (10/1/10)	A	Bristol Badgers	Can	Snow
Veterans	v Marjons of Plymouth (10/1/10)	A	HA Vets Cup	Pst	Snow
Veterans	v O Bristolians (10/1/10)	A	Friendly	Can	Snow
Match comments
The snow and freezing conditions prevented any matches being payed over the weekend: