Westbury & United Banks HC: Results for Summer League 2005 (Newest results now at top of page)

Small talk: The 3rd summer league side have completed a impressive season winning their last two games of the season to finish top of Div 4. The last two weeks have shown the Jekyll and Hyde of the team. Last week a dire performance away to Gryphons, when we didn't pass, run, work back or seem to care about the game we limped to a 5-1 victory against only 9 men. (sorry I can't remember any of the scorers) The game did give the club captain Bees a gentle return after injury. This week showed the opposite side of the team that has appeared in flashes throughout the season. We arrived at Bath Uni for the title decider against Warlocks (West Wilts) with the bare 11 and were greeted by a friendly
opposition with 15 players, a coach and plenty of spectators of which we provided 2 (thanks for coming). We had our usual disorganised warm up and watched the oppo bang in shots at the other end, which let us know that we were going to be in for a hard game especially as their average age of players had to be at least 5 years younger than us. The game started at a fast pace and it took Westbury 15 minutes to get going, after repelling plenty of Warlock attacks, we began to look more and
more dangerous attacking with some good breaks and patient build up play, which we had been striving for all season. Their keeper made a couple of great saves (Ben was very unlucky not to score) and then we won our first short corner, which Psycho struck calmly into the goal to put us in the
lead. We dominated for the rest of the half but couldn't add a second. The second half continued the frantic pace of the game, with limbo carrying on his card winning ways getting a green for throwing his toys out of the pram - this one was probably deserved. But made up for it by doubling the lead, looping a ball into the far corner, the defenders could only hit his desperate goal line clearance onto the opposite post and into the goal. With 10 minutes to go Westbury began to tire badly as Warlocks pushed to get
back into the game. They pulled 1 goal back but we picked up our game for the last few minutes and after we repelled a last short corner after the final whistle the game and league were ours. Poker and I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has turned out for us this season as a player or an umpire, the guys that have turned up at
short notice and or played out of position - Psycho, Pete Thomas, Martin Palmer. Special thank yous to those that have played almost every game Sparky, Ben, Gervais, Barney (who has never lost a game playing for Westbury), Geoff and Nick who umpired most of our games. Finally we would like to thank Stu Horn who played every week (bar 1 - he dared to take a holiday) in goal for us, most weeks with little to do, but when he was called into action making some great saves to keep us ahead in the close games. And hopefully we will finish the summer league with the best defensive record of any league. We are looking forward to carrying our winning ways on into Div 3 next
summer.

Carter's copy: Last night's 3rd eleven summer league game against West Wilts was the last of the season. Both teams were unbeaten, and had earned promotion, but the league titled rested on this result..... The game was played at very high tempo and no quarters were given by either side, West Wilts had a youthful team of high quality, Westbury fielded a more mature team, Westbury went into half time with a one nil lead following our only short corner of the game, somewhat against the run of play, however this lead was consolidated shortly after half time with West Wilts pushing for an equaliser, the 3rds broke and scored our second goal, the 2nd half battle matched the quality of the 1st ha lf and West Wilts scored a deserve goal 5 minutes from time, ensuring that the game was not over until the final whistle, that whistle coming with the ball in the back of the net following a short corner, however Westbury held there nerve as the ball had not gone outside the D the ball was watched into the net by all. The only disappointing aspect of the game was a 2nd card for Limbo, 2 in less than a week! Our leader should be setting an example. I think he may still be in Bath trying to find his lost teddies.

The C team completed their summer with a close defeat againts N Bristol. It remains to be seen if they can hold onto 3rd place.

The second team stayed top with a win against Long Ashton to keep them top of the table. Mid Somerset appear to be their main rivals but have only declared 4 games (all wins).

Poker's pointers: Well I'm pleased to say another win for the 3rds last night. We had a bit of a selection issue as many people were not about for one reason or another. Never the less we made the trip to Shepton Mallet. After a slow start to the game we were somewhat over powered by them in the first 10 mins. We were able to get to grips with Shepton. The team's effort in the game was faultless, playing in heat over 27 degrees!! Half time, 1-0 down, the score line did not reflect that we had upped our game for the last 15 mins and had started to shorten the passes and work on over laps. The second half was where Westbury decided to up the tempo again and the passes started to link up nicely with some great runs from Ben, Geoff and Frank. We were able to bag 2 goals in second half and win 2-1. Outstanding play as I said from the team on the effort front, good solid performances from Ash woodall, awesome left back, Great runs from Geoff skinning the left back and standing him up loads of times. Frank for being out injury ed and stepping into the fray after 5 weeks out.! Ron the keeper pulled out some good saves bending the ball around the post. Well done one and all looks like we are now promoted! still got that 100% record too Scored 52 goals and conceded 5! Job well done boys!

Duncan discloses: In the game , Westbury went behind but came back strongly to win 3-1. Goals from Martin Palmer, Adam Banting and George Banting. One for the record books.....when was the last time a father and son both scored in the same match for Westbury? (Statsman's summary) It was a game of two halves, Vinyards goalkeeper was delayed on the motorway, but Westbury never really pressured the kicking back. The four short corners were not on target and open play chances were few. The defence was playing well, but when their keeper arrived Vinyards sneaked a 1-0 lead. Just on half time Adam Banting's superb through ball was deftly deflected past the goalkeeper for the equaliser. Play in the second half was much improved and after a lot of pressure Adam Banting put the C team ahead. It needed a goal line clearance from Tim Denner to deny Vinyards a goal and then George Banting drilled in a shot from a short corner that was worked around the D. George struck as if he has been scoring goals like that with great regularity. This was another good result, especially as Vinyards gave the Bs their sternest test of the summer a few weeks ago.

The A team turned in a quality performance to win a match that looks closer than it was. They dominated in most departments of the game and carved out a lot of scoring chance only to be denied by some top class goalkeeping. Chris Cutts turned on a 5 star show, he was a terrier in midfield and was like two men hustling the Torpid players into mistakes. They could only counter with a lot of verbal. Chris robbed a Weston player of the ball and set up Moonie who powered in an unstoppable shot. The passing was very slick and the skill level was high, although pace was not perhaps as fast as a winter game, Westbury were still a yard faster than Torpids enabling them to shut out most of the visiting attacks and looking much sharper going forward. It was only the Torpid's goalkeeper preventing the A team from scoring a hat full of goals. A second goal was still needed and it came from Chris Cutts after a goal mouth melee. Torpids managed to sneak a late goal and it took a clearance off the line by Dave Watkins to ensure Westbury stay top of the table.

Chippenham contrived to lose a car and had to play the whole of the first half with 7 men. To their credit they kept the score down to 3-0 but were never an attacking threat. In fact Stuart Horn only had one touch throughout the game. When the car did arrive Westbury were 5-0 up. Strangely with Chippenham up to strength Westbury were able to add 7 more mainly through being more controlled in their approach with better passing and being more decisive in the D. The pick of the goals must have been Poker's powerful short corner strike. Adam Banting and Ben Jones both struck short corners with the rest coming from open play. This result should push the Bs back to top spot ahead of Worlocks. The away match with Worlocks looks increasingly like the title decider.

Stokers started the game very strongly and took a 1-0 lead, however it was not long before some slick play down the right by Psycho opened up a close range shot for Frosty to score. A superbly weighted ball from Village enable Tony Webster to strike to give a 2-1 lead and not long later Psycho scored from a rasping drive after a great move. Westbury were never able to dominate the game but they looked the classier side and the team more likely to win it. Neil Richardsons cross come shot was expertly turned in by Frosty. Stokers pulled on back from a well struck short corner, before Tony Webster scored after picking up a hard hit pass and tricking his way past the goalkeeper. Tony completed his hat-trick from another sweeping attack. Stokers scored a final consolation, but they may well have to decide the scorer by drawing names out of a hat, because Westbury were convinced the only touch in the D was from a red and green stick. Not quite the 12 goal feast from last year, but still enough to put a marker out for next winter with another success in a local derby.

Small talk: The third team continued their winning streak against strong opposition in Mid Somerset 'A'; preparation was not the greatest with players still being called up at 5, and leaving Bristol late. However we got everyone there and we started the game with 11 players. The game started a very open with both sides looking dangerous, however it was Westbury who opened the scoring, through a massive deflection from a Martin Palmer shot. Both sides created several chances but no more goals were scored in the first half. Unlike most Westbury sides we started the second half like a train, with a sharp attack up the left hand side. This led to a hit outside the D, which
was deflected to Limbo, who smashed the ball home. At this point the oppositions centre back decided to start playing, and he waltzed down the middle of the pitch and pulled one back. A tactical switch meant Limbo and then Adam Banting picked him up and this stifled most of their attacking threat. The pressure began to tell and Westbury reasserted their dominance on the game, with James Holliday scoring from a short corner move from an unselfish pass from Sparky and Geoff Rickard after a slick passing move from the midfield. The game next week is on Tuesday at CD at 7.30 if anyone fancies cheering us along on our promotion challenge.

Div 1

The 1st team had another highscoring draw gaining their 5th point of the campaign. It would be nice to see those points in the summer league table on the league's web site because Westbury currently sit bottom with 'nil points' remenisent of our Eurvision exploits in a Song for Europe. Any words of wisdom from captains or players can be added here. Just post it on the forum.

The A team moved to top of the table with their 2-1 win at Yate, a good result considering Tonka only had 8 players a couple days before. Pete Murphy saved a penalty stroke whilst Limbo and Moonie scored the goals.

The C team were up against Somerset Gryphons who looked a strong side and gave Westbury little room to attack and looked dangerous themselves going forward. Yet it was the Cs who stole a two goal lead, both the goals going in via deflections off defenders. There was some determined tackling from Barney Willis and Adam Banting to keep SG at bay. In the second half the defence took a firmer hold on the marking and it was good to see Martin Fey making a second successive appearance after 18 months of non playing idyll (or is it idle?) Martin along with Pete Farrell turned the clock back a few years to their regular playing days! Pete gave a skillful performance down the right (can we entice him back to play next winter?) An early second half goal was needed and it came from a 'thunderbolt' shorter corner strike from Steve Carter. The Cs had some great attacks down the right wing and put a lot of pressure on the visitors, but SG pulled a goal back. With 5 minutes to go a brilliant Farrell cross was drilled in from close range by Duncan Ogilvie to make the game safe. A very good win for the Cs.

A much changed C team with only four players from two weeks ago put up a spirited performance against another strong side. Mid Somerset had a lot of skill and were the more dominant team getting an early goal to take the lead. Matt Taylor struck a short corner to equalise, Matty had a great game going forward from right midfield causing all sorts of problems for the visiting de fence. At half-time Mid Somerset had a 2-1 lead. In the second half Chris Cutts struck to level the scores, but Mid Somerset scored two more to lead 4-2. With a few minutes left Martin Palmer deflected a Chi's Cutts pass to reduce the deficit. There was still time for Chris to strike a short that was cleared off the post and for Steve Carter to drive a cross across the face of the goal that just eluded a home stick. There were strong performances from everyone but on the day Mid Somerset had the edge.

The B team were given a stiff test by Vinyards, who despite starting with only 10 men (and not providing an umpire, Westbury provided both), stole an early lead. Ben Jones equalised from the penalty spot and later a clever pick up and turn off the keeper's pads by Geoff Rickard, saw him score off the inside of the post. Vinyards who by then had a full side gave a good account of themselves and Westbury were unable to apply consistent pressure on the home goal. The defence stayed firm and the Bs eventually ran out 2-1 winners.

Psycho analysis: Pretty much the full 1st team were available from Westbury, which was clearly going to be needed for this game. Flames turned up with their usual mix of experience (Dave Ward), up and coming youngsters and some incredibly talented players. We went 1 - 0 down quite quickly which was a worrying sign, however, we kept fighting. The game was evenly matched for the best part of the game with some quality end to end hockey, a pleasure to watch I am sure, thanks to those who turned out to support. It went down to the wire and ended 5 - 5 with 2 goals each from Parish and Roper and one for Webster. It could quite easily have gone either way with Westbury having the better of the chances, tired legs showed at the end with rather a large gap between the forwards and everyone else on the pitch. Dave Ward commented after the game stating 'typical Westbury', can score lots goals, but do not know how defend as a team and hold on to the ball, should have finished us off in the first half' or something like that.

Tonka's tales: We had the bare 11 players for our game yesterday, with me having to play, well stand around a bit in midfield. The game was slow in thought and deed, with only North Bristol slower. We welcomed Pete Farrell back who did not look very pleased at being told he had to play the full 70 mins. In the end we got our game together, with Chris Cutts and Ian Hipwell working hard in the heat to win 7 nil. The scorers were Moonie 2, Terry short corner Watts 2, Welding 1, Hipwell 1, should have been 3 and can not recall the scorer of our seventh.

Small talk: The 3rd team continued their impressive run with a 5-0 win against Bath Banzai's. The game started well even with the late call ups due to injury and last minute drop outs, and we took the lead after I miss-hit a shot and perfectly lobbed the keeper. We continued to pass the ball around, but struggled to make an impact in the final third. Ben Jones scored his first of the evening after varying the short corner routine and striking a shot into the corner, to make it 2-0. Psycho finished of a fine move including George, Ben and a great lay off from Jay Rogers to score another. I am afraid I can't remember who got the fourth of the first half.The second half was a scrappy affair, with Westbury dominating the game but again unable to find the right pass in the D and the only goal in the half was by Ben Jones scoring a penalty stroke. The game was played in good spirit, with both sides admitting to fouls when occasionally missed by the umpires and made for another enjoyable evening of hockey.

Webster's waffle: Our great start to the summer continued last night with a 5-4 reverse to Somerset Gryphons,. Once again the oppo were more up for it than we were, some suspect umpiring from the homer didn’t detract from the fact we didn’t deserve to win. Scorers were Poulsom, Richardson and Webster 2, Only firebrands next\game with points needed soon!

Small talk: Dave Wornell scored the opener on his return from injury from a very acute angle, before N Bristol equalised in a spell of very even play. We were lucky to score just before half-time through John Ludley. After a rocket at half time from myself and Poker, the team stayed asleep until the last 20 minutes, when the game opened up. Ben Jones scored a great drag flick before missing the easiest chance ever seen on a hockey pitch. Geoff Rikard got his rewards for tireless running and perseverance to get on the end of another slick move to score and then set up Sparky for the fifth. Special thanks for Martin Palmer umpiring at the last minute when N Bristol didn't bring one, then had the cheek to complain about the decisions-which were fine. The winning run continues but the standard needs to be picked up to ensure we stay top.

The C team put up a spirited\performance against Worlocks (W Wilts) but were up against a technically superior side. Tim Denner turned 3 scorching short corners off the line in 10 first half minutes, and Pat Tampkins deflected two more over the bar in the second half. Worlocks were 1-0 up at half time whilst the Cs managed just one shot at goal. Worlocks were stunned when Westbury's only shot of second half was turned in by Duncan Ogilvie, the home goalkeeper messing up his only action of the game by colliding with his own player. Sam Banting made himself 'big' to save a number of shots, but was beaten twice more. The team had essentially 5 Widgets against some W Wilts 1st and 2nd team players. The Cs never gave in and worked hard throughout the game.

Poker's prattle: Yes the Bs did win last night 13-0, mind you they had a few different plyers to when the Cs played them. Well done to all for another awsome performance. Overall, ball pace and movement (switching angles of attack). was where we won the game along with banging in more goals (did feel a bit wrong to ask thekeeper for £8 though, as he did not even touch the ball. We were 6-0 up at half time and the 1st 10 minutes of the second half did not see S Glos get pass their own 25. It was a joy to see flowing hockey, as all the players had a great game.

Duncan discloses: Dom Harris continued his fine goal scoring run with a couple of goals to put us 2-0 up at half time. Whilst inventive forward play and an industrious midfield did the damage one end, a strong defensive performance thankfully kept the number of shots at our goal to a minimum. Thankfully because the Cs had me in goal! Alan Christopher got the final goal in the second half to secure a deserved 3-1 victory. Special thanks to Martin Fey for agreeing to umpire at short notice.

Tonka's tales: We played Shepton Mallet's ones and were worth our 3-2 win. Shepton had two very quick players up front but decided to defend deep and in numbers, with the result that most of the game we spent in their half with the ball in and round their 25. We kept giving the ball away as it was difficult to find our men with so many back for Shepton. We did score through Ian Hipwell, a miss shot which spun in past the keeper. Second half was more of the same, we were attacking, Shepton trying to catch us on the break. Moonie scored from a short corner , making it two nil with about 15 mins to go. Then Moonie got himself sent off for "attitude", which was highly surprising as the game was very good natured and no green card was offered, but straight to yellow. But the umpires were being assessed. While he was off Shepton scored two in two mins. But with two minutes to go Ger picks up the ball, went round two players into their D, through a defender and pushed the ball gently towards the goal. The keeper does not move, I think the ball was moving too slowly for him to be concerned and watched it slip in to the goal to make it three two. The defence played really well, not conceding a short corner the whole game.

The second B v C team derby (last year 4-2 to the Bs) took place. It wasn't that The C team were bad, we just couldn't be good. The B team were too hot to handle, with their powerful running from midfield. They controlled the play and the C team only had brief spells of posession. It was 15 minutes before the Bs scored from a surprise penalty stroke, a second goal followed shortly after. The Cs did pull a goal back from a goalmouth scramble after the ball hit the bar, but the Bs surged to a 5-1 half time lead. The Cs worked hard in the second half and managed to contain most of the B team's attacks, at the expense of not being able to apply any convincing attacks at the other end. The quality of play by the B team suggested that they could well have reached double figures and more. Ben Jones notched 4 goals (one from the spot and one drag flicked short corner that Shep said afterwards "You don't get those against you in the Warriors!"). Geoff Rickard snapped up 2 goals at the far post on his return after last week's head injury. My prediction is for the B team to win most of their games by similar scores based on their performance this week.

Psycho analysis: It was always going to be tough with only 11 players, Mason having hurt his shoulder the previous evening. We went 3-1 upand then Bath scored 2 very quick goals to equalise before the end of the first half.. Deaks took a knock before the break and had a cut above his eye which needed attention, so we were down to 10. A combination of 10 men, poor fitness, a number of formation changes and an apparent lack of will to win saw the opposition run us off the park in the second half, scoring a further 3 goals.

The 4th team looked a bit disjointed\at first but gradually took control and dominated the game. The passing in the second half was superb. S Glos commented on how well we kept posession. They couldn't deal with the trickery of Dom Harris who scored a first half hat-trick. Geoff Rickard had a nasty hit to the cheek from a ball that flipped up viciously. He returned from A&E later with nothing broken!

Report from Terry Watts: The Second Team drew 2 all. I do not how we did not win though. We dominated the game from start to finish but were just unable to put away the numerous chances we had in front of goal. They had maybe three chances and scored two. That was the difference.The first team's away game with Robs did not take place!