Romsey Mens 4s chalked up their first win if the season after a narrow defeat and draw from their first two matches in what has to be one of the strongest results to be predicted as the game started.
With Romsey’s Goalkeeper running 1/2 hour late and other players not able to make the start Romsey started with nine players and no GK!
Alton took advantage of the lack of a Keeper by firing in long passes in to the Romsey circle, but a couple of deflections went wide and a couple of penalty corners were defended brilliantly with Simeon Field running out and blocking, Pete OHara likewise and then Tom W cleaning up.
With Mike Pooley holding the ball up well with support from Ellison B, Romsey then won a penalty corner. A strong push out from Tom M to Colin Harwood saw the Alton defence rush out and a deft slip left was the executed for 1-0 by Tom W.
So the nine men were ahead, and they hold their lead with Duncan Sanders arriving late to bring them up to ten, and soon after a long ball played from Tom W through to the forwards was chased by Ellison B, and as the Alton keeper left it, it hit the post and Ellison reacting quickest to control the ball and make it 2-0.
Then with still only ten men on the pitch, Romsey pushed forward and Tom W played in Colin H who controlled the ball and pushed it past the keeper for an amazing 3-0 score line.
As Alton pushed for a goal Nick Cooper and Phil Orak made the left side of the pitch their own and with Tom M and Ellison B playing superbly in the centre and bringing in Simeon F, Romsey kept the ball until Lukasz Suleja arrived with his Kit to go in goal and Romsey finished the half 3-0 up and with 11 players.
In the second half the defence stood firm, Duncan S sweeping up and Lukasz S hitting away a couple of chances as Romsey held their lead, and then a long ball breakaway was touched on by Ellison B to Colin H to smash home for 4-0.
Despite an Alton consolation to make it 4-1 final score the rather tired Romsey team celebrated three points that seemed unlikely at push back
L1s focus on beating Andover
Romsey Vs Andover
(Result 2:0)
On Saturday 10th October, a very focused Romsey Ladies 1s hosted Andover at home.
Romsey started the match on the back foot with heavy dominant play from an energised Andover.Despite Romsey conceding a few short corners, in quick succession, no goals were conceded by Romsey, thanks to the composure of the defense: Orak, Shoebridge, Jones, Slade and Braund.
A well organised and confident Romsey then proceeded to dominant the game. Fantastic movement off the ball and passages of play between Knights, Collins and Beeching led to Romsey winning one of several short corners. From Collins’ powerful push, Jenner calmly lifted the ball into the corner and scored her well-deserved first goal of the season.
After a positive half time team talk, Romsey were eager for more goals. The 2nd goal came from Jenner’s formidable pass into the D, which Olingschlaeger deflected past their goalkeeper. Great goal!
Throughout the match Romsey played intelligently, moving the ball well and changing the channel to make more meaningful attacks.
Consistant and relentless attacks came from Bouchard, Brown and Dunford, earning Dunford ‘player of the match’.
Everyone went above and beyond and Luckhurst’s rapid reactions in goal enabled Romsey to keep a clean sheet.
A well-earned 3 points for a supportive and friendly team on and off the pitch. Roll on next Saturday!
L4s Gallop to Gosport
Gosport vs. Romsey 4 Ladies – Saturday 10.10.20 Final Score 4:1
It was a lovely morning for a trip down the M27 to the first away game of the season. Masked up, windows down the Fab Fours’ made their way to a sunny Gosport towards a well-organized COVID friendly welcome, and onto a pitch GB Hockey would be envious of.
Captain Coops reprised last week’s side with Able Ackerman joining for the first time. With a solid warm up completed the Fab Fours’ were poised like a stable of elite race horses. With the whistle blown and push back belonging to the Fours, Heroic Hunter slapped it towards Brilliant Berendsen junior who as always demonstrated smart stick skills to push forward. Gosport were quick on the uptake and on top of Romsey, Brilliant Berendsen junior anticipating their moves tipped the ball to Berendsen senior whose perfect position on the left wing allowed Romsey to gain some ground towards the D. A square ball saw Lively Legg take up the attack, supported by an ever Capable Captain Coops, who switched the ball to Persistent Procter perfectly placed to the side of the D. Maverick Macintosh took up position by the post and was unlucky not to have scored a goal but did manage to surreptitiously get it on Gosport’s feet. Persistent Procter injected the ball to Lippy Lu, who passed it to Heroic Hunter, who generously set it up for Able Ackerman to score a beautiful goal.
Gosport responded with a fast and furious attacking game with some outstanding play, particularly from their two forwards who outplayed and outran Romsey during parts of the match. Brilliant Berendsen junior took a hard fast ball to the thigh, but bravely came back on for the 2nd half of the match. Able Ackerman provided steadfast support to Lively Legg and Heroic Hunter who were able to push forward. Capable Coops and Berendsen Senior were not to be messed with, and were tenacious in the defense and capture of the ball. Maverick Macintosh made a nuisance of herself with Gosport defense popping out of nowhere to steal a ball under their control.
Romsey defense was in epic form with Fabulous French, Legendary Fiesty Field and Wiley Wisey supporting Outstanding O’hara, who saved more goals than went in. Fiesty Field committed the whole game to collecting the ball at speed and taking the 16s before Gosport had the opportunity to set up; a tactic that stood the defensive line in good stead. Fabulous French was all over the back line, preventing Gosport from having the opportunity to strike. Wiley Wisey put persistent pressure on the attack side forcing errors on their part and effectively clearing the ball for the mid-field to run up towards the goal.
The second half saw Gosport score 3 more goals. Romsey were unlucky not to have scored at least 2 more. The 2nd half saw a more disciplined Fab Fours’ side, with the team using more of the width and conceding fewer balls to Gosport. There was good marking of space and sticks were down on the ground. Despite the loss, the 4s felt it was a fun game.
As Kahil Gibran kinda said “Forget not that the earth delights to feel your hockey sticks and the winds long to play with your hair as you gallop down the pitch”. Next week is another game and chance for a win!
L4s use unicorns to start the season
Wimborne 5 vs. Romsey 4 Ladies – Saturday 3.10.20
A blessing of unicorns bestowed a rainbow on Romsey Ladies IV team, which Captain Coops used today to pause the rain during the first league match of the new season. Coops selected a strong side with Outstanding O’hara in goal; the Brilliant Berendsen’ s representing youth and maturity, Wiley Wisey, Feisty Field, Fabulous French and Judicious Jones across the back line. Heroic Hunter, Maverick Macintosh, PersistentProcter as forwards, supported by Fearsome Franklin, LivelyLegg, Lippy Lu and Captain Coops. With social distance rules abided by – the game got underway…..
Romsey looked in fine form; with players in peak condition, ready to take on a friendly Wimborne side. The game got off to a quick start with Hunter taking an early advantage running into space ably supported by Lively Legg and a Brilliant junior Berendsen. Romsey drove the ball towards Wimborne’s goal looking dangerous, with a superb pass out to Procter who was waiting on the wing. Procter switched the ball to Hunter who had a shot on goal, narrowly missing scoring. Procter found herself in the right place on a number of occasions, but a gust of wind took the ball past the goal – so close.
Wimborne responded with a ball from the 16, a big hitter taking advantage of a hard ball down the centre of the pitch. As if by magic, Fearsome Franklin appeared from nowhere snatching the ball from Wimborne; deftly passing it to a waiting Coops, who drove the ball up the pitch passing to junior Berendsen who switched it to Lively Legg and back. Berendsen tapped the ball past a number of waiting Wimbornedefenders driving forward into the D, where Maverick Mac was waiting on post, narrowly missing a goal conversion.
Wimborne rose to match Romsey’s spirit with some lovely play. Franklin, Field and Jones interrupted them on many occasions snatching the ball back, with Wisey and Berendsen senior making a formidable partnership. French and Field disrupted Wimborne’s efforts to score a goal, with Outstanding O’Hara making a number of epic saves. Wimborne’s persistence paid off and they managed to score two goals in quick succession. However, none were conceded from a short corner. Feisty Field was a demon in defense and elevating her prowess to that of a legendary hard hitter. French and Jones were persistent defenders, driving Wimborne out of the D effectively clearing the ball.
At half time the score was 2:0 Romsey Ladies IV were unbroken and determined to score a goal. Heroic Hunter took the opportunity, set up by Berendsen and Procter; the ball flew in the air before a resounding thud as it hit the back board. Wimborne replied with two more goals, but not without a fight – with Captain Coops, Legg and Franklin stealing the ballback. Maverick Mac proved herself to be useful on the wing driving the ball up the line making it difficult for the opposition to intercept.
Despite the loss, the 4s were jubilant; they demonstrated discipline – sticking to their positions, man marking, sticks down and passing into space. Coach Edwards would be proud of how far they had come. As Walt Disney said “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them” – in our hearts we were winners today and next week this may also be reflected on the score board. Well done Ladies IV’s great to be back – with such a rocking and Fantastic Fab Four’s team.
COVID-19 Pitch Protocol – Update
We have updated our match and training protocol to comply with Romsey School’s request that we have no spectators at any training sessions or matches (with the exception of Minis). Full details can be seen below.
Over 100 years of Romsey Hockey Club?
We might think of ourselves as a young club but there is evidence that hockey has been played in the town for well over 100 years.
Here is an article from 1911 talking about the club being reformed. The ground at the back of Test Valley Iron Works that is mentioned is now The Harrage.
If anyone has any more information about hockey in Romsey over the years please get in touch.
2019/20 Junior Awards
Junior training has started again this week and so we have taken the opportunity to present the awards for U10, U12, U14 and U16 Girls and Boys. Awards are give to the Player of the Season and to the Most Improved Player in each age group.
U14 & U16 Boys Awards plus the Bonham Cup Winner for 2019/20
In these unusal times and with the Junior Awards Day having to be cancelled we took the opportunity to present some of the U14 and U16 boys awards at mens training last evening.
The winners are pictured in the attached gallery.
Most of the awards are self explanatory but the Bonham Cup is a special award presented to who the Junior Committee consider to be the Best Junior Player across all ages and genders.
M1s make a winning start to their campaign
The men’s 1s travelled to local rivals Trojans for their first friendly in post lock down conditions.
Trojans 2s, coached by Romsey legend Dave Miles, play in the division above Romsey and would prove to be worthy opposition.
Romsey started the match slowly, much to new coach, Lewis Birch’s frustration and they quickly fell behind to a miss hit PC.
The shock of falling behind spurred them on though and Romsey’s intensive attacking style started to make an impact.
The first goal came from a driving run by Morgan Robertson down the left wing and along the baseline. He slipped the ball to the near post where Martin Gough opened his account with a simple tap in.
The second was a result of some excellent build up play finished off by Matt Ireland from close range.
Young tyro Luke Walter almost made it 3 but soon after Romsey lost the ball in midfield and Trojans broke quickly. Their inside forward hit a ‘Bobby Dazzler’ of a shot just under the cross bar to make it 2-2.
Romsey found them selves under severe pressure for the last 5 minutes but a good tackle at the top of the D saw the ball released to skipper Tom Wigley high in the opposition half.
Wiggles didn’t everything but get a shot away, turning the Trojans GK inside out. It took the calm head of Matt Ireland though to make it a brace and secure a 3-2 win for Romsey.
Returning to playing Hockey – Safely
Please take a moment or two to watch this film – it gives you all of the information you need to get back to Playing Hockey Safely.