Men's 1s -vs- Cardiff
20th September 2008
4 - 3
On a warm September day, the Men's 1's crossed the bridge into Wales, surprised to find the usual bank of cloud and rain that hangs over South Wales had decided to take the day off. This proved to be a sign, as they proceeded to produce a fantastic display of hockey against a side that won the West of England League last year and was preparing for National League hockey. Initially the sides seemed evenly matched, with Cheltenham caught in possession a couple of times, but this soon changed, as Cardiff found themselves swamped by the high work rate of the Cheltenham team. Early pressure on the Cardiff back line, along with incisive runs and passing, saw Cheltenham race into a two goal lead within 13 minutes. Peter Duffy and Alex Hay were both the beneficiaries of speedy moves, and both finished their goals with aplomb. Cheltenham continued to dominate the play, and Cardiff seemed unable to string a set of passes together.
From another sustained spell of pressure, Cheltenham found themselves 3-0 up in the 23rd minute, as good movement in the D from the forward line created the space for Phil Richardson to deflect past the stranded goalkeeper. Using their substitutes well, Cheltenham were able to maintain a real element of control over the game, and frustrated Cardiff with organised defence and controlled possession. From a rare period of Cardiff pressure, Cheltenham were able to launch a devastating counter attack, moving from D to D in four passes, and finishing with a precise ball from Duffy laying on the fourth for Richardson. The well taken goal in the 34th minute was the icing on the cake in a first half performance that left Cardiff shell-shocked.
The second half may appear to have been a different story, but in reality, it was through a combination of Cheltenham slackening, and Cardiff brutality that the scoreline ended up as close as it did. Cheltenham were happy to play a possession game in the first 15 minutes of the second half, maintaining their lead, and looking comfortable until a mistake in midfield provided Cardiff with a breakaway opportunity, which was finished well on the reverse stick.
Even after this goal, Cardiff posed little real threat until the most athletic of their New Zealand Welshmen decided to show that he was unhappy at being given a hiding. He chose to do this by picking on someone who didn't know who he was, and who was obviously at least a foot quicker over 100m than him. Johnny 'H' Bryan felt the full force of the Welsh/Kiwi's shoulder, and was unfortunately rendered unable to play for the remainder of the game. Although the loss of their captain should have done little to disrupt Cheltenham, it obviously had an effect on their approach as they slackened off and allowed Cardiff to score two soft goals in the last five minutes. Nevertheless, this was a quality performance from a Cheltenham side that outplayed Cardiff for most of the game, and who can approach the season with confidence, in the knowledge that they have claimed the scalp of one national league side already this season.
Goal Scorers: Hay, Duffy, Richardson (2)
Player of the Match: Phil Richardson
Men's 1s -vs- Robinsons
21st September 2008
9 - 3
Despite a winning golden goal for Robinsons in a reversal of this 1st round HA Cup fixture last year, Cheltenham 1st XI coach Lee Robson and captain Jonny Bryan were keen to stress this performance was not about revenge, but to set the tone for what Cheltenham intend to do in the West Premier League this season to win, and to win well.
Coming on the back of a friendly victory over National League side Cardiff the day before, Cheltenham were keen to set a high tempo against opponents who have so often proven difficult to overcome in recent years, aiming to maximise the considerable advantages in pace and fitness held over the visitors. All started relatively well, Alex Hay galloping clear of a relatively static defence early on, before crashing home a thumping open stick strike low into the bottom corner.
However, Robinsons struck back quickly; Neil Stewart conceding a penalty flick which was clinically converted giving goalkeeper Chris Purnell no chance. Cheltenham quickly regained their momentum; Hay once more accelerated away from the defence into the 'D' and lifted the ball over the advancing goalkeeper for his second of the afternoon and Peter Duffy found enough space to extend Cheltenham's lead; rifling a fine low shot into the bottom corner from 14 yards. Cheltenham's lead would have been greater at half time, despite a second Robinson's goal from a scrappy penalty corner to make it 3-2, had the umpire not seen fit to blow for half time with debutant Don Cock just about to shoot past an increasingly frustrated Robinson's goalkeeper. Cheltenham had not felt unduly threatened throughout the first half and strong defensive performances from Mike Pierce, Neil Stewart, Tom Ward and James Foster left the hosts frustrated to not have put this game to bed.
The second half saw Cheltenham take the game away from Robinsons who were un able to contain the tireless trio of Jonny Bryan, Tom Glenister and Simon Padley in midfield. Robinsons did score again; another scrappy penalty corner which was little more than a minor irritant for Robson as Cheltenham ran riot at the other end of the pitch.
Six more goals followed for Cheltenham; the most memorable a stunning pitch-length flowing team goal featuring Tom Cole and Phil Richardson, finished by full back Ward who had run from his own 25 to make a sliding deflection at the far post. James Foster and Richardson also combined well; the former lifting a looping aerial into the 'D' which Richardson smashed first time passed the hapless Robinsons custodian. Cock made up for the disappointment of the disallowed first half effort by finding the net legitimately three times. Bryan also got in on the act after stealing the ball neatly; exchanging a quick one-two around the goalkeeper and finishing into an empty net.
Cheltenham looked razor sharp in attack; the movement of Chris Hill and bewitching stick work of Robbie Cullimore also stood out. Robson was pleased with his side's efforts; particularly praising the clinical finishing and work rate throughout the game. Cheltenham face Robinsons again next week in the first West Premier League game of the season, also at Balcarras and will seek to ensure a similarly convincing result.
Goal Scorers: Cock (3), Hay (2), Duffy, Bryan, Richardson, Ward
Player of the Match: Don Cock
Ladies 1s -vs- Worcester
20th September 2008
5 - 1
Cheltenham Hockey had their work cut out at the weekend competing against the unexpected heat, injuries carried by several players and an opposition who were not going to give in easily.
A delayed start and the surprise sunshine meant the ladies had to shake off the summer lethargy and get their heads in the game for an end to end contest of skill, speed and in the end sheer determination. Coach Graham 'Peanut' Cartmell put out a strong attacking line up, looking for flowing hockey from the whistle and the hope of an early lead. With shots whistling wide of both posts it seemed that nothing Cheltenham could do would be enough. Then, against the run of play Worcester secured a penalty corner which bobbled over the line past a somewhat disorganised defence. Going into half time 1-0 down was never the plan and would take some inspired words to get the team to raise their game again and put their one mistake behind them.
Coming out from the break the team looked renewed, invigorated and started playing the high level hockey they knew they could. Holding the middle, playing the ball through captain Gayle Ashby, Cheltenham started to dominate. With strong calling coming from full backs Kim Cook and Sian Evans, Cheltenham were on the offensive, a quick break down the left saw Sophie Whitaker driving through the 23m line but being blocked by a strong Worcester defence. A quick slip right to Daisy Noble and the ball was played back into waiting centre forward Nat Lewis whose quick reactions and first touch set up a brilliant reverse stick shot beating the keeper.
A goal a piece and now it was anyone's game. Cheltenham were the team with adrenalin pumping from the break and a goal to bring them back into the game and unleash a torrent of shots to follow but, they kept their cool, held their shape and worked hard for each other. Cheltenham never let their pace drop and worked right to the whistle with clinical goals flying in from Frankie Mayes on the left post and Sophie Whitaker beating the keeper one on one to place 2 shots in either corner. Nat Lewis added to the tally bringing the final score to a hard fought 5-1. Justine Naylor was voted player of the match for her strength on the ball, ability to slot into any position on the field and overall hard work. A now fired up and prepared Cheltenham can't wait to meet Exe in next week's beginning to the West Premier Division, to keep the scoring going and secure a good start to the season.
Team: Corrie Farrell, Sian Evans, Kim Cook, Fiona Maffey, Gayle Ashby, Gemma Stevens, Emma Jones, Sophie Whitaker, Nat Lewis, Frankie Mayes, Justine Naylor, Therese De Souza, Simone Williams, Daisy Noble
Goal Scorers: Lewis (2), Mayes, Whitaker (2)
Player of the Match: Justine Naylor
Ladies 2s -vs- Witney 2s
20th September 2008
8 - 0
Cheltenham took control of the game from the start and found themselves 4-0 up at half time. In the second half Witney tried to attack but found Cheltenham's defence a solid force. Cheltenham continued to score another 4 goals from open play and short corners. Vanessa Burton and Lou Dowsett both scored hat-tricks while Sophie Jowett and Fran Centamore scored a goal each. Final score 8-0
Goal Scorers: Burton (3), Dowsett (3), Jowett, Centamore
Player of the Match: Vanessa Burton
Ladies 3s -vs- Witney 3s
20th September 2008
1 - 1
The Ladies 3s welcomed 9 new players into the squad for this pre-season friendly, which meant that everyone had to work really hard, but had an outstanding game. From this point on, the team will continue to grow in strength throughout the season. A big welcome to all the new girls. This match might have hurt, but it sets the ladies in good stead for the league next week.
Goal Scorers: Brown
Player of the Match: Becci Brown
