News & Reports |
|
| 7th February 2006 - U18 National Indoor Championships at Kidderminster - by Stuart Harrison Another outstanding achievement |
|
The scores! Old Loughtonians 4 Bradford 3 Bradford 3 Newcastle-u-Lyme 3 Havant 5 Bradford 0 (Whoops!) Bradford 2 Millfield 3 The harsh reality of hockey at the top level of this U18 age group, but those who were there will confirm that it could easily have been so different! The day didn't start well, with both Dan Barstow and Ryan Harrison visibly under the weather with the dreaded "Lergy" - although both still gave 100% as always. Unfortunately, the tone was set on day one with the most abject umpiring performance in our first game, something which seemed to carry through the whole day and, whilst all teams suffered from the umpiring inconsistencies and bizarre interpretations of the rules, we did feel (as always) that we suffered more than most. Against Loughts, we had two seemingly perfectly legitimate goals disallowed, and, to rub salt in the wound, Old Loughts were awarded a goal from a short corner drag which went wide of the post - all by the same umpire (blind as a bat!) Three points stolen! Even the opposition were slightly embarrassed - but still, we could have played better. This was followed by bit of a lack-lustre display against the weakest side in the group where frustration with decisions spilled over into lack of discipline, resulting in being one man short for a large proportion of the second half (no prizes for guessing who!) and, at this level, it was 2 points dropped from what should have been a comfortable win. (A five minute yellow in a 12 minute half did seem a little harsh though) So, on to Havant - a "must win" game. A strong first half performance against tough opposition saw us go in 1-0 down at half time, however, shortly after the break, after some good pressure, we equalised with a superb move - or so we thought. We hadn't reckoned with our friendly umpire from game one, who disallowed it again, to be swiftly followed by Havant whizzing up the other end of the pitch and scoring their second and third in quick succession. (I've got his name and I know where he lives) Concentration was then lost completely, which was a shame, as, up until that point, it was a very competitive and finely balanced game. To lose 5 - 0 having played some really good stuff was hard to bear and it's at times like these when you can tell that the players start to feel that the whole world is against them! It was at this point that the Team Manager made a rare management decision, and with both chips firmly on the shoulders decided, Blow the lot of them, let's get down the pub. This was obviously a shrewd move, and this, combined with the players staying up 'til the early hours playing Poker, was clearly the ideal preparation for our titanic battle with Millfield the following morning. With Bradford pride at stake, we put in what was undoubtedly our performance of the tournament against one of the top two sides in the country and last years' champions - playing as we know we can play and, a clearly rattled Millfield were fortunate to get the points. Our friends the Umpires were determined not to be outdone though, with a final twist of the knife in the dying seconds, denying us a stroke when a Millfield player used a neat bit of footwork to get his very expensive size 12 in the way of the ball on the line. When subsequently (and politely) asked why it hadn't been a stroke he replied, and I quote, " I thought I saw a hand on the floor in the build up" - non the wiser there then! Oh well, never mind eh? Seriously though, it was a great performance and, finishing on a high, was just what we needed after a traumatic Saturday! The whole weekend, including the visit to the NIA, was an excellent experience for all of us and we believe we have all learnt a great deal from it. There were many positives to be taken away, individually and collectively, and certain areas to work on for next year. It was a steep learning curve but we now have the confidence to know we can compete at this level and can't wait to try and get there again next year, a year older and wiser. We should remember that five of the six in the starting line up for this event are still eligible for next year's tournament, so keep watching, you never know! It was also encouraging to note that Millfield and Kingston (the eventual comfortable winners in the final) slogged it out to a 3-3 draw in the semi's, with Kingston winning on strokes, which puts our performance against Millfield into perspective. One thing which must be mentioned; Scott, Oliver, Jason, Matthew, Michael and Jac did not get any pitch time, but went through the weekend without complaint and always full of encouragement for those that were on the pitch - well done you lot, a great squad and we hope you all enjoyed the experience, even though you didn't get to play. Finally, many thanks to Bev for her superb organisation of the trip (let's not forget, a lot of hard work went into that) and thanks also to everyone who supported the various fund raising events and to all those parents/supporters who made the trip down - enjoyed your company - apart from Terry of course! Thanks to everyone who helped us to realise this dream weekend | |
| 10th October 2005 - England Hockey Clubs 1st Accreditation - by Paul Bateson An outstanding achievement |
|
We are pleased to announce that on 10th October 2005 Bradford Hockey Club was awarded England Hockey Clubs 1st Accreditation - the first Hockey Club in West Yorkshire to achieve this and gain the coveted Sport England Clubmark. Youth development has always been at the forefront of our training programmes. Working closely with local schools, the community, Bradford Sports Development and West Yorkshire Sport, we have always endeavoured to promote hockey and provide a Safe, Effective and Child Friendly club environment. This recognition is due in no small part to our hard working management team, the excellent coaching volunteers, the long suffering parents and, of course, the dedicated youngsters who through their participation learn the skills that make hockey an enjoyable and rewarding sport. Thanks to all who help make this possible | |
| 1st April 2005 - 56th Annual Dinner - by Paul Bateson An truly excellent evening |
|
An excellent evening on Friday 1st April in the 'Blue Room' at The Guide Post Hotel, Low Moor. Turnout was not as high as your Honorary Secretary had hoped for, but we did manage to make a small surplus to help swell the club coffers. The evening was also marked by a first for Bradford Hockey Club, as in an effort to start making the dinner a more 'family' orientated event, we managed to entice three ladies along! Lets hope we can improve of this next year! Presentations were made by our erstwhile 'El Presidente' Doug Akroyd, with 'Club Man of the Year' going to Colin Whitehead, for his sterling efforts trying to keep the 4th XI alive, the 'Player of the Year' went to Danny Barstow, our young 1st XI vice-captain and international umpire, the 'Leading Goal Scorer' trophy went to, guess who, Richard Harpin, with 38 goals to his credit so far this season, and the 'Ronnie Summers Shield was awarded to the 2nd XI for their excellent progress in Yorkshire League Division 5. | |
| 12th September 2004 - U18 Cup - Beeston, Nottinghamshire - by Stuart Harrison U18's almost outplay Beeston HC |
|
A belated match report on our performance down at Beeston on Sunday September 12th 2004 in the National U18 Cup draw against Beeston HC where we lost 5 - 3. Once the draw had been made and we found ourselves drawn away to Beeston in the first round, there were some who started to question the wisdom of entering an U18 side at all, bearing in mind we didn't have any U18 players available! We need not have worried. A handful of U17 players, supplemented by the majority of this years' U16 side (11 players in total and no subs!!) travelled to Nottingham to take on the might of Beeston U18's, with their four England internationals, a collection of regional players and several substitutes, and yet again, our lads did themselves and the club proud. If Beeston thought they were in for an easy ride, then they were in for a shock as "the chaps", after looking the more dangerous early on, took the lead after 20 minutes from a short corner strike. (An unusually well struck shot from Danny Barstow deflected high into the net off a defender's stick!) Clearly rattled, Beeston fought back and started to assert their authority to go into the break 2 - 1 up, although at this stage we really didn't deserve to be behind. Despite Beeston's superior strength in depth, our lot continued to give them a hard time and, after weathering an early second half storm, drew level with a close range effort from Mark Lodge. With an unsettled Beeston back on their heels, for the next ten minutes Bradford dominated and it was only desperate defending and a superb fresh air shot from Danny which prevented the lads from taking the lead. (Sorry Danny - it happens!) Had we taken one of the chances we created at this stage, Beeston may well have gone to pot, however they started to play as we expected they could and scored two fine goals to go 4 - 2 up. The opposition could easily have run away with the game at this stage against a less determined outfit but, as this group have demonstrated many times in recent seasons, they are never beaten until they're beaten and once again pulled one back via Mark Lodge's neck, after a superb decision by Bev in our favour! ( Beeston not too happy with that one!!) The fact that we had no substitutes was taking it's toll and our eleven very tired players couldn't quite summon up enough to draw level and, with Beeston sealing the game with a late goal, had to accept defeat graciously. Beeston no doubt deserved their victory, but as their coach said; "We could easily have lost that game" which is testament to the effort put in by all our players. There were some excellent indiviual performances but it would be unfair to single out individuals for praise as every player performed to their best and certain players exceeded all expectations. Our behaviour on and off the pitch was, once again, impeccable and a great advert for the club. All in all it was a superb performance by a side made up of four U17 players and seven U16's and all deserve great credit to be able to compete at U18 level against one of the strongest junior clubs in the country. We can now look forward to our next opponents, Sunderland, in the U18 Plate competition at home - date to be advised. Squad U17's were Dan Barstow, Mark Lodge, Oliver Abakumov & Scott Jenkins. The U16s were Chris Kessie, Ryan Harrison, Tom Davison, Gareth Philpott, James Moorhouse, Kylan Pathmanathan & Jonni Lancaster. Well done lads !! | |
| 18th April 2004 - Yorkshire U16 Finals Day - Leeds Metro - by Stuart Harrison U16's just miss out on the honours |
|
Just thought i'd let you know that, once again, the gang have just missed out on the honours!! We got off to our usual sluggish start in the group stage losing 2-0 to Doncaster but subsequently came to life beating Harrogate 3-1 and then demolishing York 6-2 to come runners up in the group to make the semi final. A great display followed against the other group winners Rotherham in the semi where we stormed into a 3-0 lead in no time, eventually running out 3-1 victors. The final, inevitably against Doncaster (yet again!), could have gone either way in a great match, but despite applying a lot of pressure, we couldn't quite pull back from a 1-0 deficit and so, just missed out again! Whilst there were some great individual performances, of particular note was Mark Lodge's goal tally of 8 out of the 12 scored - not a bad days' work really! Considering most of the players had attended county training on Saturday morning and then charged across to Thornton to hand Ben Rhydding a 5-3 lesson in the afternoon (The U16 squad minus Jack and Bram - good stuff - I think Ben Rhydding were a little shellshocked!), to be able to perform at the level they did for another 5 off 25 minute games on Sunday was credit to their fitness & determination. At least they managed to come home with some silverware for their efforts, well deserved too! | |
| 27th December 2003 - Chaos, Mayhem and Pandemonium - by Phil Thomas 30 Father Christmas's celebrate Gordon Higgins contribution to hockey at Halifax and Bradford |
|
With 30 Father Christmas's on the pitch at any one time, and with the second half refreshments stationed on a table at the top of the shooting circle that Bradford were defending, it was difficult to assess the criteria of the players - were they here to play hockey or make sure they got their share of the liquid refreshment. Passers by both on foot, and in passing cars, stopped to double check that what they saw was actually happening. Terry Moorhouse and Howard Spencer did their best to make sure that the Rules of Hockey were given some recognition, though it was difficult to know into which goal teams were shooting and whether in fact they were passing to their own team, or just passing. Five red Christmas cards were given by the umpires to players for offences that included - being far too good to be playing at this level; lifting the ball at a penalty stroke; being in possession of the ball for too long and persistently breaking wind at short corners. Goals were scored at regular intervals but the match delegates didn't have a clue who scored except that he answered to the name of Santa Claus. Who won? Who cares? A great afternoon of Hockey enjoyed by everyone who took part. Many thanks to Paul Bateson, who both acquired the Father Christmas outfits that were big enough to fit Mick Flood, and Tim Bailey with all his goalkeeper kit on, and for providing the copious amounts of liquid refreshments that were consumed with such pleasure. Gordon would have really enjoyed the game. Thanks to everyone who came to remember, the Chaos, Mayhem and Pandemonium that were Gordon's trade mark of organisation. | |
| 14th December 2003 - U15 Cup - Bradford v Belper - by Stuart Harrison | |
Once again, despite outplaying the opposition for the vast majority of the game once again the lads haved been dumped out on penalty flicks. In a cracking match, in which we were never behind, the score at the end of normal time ended 4-4, all of Belper's goals coming from short corners. Short corner defence practice required at training?!!. Indeed, Belper rarely threatened in open play, except from occasional quick breaks from constant Bradford pressure. At 4-3, a well struck elevated goalbound shot was was incredibly stopped on the line by a defender (so close to 5-3 & game over!). 4 minutes from time Belper were awarded yet another short corner, from which they scored, and so to flicks. After 5 flicks - still level, sudden death - both sides scoring from the first flick and Belper winning out on the second set. There were some mutterings about the frequency with which the home umpire was awarding the home side short corners, however, had we converted even 50% of the chances we created, the match could have been won comfortably. Nonetheless, it was yet another excellent performance throughout the side and one for the club and players to be proud of. Once again the opposition graciously accepted they had been subjected to a grilling and were fortunate to come out on top Very nice of them, but still scant consolation! I do feel for the oppostion next Sunday in the U16 League, I fancy that a certain amount of frustration may be taken out on someone!! | |
| 7th December 2003 - Indoor Regional Finals at Hull - by Stuart Harrison | |
I felt I should report back on one of the most enjoyable hockey days for many moons at the Regional Finals of the Indoor Tournament in Hull on Sunday. Our U16 Squad played like lads possessed (bearing in mind that 5 of the squad are U15's!) beating: Kings School Macclesfield 1-0 Sheffield Hockey Club 2-1 City of York 1-0 They reached the semi-finals where a strong Kingston-upon-Hull side were disposed of 2-1 and on to the Final for the "Grudge Match" against Doncaster (all of whom were territorial players - including a guest performance from a certain Bradford-based player - Ashley Hadcroft!) Despite outplaying Doncaster throughout the Final we just could not manage to get the ball in the net, ending up 0-0, and then losing out in the subsequent penalty shoot out 2-1. (Due to hitting a post and denied another by a wonderful save by the opposition keeper.) The lads can feel proud of themselves, as can the club, because the level of commitment and skill (and impeccable behaviour unlike last year!) was a joy to behold and was appreciated by players and spectators alike and, had justice been done, they would have been going on to Kidderminster for the National Finals. U15's Squad : Chris Kessie, Ryan Harrison, James Moorhouse, Kylan Pathmanathan & Gareth Philpott U16's Squad : Dan Barstow, Tom Handley, Jack Rimmington, Oliver Abakumov & Ben Tootell (Guest) Bev Barstow & I (and the other supporters) were thrilled with the performance and the Club has come out with an awful lot of credit. What a cracking bunch they are !!! It is to be hoped that this kind of spirit can be carried forward to the U15 Cup on Sunday 14th December at Belper, because if it is, then who knows what may happen. | |