Mens 1st XI 2-2 Warwick 1st XI

Goals: Ben Scott (2)

Saints took the field full of confidence after last week’s thrashing of Edgbaston and knew there were a definite three points up for grabs against struggling Warwick. The first half showed a very controlled performance by the Saints who were patient and took fifteen minutes to win their first short corner. Ben Scott converted to make it 1-0. Although Saints continued to dominate possession a few silly mistakes were creeping into their game. Despite this it was Saints that again scored next – great work by Joe Kopka and Gareth Parker down the Saints right gave Grant Carlin a chance in the D but as he went to shoot, he was fouled by a Warwick defender. Scott again converted the resulting penalty stroke. A two nil lead into half time would have been ideal but that wasn’t o be the case. A quickly taken free hit saw the ball thrown over the top of the Saints backline and the Warwick forward beat the last standing defender and smashed past Paul Madeley for a very well taken goal.

At half time Saints re-grouped and set about a more controlled second half. A scrappy opening ten minutes saw half chances for both sides with the Warwick keeper making a double save from Carlin and Martyn Cory seeing his reverse stick fluff cleared off the line. As Warwick got themselves more into the game they equalised through a short corner. The initial shot was saved but the rebound fell to a Warwick forward and with Saints sleeping he finished well into the corner. With ten minutes left it was all Saints but the home side were unable to break the deadlock. A disappointing short corner was the last of Saints efforts but probably a result they deserved.

 

Next week, away at bottom side Burton. A far more professional performance needed.

 

 

Men’s 3rd XI 3-0 Rugby & EW 3rd XI
 

Goals: Ally Rose, Jason Hillier, Sam Bigley

 

Saints welcomed Rugby, the league leaders to Northampton looking to work on an encouraging 2nd half performance the previous week. Mind games had already started pre-match with Andy Dale befriending the opposition.  It was a scrappy opening, with newcomer Krisha learning that the rules have changed since he last played a few years earlier. As the half wore on, Saints started to come into their own, and it was Rose who was on the back post to score from a great pass from Hillier. This sparked Saints into life and it wasn’t long before Hillier added to tally, smashing home his 2nd attempt from the penalty corner. Sadly Hillier injured himself so all he was good for was the bar for the rest of the match.

The second half was a tense affair for Rugby, determined to get back into the match, getting more frustrated as time went on. Saints took advantage and Mitchell pressing the fullback, gave room for a lovely arial by Dale (not hitting the wire this time) to Pibworth outside the D, who in turn slipped the ball in to the path of Bigley  who lifted the ball past the keeper for the third goal. Great win, and not to forget a clean sheet for Thompson.

 

MOTM: Ally Rose & Jon Hunter – both had excellent games, bossing the park

DOTD: Jon Hunter (though reasons were not forthcoming)

 

Simon Thompson (GK), Andy Dale (c), Jason Hillier, Jon Hunter, George Roberts, Nigel Down, Sam Mitchell, Ian Mcilwaine, Luke Pibworth, Sam Bigley, Ally Rose, John Noble, Chris Rowlands, Krisha

 

 

Men’s 5th XI 1-0 Belper 4th XI

 

Goal: Matt Kerr

 

Saints 5th team were at home this week after a number of away games.  Welshman ’The Orange’ Rob also stood in as captain as Dave had injured himself the Sunday before. The 5th team went into the game still undefeated.

After the way we had played the week before and winning the game after going behind we knew we had to play like that for this game too and keep the winning momentum up. The first 10 minutes was a case of settling in to the opposition as they had a few speedy breaks that were dealt with by the defence.

The greater possession was had by the home team for most of the half although Belper had chances and keeper Phil Preen was kept busier than he wanted to be. After 20 minutes the team made 3 changes for the remainder of the half. A few initial breaks came to nothing then new boy ‘Matt the moustache’ Kerr received the ball in the opposition D from a run Gareth Voss had made. One touch to stop the ball and a quick turn and strike left the keeper on the spot and the ball in the corner of the goal. Saints were 1 nil to the good.

After some goal mouth oranges courtesy of Rob Cary, the team were ready for the second half.

After 20 minutes of the same kind of end to end hockey the game was brought to an abrupt halt when the head of defender Karl McGregor was hit at pace by the ball. The result was a blood stained pitch and a bandaged head.

The last fifteen minutes saw chances for Belper saved by the keeper causing frustration in the team and opportunities by Saints cut out by the defenders, either side of Rob Tee ‘ballet dancing’ around the pitch. With the slim lead Saints held on and ended the game in Belpers goal area pleased to have held on for 3 points in a game that they could have made easier for themselves but stayed top of league and undefeated.

 

MOTM: Phil Preen for the great saves

 

DOTD: Rob Tee for his numerous attempts at ballet dancing

Special mention to the paramedics who checked on Carls head injury and they got their share of the food in the end!

 

Squad: Phil Preen (GK), Steve Morris, Jeremy Wan, Harry Stobart, Karl McGregor, Matt Caton, Luke Howard, Tom Dysko, Rob Tee, Rob Cary, Ed Arnold, Matt Kerr, Hugo Day Gareth Voss
 

 

 

Melton Mowbray 5th XI 0-5 Men’s 6th XI


Goal Scorers: Alasdair Townsend, Joshua Pibworth and Alex Jeffery (3).

In a game of 2 halves the World Famous Fighting Sixes decided to make the job harder for themselves. The First half was dominated by over-complications, forced balls and heartless tackling. A good umpire also helped to ensure a fair match.

At the Half-time whistle the WFF6s retired to the goal for a stern talking to and a refocus of their strategy.

Whatever was said, worked. The Fighting Sixes came out guns blazing and the first goal from a controversial shot by Alasdair Townsend resulted in Melton dropping their heads and taking half a yard off their pace.

Alex Jeffery then put three in a row in spectacular fashion. Joshua Pibworth put in the last, but it was fine goal keeping by Dean Gibson who earned him Man of the Match.

 

Squad: Tony Brennan(c); Dean Gibson (GK); Karl Flowers; Rob O’Donnell; Darren Thorpe; Joshua Pibworth; Phil Marillat; Richard Smith; Ant Condon; Alasdair Townsend; Mark Shepperd; Ben Reynolds; Alex Jeffery, Jon Keep

 

 

Shrewsbury Vets 6-2 Men’s Vets (2nd Round of National Masters Cup)

 

Goals: Guy Roberts (2)

 

The Saints over 40s were dealt a harsh lesson in finishing as Shrewsbury ended their hopes of an extended run in the National Cup. Shrewsbury started strongly and controlled the first 15 minutes establishing a two goal lead through well worked short corners. The saints then started to come to terms with an overly physical approach by their opponents and started to create chances of their own. After a number of glorious chances went begging - Guy Roberts pulled one back 5 minutes before half time to give a glimmer of hope, The two goal cushion though was re-established by Shrewsbury on the stroke of half time with another short corner routine.

 

Even at 3-1 down Saints there was real belief that the game could be salvaged as Saints continued to push forward with great purpose and movement - unfortunately the final attempts just lacked precision. Against the run of play Shrewsbury added a fourth as Saints had to commit more men forward looking for a way back into the game. Rather than deflating the Saints it spurred them on for a more concerted effort on the Shrewsbury goal and were almost immediately rewarded with another goal for Guy Roberts. The last 10 minutes saw a lot of honest endeavour by the Saints masters in seeking further goals - unfortunately only to get hit with two late Shrewsbury counter attacking goals. The 6-2 score line certainly flattered the hosts in what was a highly competitive and enjoyable game and against a very capable Shrewsbury outfit. The Masters look to keep their season going with a number of "friendlies" throughout the rest of the season - all opposition will be considered ! 

 

 

Saints U18s 0 – 9 Beeston U18s

 

 

Warriors come out play

It was the first gathering of the Saints U18’s this season after 2 Mercian matches had been cancelled, so preparation to face mighty Beeston last years national champions wasn’t the best! However there were 14 Warriors ready for the battle! Well when I say 14 really it was 13 as Max Heaphy arrived with Maddie Wightman’s playing shirt; Maddie is 9 years old!!!!!!!!

It took the Saints Warriors several minutes to wake up when they started playing some surprisingly lovely hockey, however with not long gone Beeston made the break through with a flowing move, straight from the training ground 0-1 Beeston. They continued to press our young warriour and despite valiant defending from Caton, Wilde, Roberts, Thompson, Wightman plus heroic goalkeeping from Holt, Beeston were 6-0 up at half time! 

A few stern but encouraging words of wisdom from Tony Brennan and Ben Stephenson had the Warriors out with a new found confidence in the second half and had several promising attacks. Every ball was keenly fought for and despite conceding a further three goals, the Warriors put in a solid performance and even had passages of play where they looked very much in charge – making Beeston looking very average at times. Final Score Saints Warriors 0-9 Beeston U18  

It was a well fought game, with the score line not doing the young warriors justice. Although much to improve on, this was a good start to this years  campaign. The Warriors will strive forward and show other sides that they are a team to be reckoned with.

MOTM: shared this match between Ed Holt and Max Heaphy.

Special Mention to Tom Wightman for his leadership.

DOTD James Knibbs, we won’t mention why

 

Squad: Ed Hol (GK), Matt Caton, Matt Wilde, Sean Henry, George Roberts, James Knibb, Jamie Hawkins, Lee Thompson, Ant Condon, Tim Warburton, Tom Wightman, Max Heaphy, Ally Rose, Jacob Pryce

 

Ladies 1st XI 0-4 Wakefield

 

The ladies travelled to league leaders Wakefield in this National Conference North clash. Preparations weren’t ideal as a water logged pitch delayed the start time by over one hour.

The first period saw Saints be the dominant side, and they really should have taken the lead with 2 clear shots on the keeper early on from Ellie Hand and Lisa Coe. They continued to be the better side and some-what against the run of play Wakefield scored. They then doubled their lead shortly before half-time.

 

The second half was a disappointing affair as the ladies took their foot off the gas and allowed Wakefield to dominate them. Keeper Sophie Ross was in inspired form however even she couldn’t prevent 2 further goals going in.

Next week sees the ladies travel to Whitley Bay for a ‘6-pointer’.

 

 

Ladies 2nd XI 5-1 Nottingham Uni 1st XI

Goal scorers:  LA Chacksfield (3), Becca Wilkinson, Emily Kilner.

Another top quality display of hockey from Saints 2’s mixing experience with youth to prove the students are no match.  We did start quite badly as we let the students score a quick goal against the run of play which quickly prompted us to start playing our game our way.  We quickly fought back scoring a peachy goal from LA, followed by another from Emily Kilner then another from LA.  Saints finished the first half 3-1 up.  After a stern team talk and a few pointers from Leech in the dark art of defending we started the second half in earnest.  A few some excellent passages of play led to saints potting two more lovely goals from Beca Wilkinson and LA.  Saints finished the match 5-1 worthy winners.

Man of the Match went to Alice Kilner, and also mentioning  excellent displays from Nikki Stringer (in the second half) Ferne Sanders (one handed) Sally Adlen and Clare Noble.

DOTD went to Sally Adlen for not only taking out two players in one go but showing us and the home support her backside too!!

Thank you for your support and encouraging comments from the sidelines

 

 

Ladies 3rd XI 4-2 Kettering 3rd XI

 

Goals: Hannah Richards and Natalia Raca, CJ (2)

 

Ladies 3s had a great win on Saturday with the final score being 4-2. The whole team played well together with great cohesion between the midfield and forwards securing the goals. Jane Ogden gained man of the match for excellent play in the midfield. Goals were scored by Hannah Richards and Natalia Raca and CJ (2), two scored by well drilled short corners. The final goal showed off the team's excellent hockey skills with a great ball into the D from Hannah Richards and tactful touch from CJ into the net. Special mention also to the defenders including Georgia Anniky and keeper Emma Brennan who made strong tackles and saves throughout the match. Thanks must go to the support on the sidelines which really encouraged players on the pitch. This win now puts us back in the top three! 

 

 

 

Ladies 4thXI 5-0 Olney

 

Well the score does not reflect how hard the team worked. Olney had a bit of a shock in the first half as the Saints went on a continuous attack from the whistle. We had numerous shots on goal and the team really deserved to get few goals. Their performance in the first half was faultless - all held their positions and the team moved the ball around very well making Olney work for it.

Unfortunately our downfall in the end came from a lack of marking and loss of structure giving Olney the advantage and they soon stepped up their game. Easy one to fix though Saints - keep on the attack those goals will come!