Summers Finally Here

 

Men’s 1st XI 8-0 Stourport

 

Goals: Greg Summers (2), James Knibb (2), Joe Kopka, Christian Howard, Alex Press, Ben Scott

 

Saints fielded a very strong side against Stourport on Saturday with the hope of making it two wins on the bounce. They handed Greg Summers his debut as the squad lowered its average age yet again to 23!

 

Saints dominated from the start, not letting the away side out of their half for long periods and it wasn’t long until they took the lead. A well worked short corner from James Knibb and Gareth Parker allowed Joe Kopka to open the scoring at the back post. Further goals from Christian Howard and James Knibb just before half time helped Saints into a comfortable position going into the break.  

 

As the second half got under way, debut striker Greg Summers set about tormenting the Stourport defence. After a neat lay off he picked up a through pass from Press and coolly lifted the ball over the advancing keeper grab his first ever goal for the first team. Shortly afterwards he skipped past a defender before drilling in a magnificent ball to the back post which only just evaded the Saints strikers. A goal from close range from Alex Press made the score 5-0. A great counter attack allowed Knibb to grab his second and a similar looking move allowed Summers to also bag two goals as it fired in from a back post cross. Ben Scott wrapped things up with a short corner late on.

 

Although there will be far tougher tests to come, Saints did what they needed to do and will look for a third win in a row when they travel to bottom of the league Sutton Coldfield next week.

 

MOTM: Greg Summers

 

 

Squad: Paul Madeley (GK), Adam Croutear, Sean Henry, Jamie Webb, Steve Williams, Ben Scott (c), Dave Saunders, Christian Howard, Evan Morris, Joe Kopka, Gareth Parker, Alex Press, Greg Summers, James Knibb.

 

 

Ladies 1st XI 0-5 Towcester

 

In the first local derby for some time there was a keen atmosphere to get the game underway. Despite this decision Saints got off to the best start this season and pinned Towcester back into their own half for the first 20 minutes of the match but despite several chances in front of the goal were not able to capitalise on the pressure. Towcester were reduced to playing some hopeful balls out to get some respite and after 20 minutes one such ball resulted in a penalty corner. Towcester were able to convert their first opportunity by placing the ball over Sophie Chambers to take an undeserved lead. Saints immediate went back onto the attack and were again caught by a hopeful ball out which left Sophie in a 2 on 1 situation as Towcester doubled their lead. Shocked Saints managed to limp along to half time without any further incident.

 

 At the start of the second half Saints got a second wind and tried to get back on terms and continued to press the Towcester defence although not as well as in the first half. Towcester broke with an overlap and they managed to score from the resulting penalty corner after 50 minutes. Then two minutes later Towcester added their fourth from open play. Tows then coverted from another 2 on 1 to complete what was a good day at the office for them.

Saints continued to press forward but were not able to capitalise on the pressure.

Team:Sophie Chambers (GK), Clare Sibley, Sally Trappit, Georgia Linnell ©, Caroline Hossack, Emma Cooper, Sally Adlen, Emily Kilner, Lottie Tulley, Caz McCabe, Chloe Cozens, Becca Wilkinson, LA Chacksfield

 

 

Ladies 1st XI 0-4 Harrogate (EH Cup Round 2)

 

In the second game of the weekend Saints found themselves up against a well drilled and typically tough Yorkshire side from Harrogate. Despite several changes the Saints started by pressing the Harrogate defence. However Harrogate were first to capitalise as they broke from midfield to open the scoring in the sixth minute. As the game continued Harrogate won their second penalty corner and managed to increase their lead in the 22nd minute. Despite concerted pressure for the next 10 minutes in which the Saints won 5 penalty corners they were unable to convert the pressure into goals.

 

After half time the match became a see-saw affair and Harrogate were able to add to their tally in the 41st minute from open play. Their final goal came in the 45th minute from a misjudged stop by their forward who saw her deflection bounce into the net to complete the scoring at 4 – 0.

 

 Team:Sophie Chambers (GK), Clare Sibley, Alice Kilner, Georgia Linnell ©, Annie Howard, Sally Trappit, Sally Cory, Lottie Tulley, Caz McCabe, Chloe Cozens, Becca Wilkinson, LA Chacksfield, Ellie Bleech, KJ

 

 

 

Men’s 2nd XI 0-0 Rugby & EW 2nd XI

 

This weekend brought Saints to Rugby, feeling confident from last weeks’ 6-0 win against Loughborough Town. Saints set out to continue their good form from the whistle.
 
The match started poorly for Saints with Rugby taking control right from the off. Saints settled down midway through the 1st half as the game balanced out with both sides coming close on a number of attempts. Saints created a few promising 1st half attempts with the attacking midfielders creating runs and fast paced counter play, but were failing at the last hurdle to take the lead. Saints persisted and throughout the 1st half pouncing on any opportunity, quick reactions from Alex Blunt brought the one and only successful pounce of the game. Saints where getting frustrated towards the end of the 1st half with Rugby’s constant pressure taking its toll on the team’s cohesion.
 
Strong 1st half performances from Robin Sawyer, Guy Roberts and Ben Northedge all keeping the Rugby attacks at bay.
 
Half time ; Saints 0-0 Rugby.
 
Again as of last week the half time team talk gave Saints the boost they needed to improve their poor start to the 1st half of the game. Playing strongly throughout the 2nd half Saints won a number of short corners and created many chances with strong runs and play from Dan Rose, Scott Mahoney and Alex Blunt threatening Rugby’s goal. A quick snap shot on the turn from the captain Dan Whittaker hitting the outside of the post was the closest Saints game to a goal. With Rugby also creating a few close chances in the 2nd half…Saints clearly had grip of the game towards the dying embers, despite being reduced to 10 men with Guy Roberts being sin binned. .
 
With both Saints & Rugby failing to capitalise the game ended 0-0 with both sides meeting there match. On a brighter side an important draw for the Saints saving a point away.
 
MOTM: Robin Sawyer – ninja like keeping kept Rugby at bay. 

 

DOTD: Alex Blunt – doing his best rugby tackle in Saints own D and for his handbags at ten paces moan with Chris.

 

Other DOTD contenders:

 

• Pete Richesfor falling over himself and hurting his ankle in the warm up, and then proceeding to last only 10 minutes of the match.
• Guy Robertsfor accidentally talking himself into a yellow card.
• Danny Whitfieldfor wearing a corset.
• Ally Rosefor being able to fit into a ladies size 12 top.

 

Squad: Robin Sawyer (GK), Guy Roberts, Lewis Ward, Pete Riches, Matt Gausden, Chris Reid, Ben Northedge, Danny Whitfield, Alexander Rose, Dan Whittaker (C), Alexander Blunt, Scott Mahoney, Dan Rose.

 

Mens 3rd XI 5 – 1 North Notts 3rd XI

 

Scorers: Pibworth (3), Hillier (pc), Wade

Saints played their first ever home game at Caroline Chisholm, Wade amusing the team by texting whether they were meant to meet at Moulton first.

The first five minutes had the ball flying around the pitch before Saints started to control possession, a large feature in each game so far. Saints made the breakthrough with Hillier sending another of his penalty corner bullets into the corner of the goal. The second came soon after with gamble squaring the ball for Pibworth to turn in. He almost scored again soon after despite lovely play down the wing by Wade and Gamble, but the shot just went wide. Saints rained shots from all angles at the goal and got their 3rd after Pibworth released in to flick the ball past the keeper. North Notts gave Saints something to think about shortly after as a penalty corner that failed to be cleared was bundled into the goal. Never the less Saints put back on the pressure, Day and Miller making great use of the space offered on the wings. The pressure told as Pibworth ‘finally’ completed his hatrick with seconds left of the half.

Mcllwaine called for 4 more goals in the second half; however North Notts started to defend deeper and deeper.

Hillier and Wade both had comedy air shots before Dale came on to the scene to seal DOTO.  The first attempting to score from the end line of one side of the goal, before repeating the feat at the end of the match with 10 Saints players waiting for the pass. He failed to score in case you wondered. Saints did score a fifth goal after a clearance found its way to Wade to flick the ball majestically into the corner. The main talking point however was how Saints failed to convert short corners. The team were based in penalty corner position more than 10 times during the half yet had nothing to show for it.

MOTM: Harry Stobart – Great play and movement

DOTD: Andy Dale – Trying to score from the impossible…Twice

Squad: Adam Powell, Ian Mcllwaine (c), James Miller, Jason Hillier, Andy Wade, Lewis Moran, Will Gamble, Harry Stobart, Nigel Down, Hugo Day, Andy Dale, Luke Pibworth

 

Ladies 3rd XI 3-2 Wellingborough 2nd XI

 

After a slow start, Saints found themselves 2 goals down. Not applying enough pressure or marking key players was their initial downfall. Saints 1st goal came from defence through to midfield, switched to Kate Barnetson picked up nicely then a fantastic cross through to Laura Thomas who picked up on reverse and turn and hit into the goal 2-1. Through quick prep talk and good organising our 2nd goal came from a good practised set piece on a short, Saints now draw 2-2. Half time whistle!

After a positive team talk, Saints come out ready to win. Defence marked well, midfield sorted out by Ness Kingston marked out two of Wellingborough key players restricting their attacking moves and breaking down their play. Forwards working harder than ever, running onto balls. Clare Noble strikes and hits the post but continues her determination and finalises the score, with a well finished winning goal. 3-2 final whistle, Saints secures the win.

 

MOTM: Becca Collins

 

 

 

Men’s 4th XI 7-0 Boots 5th XI

 

Goals: Dave Henry (3),  Rob Tee,  Steve Morris, Chris Godman, Tom Dysko

 

Henry Hat-trick boots Saints up the table

 

 

Before the game started Tom (keep the change) Dysko stopped off at a McDonalds to order himself a burger, when it came to paying he was 9p short so the lady kindly asked him for the 9p to which Tom replied “you keep it”.  A candidate for DOTD?

 

The team warmed up and proceeded with the 1st half, some good passing moves from the back line of Jim Phipps, Matt Candler, James Ruse and debutant Richard Whorton. Chances came thick and fast for the saints team but with all his trying Rob Cary could not but the ball in between the sticks. It was captain Dave Henry to put the 4s 1-0 up which opened up the game for saints to score 2 more goals before the end of the first half scored by Rob Tee and Dave Henry.

 

Half time team talk was that the saints side were not playing to their best and needed to keep creating the chances and start putting more of them away

 

The second half saw boots try and regain a grip of the game but only to concede a Penalty corner, up steps Steve Morris to slot the ball home 4-0. Chris “bambi on ice” Godman scored the 5th goal for his celebration to be short lived as he slipped over behind the goal!! Saints pushing forward meant that at times they were overrun but the Saints defence stood strong to keep them at bay. Keeper Scott Bashford was called into action only a couple of times, one of which he kicked Matt Candler out the way for both to miss the ball but managed to clear the ball safely between them. Captain Henry then Stepped up to slot home his hat trick! And Dysko to slot home the 7th goal to seal the victory.

 

MOTM: Richard Whorton for a great debut

DOTD: Rob Cary for the countless misses

 

Tea:  Pie, jacket potato and beans

 

 

Squad:  Scott Bashford (GK), Jim Phipps , Richard Whorton, Matthew Candler, James Ruse, Steve  Morris,  Gary Paterson, David Henry (c)  Rob Cary, Rob Tee,  Tom Dysko, Chris Godman

 

 

 

 

Men’s 5th XI 5-4 Boots 4th XI

 

Goals: Ed Arnold, Jon Noble (2), Nick Beattie (2)

 

Saints 5’s brushed aside Boots as they won their first match of the season. The pre-match preparation consisted of Ali Townsend’s story telling where he deceived children about magical chocolate beans and the suggestion of Joe Cliffe’s yoga warm-up that was not approved of; the decision was soon regretted by Trev Fiddler as he walked off injured and failed to make it to the five minute mark. 

 

Saints started strongly with Nick Beattie like grease lightning and Joe Cliffe’s extreme pace at right back. This shortly led to a goal from Ed Arnold when he angled a touch perfectly to beat the keeper. A strong performance from Phil Green in goal denied any goals from the opposition attack because of his casual and effortless saves. He made their shots look poor. It wasn’t long before Saints, with the help of an inspirational and motivational captain who led by example (according to himself), widened their lead as they took advantage of a short corner. An Ashley Jackson style drag flick from Jon Noble that was aimed at the post beat the defence to go bottom corner and give the saints a 2-0 lead.

 

Unfortunately Saints could not deny Boots from scoring. A save (with his stick) on the line from Karl McGregor was deemed as a foot and a flick was given. A diving attempt at a save from Phil Preen only resulted in the flick looking better than it was. The momentum momentarily changed. Boots then went on to score again before half time and arguably the blame could be shared between Phil Preen and Gareth Voss when a pass from the opposition to Gareth was not collected and the forward made another pass into the goal.

 

After more motivational words at half time from Jon Noble and a forgetful Ed Arnold, Saints reinstated their dominance. A movement of Krish J to central midfield proved successful because of his ability to control the game while an outstanding effort from Elliot Wilde on the wing was noticeable. He continuously ran all over the place and even though it is debateable as to whether this was a good thing a similar effort from Gareth Voss could be seen. It’s a shame he fouled people everywhere as well. Extreme speed from Ant Condon allowed Noble to execute a head height drag flick from another short and put Saints once again in the lead. The opposition obviously did not have the same power in this set piece because they only got two shots away from about 13 chances.

 

Saints continued to have a promising attack. This allowed Beattie to capitalise when he ‘humped the goalie’ and it rolled down his thigh. Losing his stick in the process, he managed to score. However he should not be praised too much due to how he caused confusion and infringed Elliot’s territory.

 

A sloppy Saints midfield (apart from Gareth) was then taken advantage of when Boots scored two goals to make it 4-4. Cliffe seemed to be on fewer steroids this week; only two crazy runs from right back.

 

A goal from Nick Beattie soon happened – a poor but effective injection went to Krish who got round two players and passed the ball on to Nick. Beattie then performed a 360 degree turn and scored. Saints managed to hold onto the lead, Gareth wasted 40 seconds with the ball in the corner, refusing to give possession up.

 

The match finished 5-4 to give Saints the win. Finn Pickard’s beanie hat possibly the difference this week. Post-match and Trev quickly disappeared so that he didn’t have to buy a round after he bet that he would score whilst  Krish stayed around and did his laundry in the showers.

 

M.O.M – Nick Beattie

D.O.D – Trev (injured within three minutes)

 

Goal Scorers – Ed Arnold, Nick Beattie (2), John Noble (2)

 

Squad: Phil Green (GK), Ed Arnold, Krish J, Nick Beattie, Elliot Wilde, Gareth Voss, Ant Condon, Trev Fidler, Ali Townsend, Jon Noble, Joe Cliffe, Karl McGregor, Finn Pickard, Alex Jeffrey

 

 

Leicester 4’s 3-2 Men’s 6th XI

Goal Harry Yorke, Patrick Rowntree

Travelling to top of the table Leicester with only 11 players was never going to make life easy for the 6’s. The team started strongly with Darren Thorpe and Phil Knight controlling midfield and the team created the better chances with Harry Yorke slotting one of these away to take the lead. Leicester came back strongly and the 6’s conceded two soft goals, the first from another short corner (3 in 3 games) with the striker having far too much time to pick his spot and the second from an acute angle when a missed trap on the left of defence proved costly.

The second half started badly with Rob O’Donnell having to go off for the rest of the game with a foot injury. The 6’s battled really well and played some good hockey on the break with the pace of Patrick Rowntree causing the Leicester defence problems and from one break the 10 men grabbed an equaliser. Leicester were always going to come back strong with a 13 man squad and despite some inspired observational comments from the side lines which were warmly welcomed by the team they did begin to create chances and one scramble in the D saw the umpire award a flick. The flick was poorly taken but managed to squirm under the stick of Jake Bennett in the goal.

Captains MOTM: Patrick Rowntree
Captains DOTD Himself for giving half the team the wrong postcode for the match and sending them to the other side of Leicester.

 

 

Men’s 7th XI 1-3 Nuneaton 4th XI

 

Goals: Jon Keep

 

Saints started shakily, giving the ball away easily and putting themselves under pressure early on. The defensive line were doing a good job keeping control, and in spite of the pressure there were no real shots taken. The biggest event of note during this passage of play was Nigel Riches getting caught in the ear from a deflected ball. As the half wore on, Saints midfield started getting a bit more structure and were making some stronger runs into their D. Rob Frost and Tim Warburton both had several close chances, but the finsh was just not there for either player. At the other end of the pitch a deflected cross flew in towards keeper Dean Gibson and land on the top of his shin guard before rolling forwards right onto the stick of an opposing forward – before Dean was able to get a foot to the ball the forward had slipped the ball coolly into the corner of the goal to put Nuneaton 1-0 up. Saints woke up a bit more after this and were attacking with a lot more determination and purpose. Even the left back Tom Woodhouse got in on the act with a mazy run from the halfway line, linking up with Connor Wright nicely to get another good chance that was again left begging by the two forwards. Connor was having another great match until on one of his penetrating attacking runs he collided with a defender and broke his glasses. In spite of this Connor continued his determined performance for the rest of the match.

 

The second half and Saints piled pressure onto the Nuneaton D. Eventually Jon Keep picked up a pass just outside the top of the D and found his way past several defenders to some space for him to place a great shot into the back corner of the goal. Jon’s over-exuberant celebration reminded everyone how rare an event it is for him to score a goal! At 1-1 the 7s were in good shape to push on for their first ever win. Unfortunately while the pressure continued for a while, Nuneaton soaked this up well and then broke well on a number of occasions leaving the midfield and forwards chasing back. Two goals came in short succession as saints became visibly tired. Tim Warburton had given up on running by then and set up camp in the top corner of the pitch – the distinct lack of movement from the forward earnt him a flurry of DOTD nominations. The Saints didn’t give in and had several further chances but in the same way as the first half, were unable to finish.

 

MOTM – Jon Keep

DOTD – Tim Warburton

 

Squad: Dean Gibson (GK), Tom Woodhouse, Martin Skinner, Nigel Riches, Tim Riches, Adam Wright

Jon Keep, Charlie Harte, Connor Wright, Tim Warburton, Rob Frost.

 

 U11s Tournament

 

What a day, three strong teams representing Northampton HC.
Firstly team two enjoyed their first win thanks to a good goal by Phoebe and what was pleasing was the new players that have joined the team, well done to all of you and thanks to Ali for coaching. Ali will be coaching with us for the rest of the season.
Team three was purposely made up of all girls and what a brilliant display they gave. Some tenacious tackling by Jessica, good captaincy by Amber, hard work by Charlie to name a few. It was great to see a first win and the start of a great team.
Team one were superb, losing no matches and once again winning the tournament being joint winners with Rugby in what was a fantastic game to watch. Special mentions go to Jack, Finn, Gemma, Katy and Amelia for all the effort they put in and to Lauren, Holly and Tia for being strong in defence.

Man of the matches are:-

Team 1- Sam for 7 goals and for all his hard work
Team 2- Phoebe for scoring our first goal and win
Team 3- Jessica for a brilliant display

 

U9s Tournament

This weekend the Mighty Nines travelled to Wellingborough for another triangular tournament with the hosts and Rugby.

A man down due to illness (get well soon Michael) we lined up first against an enthusiastic but very young host side. The age difference was clearly reflected in the play. Ben in goal was left to contemplate the deeper issues of the day – should the EU really have been awarded the Peace Prize? Will it be chips for tea? How do I bend down and pick my helmet up with all this padding on? – whilst the outfield players marauded through the opposition half, only returning to our end of the pitch for the post-goal restarts courtesy of Ewan (2) and Oliver.

Having watched Rugby decimate Wellingborough in the middle fixture, the final match of the day would be ‘winner takes all’. The Rugby side were a completely different proposition to our first opponents. Older, quicker, well drilled and confident on the ball.

Having hatched a cunning plan to try and exploit their weakness, the Mighty Nines battled hard to execute it. Chase lived up to his name in the midfield, constantly challenging for the ball and well supported by Grace who took on boys twice her size undaunted, and Ewan who ran the length and breadth of the pitch. Despite brilliant work from everyone, the deadlock was finally broken when our new short corner routine went a bit awry, and the opposition pounced on the loose ball, broke quickly and capitalized easily from a 2-on-1 with Ben. After the restart, the Mighty Nines were once again in the thick of the action but were again caught out by pace and the Rugby players showed good discipline on the breakaway and clinical finishing skills. After a great solo dribble down the left wing, and a scramble into the D, Oliver managed to persuade the ball onto the backboard to give us a glimmer of hope but try as we might, we just couldn’t convert our other chances. In the end debutant Maddie finished off an excellent first outing with a fantastic tackle which saved the Nines from going down by another score.

Well done to all the players for a great morning of action packed hockey.

Final Results:

Wellingborough 0 – 3 NHC Mighty Nines

Rugby 3 – 1 NHC Mighty Nines

 

 

Men’s Vets 2-2 Men’s Vets (Inter-Club Friendly)

 

Goals: Guy Roberts, Jason Hillier (og), Andy Dale, Jason Hillier

A keenly contested match comprising 28 players from the now, recent past and the halcyon days of Northants hockey. The away team captained by the 3rd team duo of Ian Mcilwane and his trusty lieutenant Jason Hillier dominated the first half with Guy Roberts, Phil Knight and Mcilwane pulling the strings from midfield supplying the evergreen forward pairing of Jez Deeks and Max Darby who were rolling back the years with telling runs behind the home team back four. It was as much by luck than judgement that the home team only turned around ast half time one goal in arrears – coming late in the first from a barnes wallace short corner from Guy Roberts.

The second half was almost a mirror image with the home team dominating proceedings as the midfield got a grip on proceedings with messrs Paterson, Downs becoming more prominent. It was no surprise when Jason Hillier under pressure put the ball into his own net and this was followed fairly shortly afterwwards by an absolute screamer of a goal by Andy Dale. At 2 – 1 up and time slipping away there looked only winner but against the run of play the away side won a short corner and veteran Jason Hillier struck the ball sweetly home to make it 2-2.

 

Overall a draw was a fair result and with everybodies pride intact the warm down took place in trhe Telegraph. It was an enjoyabl evening and with an ever increasing fixture list this was a promising start to the masters season.