Ladies 3rd XI 4 – 2 Wildcatz

Goals: Rosie Barnes, Becca Herring, Natalie Raca, Sarah Walker.

With only 12 players, at least 4 of whom weren’t really well enough to play the 3’s showed the spirit and determination they have been developing over the season. Playing a strong Wildcatz side from the start the match was strongly contested with both teams putting in solid tackles and demonstrating good distribution of the ball.
Saints were first to score. A cross in to the D from Ness Kingston was picked up by Jules Herring, who was quickly closed down by the goalie, committed to the tackle but just too late as Herring slipped the ball to Rosie Barnes, who didn’t hesitate to bury the ball in the open goal. Great finish Rosie Barnes!
Wildcatz equalised just before half time, but not to be beaten Saints came back refreshed and Becca Herring once again in the perfect position picked up the ball and put Saints into the lead. This was followed fairly quickly by a text book short corner where Ness Kingston delivered the ball back to the injector Sarah Walker who with perfect timing deflected the ball behind the goalie and into the corner.
3-1 down Wildcatz picked up their game and pressed repeatedly only to be stopped time after time by the solid Saints defence, particularly Sophie Burnham who had her game of the season and at only 15 she is already proving herself to be a formidable force, with perfect timing. Wildcatz managed to pull a goal back only for Saints to pick up the pressure, win a short and see Kingston once again put in a well timed slip, this time to Nat Raca who buried the ball in the back of the net.
4-2 Saints.

MOTM: Sophie Burnham

 

 

Rushden and Higham 2-4 Ladies 4thXI

Goals: Lou Harte, Trudy Royer, Becky Easton

Lou & Maisie give Rushden a Harte attack! 

Saints 4ss kept up the pressure on League Leaders, Earls Barton, with an away win against Rushden and Higham. Saints dominated the first half with an excellent goal from Lou Harte, quickly followed by a tap in from Trudy Royer. Becky Easton made it 3-0 with a great bit of individual skill, rounding 3 players and forcing the ball over the line. The second half was a lot more competitive with Rushden and Higham putting pressure on a tiring Saints, and scoring twice in quick succession. However, Lou Harte made the result safe for the Saints, grabbing a second goal to make it 4-2. This topped off a great day for the Harte family, with both Lou and daughter, Maisie, sharing player of the match, the latter for her energetic debut.

 

Men’s 1st XI 4-6 Rugby & EW

 

Goals: Gareth Parker, Joe Kopka, Dave Saunders, Ben Scott (pc)

 

Saints disappointing run continued with a home defeat against high flying rugby. Saints did take the lead in the opening minute through Gareth Parker after a defensive error and for next 15 minutes enjoyed the majority of possession. However, complacency and basic errors led to rugby scoring three before half time, their Polish international bagging a hat-trick in the space of ten minutes.

 A solid start to the seconds half was essential if saints were going to get back into the match however they conceded 2 further goals as defensive lapses and weak defending cost the home side. Saints only started fighting after Joe Kopka pulled a goal back from a Martyn Cory cross. Saints put rugby under immense pressure and made it 5-3 three when Dave Saunders cleverly deflected in a Parker shot. After Saints won their second short corner of the game Ben Scott drag flicked home to pull saints back within one goal but unfortunately it was never meant to be. Rugby broke away and won a short corner which crept inside the right hand post.

 The game ended 6-4 and handed Saints their second home loss of the season. A much improved performance against Edgbaston is need next week to end the first half of the season on a high.

 

Men’s 2nd XI 6-2 Coventry & EW

Goals: Ian Tipples (2), Dan Rose (2), Alex Blunt, Tom Wightman. 

Last Saturday, the air was crisp, the mindset was positive and the points were taken home. What follows is an epic tale of confrontation, battle, teamwork, and ultimately glory.

Our story begins in a crowded, damp and dank environment of a changing room at the University of Warwick. Awaiting the arrival of two of their team, the mighty Saints 2s, already downbeat from the non-appearance of their coach, attempted to motivate themselves for the task ahead, the roadblock on their path to the top of the league, Coventry and North Warwickshire.

With the appearance of a Harry Styles look-a-like and a well spoken man, the team was complete and it was left to inspirational skipper Dan Whittaker to turn a collection of talented individuals into a team of motivated warriors. A prolonged and scenic run followed, during which heads were focused and visions created. When it came to cross the line onto the pitch, we were prepared. The warm up was intense, the awkward pitch was tamed, and as a cry of “Best in the league” went up, the team was ready.

At the first whistle, Saints settled quickly and looked to dominate possession. However, the match quickly became scrappy, as the awkward opposition looked to unsettle the classy Saints, who seemed to forgo their fluent style of pacey hockey in favour of individual shows of talent. Still, it was Saints who took the lead, through a quickly thrown aerial from Danny Whitfield into space, where Dan Rose was first to ball, before cutting inside and slotting the ball under a diminutive opposition goalkeeper.

The goal settled Saints somewhat, as a confidence to switch the play around the defence emerged. However, a high press from C&NW caused a modicum of panic, and it took a second goal to relieve some of the pressure. A swift attack down the right hand side into space resulted in a tap in for Tom Wightman, who celebrated his first goal of the season vigorously.

However, it was C&NW who struck next. A cheap turnover of possession in midfield left the defence exposed, and it was capitalised upon with a swift attack resulting in a goal, and a half time score of 2-1 to the visitors.

At half time the messages to play simple hockey was reinforced, to cover for each other emphasised, and Chris Reid’s attempt to demonstrate formations unfortunately cut short.

As the second half began, the scrappy hockey continued. Errors were made on both sides, and Saints continued to play fluid hockey only in patches. However, one such patch resulted in a third goal, as Saints swept forward and Ian Tipples was on hand to convert on his return to the team. With a two-goal advantage, Saints allowed C&NW to grow into the game, as their centre back started to control the ball. Centre back Lewis Ward comfortably dealt with the majority of the attacks thrust upon him, until five minutes sustained pressure combined with the defence switching off for the briefest of moments, and some average movement from the opposition finding some space in front of goal, resulted in a reduction of the deficit.

Saints, now motivated by their superiority not being reflected in the score line, sought an immediate response, which came through a swift attack resulting in a conversion from Alex Blunt, who had drifted in from the left to pounce and swipe in to take the score to 4-2.

As C&NW attempted an unlikely comeback, the match became stretched and scrappier still. In a rare break, the ball evaded the Saints defence, and it was left for Robin Sawyer to pull out his best superman impression, with a full-length dive to deny the onrushing attackers. A bit of niggle entered the game as the home team’s frustrations rose and Saints asserted their superiority. Highlights include saints contriving to miss a 3 on 1 with the goal begging, and two shots passing the back post begging to be tapped home.

 A choice to move to a high press reaped dividends as C&NW could not move the ball out of defence, and Sam Mitchell pounced, drove into the D and cut the ball back for Tipples to score his second, despite trying his hardest to miss, the ball barely dribbling over the line.

The scrappy nature of the game continued with skipper Dan Whittaker awarded a green card for “enthusiastic tackling”. This continued, as C&NW were awarded a penalty corner. However, the set piece was quickly turned over and a swift counter attack ensued, with the ball breaking to Dan Rose, who beat his man before slotting the ball over the onrushing keeper to take the score to 6-2. A passionate outburst of emotion from the Saints captain ensued, as the match came to an end.

A solid performance was reflected upon, with kudos being given to Robin ‘Droopy’ Sawyer, Ally Rose and Alex Blunt, but it was Dan Rose who was awarded man of the match for a typically energetic and passionate display, with a two goal return. DOTD was given to the skipper for his over-enthusiasm and verbal baiting of the opposition.

 

 

Men’s 3rd XI 1-4 Rugby & EW 3rd XI

Scorers: Pibworth

This Season:

Home: Played 4, Lost 3, Won 1

Away: Played 4, Won 3, Drawn 1

Last Season: Only won once away, yet only lost once at home

 

To say the above statistics are bemusing would be an understatement. Saints just don’t seem comfortable playing at home this season.

Against Rugby, a close rival, Saints wanted to make a winning statement to the league, especially with league leaders Belper awaiting the following week. The game started a bit workmanlike, each team making their presence felt on the other, sometimes a bit too much for the umpires liking. Saints took the lead after the ball was played to the P sport, allowing Pibworth to score between the keepers legs. Despite this confidence boost, Saints did not settle and allowed a few nervous moments in their D. As the half wore on it was evident that Saints were lacking composure on the ball and after the forwards were dispossessed, Rugby equalized with 10 seconds left in the half.

Captain Ian McIlwaine was not happy, and demanded that each player looked at themselves hard. Unfortunately this unwanted skill of giving the ball away too easily continued and Rugby scored twice in quick succession. To make matters worse, Andy Wade was yellow carded for saying too much. Clive and Steve, the umpires had to keep careful tabs throughout the game, as Stobart was green carded for a sly foot, and then a Rugby player was yellow carded for stopping a quick free hit. The nail in the coffin was complete for Saints as a foot near the line allowed Rugby to score from a penalty stroke. Saints came close to scoring a second after a fine save from the keeper, but by this stage Saints were merely trying to salvage whatever pride they could. The team would do well to note the presence of several 3rd team members, including the captain keeping a keen eye on the Saints’ 4th team in the following match.

DOTD: Wade – Saying a bit too much for the yellow…

MOTM: Wade – …but showing fighting spirit in play

 Squad: Adam Powell (GK), Will Gamble, Andy Dale, James Miller, Jason Hillier, Andy Wade, Harry Stobart, Ian McIlwaine (C), Lewis moran, Hugo Day, Luke Pibworth, Lee O’Donnell, Nigel Down

 

Men’s 4th XI 6-1 Belper

Goals: Lloyd Atkinson (2), John Noble, Dave Henry (2), Chris Godman

 

Sick Note Saints gave Belper a cold they won’t forget.

 

Undefeated league leaders Saints hosted Belper with 2 members of the squad suffering from ‘Man Flu’… the game started well for Saints with an early goal fromDavid Henry who slotted the ball neatly past the keeper. Saints continued to push hard and were reward with a penalty corner, a text book routine enabled Jon Noble to unleash a rocket drag flick past the keepers ear, 2 – 0 saints!!

Saints came under considerable pressure from Belper, but the solid Defence of Jim Phipps &Steve Morris not to mention fantastic hounding from Matt Candler soaked this up. Saints won another short corner but due to an error the home side were caught on the break and Belper managed to capitalise with a well worked goal (2-1).

In the second half Saints needed to compose and regroup and sure enough they did, the 3rd goal coming from Lloyd Atkinson’s reverse stick tap past the keeper (3-1). Moments later Saints attacked with superb 3 way move fromDave Henry toLloyd Atkinson who fed Chris Godman the opportunity to half Volley the ball past the dumbstruck keeper (4-1). Saints hungry for more, pushed harder and harder with great tenacity from Gary Paterson, Ant Condon & Luke Howard in the midfield allowing the forward line score again with Lloyd Atkinson grabbing his second from a deflection off the keeper 5-1. The last goal of the game was scored by skipper Dave Henry who finished elegantly putting Belper to bed (6-1).

Well done to the whole team for a fantastic effort!!

 

Points of Note:

Luke Howard – Great position at top to D to launch a fantastic‘Happy Gilmore’ air shot

Jim Phipps – Acrobatically clearing the ball from the back line (Swan lake elegance)

Belper team –Disappeared, it is believed they travelled to Narnia through the changing rooms; they retuned 30 minutes later… after most of the teas had been munched.

 

MOTM :Matt Candler – All round hero and the ability to only slap the ball hard or extra hard

DOD: Chris Godman – Reverse stick fluff cross that nearly killed a seagull.

Teas: Chips, Beans & Sausages

 

 

Warwick 4thXI 1-4 Men’s 5thXI

 

Goals: Ed Arnold (2), Krish Jasinarachchi, Rob Cary

 

Pre-match preparations did not go well for Saints with Tom “pocket watch” Dysko running late in picking up other key players and Gareth “sat-nav” Voss lost in Moulton due to some unexpected road-works. As the match neared the teams focus did not improve with Ali “self-harm” Townsend hitting a ball into his own face and a rather distracting warm up with a view…

 

In hindsight after all this the flat first half was actually quite predictable. Warwick 4’s moved the ball around well in midfield but could not penetrate a sturdy Saints defence whilst the away team struggled to move past 2ndgear, a bore draw first half. As Saint’s gathered in goal at half time the feeling again could only be described as flat but a rousing speech from Ed “captain fantastic” Arnoldand some primal screams from Phil “Mr Motivator” Preen lifted the team’s spirits which showed instantly with sharper inter-play and some keen tackles.

 

The deadlock was broken by Saints captain as Ed Arnold was set up from some nice mid-field play involving Tom “pocket watch” Dysko and Krish “creativity” Jasinarachchi. Krish doubled the score a few minutes later from a short corner with a bouncing strike which ricocheted into the bottom corner off a defenders foot. For the first time this season Saint’s looked as though they were gelling really well with some good link up play in attack with Krish and Ed working hard to create space for each other with some intelligent runs. This work was rewarded with a stunning 3rdgoal which started with a Warwickattack. The ball was intercepted in the Saint’s D by Gareth “sat-nav” Voss who found Krish in midfield. What happened next is still a blur of one and 2 touch passes through the team involving Krish, Dysko, Richard and Ed who applied the final touch for his 2ndgoal of the day.

 

A combination of Saint’s relaxing following such a brilliant goal and Warwick upping their game ended in a short corner for the home team which was dispatched into the bottom corner. At 3-1 Saint’s decided they could not return to Northampton happy and luckily for them Rob “hero” Cary stepped up with an unstoppable blast into the backboard from a well won short corner to cap off a good win at 4:1.

 

Unfortunately the confidence the team gained from this comprehensive win did not translate into charisma as several team members attempted to lay their charms on the female students on campus before heading home alone and with no additional numbers in their phone books…

 

 

Coventry & NW 0-1 Men’s 6thXI

 

Scorer Liam Cassidy

 

The WFF6 ventured North to take on a Coventry & North Warwick side that, after their victory over Beeston earlier in the season, left us feeling assured we’d be facing a battle.

 

Fortunately Liam Cassidy sprinted from the corner at the opening bell and took command of the centre of the ring.  Firing off jabs down both wings  our attacking line belied their flyweight stature and showed that they could punch well above their weight, whilst the old heavyweights at the back showed it would take more than a half-hearted counterpunch to force a standing count.  With the amount of kicking being done by the opposing defence the spectators at ringside could be forgiven for confusing this with a game played under Thai rules, however, the umpires were not so easily fooled.  A flurry of successive  Saints short corners and contentiously overturned p-flick decision doubled the home defence over, but Saints just couldn’t find a way through their guard to put them on the canvas, so the first round ended with Saints ahead on points only.

After a head full of smelling salts to clear their thoughts, round two saw Coventry switch their stance and start to press forward.  Their youthful midfield began to find their range and Saints spent more time throwing short but ineffective punches at close quarters, but we were not to be deterred. After a few minutes of good quality sparring, Liam Cassidy showed some quick footwork to float through a gap in the midfield, duck under the defence, weave around the flailing keeper and sting the backboard with a great individual goal… which left some of the senior members of the opposition puffing and blowing their consternation to anyone who would listen, but their complaints fell silently on cauliflower ears.   The final quarter of the round saw Saints legs start to feel heavy and Coventry pressed hard to take advantage, pushing Saints back onto the ropes with their own combinations of short corners and free hits, but the wily old defenders wrestled them into the clinch to run down the clock.  At the final bell, Saints put the hosts noses out of joint to claim 3 undisputed and vital points.

 

Yo Adrian! We did it!

 

MOM: Will Powell in goal for a great debut performance for the 6s

 

DOD: Joe Wightman…. for his rather unique but feeble contribution to the team shout at the start of the match!

 

This was a Phil Adams Promotion.

 

 

 

Mens 7th XI 1-3 North Notts

 

Goals: Tim Warburton

 

We came, we saw, we ate chips! (and very nice chips they were)

 

Unfortunately all the confidence and chat seemed to be for naught. The team had other ideas – with more concern over the chips coming later (and they were indeed fine chips) the 7s rand about like busy fools, echoing the play style of our opposition and completely forgetting any sense of position or structure. Eventually some shape came and the north notts defence was under pressure, but a combination of poor passing and/or holding the ball up for longer than necessary ensured that none of the pressure yielded any good shots on goal.

 

Half-time and the focus was on composure and possession (and those lovely chips!).

The second half started much the same as the first, and eventually the deadlock was broken by North Notts, whose long ball game had eventually found a willing target in space in the D. He may well have been the smallest player on the field but having been gift wrapped a free shot on goal he didn’t hesitate in putting away the first goal North Notts 5s had scored. 

 

This served as a good wake up call for the 7s who almost immediately picked up the pace and Adam Wright found himself with the ball and in space just outside the 23m line. He charged headlong to the D, drawing the defence and keeper before casually slipping the ball to Tim Warburton who calmly placed the ball beyond the keepers reach. Having evened the score captain Jon Keep was encouraging more of the same and it looked like the team were going to pull things back. Adam Wright almost managed it, picking the ball up on the back post and tapping it into the corner; however the hapless forward had blatantly stopped the ball with the back of his stick prior to the goal going in. The pressure continued until another long ball and break from North Notts found the smallest player yet again able to make space in the D and score his second. At this point heads dropped for the 7s. Tenacious work on the right side of the field from Micheal Dicken and Tim Riches, wouldn’t yield the goal they needed. Several shots ran wide and one hit the woodwork but for all the pressure there wasn’t the finish that the 7s needed. The final nail in the coffin came from a good clean short corner strike. North Notts 5s had deservedly won their first match of the season. Mens 7s didn’t mind though (I’m not sure if I have mentioned it before) the chips were very, very good.

 

MoM – Jon Keep

DoD – Adam Wright – although the whole team were a close second for the overall performance.

 

Squad: Dean Gibson (GK), Tim Riches, Martin Skinner, Ian Street, Owain Mahoney, Adam Wright,

Rob Frost, Micheal Dicken, Jon Keep, Tim Warburton, Nigel Riches