Men’s 2nd XI 2-2 Bourneville 2nd XI

Goals: Jack Pogson, James Knibb

 

2 games and 2 points required, that’s all that was needed for top of the table Saints to seal win the league. All that stood in their way were relegation candidates Bourneville at a damp Moulton Sports Complex. Spirits were high and even the late withdrawal of midfielder Chris Reid didn’t seem to dampen spirits.

The game started with Saints looking very confident. They moved the ball around at pace, pressed the opposition high and slowly began to create chances. 20 minutes into the game and they took a deserved lead as Jack Pogson neatly dinked the ball over the keeper to score his first goal for the club, much to the delight of his team-mates. Seemingly thinking the game was won, Saints switched off and let Bourneville back in as they carelessly gave away possession time and time again. They were rightly punished for this just before half-time as skipper Dan ‘Britney’ Whittaker threw a diva strop which conceded a penalty corner from which the opposition scored from. Clearly wanting even more attention, he then decided the show could not go on, and demanded to be substituted. After a quick hug and some words of encouragement from his “Jeff” fan-base, the captain was back in the action.

The second half continued as the first had finished with Northampton being their-own worst enemy, cue the bickering and moaning which only encouraged the opposition more. Saints soon found themselves 2-1 down and seemingly looking to throw the title away. Yet from nowhere there was a resurgence. The sharp passing and pressing that had been so prominent at the start of the game returned. They soon drew level when a well worked penalty corner routine saw a neat one-two between James Knibb and Scott Mahoney result in Knibb scoring. Game back on and with ten minutes left it looked like Saints were destined to win the game. Chance after chance came and went, with several penalty corners wasted by DOTD James Knibb who did his best impressions of a rugby conversion as many a drag flick flew well over the crossbar.

The game finished as a draw, and a disappointed Saints headed off the pitch with their minds switching to their last game of the season where they would still need a point to secure the championship. But hang-on, they hadn’t taken into account that Sutton Coldfield would pull off a shock result and beat Saints promotion rivals Nottingham University. With this result confirmed it ensured the title went to Saints, and the celebrations began.   

Other points of interest:

• Alex Blunt for picking a fight with anyone and everyone.
• Ally Rose for 2 swing and miss reverse sweep clearances in his own D!
• Dan Whittaker for his “stylish” choice of pink shirt.

 

MOTM: Ally Rose – dominant display at right back.

DOTD: James Knibb – “I know best” at penalty corners.

Squad: Sam Biddle (GK), Guy Roberts, Ally Rose, George Roberts, Dan Whittaker, Matt Gausden, Sam Mitchell, Greg Summers, Scott Mahoney, Alex Blunt, Tom Wightman, Jack Pogson, James Knibb

 

Coventry & North Warwick 3rd XI 2-3 Men’s 3rd XI

Scorers: Moran 2 (pc), Wade

 

Last game of the regular season, and as saints started the game, the performance was just like the umpire who had decided to stay in bed that morning. Coventry despite under pressure managed to take the lead. Minutes later and much to the bemusement and annoyance of captain Mcilwaine, they doubled their lead with a lovely chip over Powell. Something had to change, and as the half wore on Saints had more of the ball and after a Miller rocket into the D, Wade deflect the ball into the goal. Soon after it was scores level, Lewis with a majestic penalty corner drag flick into the top corner. As if it couldn’t get better, Moran soon scored his second from close range. Half time and Saints led 3-2.

Second half was like a meandering river. Saints drifted through passages of possession with creating more than a couple of chances. Pibworth had a shot expertly saved with another saved off the line. At the other end Powell had to be alert as several ball raced into the D, as well as several from penalty corners. However apart from Wade who rolled over after being hit, Saints kept the score intact and won the game 3-2.

MOTM: Think it was Lewis, though could have been Harry (aahhh sorry to whoever it was)

DOTD: Well that was me (Luke) again for a bit of this and a bit of that

Squad: Adam Powell (GK), Harry Stobart, James Miller, Ian mcilwaine (c), Lee O’Donnell, Lewis moran, luke pibworth, Nigel Down, Pete Riches, Will Gamble, Andy Dale, Andy Wade

 

Boots 3-1 Men’s 4th XI

Goals: Jason Hillier

 After the Lords Mayors show could be used to describe the visit to Boots. After wrapping up the championship last week – all the pre match talk was of finishing on a high and putting the effort in against a side deep in relegation trouble. Unfortunately the first half produced a lack lustre performance by the Saints which was only matched by the Boots inept forward line. NIL – NIL at half time – things couldn’t get any worse…or could they? 

 Sure enough Saints still struggled to get out of first gear and it was no suprise when Boots took the lead early in the second half – the lead was doubled soon after goalkeeper Scott Bashford was harshly adjudged to have taken out the Boots forward  – the penalty stroke was cooly converted. With 15 minutes to go Boots added a third and this seemed to stir the Saints into life. All of a sudden the passing was to white shirts and a period of real pressure built up. A well worked short corner routine was converted by Jason Hillier, more chances came and went but too little too late. A poor performance and a well-deserved win by Boots who wanted the result more to keep their season alive.

 

Men’s 5thXI 2-1 Belper 4thXI

 

Goals: Lloyd Atkinson (2)

 

The turbulent 5s were faced with a tough opposition on what turned out to be a pleasantly sunny afternoon. Confronted by a Belper side in the midst of a battle for promotion, Saints had their own fight to avoid relegation to worry about- one which was bolstered by the late arrival of Lloyd ‘Aggression’ Atkinson who was at the heart of some ‘civil unrest’ on his journey to the game.

From the whistle, Saints took the fight to the opposition. With a defence performing better than England’s 1stXV, Saints were able to work the ball around without too much trouble. With Sam ‘Machine’ McConnaghie and Ali ‘DOD’ Townsend (more info to follow later..) distributing well both to the wings and to Rob ‘Token Welsh’ Cary (who unusually managed 9/10 clean tackles), it was not long before one of Saints many attacks broke through and Lloyd ‘Aggression’ Atkinson was able to sweep the ball into the goal after some good build up play from Elliot ‘Warrior’ Wilde and Krish ‘Javelin’ Jasinarachchi. Saints wingers worked hard but some good running from Ryan ‘DJ’ James, Tom ‘Dangerous’ Dysko and even the odd appearance for James ‘RU FI OOO’ Ruse and ‘Machine’ McConnaghie in the opposition 25 could not push Saints into doubling their lead. Another opportunity before half time saw Ed ‘Arrgghh’ Arnoldonly able find the keepers stick when given a golden chance by ‘Aggression’ Atkinson.

 

After another typically rousing half time team talk (and some delicious oranges), The second half began with a bang as Belper equalised after being gifted a one on one from Ali ‘I think I’ll make a pass across my own D despite there being an opponent in the way ready to slot the ball in our goal’ Townsend. Thankfully this didn’t break Saints high spirit as the call of relegation dawned. Some beautiful Arsenal FC style defensive build up from Ricard ‘Pryce-less’ Pryce and his defensive counterparts let Krish ‘Javelin’ Jasinarachchi andRob ‘Token’ Cary link up to put ‘Aggression’ Atkinson in to smash home his and Saints 2ndof the game from the top of the D.

 

The post-match talk had a sense of relief and joy at the thought of securing enough points to survive the drop- only for it shortly to be realised that safety was not yet guaranteed- another point is needed to ensure another season in the East Midlands Premier division.

 

 

MOTM:            Sam ‘Machine’ McConnaghie for being a brick wall and putting in an all-round stirling performance in his last match for Saints.

 

DOTD:   Ali ‘DOD’ Townsend. He just can’t do right for trying.

 

Tea:       Sausage, chips and beans. Apparently.

Attendance:   Elliot’s Mum.

 

 

Men’s 6th XI 2-1 Ashby

Goals Joshua Pibworth,Darren Thorpe

In their last home game of the season the 6’s managed to conjure up a victory out of what was at times a woeful performance over a team struggling to avoid the drop and who we have not beaten in our last three meetings. The magic started early with captain Richard Smithtaking on the role of Dumbledore. Using miss-direction and slight of hand he managed to make Dermot Cassidyappear on time for a game for probably the first time this year by, at the start of the week, giving him a meet time 15 minutes earlier than the rest of the team. Dermot then made an early bid for DOTD by complaining that he had indigestion from rushing his eggs benedict. Clearly the days of the rugged full English breakfast eating hockey player are a thing of the past.

Ashby started in determined mood with the main tactic of crashing the ball to their rather portly twin strike force who used concealment and disguise to hide the ball. Excellent umpiring from Steve Finch in the opening ten minutes ensured that the physical approach from Ashby would not be allowed and the game became a lot more free flowing and open with both side struggling to create chances. At times the 6’s played without cohesion and intelligence and would have struggled to perform the rudimentary “I got your nose” trick on a new-born. Overall in the first half Ashby created the better chances and had two corners while the 6’s managed to create the illusion that Ashby knew how to defend.

 The second half started poorly with the 6’s conceding a sloppy goal. At this point the 6’s came out of their stupor, Dermot shift shaped himself into a slightly more advanced position like David Copperfield floating over Niagara and Phil Adamsstarted doing his Paul Daniels impression and making some “Magic” tackles. With Darren Thorpe starting to control the midfield space opened up down the flanks for Micheal and Joe to exploit and once the 6’s started to threaten the Ashby defence they started to wilt and Josh Pibworth swopped on a loose ball in the D like Houdini to slot the ball home between the keepers legs.

The 6’s maintained their pressure and from a free hit just outside the D Richard shifted the ball to Callum Wardwho sent in a hard pass in the direction of Darren. Now whether what happened next was a cunning Derren Brown slight of hand (Darrens version) or a Tommy Cooper style failed attempt to control the ball (the rest of the teams opinion) the ball ended up in the far corner and the points were in the hat waiting to be produced in a falsh and a bang of exploding feathers.

MotM went to Michael for a confident performance and getting forward at every opportunity. DotD was clear cut when Rob decided to add his own touch to the all black kit by wearing pink socks. Victory did nearly get plucked out of his hands when in the pub afterwards it was revealed that Tony Brennanis the only person left in the UK with Gangnam Style as a ringtone but Rob held out in the end.

This report is brought to you by the Magic Circle and those nice people of the Orlando Magic Cheerleaders who provided the inspiration for our warm up routine next season.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9579UzTlcsQ

 

 

Mens 7th XI 2-0 Belper 7th XI

Goals: Ian Street (PC), Rob Ellis

 

A close competitive match was in order based on previous form. The 7s started well with some good passing in midfield, but Belper were playing a very defensive game and the wise defensive line were drawing the 7s enthusiastic attacks into some very strong and solid tackling. The 7s were pushing well into the Belper half, but becoming a little over committed in attack. The solid tackles were soon turning into quick breaks easily bypassing the midfield and testing the 7s defence. In spite of the pressure in either half both teams defences stood firm and neither side were able to break through into the D and threaten the goal. The 7s took the upperhand, from a short corner. The inital shot was struck by Ian Street and well saved by the keeper. Rob Ellis picked up the deflection which was again saved, but the rebound fell to Ian Street who finally found a way past the keeper.

 

The second half was again hotly contested and both teams were defending well. Jon Keep and Tim Warburton were hanging back a little in attack giving the 7s much more depth and allowing the 7s to hold possession for much longer spells. All the possession yielded several good chances with some good crosses going across the D. Rob Ellis picked up one of these crosses and put the ball into the backboard for the second goal. A well fought win for the 7s.

MOTM – goes to the whole team for a great performance throughout

DOTD – Rob Ellis – for excessive one handed play!

 

Squad: Dean Gibson, Martin Skinner, Ian Street, Nigel Riches, Tom Woodhouse, Jon Keep, Tim Waumsley, Ashley Clarke, Tim Warburton, Owain Mahoney, Adam Wright, Rob Ellis

 

 

Under 12s Tournaments

Well done to all the Under 12’s with both girls and boys Saints teams qualifying through to the Regional Tournament in a few weeks time

 

Girls U12s

The girls under 12’s won both their games against Kettering. The first game was a tight 3-2 victory with goals from Amber Thorpe and Olivia Lodge (2). In their second game, the girls totally overwhelmed Kettering with a 7-0 victory. The goal scorers were Gemma Urquhart, Olivia Lodge, Jessica  Pettit (2), Macy Robinson (2) and Amber Thorpe. Well done to all the girls, great team play and hard work proved the difference between the two teams.

Squad: Holly Adams (captain), Gemma Urquhart, Amber Thorpe, Amelia Williamson, Jessica Pettit, Macy Robinson, Trinity Phipps, Olivia Lodge, Tia Powell

 

Boys U12s

The boys under 12’s were also unbeaten, initially with a 4-2 victory over Kettering, goal scorers were Fin and Rhys (3). This was followed up with a great 3-3 draw with a powerful Long Buckby team, with Rhys scoring all 3 goals. The boys were tied in first place with Long Buckby in the tournament but Long Buckby had a better goal difference so were awarded first place. Both these teams progress to the Regional tournament

Squad: Mason Walding (Captain), Jack Owen, Jacob Paine, Rhys Noble, Elliott Atherton, Finley Ogden, Andrew Kerr-Chin

 

A big thank you to Tony Brennan, Emily Wilkins, Alice Kilner, Rosie Barnes and Ellie Bleach for organising and running the county tournament on behalf of Falcons Junior hockey academy and thank you as always to Lara for all her organising of the Saints players. Finally thanks to all the mums, dads, grandparents, aunties, uncles and friends who turned out in miserable weather to cheer the children on!

 

Well done the mighty 12’s, the Saints go marching on to the Regional Tournament!

 

 

U10s Boys & Girls Tournaments

 

Sunday, 09:30 … peers out of bedroom window, notes:  Rain, Hail, Sleet, Snow, Floods, Freezing Fog and Icy Winds…. Thinks: “Yay! It must be another Junior Hockey weekend!”

 

U10 Boys: Match 1. Kettering Boys. Running. Battling hard. Ball slipped through, 1 Down. Furious midfield battle. Counter. Keeper beaten again. 0-2. Lost. Sighs all round. Match 2: Rematch. Determined. Break down wings. Blocked. Kettering counter. Keeper rounded. 0-1. More sighs. Great Fightback. Scramble in D. Oliver. Slap! Goal!! Cheers! All to play for. End to End. Great defence. Breakaway chances. Defence faltered. Backboard thud. 1-2. Hooter. Lost. Long faces. Still qualify for Regionals. Smiles return!

 

U10 Girls. Match 1: Long Buckby. Battle.Chase.Defend. Under pressure. Thud. 0-1. Battle.Chase.Defend. Under more pressure. Thud. 0-2. Battle.Chase.Defend. Under yet more pressure. Thud. 0-3. Battle.Chase.Defend. you guessed it, relentlessly more pressure. Thud. 0-4. Hooter. Lost. Respite. Match 2: Kettering. Evenly matched. Breakaway Opportunities. Chances missed. Opponent Short corner. Committed defence. Cleared. Kettering break on the left. Repeated tackles. Cleared. Kettering pressing hard. Great teamwork. Cleared. Last minute…. Dying seconds scuffed Kettering shot. Bobble. Desperate lunge. Stick not long enough. Trickle over line. 0-1. Hooter. Gutted! Consolation Crème Eggs… Smiles Return!

 

In keeping with the tournament day itself, due to unfavourable conditions, many of the sentences originally planned for this match report have been removed or abridged to lessen the suffering of children and spectators!  J

 

Despite the losses, the Boys group of Tenacious 10’s will progress to the Regionals in a few weeks time (dates/times to follow) which will see them pit their wits against some great teams.   Thankyou to Amie for running the team on the morning and well played to all of our valiant sticksmen:

 

Ben “Between-the-Sticks’ Powell

Ewan “reverse-stick” Hughes Rowlands

Michael “broom-stick” Ward  (spot the link with the last match report?)

Oliver “Lippy–stick” Adams

Chase  “Stick-em-up” Cooke

Tom “Give-it-some-stick” Cole

Joey “where’s-my-stick?” Gwinn

Liam “slap-stick” Street

Oliver “chop-stick” Woolley

Ryan “twist-or-stick” Mackle

 

Unfortunately, despite looking dazzling in orange (really girls, it’s the new Black, trust me!) the girls finished outside of the qualifying places in 3rdspot….. but they should not feel down-hearted as they put up a fantastic display – even when under the kosh in their first game, there were no despondant looks, no bemoaning of decisions and no dropping of heads… they stayed upbeat, focussed, committed and worked together SO brilliantly from first hooter to last.……. So much so that their endeavour and spirit was even praised by one of the other club coaches.  Well played to the following girls for an egg-stremely impressive display of teamwork:

 

Phoebe “I like crème eggs” Chambers

Siobhan “I like crème eggs” Withers

Hannah “I like crème eggs” Bayliss

Jodie “I like crème eggs” Welton

Eve “I like crème eggs” Welton

Hannah “I like crème eggs” Whitfield

Charlotte “I like crème eggs” Morris

Bonnie “not for me!” Greenslade

Aoife “where’s my crème egg?” Linehan

 

 

Thanks to all for braving the elements …. I’m sure I wasn’t the only one driving to Wellingborough thinking “why am I doing this….?” Only for it all to turn out well in the end!!

 

See you next time