CHAIRMAN’S CHAT from Mike Denham, Harleston Magpies HC 18 February 2009:

I couldn’t believe it!

When I got to the club last Saturday I could hardly believe that yet another game for the Men’s 1sts had fallen victim to the cold weather. This time Ipswich HC’s Henley Road pitch was the problem, or to be more accurate the shadow cast by the adjoining tennis centre.

As a result the team goes into this Saturday’s vital home match against Cambridge University (2.15) without a game since their excellent away win over St Albans three weeks ago. However, the team has continued to train hard including an extra session last Sunday.

It is to be hoped that they will soon find their stride against the students and they will need to do so to retain their one hundred per cent record and with it their domination to date of East Premier A.

Apart from the above disappointment last Saturday turned out to be a most successful one for the club at Weybread as we were able to enjoy wins (with plenty of goals) for Ladies’ 1sts (1-0), Ladies’ 2nds (3-1), Ladies’ 3rds (7-1), Men’s 2nds (6-1), Men’s 3rds (7-1) and Men’s 6ths (1-0) to go with away wins for Men’s 5ths (1-0) and Men’s Veterans (5-1).

After the opening few minutes the Ladies’ 1sts completely dominated their match against Sevenoaks and it was a mighty relief to see Angie Wheelhouse bang in her 10th goal of the season. I have to confess I saw little of the excellent win by the Ladies’ 3rds (sorry ladies!) as I was anxiously willing the 1sts to victory after failing to get the electronic scoreboard to work. But stuck on 0-0 it was accurate for 63 minutes!

The Men’ 2nds played extremely well in the second half against the ten men of Cambridge City 2nds while the Ladies’ 2nds, apart from a misunderstanding in defence which allowed Norwich Dragons to draw level for a few minutes, played some of their best hockey of the season.

Next up were the Men’s 3rds and their first and seventh goals were scored by Will Main and Phil Cobbald. The latter was making a rare appearance for the team (having managed the 2nds to victory) and his shot rifled into the net from a narrow angle. But the star of the show was once again Matt Brand who continued his goal-filled season with another five. It is just as well for the club that the transfer window has been closed for a few months!

This Saturday the Ladies’ 1sts play Old Loughtonians (12.30) looking for another home win after their away defeat by table topping Reading last Sunday. Meanwhile the Men’s 2nds travel to St Ives (2.00), the Men’s 3rds are away to the UEA (1.00) and the Men’s 5ths entertain Bury St Edmunds 4ths (4.00) with all three teams seeking to maintain their respective promotion bids.

News and comments in brief
• Congratulations to our U11 and U13 Boys’ and Girls’ Mini teams which did so well last Sunday at Watton and especially to the U11 Boys and U13 Girls who came first. All four teams will be in action again this Sunday at Pelicans.

• Roger Kent hit a hat trick last Saturday for the Vets and a repeat this Sunday (1.30) would be most welcome when he turns out for the Vets in their EH Cup clash at Ipswich (Henley Rd).

• It would be much appreciated if you would kindly return your Spring Prize Draw books (with money!) as soon as possible please.
Best wishes to supporters and friends of HMHC and to all our teams playing this weekend.

Mike Denham Tel: 01603 506925 E-mail: MDenham975@aol.com 18/2/09