Richardson and Jackson UK Players of the 2009 (26.1.2010)
Ashley Jackson, the 22-year-old England and HGC (Netherlands) midfield player was named UK Player of the Year for 2009 following the annual poll conducted amongst British members of the Hockey Writers’ Club. Helen Richardson the 28-year-old England and Reading central midfield player who spent the first part of a highly successful year with Dutch European Champions Den Bosch was the winner of the women’s award.>>>>

SMITH SEES SLOUGH TO TITLE by Patrick Rowley (24.1.2010)
Slough Ladies claimed the English Indoor League title for the 8th time in 15 years at Whitgift School yesterday. Needing to win their last game to finish above Canterbury on goal difference, Slough coasted to a 3-0 victory over former champions Chelmsford. Jane Smith, the former international, scored all three goals to finish easily the events’ top scorer yet again, this time with 24 goals in 8 games. >>>>

England in a strong position by Patrick Rowley (16.1.2010)
England’s women’s indoor team finished the second day in a strong position to win the European Challenge at Rouen, despite being held to a 1-1 draw by Sweden in their third match. They followed that with an 8-2 win over Croatia with. Chloe Rogers scoring five. That brought her tournament tally to eleven. Success came despite the absence of Sally Walton (Bowdon) who was taken sick in Rouen. England flew out Sarah Haycroft, an 18 year old Birmingham University student, as late replacement. >>>>

CATLIN MAKES WORLD CUP TEAM by Patrick Rowley (13.1.2010)
England have stuck by the team that won the European Cup for the first time at Amsterdam in August for the World Cup which takes place in New Delhi from Feb 28-Mar 13. The only change is an enforced one due to foot injuries to the experienced Simon Mantell and James Tindall.
Nick Catlin, the 20 year old Loughborough Student who made his tournament debut at the Champions Trophy at Melbourne in December, comes into the squad. >>>>

Dick's hat-trick by Patrick Rowley (2.1.2010)
Olympic forward Stephen Dick scored a hat-trick to lead Scotland to an 8-3 win over Wales in the first of two indoor internationals at Perth. Coached by Russell Garcia, the former Olympic gold medallist, Scotland are having their last outings before joining England at the European Indoor Trophy in Poznan in a fortnight’s time. Dick opened the scoring in the first minute and completed his hat-trick with a corner and stroke conversion. >>>>

JACKSON STRIKES AGAIN by Patrick Rowley (19.12. 2009)
Ashley Jackson, the World Hockey’s Young Player of the Year, scored his second hat-trick for England’s indoor team against Scotland to ensure they won the four test series at Paisley before the final match today. Jackson followed his four in Friday’s 7-5 win, with the first three goals in a 4-2 win in the third match. The second was drawn 3-3. Great Britain women’s first outing since finishing fifth the Beijing Olympics, a five test series at Salta in Argentina, ended sadly with the final test lost and key player Crista Cullen ending up in hospital.>>>>

SURBITON GO INTO INDOOR SEASON AHEAD IN BOTH THEIR OUTDOOR LEAGUES by Seán Cotter (4.12. 2009)
Surbiton Ladies make their first foray into indoor hockey this Saturday (5 December) when they travel to The Edge Leisure Centre, Haslemere, to play in the South Indoor Pool A Qualifier. The following weekend the club’s Men make their return to the National Indoor Premier Division for the first time in five seasons at the opening weekend of fixtures at the Fleming Park Leisure Centre in Eastleigh (12/13 December). Last weekend victories for both kept Surbiton ladies’ and men’s outdoor first XIs top of their respective leagues going into the outdoor winter break.>>>>

Impressive Slough cement third place with victory by Mike Haymonds (4.12. 2009)
SLOUGH Ladies’ 2-1 win over struggling Bowdon, their first double of the season, followed the pattern of many of their previous games.
A strong start with early goals was not maintained and, although they outplayed their opponents, Slough failed to kill them off, resulting in a narrower than deserved margin of victory. The win kept Slough in third place, still eight points adrift of unbeaten leaders Leicester, but the gap behind Reading was closed to three points after Reading’s 2-2 draw with Birmingham University. >>>>

LAST MEN’S PREMIER OUTDOOR FIXTURES BEFORE WINTER BREAK by Seán Cotter (27.11. 2009)
This Sunday afternoon (29 November) EHL National Premier Division leaders Surbiton take on eighth-placed Hampstead & Westminster at Sugden Road in the last tranche of fixtures before the winter break, taking all ten clubs to one beyond the half-way mark with the first return meetings of the campaign. Surbiton have already travelled to Paddington Rec where they triumphed 5-2 on Saturday 26 September in the second game of the season. >>>>

Slough cruise to victory as Poynt is made by Mike Haymonds (27.11. 2009)
SLOUGH Ladies reached the mid-point of the season with a 2-1 win over Brooklands Poynton which was more comfortable than the scoreline suggested. Slough retained third place, eight points behind Leicester, who extended their 100 per cent record with a 6-0 hammering of bottom team Trojans, and Reading who beat Clifton 7-2. Whatever the result of Saturday’s match with Bowdon, Slough will still be third as they go into the mid-season break. >>>>

TOP OF THE TABLE CLASH NOT ALL THAT IT SEEMS by Seán Cotter (20.11. 2009)
This Saturday (21 November, 4pm) first-placed Surbiton meet second-placed Reading at Sugden Road, but this is not quite the EHL National Premier Division showdown that it might appear on paper. Imagine what Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger would have to say if they faced such a fixture with four players from one side (in this case Reading) and three from the other (Surbiton) missing on international duty (having already departed on Wednesday with eleven players from other clubs – nine of them English premier, two Dutch - for the Champions Trophy in Melbourne which takes place from Saturday week 28 November to Sunday 6 December). >>>>

Finishing touch proves winner by Mike Haymonds (20.11. 2009)
SLOUGH Ladies returned to winning ways with a deserved 3-2 win over a Canterbury team which has the best record against them of all the Premier clubs. Despite the difficult conditions of heavy rain and a strong wind both sides contributed to a competitive game with Slough’s finishing, on this occasion, proving superior. The win lifted Slough back into the third place they lost last week, eight points behind Leicester and five behind Reading.>>>>

Slough lose to high flying Leicester by Mike Haymonds (13.11. 2009)
SLOUGH Ladies suffered their second defeat of the season at the hands of league leaders Leicester who maintained their 100 per cent record. The defeat dropped Slough a place to fourth but they will be encouraged that they held their own against the strongest Premier team and, after a defensive error led to Leicester’s first goal, all bar one of the hosts’ penalty corners were successfully defended until five minutes before the end. >>>>

SURBITON AND READING BATTLE IT OUT FOR TOP SPOT IN ELITE MEN’S LEAGUE by Seán Cotter (13.11. 2009)
By a quirk of the fixture list, this Sunday (15 November) both Surbiton and fellow EHL National Premier Division table toppers Reading will be playing within five miles of each other in leafy Cheshire suburbs of Manchester. First the Berkshire club take on fifth-placed (of 10) Bowdon in Altrincham starting at 12.15 pm and then Surbiton, second-placed on goals difference, play ninth-placed Brooklands Manchester University quarter of an hour away in Sale, starting at 2pm.>>>>

New Zealand march on by Patrick Rowley in Invercargill (12.11. 2009)
New Zealand made sure of contesting the final of the second of the three World Cup qualifying tournaments when they defeated China 6-1 in the fourth of their five group matches at Invercargill. Their fourth win took them three points clear of nearest rivals China. They will play either China or Malaysia in Sunday’s final for the one place at stake for the 2010 World Cup finals at New Delhi. >>>>

Scotland win by Patrick Rowley in Invercargill (10.11. 2009)
A bit of sun but still a near gale blowing on the third day of play at Invercargill. Early on, Ken Bain sent clear but failed to eliminate either the goalkeeper or a late covering defender. Perhaps should have done better. Chris Grassick had to stretch forward to get in a flick shot so no power and shot saved. >>>>

Scotland bounce back by Patrick Rowley in Invercargill (10.11. 2009)
Scotland bounced back after their 8-0 drubbing by New Zealand to pick up their first points in the World Cup qualifier here in Invercargill
twice coming from behind to beat the higher ranked Austria 3-2. They were by far the more adventurous side on another bitingly cold day.
>>>>

Scotland struggle at Invercargill by Patrick Rowley in Invercargill (8.11. 2009)
Scotland lost 2-1 to China in the opening match at the men’s World Cup Qualifier in Invercargill. In gale force winds, they missed a great chance to defeat a team ranked way above them. Great Britain forward Stephen Dick gave them the lead in their first attack after less than four minutes. He smartly deflected in a cross from the right wing. Gavin Byers should have made it 2-0 but shot straight at the goalkeeper when given a free shot.>>>>

Scotland and Wales lose first two opening games by Patrick Rowley in Invercargill (8.11. 2009)
Scotland and Wales will almost certainly not be joining England at next year’s World Cup in New Delhi. Both home countries lost twice on the first two days of their 6 nation World Cup qualifier here in cold fierce winds and will need a miracle to even make next week-end’s final from which only the winner will go forward. On the evidence of the first 24 hours, that country will be hosts and favourites New Zealand. The Black Sticks beat Wales 6-2 on Saturday and then majestically disposed of Scotland 8-0 yesterday.>>>>

PREMIER LEAGUE RESUMES STRIPPED OF 16 ON INTERNATIONAL DUTY by Seán Cotter (6.11. 2009)
Surbiton supporters can watch their men’s 1st XI at home for the first time in three weeks when the club takes on Cannock at Sugden Road this Sunday (8 November, 2.00pm). Despite last weekend being a league rest day, the home team was still displaced from top spot by a worse goals difference of just three in the National Premier Division as rivals Reading dropped their first points of the season with a 0-0 draw from their game in hand at Beeston on Saturday.>>>>

Leicester we forget – a tough test by Mike Haymonds (6.11. 2009)
SLOUGH Ladies face their toughest test so far this season when they travel to league leaders Leicester tomorrow (Saturday), hoping to inflict a first defeat on their opponents. Leicester have a 100 per cent record after six games and a three-point lead over Reading and six over third-placed Slough. After winning three successive Premier titles between 2004 and 2007 Leicester have finished third and fourth in the last two seasons but look in the form to reclaim their crown.>>>>

Simon Mantell injured by Patrick Rowley (1.11. 2009)
England striker Simon Mantell will not be able to play for England, the European champions, in the Champions Trophy in Melbourne at the end of this month. Injured in Reading’s England League match at Beeston on Saturday, he is believed to have a leg stress fracture. Reading were held to a goalless draw by Beeston, fellow European League quarter finalists, in a rearranged game but that was enough to take them above Surbiton to the top of the league on goal difference. >>>>

A point enough for Reading by Patrick Rowley (1.11. 2009)
Reading, the English Cup holders, dropped their first points of the season in the England League when held to a goalless draw by Beeston at Nottingham. A point was enough, however, to take Reading back to the top of the premier division, ahead of Surbiton on goal difference. Reading played like a side that had been stuck on the motorway and did well to come away with a point. They could thank their international goalkeeper Nick Brothers for that. >>>>

SURBITON TAKE A REST BUT THEIR INTERNATIONALS ARE KEPT BUSY by Seán Cotter (30.10. 2009)
Surbiton men’s 1st XI are not in action this weekend (Saturday 31 October/Sunday 1 November) with the national league taking a break and their team being one of four national premier division clubs not to have entered the England Hockey Cup this season. The latter competition reaches its third round (last 16) stage on Sunday with all six of the competing premier division clubs having survived their entry at the second round stage on 4 October. >>>>

Bevan’s brace trumps Trojans by Mike Haymonds (30.10. 2009)
FORMER Wales international Louise Bevan is not a regular scorer for Slough Ladies but her brace against Trojans played a major part in a convincing 5-0 victory. And her second strike will be hard to beat as Slough’s goal of the season. From a Mandy Nicholson cross into the D Bevan raced in at speed to steer the ball home. >>>>

Smith’s two strikes clinch victory by Mike Haymonds (23.10. 2009)
SLOUGH Ladies’ veteran striker Jane Smith had made a modest start to the season with only one goal in the opening four games - and that was a penalty stroke. But her two strikes to clinch victory against the Birmingham students showed she is back on course to bid for the leading Premier scorer prize against her regular rival Bowdon’s Tina Cullen. The win kept Slough in touch with the leading pack, who all won, and lifted them into fourth place behind Leicester, Olton and Reading . >>>>

SURBITON TO MEET UP WITH EURO TROPHY AGAIN by Seán Cotter (23.10. 2009)
Surbiton men’s 1st XI defend their single-point lead at the top of England’s EHL national premier division away to Loughborough Students on the University’s main pitch at Epinal Way tomorrow (Saturday 24 October) evening (6pm). They will also meet up there with the EuroHockey Nations Championship Trophy for a second time this league season as England Hockey stages the fourth of six legs of its Trophy Tour (the second of which was at Sugden Road on 3 October). >>>>

CULLEN KEEPS LEICESTER ON TOP by Patrick Rowley (17.10. 2009)
Olympic defender Crista Cullen scored her second goal in successive matches since returning from a long spell in Africa to ensure Leicester maintained their 100 per cent record in the England Women’s League. Leicester were 2-0 home winners over struggling Clifton. Leicester and Cullen were frustrated for a long time by Clifton’s brilliant young goalkeeper Gemma Ible. >>>>

BACK TO “SUNDAY AT SUGDEN ROAD” FOR SURBITON SUPPORTERS by Seán Cotter (16.10. 2009)
This Sunday (18 October), despite having reached their fifth England Hockey League National Premier Division game of the season, Surbiton men’s 1st XI play only their second home fixture and the first on the club’s traditional “after church and lunch” second day of the weekend (push off 2pm). The squad returned from last Saturday evening’s fixture >>>>

Poor finishing by Mike Haymonds (16.10. 2009)
SLOUGH Ladies were let down by their finishing and this draw, which must count as two points lost rather than a point won, dropped them two places to fifth. Eight penalty corners from which they never really troubled the Olton goalkeeper, plus several good open play chances squandered, contributed to a below-par performance against opponents who were restricted by injuries to only one substitute. >>>>

First ever own goal by Patrick Rowley (11.10. 2009)
Reading, the English Cup holders, were the beneficiaries of the first ever official own goal in hockey when they drew 2-2 with Spanish club Atletico Terrassa in the Euro League at Barcelona (yesterday,Sunday). Own goals are not allowed under the rules of hockey but are permitted in the Euro League. Xavi Ribas, the 33 year old Spanish defender, turned a ball centred from outside the scoring circle into his >>>>

Tindall saves Surbiton in 10 goal thriller by Patrick Rowley (10.10. 2009)
Two late goals by England striker James Tindall saved Surbiton, the England League leaders, from their first defeat of the season as they shared ten goals with East Grinstead at Saint Hill last night. Both sides led twice in a thrilling game before Tindall’s open play goals in the 61st and 69th minutes. Another England striker Matt Daly scored Surbiton’s first two goals to take his season’s tally to nine in four matches. Mark Pearn and Ben Payne each picked up a brace for East Grinstead. >>>>

Another win and a new coach bring Slough Ladies cheer by Mike Haymonds (9.10. 2009)
THINGS are looking up for Slough Ladies as they won for a second week, fielding a near-full squad, and have found themselves a coach.
Their win over Clifton who beat them three times last season was convincing and lifted them to third place, within the target of a top-five finish necessary to qualify for the end of season play-offs. Slough’s new coach Mike Williamson said: “Our individual skills gave us the edge." >>>>

NEW LEADERS SURBITON AWAY TO REIGNING EH CHAMPIONS ON SATURDAY by Seán Cotter (8.10. 2009)
After its first three weekends, Surbiton stand proudly atop the fledgling England Hockey National Premier Division. But long-serving player and now Surbiton joint captain, Tim Pinnock, is not getting carried away by his team’s exalted position at this early stage of the season.
“Naturally, we’re really pleased with our results so far,” he says, “but we’ve got some really tough fixtures to come and I think I’m going to resort to the old football mantra of saying we’re taking one game at a time.” >>>>

Mantell brothers lead a great comeback by Patrick Rowley (3.10. 2009)
Cup holders Reading staged a great comeback to defeat league champions East Grinstead 5-4 in a league match at Sonning that confirmed the present high quality of English hockey. Grinstead led 3-1 and, at times, were almost toyed with their Berkshire opponents but Reading eventually exposed their porous defence to move into a 5-3 lead >>>>

EUROPEAN CUP AND EXETER UNI VISIT SURBITON THIS SATURDAY by Seán Cotter (2.10. 2009)
Local youngsters – and older enthusiasts - will be able to get their photographs taken with the European Cup at the Long Ditton home of Surbiton Hockey Club tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon. They will also be able to watch the Long Ditton-based club’s five England internationals who helped win it in action against visiting University of Exeter in their team’s first home EHL National Premier Division fixture of the season, starting at 4pm. >>>>

Slough hit back to beat champions by Mike Haymonds (2.10. 2009)
SLOUGH Ladies bounced back from last week’s opening day defeat to record a deserved win over the reigning Premier champions Bowdon.
It was all the more remarkable as Slough were missing seven players, six of whom would have been probable starters. Despite this, Slough were the dominant side and were 4-1 up with ten minutes left before Bowdon closed the gap with two late goals.>>>>

England stars shine by Patrick Rowley (27.9.2009)
Seven of England’s European gold medal winning team scored on the second day of the new England Hockey League season. James Tindall and Matt Daly each picked up a brace as Surbiton outplayed Hampstead to win 5-2. Tindall’s opened the scoring with a memorable shot, Daly took his new season tally to six – all from corners. >>>>

GOLDEN BRACE by Patrick Rowley (26.9.2009)
European gold medallists James Tindall and Matt Daly both scored twice as Surbiton over-ran Hampstead to win their second English League match of the new season 5-2 on the new pitch at Paddington. Tindall’s first goal, a beautifully controlled and lethal volley, following up a Daly corner shot that rebounded to him waist high on the circle’s edge, must be an early contender for goal of the season. >>>>

Surbiton travel for a second successive weekend by Seán Cotter (25.9.2009)
Tomorrow (Saturday 26 September) Surbiton, who finished fifth in England’s ten-team elite league last season, are away again, this time in North London (Paddington Rec, 2pm) to play Hampstead & Westminster, who finished only two places, but 14 points (having had one deducted), behind them. >>>>

Slough lose opening derby by Mike Haymonds (24.9.2009)
SLOUGH LADIES came off second-best in their opening day’s derby with newly-promoted Reading, a game which, disappointingly, never reached a high quality and entertainment level. Slough were missing six players, either injured or not available, while Reading had only two of their star signings - Alex Danson and Jo Ellis. >>>>

Daly scores four on opening day by Patrick Rowley (20.9.2009)
Matt Daly, a key member of England’s gold medal winning team at the recent European Championships, started the new England League season by converting four penalty corners to give his club Surbiton a 4-3 away over Bowdon. Surbiton trailed 3-1 a half time but Daly scored all the second half goals. >>>>

Cullen starts new season with a hat-trick by Patrick Rowley (19.9.2009)
Tine Cullen, the former England striker, took champions Bowdon Hightown straight to the top of the womens England Hockey League, with a 3-0 away win at Clifton on day one of the season. Cullen scored all three goals, scoring twice in the first half and completing her hat-trick with a penalty stroke conversion in the last minute. Her goals took her all time total to 329, over a 100 more than Jane Smith and 2000 more than all but two other players. >>>>

ENGLAND INTERNATIONALS RETURN TO LEAGUE ACTION by Sean Cotter (18.9.2009)
Surbiton will have all five of their European gold medallists back on board for the first time since England’s triumphant 18-man squad lifted the European Cup with a thrilling 5-3 victory over world top-ranked Germany in Amsterdam at the end of August when their start their league campaign in Cheshire against Bowdon this Sunday. Three of them – Ben Hawes, Rob Moore and James Tindall – returned for the first time when Surbiton, who finished fifth of ten last campaign, achieved the considerable boost of a 2-1 away win over National Premier Division runners-up Reading in their final pre-season friendly last Sunday afternoon. >>>>

Slough/Surbiton Merger rejected by Mike Haymonds (11.9.2009)
SLOUGH LADIES’ plans for a merger of its first team with Surbiton Hockey Club were rejected by the club’s members at Tuesday’s Extraordinary General Meeting. The proposed change had been brought about by two factors in recent months. Reading’s promotion to the national Premier League for the coming season means Slough now have a local rival in attracting top players and they continue to struggle to find a regular top-quality coach. The merger proposal at Tuesday’s meeting required a change to the club’s constitution and failed to reach the necessary two-thirds majority by some way. >>>>

SURBITON CONTINUE PRE-SEASON FRIENDLIES THIS WEEKEND (Seán Cotter 11 September 2009)
Surbiton’s top men’s and ladies’ sides continue the final stages of their preparations for the new season this weekend (Saturday/Sunday September 12/13). The men’s first XI, who finished fifth in England’s elite ten-team EHL Premier Division last season, won both their pre-season friendlies last weekend and meet 2008/09 runners-up Reading in a final work out this Sunday (13 September) at Sonning Lane starting at 2pm (directions: www.readinghockeyclub.org.uk). Last Friday evening (4 September) at Sugden Road, Surbiton beat Oxted - who won last season’s Conference East but failed to make it through the play-offs to this season’s premier division - by 2-1. >>>>

Rising star Jackson has Becks appeal by Graham Wilson (7.09.09):
YOU can't quite see Ashley Jackson up on the billboards showing off the Armani underwear but he has been compared with David Beckham as the new golden boy of England. He is shy and unassuming in the same way but there the similarities between the hockey player from Chatham, Kent, and the footballing icon from Leytonstone just about end, certanly when it comes down to fame and fortune. Not many can match Beckham any way but Jackson does have something that he hasn't - a European Championship gold medal after England took apart world and Olympic champions Germany in the final 5-3. >>>>

Slough/Surbiton Merger by Mike Haymonds (4.9.2009)
With the new EHL National League season just two weeks away Slough Hockey Club faces the immediate prospect of dramatic change.
Following extensive discussions between the two clubs during August it is proposed that Slough Ladies 1st team will cease to be a part of Slough HC and will form a new club ‘Slough Ladies’, existing as a single team, within a partnership with Surbiton Hockey Club. The move was approved in principle at last week’s Slough HC AGM and will be the topic for an Extraordinary General Meeting of the club next Tuesday (8th).
>>>>

Scotland & Wales for Invercargill qualifier reports Patrick (Pat) Rowley (01.09.09):
Scotland and Wales will have to go to Invercargill in the far South of New Zealand to take part in a men’s World Cup qualifier in November.
Ireland will go to Quilmes in Argentina. All three countries must have been hoping to been drawn in the third qualifier, at Lille in France even though Pakistan, the highest ranked team not qualified yet, go there. >>>>

ENGLAND ARE EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS reports Patrick Rowley (30.8.2009):
England beat Germany, the Beijing Olympic gold medallists, 5-3 in the final of the European Championship at Amstelveen to win their first
ever continental title. Not only that but it was England’s first major title since they won the 1908 and 1920 Olympic titles before the days of Great Britain sides. Playing hockey of such a quality, there can be little doubt that they will be serious contenders at the World Cup in Delhi next year and, in GB colours, at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. >>>>

ENGLAND WOMEN COLLECT BRONZE reports Patrick Rowley (29.8.2009):
England who go for gold against Germany in the men’s final today, won the women’s bronze medals at the European Championship beating Spain 2-1 in the third place match at Amstelveen. Chloe Rogers and the captain Kate Walsh scored England’s goals. >>>>

Golden goal by Jackson reports Patrick Rowley from Amsterdam (28.8.2009):
England scored a golden goal with 45 seconds left on the clock to win 2-1 over Holland and dethrone the European men’s champions in the
cauldron of their national stadium at Amstelveen. Ashley Jackson, the new kid on the block, scored the goal with a deflection, after superb approach play by Simon Mantell. >>>>

England men qualify for the World Cup reports Patrick Rowley from Amsterdam (26.8.2009):
Delhi here we come. England qualified for the 2010 World Cup in the grand manner, outclassing a useful Belgian outfit to the tune of 8-2 in
the third match at the European Cup. An ennervating performance confirmed what England suggssted in the 4-4 draw with Germany two days earlier. They are now good enough to challenge any team in the world. >>>>

England kept down to four reports Pat Rowley (22.8.2009):
When many of the minnows were crushed, England’s women’s team were content to cruise to a 4-0 win over Russia on the first day of the
EuroHockey Nations Championship in Amsterdam. Helen Richardson popped in a corner rebound to give England an early lead and England scored twice inside a minute on the half hour to take a 3-0 lead into the (half time) break. >>>>

ARGENTINA SPOIL ENGLAND DREAM reports Pat Rowley (15.8.2009):
England were dramatically beaten 1-0 by Argentina in the semi-finals of the Women’s World Junior Cup at Harvard University in Boston. The only goal was scored with just over one minute of extra time left on the clock. Argentina’s inside left, Carla Dupuy lashed a shot high past Clifton’s Gemma Ible, England’s excellent goalkeeper.>>>>

SHERER'S GOAL ENOUGH reports Pat Rowley (8.8.2009):
A goal by Durham University’s Loren Sherer was enough to give England a 1-0 win over India in their fourth match at the Women’s Junior World Cup at Boston, Massachusetts. They remain unbeaten, with three wins and a draw, and heading for their highest ever ranking in the four yearly event. >>>>

ENGLAND v INDIA (2.8.2009):
Another Ashley Jackson double and one from Reading’s Iain Mackay gave England victory over India in the final test at the University of Birmingham on Sunday. England were forced to fight their way back into the game after falling two goals behind inside 18 minutes. >>>>

ENGLAND v INDIA (31.7.2009):
Hockey fans witnessed that cliché of clichés, a game of two halves, at the University of Birmingham this evening as England surrendered a two goal lead to go down 4-3 to India in the second of their three test match series. Beijing Olympians Ashley Jackson and Jonty Clarke had given England a comfortable lead with just ten minutes of the first half remaining but India fought back with a combination of speed and skill to shock their hosts and send a large Indian support home happy. >>>>

ENGLAND v INDIA (29.7.2009):
In torrential rain at the University of Birmingham, England recorded a commanding victory over India with goals from Ben Hawes, captain Barry Middleton and Richard Smith, who netted his first goal in England colours. England got off to the perfect start with a goal in 29 seconds. Two minutes later and England earned the first of ten penalty corners but Ashley Jackson’s effort was well charged down by the first runner. >>>>

BRITAIN DENIED AT DEATH, reports Pat Rowley (11.7.2009):
England were denied a shock win over Olympic champions Netherlands when the Dutch converted an over-time penalty corner to snatch a 2-2 draw in the opening match of the Women’s Champions Trophy in Sydney. England had built up a 2-0 lead by the 47th minute, twice snapping up chances in a congested Dutch circle. Leicester forward Katie Long (21) gave England the lead after a quarter of an hour, her third goal in six internationals. Former Slough forward Alex Danson reversed in the second. >>>>

GILBERT'S WINNER, reports Pat Rowley (20.6.2009):
A stunning reverse stick strike by 20 year old Birmingham University student Susie Gilbert five minutes from time gave England’s women’s team a 3-2 win over European champions Germany in the first of two weekend internationals at Russelsheim. It was England’s first away win over Germany in 28 years and will give enormous encouragement to the team a month before they compete in Champions Trophy in Sydney.
>>>>

LONG TAKES HER CHANCE, reports Pat Rowley (13.6.2009):
A superb cross shot by England newcomer Katie Long enabled England to draw 1-1 with Spain, in the first of their two weekend meetings at
Highfields, Nottingham. Her goal in the 45th minute followed one by Spain’s Raquel Huertas six minutes earlier. The 21 year-old Leicester forward scored from the inside right position after good work by Alex Danson and a squared pass by Jo Ellis. >>>>

ANOTHER LESSON FOR NEW ENGLAND, reports Pat Rowley (7.6.2009):
England’s inexperienced new squad were well beaten again in their second match at the four nation Hamburg Masters event in Germany,
losing 5-2 to Australia. After falling 4-0 behind, they did rally in the second half with two goals by Ashley Jackson who had earlier been denied by a post. Jackson scored with a drag flick at a 52nd minute corner and in open play four minutes later. >>>>

READING’S LATE GOALS SNATCH, reports Pat Rowley (17.5.2009):
Reading, the English League runners-up, scored twice in a minute with three minutes left on the clock to beat Beeston, the hosts and holders,
3-1 in the final of the English Cup at a crowded Nottingham Highfields. Their decisive goals came against the run of play. Reading often had to withstand sustained pressure. Adam Dixon and Ali Wilson dominated the midfield for Beeston and worked cleverly and at speed to create openings. It was fortunate for Reading that former England goalkeeper Nick Brothers was at the top of his form. >>>>

ENGLAND DEBUTANTS LOSE 2-0 TO GERMANY, reports Pat Rowley (9.5.2009):
England, playing their first international since the European Cup in 2007 and with five players making their test debuts, were beaten 2-0 by
Germany in the first of two week-end internationals against the Olympic and World champions in Nuremburg. Midfielder Christoph Menke scored a goal in each half for the Germans. Menke followed up a save by James Fair in the England goal to give his side a 14th minute lead. He added his second five minutes into the second half with a deflection high into the England goal from the top of the circle. >>>>

An English hockey title has gone to a Channel Islands team for the first time, reports Pat Rowley (25.4.2009):
Guernsey defeated Henley 4-3 at Chigwell in the the men’s Trophy final, the competition sponsored by Harrod UK for second tier clubs. Richard Wood scored with an unstoppable shot to put Henley ahead but Guernsey for whom captain Andy Whalley was a key figure, came through with goals by Damien Wallen, Ada m Kitching and Ben Alberry (two). Sadly two Henley players and a supporter were reported for misconduct after the match was concluded. >>>>

Seán Cotter reflects on the changing face of hockey reporting in the context of East Grinstead’s championship decider away to Surbiton on Sunday 29 March:
A crowd of just over 300 packed Sugden Road to the seams for the clash between fifth-placed Surbiton and leaders East Grinstead, one of the three Slazenger EHL elite 10-team National Premier Division championship-deciding clashes on 29 March all pushing off at 2pm in various locations off the M25. Supporters from both clubs, including over 50 lunching at Surbiton’s Old Members’ Day, were augmented by a host of press, photographers and cameramen covering the event. >>>>

Cambridge City Women back in English League by Pat Rowley, (04.04.2009):
Cambridge City won their final match in the East Women’s League to overtake Dereham at the top of the table and gain promotion to the English League one year after being relegated. They won 3-1 at Tunbridge Wells to finish two points above Dereham who had already completed their fixtures. >>>>

Mike Haymonds reports on Slough Ladies (28.3.2009):
SLOUGH Ladies finished their league season with an impressive win, ending Leicester’s hopes of the runners-up spot and a place in Europe next year. Slough’s win, their ninth of the season, meant they finished in fifth place, their worst position for three years, and 22 points behind the league champions Bowdon Hightown, who lost their 100 per cent record in a 3-1 defeat by Canterbury. >>>>

East Grinstead at the double by Patrick Rowley (30.3.2009):
East Grinstead, needing to win to be sure of the English League title, defeated Surbiton 5-3 in an enthralling final league match of the season at Thames Ditton. Not only did the Sussex club become premier champions for the first time but they also became the first men’s club to complete an indoor and outdoor double.>>>>

BOWDON DENIED A MAXIMUM by Patrick Rowley (29.3.2009):
Bowdon Hightown Ladies failed at the last hurdle in their attempt to be the first club in the English League to collect maximum points in a season. The champions were beaten 3-1 at Canterbury. But Canterbury’s joy was short-lived when they learnt that Olton had won their final game and pipped the Kent club by a point for the second place in Europe next winter.>>>>

Seán Cotter previews a big weekend at Surbiton HC (27.3.2009):
The England Hockey president, Martin Gotheridge, will be at Sugden Road on Sunday (29 March) to present the Slazenger EHL Premier Division Trophy. But sadly it will not to be to Surbiton Men’s 1st XI. A 2-1 defeat by Beeston at Highfields Hockey Centre last Saturday (21 March) and results elsewhere in the penultimate round of league games put paid to the visitors chances of both the championship and a top-three EuroLeague-qualifying spot. >>>>

Mike Haymonds reports on Slough Ladies March 21:
SLOUGH Ladies came as close as anyone to ending Bowdon’s 100 per cent record but they were denied by their nemesis, former GB and England international Tina Cullen, who scored the winner to condemn them to their seventh defeat of the season. Slough skipper Fiona Greenham described their first half performance as “our best all season: we passed and moved the ball around well, defended deeper to compress the space behind and deserved our half-time lead.” >>>>

Seán Cotter reports on a busy weekend for Surbiton’s top two men’s sides over the weekend Saturday 21 March/Sunday 22 March::
SURBITON’S hopes of a return to Europe are over for another year after a 2-1 loss in their penultimate Slazenger EHL National Premier Division fixture of the season at Nottingham on Saturday (21 March). When the game started Surbiton stood fifth in England’s elite 10-team elite league, three places but only three points behind their second-placed hosts, who in turn were only one point behind leaders East Grinstead.>>>>

East Grinstead remain in pole position by Pat Rowley 22.3.2009:
East Grinstead and Beeston will be two of England’s three clubs in the EuroLeague next winter, while one of the two should be crowned champions of the Slazengers English League for the first time next Sunday. Both won their penultimate league fixtures on Saturday so that East Grinstead maintained their point advantage over the Nottinghamshire club. >>>>

English League round up 21.3.2009 by Pat Rowley:
Three clubs, East Grinstead, Beeston and Reading, remained in contention to win the men’s Slazengers English League title next Sunday after yesterday’s penultimate series of games. All three won while Cannock and Surbiton dropped out of the race for the title. >>>>

Mike Haymonds reports on Slough Ladies March 14::
SLOUGH Ladies’ hopes of a runners-up spot and a place in Europe next year were ended in this season’s second nine-goal match with Olton. But, whereas Slough won the first meeting in November by 6-3, this time the Midlanders consolidated their own second place with a one-goal victory. >>>>

Seán Cotter previews Surbiton’s trip to Nottingham to play Beeston on Saturday 21 March:
SURBITON’S championship and EuroLeague top-three qualifying ambitions will be at stake this Saturday in Nottingham. With just four points between the top five clubs, fifth-placed Surbiton travel to second-placed Beeston, who they trail by three points, for their penultimate Slazenger National Premier Division fixture of the season. >>>>

Hockey for D/Telegraph from Patrick Rowley, 14 Mar 09:
East Grinstead’s sixth consecutive win, a 7-4 victory at Havant, kept them a point clear with two matches to play in the English League. Victory in their final outings, against Bowdon (at home) and Surbiton (away), will bring them their first ever national league title. >>>>

Slazengers English League - 14 March 2009: Pat Rowley reports:
Bowdon Hightown, already champions, have come within two matches of completing their Slazengers English League programme with a 100 percent record with a 5-0 away win over Trojans. Three of Bowdon’s goals were scored by Tina Cullen, their player/coach who becomes the league’s top scorer with 22 goals in 16 matches. >>>>

Mike Haymonds reports on Slough Ladies March 7 & 8:
SLOUGH Ladies recorded their 200th National League win on Sunday and, with three points from two games at the weekend, their hopes of a runners-up slot and a place in Europe next season were not totally extinguished. Slough slipped to fifth after Saturday’s defeat by Canterbury but only three points separate them from second-placed Olton with Canterbury and Leicester also in contention. >>>>

Seán Cotter previews Surbiton’s trip “up North” to play Bowdon on Sunday 15 March:
Surbiton’s bid to become England’s top men’s team continues near Manchester this Sunday (15 March) when they play Bowdon in that city’s delightfully leafy commuter belt near Altrincham in Cheshire (as favoured by Manchester United footballers), pushing off at 2pm. >>>>

Reading v East Grinstead, 7 March 2009 – Pat Rowley reports:
Reading’s England goalkeeper Nick Brothers was sent off in the top of the table English League match against East Grinstead at Saint Hill and it cost his side dearly. His deliberate foul outside his penalty area in the 60th minute saw him given a ten minute suspension and concede a penalty corner. German Martin Haner beat Grinstead’s reserve goalkeeper at the corner and that proved the decisive blow, the Sussex club going on to win 2-1.>>>>

Mike Haymonds reports on Slough Ladies 30 Feb/March 1 :
SLOUGH LADIES produced under-par performances against two teams in the bottom half of the table but earned four points to maintain their slim hopes of a runners-up slot and a place in Europe next season. Slough moved up two places to fourth, five points behind Olton and four behind Leicester with a game in hand on both, who they have still to play.>>>>

Hockey from Pat Rowley - 28 Feb 09 :
English women’s indoor champions Bowdon Hightown also claimed the outdoor title after a 3-0 home win over Clifton. They took the title with four games in hand and a 100 percent record from their 14 games. Olton, the only club that could have caught them were held to a 1-1 draw by third placed Leicester. >>>>

Chelmsford hit the "Perfect 10" – by Adrian Tuff, 24 February, 2009 : >>>>

How Dundee sees it from Jim Shepherd 17th February 2009: >>>>

VIEW FROM THE NORTH by David Meek: >>>>

Southgate Results Roundup by Parmodh Sharma: Loughborough M1 4 - 0 Southgate M1: >>>>

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

Slough Ladies indoors in Europe - Feb 21, Mike Haymonds reports: >>>>

Old Loughtonians score three second half goals to defeat challengers Canterbury - Feb 21: >>>>

Slough Ladies outdoor and indoor action – Feb 14: Mike Haymonds reports: >>>>

EAST GRINSTEAD ROUT SOUTHGATE reports Maurice Kittrell: >>>>

Hockey View from Dundee from Jim Shepherd: >>>>

Slazenger England Hockey League Men's Conference East: >>>>

SEVENOAKS LADIES VETERANS IN EUROPE! >>>>

CHAIRMAN’S CHAT – by Mike Denham from Harleston Magpies: >>>>

Report No 17: Seán Cotter watches eight Olympians contend with the elements on Sunday 1st February: >>>>

Report No 16: Mike Haymonds reports on Women’s EHL Premier match on 31 January: >>>>

Report No 15: Pat Rowley reports on EHL match: Reading Ladies 1st XI 4 – 0 Sevenoaks Ladies 1st XI: >>>>

Report No 14: Pat Rowley reports on Women's Premier League match on 31 January: >>>>

Report No 13: Seán Cotter reports as Surbiton HC returns to outdoor hockey: >>>>

Report No 12: Mike Haymonds reports on National Indoor Championships at NIA - January 25: >>>>

Report No 11: Mike Haymonds reports on Slough Ladies indoor action January 10 - 11: >>>>

Report No 10: Seán Cotter reports on Surbiton HC players in indoor action January 2 - 4: >>>>

Report No 9: Seán Cotter reports on Surbiton HC players in indoor action December 19-21: >>>>

Report No 8: Mike Haymonds reports on National Indoor League Women’s Premier Division - December 13/14: >>>>

Report No 7: Mike Haymonds previews the National Indoor League: >>>>

Report No 6: East Grinstead 0 v Surrbiton 0, EHL Premier, played on 30th November, Sean Cotter report: >>>>

Report No 5: Leicester 1 v Slough 0, EHL Premier, played on 29th November, Mike Haymonds reports: >>>>

MATCH REPORT FORM

EVENT.
DATE.
SEX (Male/Female/Boys/Girls).
SCORE LINE (Home team’s name first)
Half time.
Scorers (with times or approximate times)
REPORT (not more than 250 words. i.e. 5 paragraphs).