IT’S TINA MBE!

Evergreen Bowdon Hightown player Tina Cullen has been awarded the MBE for services to hockey in the Queen's New Year Honours List. Also recognised is David South, the Chairman of Holcombe Hockey Club.

Tina's friends and colleagues have been campaigning for some years to have the 42 year old player and coach recognised for her contribution to hockey, and we at TalkHockeyRadio are proud to have been part of that campaign. Cullen made several appearances for England and Great Britain, but is probably best known as being one of the most prolific scorers in the Women's Premier Division, topping the scoring charts for several seasons. She is a two times winner of the Hockey Writers' Club Player of the Year Award. She remains active, not only as a player in Bowdon Hightown's successful 1^st Xl, but as a member of their indoor squad.

Although a very large number of honours were given to Olympic Athletes, none appears to have gone to the members of the bronze medal winning women's squad, or any other person connected with Olympic Hockey.

[Note: Christa Cullen, a member of the bronze medal winning GB Olympic squad is not related to Crista Cullen].

BEESTON AND LEICESTER LEAD THE PACK AS ENGLAND GOES INDOORS

The 2012-2013 Maxifuel Super Sixes season started last Saturday with both men's and women's Premier Divisions playing the first four of their eight scheduled matches.

For a competition that has often been played in cramped and dimly lit halls, the new venues were something of a revelation. The vast St Georges Park complex near Burton-upon-Water is a multi million pound training centre for football recently built by the FA. The proportions at Bromsgrove School, where the women played, were on more modest proportions, but still beyond our wildest dreams only a few years ago.

Probably one of the more interesting features of the men's league at St Georges were the guest players. Tin Davenport turned out again for Beeston, and was in devastating form, whilst Doncaster had managed to acquire the services of no less than Barry Middleton, who was returning to his original club. The Yorkshire side had also managed to pinch Beeston's Carl Smith. Indeed, the opening match of the season, which featured Beeston and Doncaster, turned into a titanic clash, with Doncaster putting on a late rally to almost puncture Beeston's hopes of qualifying for the finals. The eventual score was 8-6 to Beeston.

Canterbury's outdoor form failed to follow them indoors, when they went down to East Grinstead 2-11, despite the scoreboard showing the result as 2-112. But there was a reversal of fortunes for both sides when EG could only draw against Reading, and Canterbury were the 5-7 winners against Loughborough Students, Kwan Brown being our man of the match in that game.

Beeston dominated day two's proceedings with a 6-1 win over Bowdon, and a 1-10 win over Old Loughtonians, making the Nottingham side the only team with a 100% record at the end of the first weekend. They are being chased closely by East Grinstead, who scraped a 3-2 win over Old Loughtonians thanks to a late Ashley Jackson penalty stroke, followed by a more convincing 3-6 win against Loughborough Students. Reading are in third place after a narrow win against Surbiton (3-2) and a 5-5 draw against Canterbury which had seen them come back from 5-3 down.

So what of Doncaster? Doncaster recorded two wins, a draw and a defeat to put them in fourth place. The score was 5-5 for all of eight minutes against Loughborough Students before Joe Morrison scored their winner on the stroke of full time. Against Surbiton they trailed 3-2, before Tim Shelley and Barry Middleton found the net to give them a 3-4 win.

Men's Premier table after first weekend: 1. Beeston 12 pts (+17), 2. East Grinstead 10 pts (+13), 3. Reading 8 pts (+8), 4. Doncaster 7 pts (+0), 5. Canterbury 7 pts (-6), 6. Bowdon 4 pts (-1), 7. Surbiton 3 pts (-2), 8. Loughborough Students 0 pts (-13), 9. Old Loughtonians 0 pts (-13.

It is interesting to speculate how much difference the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards made to performances in the Women's Premier Division. The GB Women were guests, and those playing for their clubs at Bromsgrove were absent for all or part of the Sunday's proceedings. As an aside, no mention was made during the SPOTY of GB's Olympic bronze medal, although Martina Navratalova did comment on Kate Walsh's injury during a speech.

Only Leicester managed to maintain a 100% record over the weekend, with wins over University of Birmingham (3-5), Clifton (3-2), Sutton Coldfield (2-3) and Reading (5-1). Bowdon Hightown got off to a slightly shaky start with a 4-5 defeat at the hands of Sutton Coldfield, but managed to get back into the points with wins over Olton (3-6), University of Birmingham (5-1) and Slough (1-9). The much awaited appearance of the England indoor international Abi Harper, who transferred from Reading to Bowdon Hightown during the summer, did not take place due to an injury.

Bowdon are in second place, separated by goal difference from third place Canterbury. The Kent's side's opening match, against Slough, saw Sarah Kerly (she of famous father) score all six of Canterbury's goals against Slough in their 6-2 win, although their second match ended less well with a 5-4 defeat at the hands of Reading. A close fought 4-3 win over Olton, and a 3-5 win over Clifton, puts them in the vital top four.

Struggling outdoors, but with indoor glories fresh in our memories, Slough reached the second day with zero points. But the absence of Alex Danson from the Reading side on day two, seemed to spur them on to great things, and they won a surprising 3-5 victory over their neighbours, with the damage being done by Laura Puddle (3), Amy Turnbull and Alex Scott. Unfortunately for Slough, they were later on the wrong end of a 1-9 drubbing from Bowdon.

Women's Premier Division after four matches: 1. Leicester 12 points (+8), 2. Bowdon Hightown 9 pts (+14), 3. Canterbury 9 pts (+6), 4. Sutton Coldfield 7 pts (+2), 5. Reading 6 pts (-3), 6. Olton & WW 4 pts (-3), 7. Slough 3 Pts (-11), 8. Clifton 1 pt (-5), 9. University of Birmingham 1 pt (-8).

The Maxifuel Super Sixes plays its second and final weekend on 5^th/6^th January.

IMAGES FROM BOTH DIVISIONS CAN BE FOUND AT OUR SISTER SITE AT: www.HockeyImages.co.uk.

 

 

KERRY APPOINTED PERFORMANCE DIRECTOR

England women's head coach Danny Kerry has been appointed Performance Director of England Hockey. This follows the resignation of David Faulkner.

Kerry was appointed head coach in 2004, at a time when England were ranked 11^th in the world. During his period in charge the women have won bronze medals at the European Championships in Dublin (2005), Manchester (2007), Amsterdam (2009) and Monchengladbach (2011), plus a bronze in the Champions Trophy in Nottingham (2010), and silver in the Champions Trophy in Rosario, Argentina (2012). More recently, as head coach of Great Britain's women, they won bronze in the 2012 Olympic hockey tournament.

Since his appointment, England women's world ranking has risen from 11^th to fourth.

Kerry will take up his appointment on 2 January 2013. The recruitment of a replacement for him as women's head coach will start in the New Year.

ENGLAND FINISH BOTTOM IN CHAMPIONS TROPHY

The men's Champions Trophy in Melbourne ended today, with England finishing in bottom place after being sunk by a golden goal after their match against New Zealand ended 2-2 in normal time.

Although the result is disappointing for England, they are not the only nation to have experienced a difficult tournament. Olympic champions Germany were also the victim of a golden goal decider in their match for fifth place. Playing Belgium, now coached by former Dutch international Marc Lammers, they found themselves trailing 0-3 before staging a comeback. But at 4-3, with only two minutes left on the clock, Belgium was awarded a penalty stroke, which was converted by Alexandre De Saedeleer. Four minutes into golden goal extra time, Sebastien Dockier scored the winner for Belgium. As a result of the defeat Germany finish sixth in the tournament. One small compensation was the naming of Moriitz Fuerste as FIH Player of the Year.

The final was also settled by a golden goal, with Australia's Kieran Govers scoring in the 75^th minute in their match against The Netherlands.

The all Asian bronze medal match between Pakistan and India was won 2-1 by Pakistan.

In England's 7^th/8^th place match against New Zealand, the Kiwis drew first blood with a 19^th minute goal from Stephen Jenness. But Darren Cheesman equalised for England just before half time, and England took the lead mid-way through the second half when captain Barry Middleton found the net. But there was heartbreak for England when Nicholas Wilson scored New Zealand's equaliser with less than ten minutes of ordinary time left. New Zealand's winner came from Wilson as the end of the first period of extra time neared. Final score 2-1 to New Zealand.

Final positions: 1. Australia, 2. The Netherlands, 3. Pakistan, 4. India, 5. Belgium, 6. Germany, 7. New Zealand, 8 England.

A full report on the Champions Trophy will appear in the January edition of our on-line magazine, HockeyTalk.

ENGLAND LOSE IN MELBOURNE

England lost their quarter final match against Australia in the Champions Trophy in Melbourne yesterday. The Australian goals came one in each half, from Jamie Dwyer and Christopher Ciriello.

After the game England head coach Jason Lee said, "I thought we played a very solid game. Our lack of clinical circle play was the key difference between the two sides today and Australia took their chances well. Overall I was really pleased with the performance."
England will now play Belgium in the 6^th-8^th place match today (Friday).

Other results yesterday:

Germany 1-2 Pakistan
Netherlands 2-0 New Zealand

India 1-0 Belgium

Australia 2-0 England

 

TWELVE GOALS AT CANTERBURY AS MATCH ESCAPES FROST. A round up of matches in the England Hockey League and men’s Champions Trophy.

At the risk of repeating ourselves, this has been a crazy season, with some unexpected results.

TalkHockeyRadio was at the top-of-the-table Men's Premier Division clash between Canterbury and Beeston this afternoon. Whilst the final result was predictable, the number of goals scored was not. Both have been involved in some high scoring matches this season, but we imaged that the two sides would have largely cancelled each other out when they met each other.

The game was marked by some notable goals, the first coming from Cantebury's Liam Foster in the third minute. Canterbury did not celebrate for long. Carl Smith equalised a minute later. When Isaac O'Connor put Canterbury back in front soon after, we did not have to wait long before Sam Dixon converted a penalty corner to make the score 2-2.

Although the two sides went into half time at 4-4, you could sense that the match was gradually moving in Beeston's favour, and second goals from Carl Smith and Sam Dixon, plus a goal from Craig Boyne (to add to his first half strike) gave Beeston a commanding lead. Canterbury's Michael Farrer scored from a penalty corner in the dying minutes, but by then it was too late, and the match ended 5-7.

Canterbury had saved the match from postponement by moving it to their second pitch, but there was no such luck at Paddington Rec, where the match between Hampstead & Westminster and Southgate fell foul to a frozen pitch.

Surprisingly, the two most northerly matches in the Premier Division survived the frost. Charlie Brooke equalised for Brooklands MU soon after David Harris had put Cannock ahead from the penalty spot. Final score there, 1-1. Andy Bull did all the work for Loughborough Students, scoring both their goals in their 2-2 draw against Surbiton.

Two sides we have been watching carefully this season are East Grinstead and Reading. The two met this afternoon at Saint Hill, with Richard Mantell giving the visitors a first half lead. Reading scored two late goals from Richard Springham and Tom Carson, but East Grinstead were unable to muster up a reply and the match ended 0-3.

As a result of today's games, EG slip from fifth to seventh, separated by goal difference from Surbiton in sixth place and Reading in fifth.

Former East Grinstead players scored twice for England in Champions Trophy in Melbourne. Adam Dixon and Harry Martin had given England an early lead against Germany, when Richard Smith scored an own goal to put the score at 2-1. It was just before half time that Germany's Mats Grambusch, formerly of EG, put the ball into his own net to make the score 3-1. The other former EG player, Darren Cheesman, scored the fifth and final goal of the game to give England a 4-1 win.

Today's Results:
Belgium v Pakistan: 0-2
England v Germany: 4-1
Netherlands v Australia (Score awaited)
New Zealand v India (Score awaited)

Pool A
India (3 pts)
England (3 pts)
Germany (3 pts)
New Zealand (0 pts)

Pool B
Australia (3 pts)
Netherlands (3 pts)
Pakistan (3 pts)
Belgium (0 pts)

 

GOALFEST AT SUTTON. A round-up of today’s matches in the Investec League and the Champions Trophy.

The Investec Women's Hockey League goes into its winter recess after this weekend, but winter struck early for two important matches. Amongst the front runners, only Reading saw action today, with the matches between Bowdon Hightown and Surbiton, and Leicester and Cantebury being postponed due frozen pitches.

Reading enjoyed another high scoring match when they visited Olton & West Warwicks. Goals from Jessica Brooker, Alex Danson (2), Elizabeth Hunt, Emma Thomas and Amanda Potgeiter, gave them a 1-6 win, and they move up to third, behind Canterbury and Leicester, both of whom have games in hand.

Also in goal scoring mood were University of Birmingham, who put five past Slough. With seven matches left until the end of the season, a gap is starting to open up between University of Birmingham in eighth place and the two relegation candidates, Olton and Slough. Final score at Slough 1-5.

On a day when none of the matches ended with less than six goals being scored, the match between Sutton Coldfield and Clifton turned out to be a real goalfest. Both sides have been sliding gently down the table since a good start to the season, so points were important for both. Sutton might have thought those points were in the bag when the score reached 4-1, but Clifton crept back into the match and, at 5-4 in Sutton Coldfield's favour, Emily Atkinson equalised in the 64^th minute. Two minutes later there was heartbreak for the home side, with Zoe Leach scoring Clifton's winner. Final score, 5-6. The result means that the two sides swap places in the table, with Clifton moving up to sixth.

There were no matches in any of the women's conferences today. Last weekend was the final before the winter break.

A relatively inexperienced England side got off to a disappointing start when they played India in the Champions Trophy in Melbourne today. A Richard Smith penalty corner conversion in the first half started the scoring but India finally won the match 1-3.

England meet the Olympic Champions Germany tomorrow

Today's Results (1 December):
Netherlands v Pakistan: 3-1
Germany v New Zealand: 3-2
Australia v Belgium: 4-2
England v India: 1-3

Pool A
1. India (3 pts), 2. Germany (3 pts), 3.New Zealand (0 pts), 4. England (0 pts).

Pool B
1. Australia (3 pts), 2.Netherlands (3 pts), 3. Belgium (0 pts), 4. Pakistan (0 pts)

TWO CONTRASTING GAMES AT SONNING LANE. A round-up of yesterday’s matches in the England Hockey League.

We love double headers at TalkHockeyRadio, so it didn't take much persuading to tempt us along to Sonning Lane to see Reading's women play Slough, and Reading's men play Hampstead & Westminster.

It would have been difficult to find two more contrasting games. After a slightly cautious start, Reading's Alex Danson opened the scoring in the 19^th minute, after which she led a bit of a goal blitz against the unfortunate Slough. Like a blond terrier let off its leash, she took full advantage of the space given to her by a hapless Slough defence. There was a bit of a debate after the match about how many times she had scored, which varied from five to six, but the official record shows that she scored four, the other five goals in their 9-1 win coming from Emma Thomas (2), Kate Walsh, Jessica Brooker and Susie Gilbert.

Although Slough looked doomed to play their hockey in the Conference next season, there is a glimmer of hope, as demonstrated by Alex Scott's 26 minute goal.

An unfortunate incident saw Olympic bronze medallist Helen Richardson taken off to hospital early in the match after being struck in the eye by a stick. We are please to say that she made an appearance after the match, with her eye closed and bruised, and it appears that the injury is not serious as it might have been. Our best wishes to Helen for a speedy recovery.

Reading men got off to a cracking start with two goals in less than seven minutes against Hampstead & Westminster, both goals coming from Huw Jones. After that Reading seemed to lose the plot entirely, and Hampstead went into the break 2-3 ahead after goals from Neil Hamilton, Scott Cooper and Jack Beard. Reading eventually managed to scrape a point as a result of a second half corner conversion from Richard Mantell.

Elsewhere in the Men's Premier Division, we seem to have returned to crazy and unpredictable results. Surbiton, who were propping up the table only two weeks ago, pulled off a 3-2 win over East Grinstead. Surbiton move up one place to sixth, whilst EG move down one place to fifth.

Canterbury recovered from last weekend's setback against Cannock to beat Brooklands MU 3-5, after the sides had gone into the break three apiece. Beeston continue their winning ways with a 5-1 win over third placed Cannock. It is interesting to note that Beeston's goal difference of +31 means that Canterbury is the only other side in the Premier Division with a positive goal difference. As a benchmark, most other divisions have six sides with positive goal differences.

At the bottom of the table, Southgate made a brave effort to unstick themselves from the bottom place and, at 3-1 down at home to Loughborough Students, a Francois Pretorious penalty stroke must have given them a glimmer of hope. Unfortunately, they were not able to improve on this and the match ended 2-3 to the Students.

In the East Conference, Holcombe lead the charge, six points ahead of Wimbledon. They played on Saturday beating Oxted 3-0. Wimbledon dropped points again in a battle royal away at City of Peterborough. With Wimbledon coming from behind to twice take the lead, it was a late Gareth Andrew goal that gave Peterborough a 3-3 draw.

The North Conference leaders are still only separated by one point after leaders Sheffield Hallam beat Wakefield 8-1, whilst Bowdon keep in touch with a 5-1 win over Khalsa.

The West Conference is still led by Guildford and Cardiff and UWIC, both on 21 points. Guildford remain top with an improved goal difference after a 5-2 win over Whitchurch. Cardiff were 5-0 ahead at home to Bath Buccaneers but in just over ten minutes at the end of the match, George Farrant, Tim Davenport and Niklas Rieger had pulled the score back to 5-3. Then, to cap it all, Cardiff conceded an own goal in the last minute. Final score, 5-4 to Carfiff.

FULL RESULTS CAN BE FOUND AT OUR MAIN WEB SITE AT www.TalkHockeyRadio.co.uk.

SUTTON’S SEASON COMES APART. A round up of matches in today’s Investec Women’s League.

Four matches were played in the Investec Women's League Premier Division this afternoon, but the results leave an unchanged table.

What had started as a very promising season for Sutton Coldfield is now coming apart at the seams. Only four weeks ago they were in second place, but last weekend saw them slip down to sixth. Although their away defeat to table toppers Canterbury this afternoon leaves them in sixth place, losing a match 8-1 tends to suggest that the slide is likely to continue. There was no indication of the size of the final score when the two sides went into the break with Canterbury leading 2-1, thanks to goals from Lucy Hyams and Sarah Kerly. But a second half blitz from Hyams (2), Judge Mayne, Susannah Townsend, Eliza Brett and Mel Clewlow, gave Canterbury a more than convincing win.

Canterbury's goal difference may be important because Leicester are hot on their heels. A single goal from Katie Long gave them a 0-1 win away against Clifton. Clifton is another side that have slid down the table in recent weeks, having been among the early season leaders. The result of this match leaves them in seventh place, whilst Leicester is in second, one point behind Canterbury.

It was a former Clifton player who made the difference when Surbiton met Olton and West Warwicks at home this afternoon. Olton had taken a 0-1 lead into the second half after Kerry Thompson-Moore scored a 27^th minute goal from a penalty corner. Vicky Bryant and Sarah Haycroft gave Surbiton a brief lead before Emma McCabe equalised for Olton. It was two penalty strokes, both converted by Georgie Twigg, that gave Surbiton the eventual 4-2 win. Surbiton are in third place, three points behind Leicester.

University of Birmingham scored three goals to Bowdon Hightown's two this afternoon, but still managed to lose. Liz George put the University 2-0 ahead but, after Tina Cullen pulled one back, the University had the misfortune to score an own goal. A late goal from Cullen gave Bowdon a 2-3 win.

The Premier Division programme will be completed tomorrow when Reading play Slough in a double header at home. Reading are in fifth place, four points behind Bowdon, whilst Slough are four points adrift at the bottom of the table. As a consequence, the result of tomorrow's match will leave the table unchanged.

Last week we made a comment about the neck and neck race at the top of the North Conference. Beeston and University of Durham are both on 27 points, with Beeston having a much superior goal difference. The University could have taken a large chip out of this, but at 1-6 away at struggling Ben Rhydding, two late penalty strokes resulted in a final score of 3-6. Leaders Beeston won their away match at Wakefield Bradford 1-2.

Buckingham has opened up a huge gap at the top of the West Conference. Jo Ellis scored twice to give them a 1-2 win away at Isca University. Buckingham are 10 points ahead of second placed Trojans, who seem to be enjoying something of a revival. They beat Bristol Firebrands away 0-2.

There was a postponement and a late start in the East Conference. Harleston Magpies lost at home 0-2 to Oxford Hawks, which may give Sevenoaks a chance to reclaim the top spot they surrendered last weekend. Sevenoaks are playing Bromley and Beckenham, who are laying at the bottom of the table with zero points. Sevenoaks are playing at 17:00 today.

TABLES AND RESULTS CAN BE FOUND ON OUR WEB SITE AT: www.talkhockeyradio.co.uk.

NO CHANGE AT THE TOP OF THE WOMEN’S PREMIER DIVISION. A round up of today’s league and cup matches.

The results in the Premier Division of the Investec Women's League have started to be more predicable as the teams get back to full strength after the extended post Olympic period.

Champions Leicester visited lowly Slough this afternoon, with Jo Hunter scoring a hat trick in their 0-4 win. Slough stay firmly rooted to the bottom of the table with one point. Leicester keep in touch with the leaders, Canterbury, who are one point ahead of them. Canterbury spiked Surbiton's hope of moving closer to the top, with a single goal from Sarah Kerly. Surbiton remain in third place .

Bowdon Hightown, who have had a promising season, slipped up at Clifton. The home side took a late first half lead through Joanna Leigh, and Hightown had to wait until the last ten minutes for Sally Walton to score an equaliser. Final score 1-1. Bowdon remain in fourth and seventh place respectively.

Reading's season got a bit of a lift when Helen Richardson, Jessica Brooker and Emma Thomas found the net in their 1-3 win at Sutton Coldfield. Both sides have seen a reversal in their fortunes over the last few weeks, with Sutton sliding from second to sixth in the table, whilst Reading have gone from eighth to fifth.

University of Birmingham managed to ease their relegation concerns with an emphatic 4-0 win over Olton and West Warwicks. Olton now occupy the play-off place that was occupied by the university this morning.

The top of the table clash in the East Conference between Sevenoaks and Harleston Magpies, ended in favour of the Magpies 0-2 and they now lead the Kent side by two points. Ipswich keep in range of the top with a 1-2 win at Wimbledon.

Beeston and University of Durham are both on 24 points at the top of the North Conference with a seven point cushion between them and Brooklands Poynton in third place. Beeston's three point came at the expense of Whitley Bay and Tynemouth, who they beat 1-2 away. The University need to score a massive 15 goals more than Beeston to close the goal difference, but they only took a tiny chip out of this with a 2-0 win over Cannock.

Buckingham in the West Conference remain the only side with a 100% record. Jessica Bloom scored all three of their goals in their match at Stourport. Second placed Isca suffered a 1-3 defeat at home to Swansea, and the gap between them and Buckingham has opened up to eight points.

In the Men's Cup, City of Peterborough managed to score all eight of the goals in their 7-1 defeat away at Cannock. The eight goals scored at Surbiton were all for the home side as they qualified for the quarter finals with an 8-0 win over Preston. East Conference Holcombe did creditably well to stave off the Premier Division leaders, Beeston, to lose by 2-0.

FULL RESULTS AND TABLES CAN BE FOUND ON OUR MAIN WEB SITE AT www.TalkHockeyRadio.co.uk.

 

 

BOTTOM SIX MIX CHANGES. A round up of yesterday’s England Hockey League Results.

Last weekend we commented on how the bottom six of the table were only separated by three points. Despite yesterday's Premier Division matches all ending with wins, that position remains unchanged, although the mix is somewhat different.

The real winners from yesterday afternoon were East Grinstead. TalkHockeyRadio was there to see them have a fairly comfortable 3-1 win against Southgate. EG had all their GB players on the pitch, including Ashley Jackson back from injury, but the goals came from Andy Piper, Matt Cox and Adam Jordan. East Grinstead move up to fourth, whilst Southgate slump to bottom place.

Surbiton rocketed up the table to seventh as a result of a 4-1 win over Brooklands MU. Before we get carried away, that's still only one point off the bottom place they occupied until yesterday.

Loughbrough Students seemed to be in the driving seat at home to Hampstead and Westminster. The Student's Chris Griffiths scored in the third minute, followed by an Andy Bull penalty corner strike 17 minutes later. Although Neil Hamilton pulled one back for the Londoners just before half time, it was their Will Naylor who did the damage in latter part of the second half, with two goals to give the visitors a 2-3 win. With the bottom half of the table being so tight, three points can have a dramatic effect. Hampstead rise from nineth to sixth, with the Students dropping one place to fifth.

At the top of the table, Beeston refound their form with a 4-1 win over Reading. Sam Dixon, Carl Smith (2) and Ben Arnold all found the net before Reading earned a late consolation goal from a Richard Mantell corner strike in the 63^rd. The defeat sees Reading slip down the table from sixth to eighth. Second placed Canterbury received a real pasting off visiting Cannock, despite taking an early 2-0 lead. The final score, 2-6 , leaves Cantebury and Cannock in second and third place respectively, but the margin is reduced to two points.

The top two places in the North Conference are still very tight after yesterday's matches. Sheffield Hallam came from behind to win 1-2 away at University of Durham, whilst Bowdon had a 1-0 home win against Belper. Sheffield Hallam lead the table, one point ahead of Bowdon.

In contrast to the Premier Division, it's the top of the West Conference where only a few points separate the leading teams. Guildford move to the top of the table after a 1-3 win away at University of Birmingham. They are separated on goal difference from second placed Cardiff and UWIC, who beat University of Exeter 2-1. Just how tight the table is, is demonstrated by the University's drop from top spot to fourth as a result of that defeat. Fareham's visit to Bath was a forgettable one with an own goal in the 12^th minute, which the Buccaneers were able to add a further four, with Tim Davenport scoring a hat-trick. The 5-0 win means that Bath Buccaneers move back into third place after slipping back one last weekend.

There were two late but important results in the East Conference yesterday, and hence the reason for our round-up appearing this morning. Holcombe continue to lead the table with a 5-4 win over Old Loughtonians. Wimbledon, who held pole position until last weekend, slipped up again when they visited Cambridge City. Wimbledon has a fair contingent of exiles from Surbiton in its ranks, including Ben Marsden, who scored the opener in the fourth minute. But the City has its own fair share of recycled internationals, both of whom were on the scoresheet. Scottish international Stephen Dick equalised in the 16^th minute, whilst veteran England and GB international Nicky Thompson scored City's third just before half time. Final score 4-3 to Cambridge City. The result means that Cambridge City only move up one place to seventh in crowded mid table. Wimbledon still have a three point buffer between them and Bromley and Beckenham in third place. The Becks went down at Oxted 2-3.

FULL RESULTS AND TABLES CAN BE FOUND ON OUR MAIN WEB SITE AT www.TalkHockeyRadio.co.uk.

PICTURES FROM THE MATCH BETWEEN EAST GRINSTEAD AND SOUTHGATE WILL APPEAR ON OUR PICUTURES WEB SITE AT www.HockeyImages.co.uk later. WE ARE CURRENTLY CARRYING OUT AN UPGRADE TO THE SITE. HENCE THE DELAY.

UPSETS GALORE IN THE ENGLAND HOCKEY LEAGUE. A round up of results in today's league and cup matches.

There were upsets galore in the men's England Hockey League, with the leaders dropping points to sides from the bottom half of the table.

Brooklands were eighth in the Premier Division this morning and pulled off something of a coup when Charlie Brooke scored a 70^th minute goal against leaders Beeston to finish the match 3-2 and dent Beeston's 100% record. Likewise, second placed Canterbury lost 2-1 away at Southgate. 

Despite the defeats, there is a substantial cushion between second and third place in the Premier Division, helped by the defeat of third placed Cannock by East Grinstead. Cannock had gone into half time with a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Peter Jackson and David Harris. Harris scored another 10 minutes into the second half, his second from the penalty spot. 'Grinstead's Rick Gay got his side back into the match with two penalty corner conversions, and this was followed by a golden five minutes which saw Mark Gleghorne, Mark Pearn and Andy Piper, give EG a 3-5 win. East Grinstead move up one place to fifth.

Surprisingly, after eight matches, the bottom five clubs are separated by only three points, so we could see some shuffling around in the remaining matches before Christmas. Loughborough Students were in fourth this morning and remain there after a 2-2 draw against Reading. Reading slip down to sixth as a result the draw and East Grinstead's win. The big losers this afternoon were Hampstead & Westminster. Their 2-2 draw against bottom placed Surbiton sees them drop from seventh to the relegation play-off spot. But, as we said, it's very close amongst the bottom five clubs.

Upsets were not confined to the Premier Division. Wimbledon, who have been at the top of the East Conference since week one, surrendered their place to Holcombe after losing 2-3 to Bromley and Beckenham. Holcombe travelled to Chiswick where their two East Grinstead exiles, Gareth Carr and Danny Hall, contributed two in their 0-4 win over Richmond.

In the North Conference, the top of the table tussle between Sheffield Hallam and Bowdon was settled when the two sides met. Hallam emerged as the 3-1 winners and they move into top place.


Today's results in the West Conference sees three sides on 15 points, with a fourth on 14. University of Exeter could only draw 1-1 against Havant, and have been caught by Guildford after Guildford beat Cardiff 1-0. The current top of the table reads; University of Exeter, Guildford, Cardiff. Bath Buccaneers slip to fourth after being beaten 2-1 by struggling Whitchurch.

There were four Premier Division sides in the last 16 of the Investec Women's Cup.  That number has been reduced to three as a result of the draw pitting University of Birmingham against Clifton. Despite two late goals from the University, it was clifton who progress through to the quarter finals on the back of a 2-4 win.

The other Premier Division sides playing in the Cup saw Bowdon Hightown beat Harrogate 2-0, and Sutton Coldfield beat Cannock 0-6.

TalkHockeyRadio was at Hollybush Close to see East Conference Sevenoaks play Firebrands from the West Conference. Despite being a reasonably balanced match, Firebrands failed to capitalise on their chances and goals from Nicky Lloyd and captain Jet Van Zalen gave Sevenoaks a deserved 2-0 win. We hope to have a few images from this match on our sister site at www.HockeyImages.co.uk later.

Others going through to the quarters finals are Wimbledon, Liverpool Sefton and Chelmsford.
FULL RESULTS AND TABLES CAN BE FOUND ON OUR MAIN WEB SITE AT: www.TalkHockeyRadio.co.uk.

RETURN AFTER BREAK BRINGS SOME FAMILIAR SCORES. A round-up of today’s matches in the Investec League.

The Investec Women's League took a rest last weekend, and today's results look as if we have passed through a time warp in the process. Some very familiar names have started producing some very familiar scores.

Reading, who have had a very poor start to their season, suddenly sparked into life when they played host to Clifton. They increased their goal tally by 30% this afternoon after putting five past Clifton, Reading's goals coming courtesy of Rebecca Halle (2), Alex Danson, Halley Munt and Amanda Potgeiter. Final score 5-1. Leicester has also had an indifferent start to the season by their high standards, but they collected three points against University of Birmingham with a 4-1 win at home. Leicester's goals came from Anne Panter, Katie Long (2) and Jo Hunter. Reading move from seventh to sixth in the table, swapping places with Clifton. Leicester remain in second but the University's defeat slips them down into the relegation play-off spot. 

For the nostalgic, it seemed very much like the old days when Bowdon Hightown took a substantial win against Sutton Coldfield. On the scoresheet for Bowdon were Tina Cullen (2) – no surprise there – Sally Walton (2) and Hannah Pike. Final score 5-1. Sutton's promising start to the season now seems to be in disarray as they slipped from second to fourth, and now surrender that place to Bowdon. 

After a runaway start, a bit of the gloss was starting to go off Surbiton's season, but they got back to their winning ways this afternoon with a win over lowly Slough, who remain propping up the table with one point from eight games. Surbiton's scorers in their 2-0 win were Vicky Bryant and Abi Robinson. Surbiton remain in third place.

Perhaps the most surprising result today was the draw between Olton and West Warwicks and leaders Canterbury. Mel Clewlow gave the Kent side the lead with a penalty corner conversion just before the break, but Kerry Thompson-Moore equalised 14 minutes into the second half. Canterbury remain at the top of the table, one point ahead of Leicester, but the single point earned was enough to lift Olton out of the relegation play-off area.

In the East Conference, Sevenoaks and Harleston Magpies lead the table. A Jet Vab Zalen goal gave Sevenoaks a 0-1 win at Chelmsford, and they are one point ahead of Harleston who beat Horsham 2-1. Bromley & Beckenham, who have only scored twice all season, had another fallow afternoon when they entertained Wimbledon. Losing 0-2, they remain at the bottom of the table with zero points.

Beeston continue to lead the North Conference, their seven goals this afternoon bringing their goals total up to 45. Their victims were Ben Rhydding, who remain at the bottom of the table with no points. Astonishingly, Beeston only lead the table on goal difference, although it is a substantial one. University of Durham also scored seven times in their match against Liverpool Sefton for no reply. Beeston and the University are both on 21 points.

Buckingham remain the only side with a 100% record, although it must have seemed in doubt when Becky Westall scored for their opponents in the 11^th minute in their match against Trojans in the West Conference. Buckingham managed to pull back two second half goals to win the match 2-1, which keeps them five points ahead of their nearest rivals, Isca University. 

FULL RESULTS AND TABLES ARE AVAILABLE AT OUR MAIN WEB SITE AT WWW.TALKHOCKEYRADIO.CO.UK

Round up of this weekend’s re-arranged England Hockey League matches

Simon Egerton scored his 17^th goal of the season as Beeston put clear water between themselves and second placed Canterbury when they played their game in hand against Loughborough Students on Friday evening. Egerton scored a hat trick in a match which saw the two sides on even terms at half time, but Beeston quickly took the lead in the second half and finished the game with a 3-5 win.

Yesterday saw struggling Surbiton pick up their fifth point of the season as they drew 2-2 at home to Reading, all the goals coming in the second half. East Grinstead's dismal start to the season just got worse with a 2-4 defeat at home to Canterbury.

The results leave the table unchanged, although Beeston are no longer reliant on goal difference to hold their pole position. At the bottom end of the table, three points or less separate Reading, East Grinstead, Hampstead & Westminster, Brooklands MU and Southgate, from bottom place Surbiton.

There was one match today in the England Hockey League. This was between East Conference Richmond and Bromley & Beckenham, which finished 0-2 in favour of the Becks. As a result, Bromley & Beckenham return to third in the table.

FULL RESULTS AND TABLES ARE ON OUR MAIN WEB SITE.

OUR SISTER SITE, HOCKEYIMAGES.CO.UK, TOOK THE WEEKEND OFF, BUT YOU CAN FIND PICTURES FROM BEHIND THE SCENES AT SILVERSTONE ON THEIR SITE AT www.HockeyImates.co.uk.

READING STUMBLE INTO KO16 by Peter Colwill at the Euro Hockey League in East Grinstead

Reading reached the last sixteen.   Needing only a draw, they stumbled to a 2-1 win against St. Germain.  Jean-Baptiste Pauchet put the French club ahead in the 8^th minute and Reading had to wait until the start of the second half when Chris Cargo levelled.  Five penalty corners and a penalty stroke went begging.  Simon Mantell hit the post with the stroke as he had done earlier in open play, and Darren Cheesman twice fired wide when well placed.  In the penultimate minute Tom Carson took advantage of St. Germain’s all-out attack to score the winner.

Rot Weiss Koln’s 12-1 demolition of Wien ensured Glynhill Hotel Kelburne’s qualification.  Trailing 0-9 at half time, Wien held their half-time team talk in the centre of the pitch, most unpleasant in this weather, but something must have worked.  They lined up two minutes ahead of Rot Weiss and a much improved performance produced a 3-1 second half.

Lisnagarvey produced a wonderfully spirited and skilful performance to qualify, losing 0-3 to Bloemendaal coached by Russell Garcia.  Needing to avoid defeat by 5 goals, they held the Dutch club to 0-0 until the final quarter.  Goalkeeper John Tormey saved the first of only 3 Bloemendaal corners with his stick in the top corner.  Influential midfielder Peter MacDonnell bravely charged down Olmer Meijer’s shot at the second, but was injured in the process.  Three goals followed in his absence but his return steadied the ship.

Alastair Brogdon scored a spectacular goal for Waterloo Ducks in their 2-1 win against East Grinstead for whom Rick Gay converted a penalty corner.  Both sides had already qualified.

Qualified from Round 1.2
Pool B: KHC Dragons & Reading
Pool D:  Waterloo Ducks & East Grinstead
Pool G: Bloemendaal & Lisnagarvey
Pool H:  Rot Weiss Koln & Glynhill Hotel Kelburne

PHOTOGRAPHS OF TODAY’S MATCHES ARE AVAILABLE TO VIEW AT OUR SISTER WEB SITE www.HockeyImages.co.uk,

READING LOSE BUT BRITS LOOKING GOOD by Peter Colwill at the Euro Hockey League in East Grinstead

Glynhill Hotel Kelburne have almost certainly qualified for the last sixteen by beating AHTC Wien 3-1, but Reading will need at least a draw against Saint Germain on Sunday after losing 3-4 to KHC Dragons in a match in which they led twice.  Simon Mantell scored in the second minute.  Jesse Van Minde’s equaliser was disputed by Reading for a free hit travelling straight into the circle.

Craig Peel put Reading in front just before half time, but Van Minde equalised early in the second half.  Loick Luypaert slotted a penalty corner.  Jonty Clarke blasted an equaliser before Jeffrey Thys , the Dragons’ captain, scored the winner.

Kelburne went behind in the fifth minute when Michael Bremner’s back pass was intercepted, resulting in a goal for Adam Amtmanski.  They came back playing controlled and purposeful hockey.  A long pass into the circle by Mark Ralph, their superlative central defender, was deftly turned into goal by William Marshall, another defender. 

Kelburne took the lead at the start of the second half with the best move of the match in which Chris Nelson and Ross McIntyre featured prominently before Alan Forsyth scored.  Kelburne failed to score from a series of penalty corners and were indebted to Bremner who charged down Wien’s second corner ten minutes from time.  With Wien pressing, Kelburne’s third was scored on a breakaway by John Christie.

Lisnagarvey kept their hopes of qualification alive, coming back from a 3-0 half time deficit to draw 3-3 with Lille.  Timothy Cockram converted two penalty corners with Philip Stirling scoring the other.

Waterloo Ducks’ 4-0 win against Stroitel Brest ensured both their and East Grinstead ‘s qualification.

PHOTOGRAPHS OF TODAY’S MATCHES ARE AVAILABLE TO VIEW AT OUR SISTER WEB SITE www.HockeyImages.co.uk,

Hannah MacLeod has been reunited with her Olympic bronze medal. It was posted anonymously to England Hockey. Her jacket is still missing and, although a man has been arrested, police still regard this as an ongoing enquiry.

In a statement issued by England Hockey on Hannah's behalf she said,

"I'm extremely pleased to have been reunited with my medal. It's a huge relief. I'm enormously grateful to the Metropolitan Police and in particular to DCI James Harman who has kept me informed of their investigation throughout.

"I am indebted to everyone who has tweeted about it, everyone who has got in touch and who has publicised the situation. I can't thank you enough. I think all of you played a part in encouraging whoever had my medal to return it.

"Given the huge impact the Olympic Games has had on London and the UK I always held hope that it would be returned but it's still incredible to know now I have my medal back. People understand how much these medals mean to the athletes and those in the communities who have played their part in supporting us.

"I'm conscious that the police investigation is still ongoing and that Alex Partridge's medal is yet to be returned and I urge whoever has it to return it too.

"Once again, I'd like thank everyone who has played a part."

FIREWORKS BEFORE – LITTLE SPARKLE TO START. By Peter Colwill at the EuroHockey League Round 1.2 at Saint Hill.

There were fireworks before East Grinstead's match against Stroitel Brest, the Belarussian Champions, but there was little sparkle on the pitch in the first quarter. Although the hosts secured a comfortable 5-0 victory, they had to wait until the 23^rd minute for Andy Piper, the pick of the Grinstead forwards, to put them ahead. Mark Pearn increased the lead with a thunderous drive from the top of the circle.

At the other end Jack Marfleet took the ball off the line from just underneath the bar following a penalty corner, before Glenn Kirkham and Piper, with his second goal, increased the lead, all in an eventful second quarter.

In a largely uneventful second half there were few difficulties for Grinstead and Adam Jordan added a fifth.

KHC Dragons and Saint Germain, who are in Reading's Pool played out the closest match of the day with victory going to the Belgium side only 2-1 despite their considerable dominance.

Teun de Nooijer gave a masterful display including scoring 2 goals in Bloemendaal's 7-2 demolition of Lille.

Jan Marco Montag slotted in 3 penalty corners in Rot Weiss Koln's win against Glynhill Hotel Kelburne whose consolation goal was scored by Ben Peterson.

Pool B    KHC Dragons (Bel) 2 Saint Germain HC (Fra) 1

Pool D    East Grinstead 5 SC Stroitel Brest (Blr) 0

Pool G    Lille MHC (Fra) 2 HC Bloemendaal (Ned) 7

Pool H    Glynhill Hotel Kelburne 1 KTHC Rot Weiss Koln 8

 

PICTURES FROM TODAY'S MATCHES ARE ON OUR SISTER WEB SITE AT: www.HockeyImages.co.uk.

MAN ARRESTED OVER MEDAL THEFT

The Metropolitan Police announced today that they had arrested a man in connection with the theft of Hannah MacLeod's Olympic bronze medal. However, the medal has still not been recovered.

OLYMPIC BRONZE MEDAL STOLEN DO YOU KNOW THIS MAN?

HOCKEY OLYMPIAN HANNAH MACLEOD'S BRONZE STOLEN!  At a party in London following the reception at Buckingham Palace for the GB Olympians, GB rower Alex Partridge discovered that a blazer containing his London 2012 medal had been stolen. Shortly afterwards, Hannah MacLeod, a member of the GB bronze medal winning team, reported that her medal was also missing. Hannah Tweeted late last night "My medal was also stolen at the same time. Totally devestated." Later she Tweeted "I'm not after punishment. If you picked up a medal that isn't yours, pls send anonymously back to GB Hockey - Bisham Abbey."  CCTV images at the Mayfair Club captured the face of a suspect.

BEESTON’S WOMEN IN 25 GOAL WEEKEND BLITZ

There were matches in both the men's England Hockey League and the Investec Women's Cup yesterday. But the result that caught our eye was Beeston's 13-0 annihilation of Norwich City in the Cup. It was not the biggest score of yesterday's Round 2 matches – that accolade goes to Sevenoaks, who put 18 past Fareham for no reply – but it follows closely on the heals of Beeston's 12-0 win over Liverpool Sefton in Saturday's North conference match. Beeston's Sophie Robinson scored six times yesterday and three times on Saturday. We don't suppose it is a record, but it's certainly some achievement.

In addition to Beeston and Sevenoaks, Bristol Firebrands, Buckingham, Cannock, Liverpool Sefton, Clifton, Harrogate, Chelmsford, Sutton Coldfield, Bowdon Hightown, Brooklands Poynton and Bedford Town, all won their matches and progress to Round 3. Teddington, University of Birmingham and Wimbledon, had walkovers and also progress to Round 3.

In the Premier Division of the England Hockey League, Beeston continue their onward march at the top with a 7-2 win over Surbiton. Beeston have a game in hand as a result of last weekend's EuroHockey League matches, and they currently match Canterbury on 15 points, separated only be goal difference. Canterbury had a 6-1 win over Hampstead & Westminster in what was a high scoring day all round.

There were nine goals at both East Grinstead and Cannock. East Grinstead were sunk by two late goals by Loughborough Student's Andy Bull and Maxime Cerulus, and a the third goal of a hat-trick from Glenn Kirkham, scored in the dying seconds, could not save 'Grinstead from a 4-5 defeat. The other nine-goal match was at Cannock, where visitors Southgate were 5-2 behind until the last five minutes. Playing catch-up, two late goals were not enough to secure any points and Cannock emerged as 5-4 winners.

The remaining Premier Division match saw Reading go down 3-2 at Brooklands MU.

Yesterday's results see Cannock race up the table to third place, behind Beeston and Canterbury. Reading and East Grinstead both drop one place to fourth and fifth respectively. Surbiton drop two places in the bottom slot, as do Southgate into ninth.

FULL RESULTS CAN BE FOUND ON OUR MAIN WEB SITE AT www.TalkHockeyRadio.co.uk. PICTURES FROM YESTERDAY'S WEST CONFERENCE MATCH BETWEEN GUILDFORD AND UNIVERSITY OF EXETER CAN BE FOUND ON OUR SISTER SITE AT www.HockeyImages.co.uk.

 

 

NO CHANGE AT TOP OF INVESTEC LEAGUE

A number of interesting results in the Premier Division of the Investec Women's Hockey League failed to bring about any shifts at the top of the table this afternoon.

The most dramatic result was the match between Leicester and Reading, where Katie Long scored a hat trick for Leicester, and new girl Nicola White, and Jo Hunter, added one apiece in their sides 5-0 win. Leicester move up one place to fifth and Reading move down one place to eighth. But otherwise the table remains fairly static.

The major loser from today's matches was Clifton, who slip from fourth to sixth after their match against leaders Canterbury. Clifton opened the scoring with a goal in their own net after only three minutes. Canterbury's own efforts saw goals from Eliza Brett, Sarah Kerly and Lisa Hapke in their 4-2 win.

This season's surprise package, Sutton Coldfield, retain their second place with a win away at Olton and West Warwicks. A seventh minute goal from Olton's Naomi James gave the home side a lead which lasted for all of 37 minutes, but two penalty corner conversions in quick succession from Vicky Woolford, and goals from Jane Sixsmith and Sarah Mills, gave Sutton a 1-4 win. Olton remain in ninth place.

Surbiton are in third place on the same points as Sutton Coldfield. Surbiton managed to score all three goals in their win over University of Birmingham. An own goal by Surbiton was all that the University were able to show in their 1-2 defeat. Slough's woes continue, as they lost 1-4 at home to Bowdon Hightown. Slough are still without a point after six matches.

In the Conferences, the top three in the East remain unchanged after today's matches, with Harleston Magpies one point ahead of Ipswich and Sevenoaks. Old Loughtonian's surrender their fourth place to Wimbledon after losing 2-0 away at Sevenoaks. Leaders in the North, Beeston are on the same points as second placed University of Durham, but this afternoon's 12-0 thrashing of Liverpool Sefton gives them an unassailable goal difference. In the West, Buckingham remains the only side in the League to have a 100% record, after a narrow 1-0 win over Swansea City.

FULL TABLES CAN BE FOUND ON OUR MAIN WEB SITE AT www.TalkHockeyRadio.co.uk.

SURBITON AND SOUTHGATE RECORD THEIR FIRST WINS IN STYLE. A round-up of yesterday’s matches.

The TalkHockeyRadio team were the guests of Old Loughtonians yesterday for their pitch opening and double header against Bromley & Beckenham (more of that later), so we had to hold over our review of yesterday's matches until this morning (Sunday).

Before looking at yesterday's league results, it is worth reflecting on Beeston's incredible result against Amsterdam in yesterday's Round 1.1 EuroHockey League match in Barcelona. We checked our records and it is only the second time in the history of the League that a Dutch team has lost a Round 1 match. (The first occasion was when KHC Dragons beat Rotterdam last season).

But 45 minutes into the game, the chances of Beeston pulling off such a coup looked remote. They were 3-1 down thanks to goals from Amsterdam's Spanish stars Santi Frexia and Roc Oliva and captain Billy Bakker. Beeston's contribution to the scoresheet came from David Ames in the 27^th minute. Any hope from Beeston's second goal, scored by skipper Adam Dixon, was soon wiped out by a response from Amsterdam's penalty corner specialist Taeke Taekema, to put the score at 4-2. But Beeston clearly did not abandon hope of winning the match, and in the space of four minutes came goals from Martin Jones, David Ames and Mark Wadsley.

The 4-5 result means that Beeston top Pool A and will be seeded when the draw is made for Round 2 at Easter.

The Men's England Hockey League is looking a topsy turvy place at the moment. With only three games played yesterday due to the absence of Beeston and the re-arranged match between Reading and Canterbury (being played today), there were some surprising results from two sides that the league has not favoured so far.

The return of their internationals seems to have spurred Surbiton back into life after a worrying start to their season. They won their first match of the season yesterday, with two goals apiece from Rob Moore and Alexander Penney, plus goals from James Tindall and James Penney. The result, a 6-1 lwin over visiting Cannock, lifts Surbiton off the bottom place into eighth.

The other side to record their first win of the season was Southgate, who took apart newly promoted Brooklands MU 7-0, with the goals from Dan Shingles (3), Callum Burden, Timmy Smith (2) and Francois Pretorius. Southgate move up from ninth to seventh.

In the only other match in the men's Premiership yesterday, Hampstead & Westminster and East Grinstead drew 1-1. The result leaves no less than four clubs on seven points, with Reading in third place, followed by East Grinstead, Hampstead & Westminster and Cannock. Reading could move up into second place if they beat Canterbury this afternoon.

Also sharing points are the sides top of the table in of the Premier Division of the Investec Women's League. The surprise leaders five weeks into the season are Sutton Coldfield, who made Slough's dire season even worse with a 7-0 win at home. Vicky Woolford (2) and the evergreen Jane Sixsmith always seem to be amongst the scorers and they were joined in this match by a hat-trick from Celia Butler and a goal from Sarah Mills. The result moves Sutton Coldfield up four places, although they can be overtaken by Canterbury who will be playing Reading this afternoon in the double header at Sonning Lane.

Surbiton women had their balloon burst by Leicester yesterday, losing at home 1-2. Surbiton's visitors last weekend, Bowdon Hightown, perked up their season with at 2-1 win at home to Olton and West Warwicks. Both of Bowdon's goals came from Tina Cullen. Unfortunately, their second win of the season still leaves them in fifth place. After a promising start to the season, Clifton have gone off the boil and slip to fourth after a 2-2 draw against visiting Birmingham Uni.

As mentioned earlier, TalkHockeyRadio was at Old Loughtonians for their double header against Bromley & Beckenham. Luxborough Lane is a living example of the Olympic legacy, its blue and pink pitches a reminder that the club was chosen to host the hockey training facility for 2012. The double header was also the occasion of the club's President's Day and the 'official' opening of the new pitches. Of course, the new pitches were already in use at the end of the 2011-2012 season, but the club was looking to a post-Olympic occasion for a formal opening to make the new pitches truly their own.

The chocolate cake in the clubhouse was truly magical, but out on the pitch the rain failed to dampen what was an entertaining encounter between Old Loughts women and their visitors. The Loughts have made some interesting acquisitions during the summer, including ex-England goalkeeper Becky Duggan, and the very talented South African international Lauren Penny, poached from Slough. Bromley & Beckenham's women joined the East Conference this season, and have found the going difficult. Although they made a game effort against the home side, with their Emma Greenway scoring from a penalty corner in the third minute, the difference between the two sides eventually told, with Penny, Izzy Jones and Madeline Row all scoring for Old Loughts. The final score, 3-1, promotes them from sixth to fourth in the table, whilst Bromley & Beckenham remain rooted at the bottom of the table.

It's amazing the difference a season can make, because Bromey & Beckenham men had to play the get-out-of-gaol card via the relegation play-offs last season. Yesterday morning they stood in second place, five above Old Loughtonians in the East Conference. In what was a feisty affair, a tad too feisty on one or two occasions, Bromley & Beckenham took an early lead with a goal from Peter Dobson. Jonny Brown equalised for Old Loughts, and Adnan Zakir gave them a brief lead before James Grannell equalised for the Becks. The score remained at 2-2 for less than a minute before Stephen Roche scored for the visitors to give them a brief lead. Just before the half time whistle, James Southgate was on hand to convert a penalty corner for the Loughts, taking the teams in at the break at 3-3.

The game was eventually decided in the 17^th minute of the second half, with a penalty corner conversion from Oliver Didham. Final score 4-3 to the home side in what was a thoroughly entertaining match. The result moves Old Lougtonians up one place to sixth, whilst Bromley & Beckenham slip down to third. And did we mention the chocolate cake? It was sublime.

PICTURES OF THE DOUBLE HEADER AT OLD LOUGHTONIANS WILL APPEAR ON OUR SISTER WEB SITE AT WWW.HOCKEYIMAGES.CO.UK SOON. RESULTS AND TABLES FROM STATURDAY'S MATCHES CAN BE FOUND ON OUR MAIN WEB SITE AT WWW.TALKHOCKEYRADIO.CO.UK.