Nutty knocks it in and Nicky sweeps up (plus a full supporting cast).
With Rover Oxford in lead position it was a daunting task for Southampton to travel away to play on their slick water based pitch. It didn't help that it is skiing season and Southampton lost three of its main squad. Southampton moved skipper Nicky Tarry into sweeper and welcomed back Emma White and Sarah Jones. First blood should have gone to Southampton but Sue Crowley's short corner strike hit the post and Jo Knight's follow up was smothered by the keeper. On fast pitch opportunities came and went but it was Oxford that took the first goal when a shot, following a run deep into the D, squeezed in at the near post. With nothing to lose and everything to gain Southampton went after the game and enjoyed their fair share of a competitive and skilful match. On the hour just rewards were gained when 16 year old Brookfield pupil, Hollie Nutt hit the backboard with a rasping shot. A final tense 10 minutes saw both sides going close but no further score.
With the Hampshire leagues on hold for the half term, the Seconds and Fifths had friendlies with Chichester. The seconds enjoyed a comfortable 2 - 1 win with Cath Gale and Nicky Le Bas scoring. Meanwhile:-
Mum and Daughter share the pitch.
Normally, the second team goalkeeper, Sandy Lewis took the field for the fifth team as her 12 year old daughter, Clare, stood between the sticks. Sandy showing her expertise out of goal put Southampton two up. However, despite a string of good saves from Clare, Chichester drew even. Mum then made it 3 - 2 but another slipped in to make a final score of 3 - 3. Reports have it that mum spent as much time in the oppositions D as her daughter did in her own. It used to be called goal hanging but now I am assured it tactical correctness.
The Men entertained a Wimborne team who had put them out of the Hampshire Cup two weeks ago. With the game swinging from end to end either side could have taken the honours but the score ended 2 - 2 with Kelvin Wyatt getting Southampton's two and the Wimborne keeper making a good save from a penalty to keep the score even late in the game.
The Second team crowned their league-winning season by recording 102 goals to seal promotion into the Hampshire/Surrey league next season. A 10 - 0 stroll over United Services Portsmouth saw them home and dry with four matches to go. Skipper and keeper, Paul Howarth, said they owed their success to a good team spirit, which came to the fore when the chips were down. Next year's games at the higher level will enhance the club's senior teams, helping to force the pace for the first team. He relished the prospect and challenge. Scorers were Chris Stokes [3], Neil Hutchinson [2], Bill stokes, Rob Sparrow, Pete Graham and Eric Holt x 2, who claimed numbers 100 & 101. With cries of CHAMPIONIs, the pop of champagne corks and the some what dubious fragrence of some of Paul's 'passed around' cigars, the quiz evening was reminded that the event had taken place and that Burnley had lost to Tranmere in the cup some years ago. A subtle question slipped in by quiz masters Cox & Pidgeon.
3rds 1 : 0 Winchester 5ths Scorer: Peter Cox
Another crucial game against Winchester and a draw would save virtually
ensured that Southampton were guaranteed third place in the Division.
In the event the game was won and memorable only for Coxie's goal on 15
minutes where the ball was place from right midfield via Stokes senior at
centre forward into the path of Pete in the inside left position. The ball
was "dinked" into the "D" and then fired from the top past the GK on the
narrow side.
The second half was to quote Roger Merry a "rearguard action" and whilst this
was one of our least convincing performances the defence held out and in
truth Mike Loveless had little to do other than make one great save from a
penalty corner.
Man of the match votes were split between Pete Cox and Chris Suter.
PS. There is clearly no love lost between Winchester 4s and 5s. I am told
that with surplus players available to the 4s, they would not lend the 5s
(with 10 players) one of their players. They play each other next week and
the 5s are out for their blood. Even we lent them an umpire! (much to the
annoyance of certain of our players who shall remain nameless (Dave and Mark
D this means you).
The Fourths now look to have missed out on promotion with a 2 - 1 defeat by Ryde. Henry getting the Southampton goal.
The Masters & Fifths - No games
The Sixth eleven had a high scoring outing against Petersfield Seconds, who are currently sitting in second spot. Having started the second half 5 - 0 down it was Southampton who controlled and won the last period of the game 4 - 3 but still suffered a final score of 4 - 8. Fifteen year old Johnathan Hatchett getting a hat trick supported by Jason Pearson.
The Veterans returned to their winning ways as they outplayed Newbury to win 6 -1. Richard Rosher getting his from a short corner and Martin Wood, Chris Jones (2) and Pete Terry (2) all scoring form open play. With skipper Geoff Danby on the sidelines with the whistle total control was exhibited.
The Otters went down 1 - 0 to a short corner goal in the last 10 minutes, despite enjoying a high amount of the territorial possession.
The Under 19 firsts consolidated their position at the head of the table with a comfortable win over New Sarum. Promoted Sophie Mitchell quickly settled in to show her potential. Three goals coming from centre back turned centre forward, Charlotte Gallagher with Jo Marsh (2), Mary-Anne Mulligan and Anna Greaves netting the others.
The under 15 girls played a practice match with Hampshire under 14s. Hampshire played some good hockey to beat the Southampton side 3 - 0.The boys under 18s enjoyed a cracking game with Havant in the Hampshire Cup despite losing 1 - 7. It was a fast open game but Southampton, missing several key players owing to half term holidays could not match the fire power of the well drilled Havant forwards.
Despite the University Mixed taking a 3 - 0 lead, Southampton worked themselves back into the game and forced a 4 - 4 draw. Goal scorers were Liz Walker, Nick Patel, Stuart Finch and Paul Meacher.
Southampton 3rds 4 : 3 Portsmouth University 3rd
Scorers: Quinn 2, Cox, Rowe
On paper this quarter final should have been fairly easy with Uni playing a
division below us.
However whilst our suspicions were of foul play (ringers) a hard fought and
free scoring game was eventually won with one minute to spare.
This was a very open game and on 10 minutes Peter Cox scored another
spectacular goal carrying the ball from left midfield, cutting in and firing
a shot from the top of the "D" past the static keeper. Uni equalised on 20
minutes after a series of short corners.
The captain's continual call for quicker passing from free hits was finally
listened to when Dave Holt seeing Pies free at the top of the "D" passed a
short ball which was dully converted by the said Pies. In truth the ball was
reasonably quick but Uni were uncharacteristically slow in their marking.
2:1 at half time, that will do nicely.
10 minutes into the second half the Uni again equalised as they policy of
getting men forward paid off, not for the last time.
A stroke was won following a Dave Holt shot with the seemingly inexperienced
keeper propelling a lifted shot forward. Up steps Mr Quinn to score. 5
minutes to go, what could possibly go wrong? Failure to pick up the Uni
midfield was what could go wrong and we again paid for this despite Simon
Wilson rescuing the stretched defence on more than one occasion. With 2
minutes to go the Uni equalised and extra time beckoned. Or so we (and
presumably the Uni) thought.
A rare undercut 16 yard hit found BJ who worked the ball to Quinny who
confused the GK and himself by lobbing him from close range. Surely we could
hold on to the lead this time? YES!.
Winchester 4th in the next round and the likelihood is either Havant 4 or
Winchester 5s (I think) in the final if we win. The 4 semi-finalists just
happen to be the current top 4 in the Hants Premier League and so the Cup has
so far run true to form.
Man of the Match (seasonally adjusted to include votes not taken yesterday)
Pete Cox.