It was not the best set of results for Southampton Women as only the Third team managed to pick up league points on Saturday. The thirds inched nearer to promotion with a 2 - 2 draw with Romsey. Southampton took the lead through Anna Skelton only for Romsey to bounce straight back with the equaliser from a break away. Southampton regained the initiative when Clare Butcher scored and looked set for the three points. Romsey, however had one last effort which brought a short corner, from which they scored to give a final result of 2 - 2. They now need two points from their last two or for Gosport and Basingstoke not to get maximum points to go to Hants Div one. Fingers crossed. HOW ABOUT SOME SUPPORT NEXT WEEK 10:30 AT THE SPORTS CENTRE.
The first team met with Wimbledon, who sit in second place, but the early stages of the game saw Southampton getting the best scoring chances with Sue Crowley having two short corner strikes cleared off the line. It was not to be Crowley's day when a short corner shot form Wimbledon hit her stick and sailed over keeper, Linda Dunham's head. Southampton worked hard to come back but Wimbledon, having gained the initiative organised their defence well to deny any good scoring opportunities. With Time running out Southampton swapped a striker for a defender only to see Wimbledon break away to gain their second for a final result of 2 - 0.
The Seconds went one up against New Milton when Jenny Kimber neatly slipped the ball between the legs of the oncoming keeper but New Milton equalised when a short corner was stopped on the goal line and the ball was forced over. Milton took the lead and held out to the end.
Fourths no game.
The Fifths looked to have lost any chance of promotion when they fell 1 - 2 to Gosport. Karina Christiansen scoring for Southampton.
The first continued their end of season flurry with a fine 5 - 1 win over Blandford. Vice Captain Chris Ellis showing the way with a hat trick, followed by promotees from the second team Chris Stokes and Neil Hutchinson.
With Chris and Neil missing from the team the seconds had to rely on veteran striker, Eric Holt for the lead in their match Fleet. Eric notched up a hat trick whilst Pete Cox, stepping in for Stokes, scored the fourth in their 4 - 0 victory.
Thirds no game.
The fourths romped home 9 - 0 winners over Old Edwardians 3s. Colin Langridge scoring four (and purchasing a jug of Purple Nasty for his efforts) with support from Ed Thorne (2), Mike Gillingham, Mike Woods and John Carnegie.
The Fifths and Sixth both went down 1 - 5 to Aldermaston and Hamble respectively. Skipper Martin Rosher and twelve year old Ollie Knight getting on the score sheets.
The clubs senior player Robin Meacher showed he still knows where the goal is as he knocked in his chance to support Pete Terry's two in a 3 - 3 draw with Chichester.
Robins' namesake Paul Meacher also got on the score sheet as he netted for the Masters only to see Maidenhead come back to win 1-2.
The Otters continued their run of disappointing results with a 2 - 4 defeat by Portsmouth and Southsea. Danny Morgan scoring for Southampton.
It was three in a row when Southampton under 13 boys joined the under 11 and under 19 girls' teams in representing Hampshire in the South round of their respective National competitions. It is a credit to the good work going on within the Southampton Club, that such a range of quality players is being produced.
The boys overcame City of Portsmouth (2-0) in the semi-final before going on to meet Trojans in the final. Southampton took the lead through Robert O'Brien before Trojans equalised through a penalty. O'Brien then netted a second to make a final scoreline of 2 -1. Squad: -Please, O'Brien, Knight, Thomson, Lambert, Stokes, Andrews, Williamson and Randall,
Both the boys and under 11 girls will be in Surrey next week end hoping to reach the National finals at hockey's home ground in Milton Keynes.
The under 19 girls met with several teams fielding England juniors when they represented Hampshire in their competition. With a final tally of two wins, one draw and three loses, the team ended in fifth spot, ahead of Milton Keynes and Banbury. It was a busy day with the girls having to play two games in a row on two occasions. The girls played some excellent hockey and should have drawn with Guildford (eventually second place) but for a last second goal. Eastbourne drafted in England junior, Lucy Fawcett to play. Big Question mark. The wins were over Banbury and Milton Keynes. With a draw with third placed Teddington. Squad:- Page, Gallagher, Batchelor, Mortimor, Kimber (B & J), Marsh, Nutt, Black, Skelton, Davies, Mitchell, Skelton, Williams and Carter.
Having been given a tough match away, losing 7 - 0 to Wimborne earlier in the season, Southampton Under 19 second team were really up for a reversal when Wimborne visited on Sunday. A short corner strike from Sarah Russell set the stage for an exciting encounter. Keeper, Leah Thornewill soaking up any danger offered by the visitors. A late solo effort from Kathryn Raw saw Southampton win 2 - 0. An excellent performance for a side of under 16s, who now have three years to match the first teams good performances.
The Hampshire U14 girls team were crowned South Champions at the Regional Tournament held in Middlesex on Sunday March 11th. The team, played some excellent team hockey and were deserved winners. The squad included the following Southampton players: Claire Lewis and Caroline Neil.
During the week Testwood School won the New Forest under 13 girls tournament, meeting Preistlands, Burgate, Hounsdown and Ringwood in a round robin competition.
Congratulations to Steve Glennie and James Millar on making the South under 17 team.