Firstly an apology to Jo Knight, whose goal against Dulwich last weekend was not reported in its entirety. Jo's drive into the D found her outside of the left post. Her reverse stick shot floated through the air in front of Jo Horsely, who resisted the opportunity to finish off the shot and watched as the ball fell over the line. This goal helped keep Southampton in the South Division one. Sorry Jo!
In their last league match of the season Southampton met with Havant in what has become a tight, hard fought fixture. With confidence high, following good recent results, Havant had the early edge, but had to work hard to break down Southampton quick strike force. Both keepers were called upon to make good saves throughout the game. Havant looked to have taken the lead from a short corner but the supporting umpire intervened to rule the goal void. With the game looking deadlocked Havant eventually found the net 10 minutes from time. Late Southampton dominance created several short corners but the score line stayed the same at 1 - 0. Southampton finishing 8th in the South League division one.
The first team is still in the Hampshire cup against New Milton and hopefully will go on to play either Havant or City of Portsmouth at Hampshire Day in May.
A mixed thirds and fourths enjoyed a friendly run out against Esso. With no points at stake both sides looked to play open hockey. Southampton took an early 2-goal lead before Esso replied. The pattern of scoring stayed the same throughout the game with Southampton getting two to Esso's one to give a final score of 8 - 4. Goal scorers were Louise Crocker (3), Charlotte Page (2), Anna Skelton, Brenda Kimber and Jill Stokes (penalty).
The Ladies fifth eleven travelled to Salisbury to play in the Mid Teams tournament and came away in third place. Having fought their way into the Semi-final they met with Fordingbridge First from Hampshire division Four. Fordingbridge took the lead fun a fine run and cross by Fiona Dalrymple saw Claire Howells in front of goal to slap the ball home. In the ensuing penalty stroke competition Fordingbridge edge it 2 - 1.
The men's first team was without several regular players against Andover, who play in the league above. It did not help that Southampton's keeper Paul Howarth fell awkwardly before the game and carried a back injury throughout the game. After 15 minutes it looked as if Southampton were going to suffer badly against the North Hampshire side as Andover went four up. However, Southampton's defence started to control the Andover strikers, giving them less space, in which to operate. The attack also saw chances come and go as Southampton fought for breakaway opportunities. A late goal from Andover made a final score of 5 - 0 but Southampton had an opportunity to gain valuable experience of life in the fast lane should they gain promotion next season.
Having gained a league saving point against Reading at home last weekend the away game for the Masters was always going to be a difficult fixture. It was nip and tuck as the game moved to 4 - 4 after fifty minutes. However a late spurt saw Reading move ahead for a final score of 4 - 7. Scorers for Southampton were Paul Eastwood [2], Dave German and Bill Stokes. Keeper Steve Dadda again having a good day between the sticks as he brought off several good reaction saves.
The Vets were entertained by Fareham and took full advantage of the host's hospitality by helping themselves to a 7 - 0 win. Goals coming from Chris Jones [3], Mohinder Kenth, Ralph Turner, John Spencer and Geoff Danby.
With no fixture the Otters arranged an internal fixture and took the chance to look at next year's crop of juniors ready for next year's squad. Skipper Phil Loukes was pleased with the talent available to him in the 2001 season as David Stokes, Ollie Knight, Will Thomson, Simon King, Will Brown, James Fewtrell, Craig Harris and Mike Cotton turned in good performances.
The Men's Third team went down 3 - 2 to Andover.
The fifth team quickly went one up when Chris Dunn found the net with a screamer after 10 minutes. Trojans' youngsters then ahead with two goals before Mark Cozens scored with a flick to even the score at half time. Strength in the second half gave Southampton the advantage as Cozens gained two for his hat trick and Michael Foulds netted to make a final score of 5 - 2.
On Sunday the under 12 girls met with Andover under 14s in a friendly development match. At first glance Southampton's smaller players looked to be badly disadvantaged as Andover older girls took the lead. However gritty performances and good teamwork in defence and midfield slowly came to blunt the Andover attacks and soon led to the forwards getting some good scoring chances. Despite losing 1 - 0 the benefits gained are sure to hold the youngsters in good stead for next season.
With the opportunity to gain revenge over City of Portsmouth for the defeat in the RAF cup, Southampton were not in the mood to offer Havant much grace in the semi-final of the Hampshire cup. It took ten minutes for Southampton to find their feet as Havant offered early resistance. Once Southampton found the net for the first goal Havant were forced to chase the game, which offered the Southampton youngsters the opportunity to play some exciting hockey and they went on to win 13 - 0. Scorers were Ollie Knight [4], Danny Morgan [3], David Stokes [2], Steve Nutt [2], Alex Tong and Matt Swzinto. Havant, to their credit, did not lose heart and kept working at their game but could not match the power of the Southampton side. The stage is now set for a match on Hampshire day between the two most talented under 14 sides in the county with both teams having many county juniors on view.
The Mid-Hants under 16 side, drawn from players in the Southampton and Winchester areas, won the Areas Tournament at Southampton Sports Centre on Sunday. Mid Hants, with wins over South East, North East, New Forest and a draw with Fareham and Gosport enjoyed their last under 16 game together as all but one of the squad move out of the age group next season. Nena Thorpe who has coached and led the squad for several years is now the step down and is actively looking for a replacement. Several Southampton juniors are included in the squad.
Next weekend Southampton is sending two under 14 and two under 19 girl's teams to the annual Salisbury tournament. It will be an opportunity for the girls to learn the dubious pleasures of playing on grass, a surface that adds a new dimension to the game.
CLUB DAY IS EITHER 28th or 29th APRIL. DETAILS TO FOLLOW.