The first team ladies met with New Milton in the semi-final of the Hampshire
Cup at Romsey School. New Milton organised themselves well and initially
showed resilience to the experienced Southampton attack. However Southampton
moved ahead when Allie Omell scored after moving to the right post at a
penalty corner and neatly slipped the ball into the open net. Sue Crowley
converted a penalty stroke, given for feet on the goal line, for number two.
New Milton, depending upon breakaways caused several awkward moments but
Sandy Lewis, in Southampton goal saw off any danger.
In the second half a fine individual run from Bex Sharr saw her tease the
keeper off the post before slipping the ball through the remaining gap.
Fiona Jarman, moving into midfield from her normal sweeper role, made it four
when she seized on a loose ball to beat the keeper from the edge of the D.
Sue Crowley finished the scoring with a second penalty stroke 5 minutes from
time. The final set for Hampshire Day, Monday 7th May will be against Havant
at HMS Temmeraire, Portsmouth. With both teams playing in the South League a
good match is promised.
Both the Vets and the Thirds met with Fareham at Southampton sports Centre
and both enjoyed successful afternoons.
The Vets took an early lead when Skipper Geoff Danby converted a short corner
but Fareham drew level following an individual breakaway down the left wing.
Southampton's Robin Meacher moved the home team in front again when he
pounced on a loose ball only to see the visitors get back on even terms
within minutes. Bill Stokes secured the win for Southampton when he scored
from close range to knock up the 100-goal tally for the vets this season.
Next weekend they are travelling to Guernsey to play in the island's
invitation tournament.
The Third took an early two-goal lead through Steve Quinn and Pete Cox, whose
first time shot flew high into the net before the keeper moved.
(Editors Note : Loath as I am to say it, this isn't true. The shot was first time
but the keeper was out of position and I slapped the ball into the back board.)
Fareham moved into attack mode and were back to 2 - 2 early in the second half. James
Wise's tenacity helped him grab two to secure a 4 - 2 win for Southampton.
Honours were even as the Fifths met with the Sixths in this intra club match. The Sixth eleven were in the driving seat right to the end but the greater experience of the Fifths ensured a late equaliser. Mike Cotton and Jonathan Hatchett scoring for the Sixth team and Mark Cozens getting two for the Fifths.
On Sunday Hamble held their under 17 boys' tournament on the synthetic pitches in Southampton for the first time. The tournament had ten entries from throughout Hampshire and showed a host of talent coming through the junior hockey set-ups in the county. Winchester won the tournament beating Farnborough on sudden death penalties in the final.
Southampton Under 17s had the misfortune to come across Winchester early in the tournament and failed to react to the speed of the in-form Winchester boys, losing 0 - 4. However They went on to beat Gosport (5-0), Trojans (1-0) and Hamble (2-0) in their pool before winning the third/fourth playoff match with Havant 2 - 0. Scorers for Southampton were Chris Stokes, Mike Woods and Rhobet Williams. Keeper Paul Moxon making a penalty save in the final match with Havant.
40 members of the Ladies and Men's clubs met at East Horton Golf club for its annual golf day. With handicaps ranging from 6 to 28 the competition proved to be close with Roger Merry winning the stapleford competition with 40 points, ahead of Rob Gibbs (39) and Ralph Turner (38). In the Ladies, Jo Knight won with 38 points ahead of Sue Crowley (36) and Fiona Jarman (35). Our thanks to Rob Jenkins for organising and running the day. Breakfast was tasty, if not healthy. Following a vote it is hoped to run this event as an end of season opportunity next year.
In the South Under 13 Boys championship Hampshire overcame Oxfordshire (6-1) and Sussex (3-1) to move into second place behind Surrey. Scorers for Hampshire were Andrew Petts (Basingstoke), James Please and Robert O'Brien (Southampton) and Paul Goss (Trojans).
Thursday :- There will be an umpiring evening at The Sporting View, Sports Centre, Southampton, on at 7pm. All welcome.
Saturday :- Ladies and Men's end of season club day, meeting at 1pm followed by BBQ.
Sunday :- Southampton ladies veterans travel to Abingdon for the South round of the National Veterans Competition.
Roger Merry