It seems a long time ago that we were rocking the night away at the dinner/dance but it is not too late to make a belated thanks to Karina Christiansen and Ed Matthew for their musical performance prior to the actual meal. Such talent and they can play hockey as well. Look forward to next year's performance.
Onto the hockey.
With the ladies now at the end of their season we have little to reports
except the Under 19 first and second teams, along with the under 14s
travelled to Salisbury for the annual tournament. The First team won (again)
winning all their games, despite losing six of their players to personal,
county and territorial demands. The seconds, of course, gave generously of
their talent loaning several players to fill the gaps. The remaining seconds
however did well playing against the First teams from other clubs only losing
by the odd goal in several games and beating Alton 2 - 0.
The Under 14s showed their defensive capabilities by not conceding a goal all
day. However they never scored either despite going close on many occasions.
Some excellent team play along with a good performance in goal by Louse
Jeffcoate saw them into second spot. Thanks to all the paerents that helped
with transport and cheered the youngsters to their success. Also thanks to
Sue Crowley, Steve Dunham, Martin Hannant and Eric Hurden for their coaching
and umpiring services.
The First team, in preparation for the Hampshire Trophy played a training match with Winchester on Thursday and performed well. In three 25 minute sessions they scored drew the first, won the second 3 - 0 and lost the third 0 - 2. Winchester had a large squad, which tended to upset their rhythm but Southampton played some good hockey and look forward to Hampshire day where they meet Portsmouth and Southsea at 10am.
On Saturday they met with Andover and went down 3 - 2 to their senior opposition. Andover went 3 up but a spirited second half performance saw Gary Watts nutmeg the GK and defender (in one go) to gain one back before Southampton scored the goal of the match and perhaps of their season. They played the ball around and strung twenty (approx) passes together before Steve Perkins walked it over the line.
The Thirds met with Winchester in the Open League cup semi final and saw their dreams shattered when Winchester scored the winner ten minutes from time. Winchester had the opening 20 minutes when nerves seem to hold Southampton back but when Winchester opened the scoring to go ahead Southampton hit back from a short corner deflection within minutes, Mark Day getting the final touch. Southampton continued to play the better hockey and created several good scoring chances but could not finish. Winchester again then moved with a short corner before Richard ?? (sorry) cracked the ball home from 8 yards. The Threes successful season now goes into one last game next week when they play London wayfarers for the promotion slot into the South Open league.
The Fours looked in awe as Trojans turned up with a squad of sixteen players, including some from their senior squads. The opening fifteen minutes saw Southampton penned into their half with a relentless onslaught which resulted in Colin Munday making some early crucial saves. However an injury to a Trojan's striker (Ollie) held the game up for several minutes and when it restarted Southampton were rejuvenated and went on to win 2 - 1. Colin Langridge getting both Southampton's goals.
The Sixth eleven were entertained to port at half time by opposition Havant but that was the last gesture of hospitality as Havant went on to win 6 - 2. Matt Gough (should have seen him Sunday morning) and Adam Knight scoring.
The Otters lost by the odd goal to Bournemouth fours. Danny Morgan and ED Bannatyne (from open play !!) scored for the Otters.
The Vets were in deadlock for the first twenty minutes of this league game with Winchester but two goals within five minutes saw them into a 2 - 0 half time. The first goal came from a neat deflection by Keith Finch and the second from Robin Meacher from five yards ( a feat worthy of the team ring). The second half saw some stern defence work from Southampton but Winchester (fielding two former Southampton players Phil Barbegelo and Nick Page) were determined and eventually drew level. A late unbeaten run of 18 league and friendly games saw Southampton end an excellent season in second spot and possible promotion candidates. Skipper Keith Wyatt will no doubt be heavily fined for such success. Thanks to Keith for his regular Sunday night phone call giving his team's results.
On Sunday Southampton Under 14s almost sealed the league title when they drew with fellow challengers City of Portsmouth 2 - 2. COP now need to score 20 goals in their remaining fixture against Winchester. Not an impossible task.
Ollie Knght opened the scoring to put Southampton ahead but two COP short corners saw them leading until 8 minutes from time when Sam Hiscock roofed the equaliser. Some good saves from keeper James Storr kept COP at bay. Both sides felt a draw was the right result but with both sides in the cup final on May day there willl have to be a winner. Come along and watch and give your support.
The Under 17s lost out on going into the semi final of the Under 17 tournament on goal difference. They won two, drew one and lost one. Thanks to Rob Gibbs for stepping in as manager.
Roger Merry