CHRISTMAS CLUB DAY
Bicester Hockey club
Christmas Newsletter 2008
CHRISTMAS CLUB DAY
Sunday 14th December
Looks like being a busy day for all sections of the club!
10.00am U14 Girls play Banbury girls at Banbury and then return to Cooper School for the annual Fox-Cubs v. Parents match at 12.00. Refreshments, raffle etc, please contact Marcia Steward for further details. Then from 1pm CHRISTMAS CLUB DAY commences, Senior players are asked to arrive from 12.00 so that teams can be arranged etc, and spend time with the Fox-Cubs. Mulled wine and mince pies to be served during the afternoon, followed by food in The White Horse. U14 boys and girls who want to play in the afternoon are welcome to stay on and a match involving senior players will be arranged with you! Your chance to beat the committee!!
A message from our President;
Seasons Greetings!!
I am pleased to take this opportunity of wishing all attached to Bicester Hockey Club a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
I know that all the results on the field are not outstanding this season. No matter, as we all know every club follows a life cycle of ups and downs. The important thing is that whatever the outcomes are, team spirit and the joy of the game must not be compromised. Take it from someone who is no longer young enough to play, enjoy the game whilst you are able as a hockey career is short and is sadly missed.
However, it is a pleasure to note the resurgence of Bicester Ladies and I am delighted to note the success on the field of their second eleven side, under the captainship of Louisa. It gives all teams a target to aim for over the coming months and next season.
I was lucky enough to take part in the Hockey Club Golf Day on October 31st arranged by Andy Walkey, in conjunction with Kirtlington Golf Club and Graham Fullager. It was a fabulous day starting with bacon butties and then a full round of golf and culminating with a fine four-course meal. Rob McCulloch junior won the longest drive and the nearest the pin competition. Mike Shorthouse won the Stapleford with an outstanding score of which I am too jealous to record. We all had a great time and it was so good to meet up with old friends.
I hear that a famous stalwart of the Club, Des Jenkins, is not enjoying the best of health at the moment and I am sure that you would all wish Des and his family our best wishes.
May I thank the committee, coaches, umpires, captains and all the many people that give up their time to give you the players a game on a Saturday.
Merry Christmas to you all. Mal Leather
And now a message from Chairman Dan;
Merry Christmas everyone! Well, what a year 2008 has been for our club! Two huge achievements that really stand out was the end our five-year trophy drought with our Ladies 2s winning their league and, of course, the conclusions of our celebrations for our 75th season. I know that the 75th season dinner at the Tythe Barn will be the source of good memories across the club for many, many years to come.
The start of this season has seen a lot of hard work go on behind the scenes to improve the profile and professionalism of the club. Many of you will have noticed that the website has improved significantly, as well as more comprehensive membership forms for you all to fill in.
It may seem bureaucratic but it is vital if we are able to move the club forward and successfully bid for Clubs First (without this we will not be recommended by key organizations such as England Hockey and the Oxfordshire HA to people and companies for sponsorship). It also makes for a more professional club, which is no bad thing!
Before we head off to eat too much turkey and drink too much alcohol, it would be good to see as many of you as possible at the Christmas Club Day on Sunday 14th December. The junior section will kick the day off with the annual Parents v Kids game at 12.00 noon with the seniors (and some of the older juniors) enjoying a festive round-robin tournament from 1pm at the astro. Mince pies and mulled wine will be served to entice you!
I also must take the opportunity to wish Des Jenkins all the very best for a speedy return to good health. If it wasn’t for Des’ effort and enthusiasm over many, many years then there is no way that the club would be as strong or as large as it is today. Des, we all truly appreciate everything you’ve done for this club.
Thanks to all the committee for their support - it really is appreciated.
Enjoy the festivities and I will see you all in 2009.
Roundy
So how are the teams doing?
Mens 4s
After some initial discussions around the liability of running a men’s 4th and 5th teams we decided that we would go with 4 teams and ensure that we had 4 stronger teams that could go out each week with a few subs as well and have some fresh legs at regular intervals during the game. We also decided that after Stuart Morton had kindly agreed to step up and Captain the now defunct 5th team, that he would assist me and become the Vice Captain of the men’s 4’s. So firstly I would like to thank Stuart for stepping up to the mark and already covering for me over 3 games while I was away on holiday etc, but also say a big thank you to Mike Shorthouse who had agreed to take up that role as he had done for Andy over the past few years, but can take a well deserved rest for this year at least.
The Games.
Anyway, onto the Hockey and after a few pre-season friendly’s ( we won’t talk about playing Thame 1’s ) we started the League matches. Our first game against Rover Oxford Hamsters saw a great start and us winning by 3-1 at half time. Goals by myself, CB and Sean showed we can score when we attack, but unfortunately they picked up the pace in the second half and went on to beat us 6-3 which I feel was mainly down to a lack of fitness by us and probably shock that we were leading at half time !! There was also some good performances from some of the new players to the club such as Ben Cooper and Roger Howard and also some of the youngsters such as Lewis Beck and Lee Mearns. We then took that result and pressed the team to attend Weds training sessions to help with general fitness and better balls skills etc. This has helped in the future games with the losses so far being 0-3 against Oxford HC, 1-2 to Witney and 3-5 to Newbury and Thatcham. Although these have all been losses we are starting to see some real improvements in the team atmosphere, the spirit of the team and also how we all play together with each person knowing where the other team players will be at any given time. This has led to some really close games, especially the Witney one, and we feel we are close to being able to win some of the league matches.
The Team.
Adam Giles is growing in confidence week after week in goal and this is helping the backbone of the defence with Andy Walkey, Stuart Lloyd, Steve Wain, Lewis Beck and Mike Shorthouse working together better now and supported by Hughie “ The Dog “ when he is available ( or is that sober !! ). There is still more work to do here but we have the makings of a strong defence with some very experienced players here helping Lewis make that step up to Senior men’s hockey.
In mid field we have myself, Simon Ellison, Chris Birch ( CB), Simon Jeffrey, Roger Howard and sometimes Ben Cooper and again we are making progress with a better understanding between us, but we still need to ensure we dominate more in this area, keep the ball better, play simple two touch hockey, pass the ball better and control the game. We ALL still need to improve on our fitness as this is the place where most of the running is done, so still work to do !!
And finally, our forwards led by Stuart Morton and supported by Aidan Lenighan and Sean Varney are scoring some goals, but again we still need more and need them to link with mid filed more
All in all, I am very pleased with our progress so far this season. We have created a new team with a mixture of players from last season who played 4’s and 5’s hockey, so it is taking some time for us to work as a team but we are getting there. We have a better understanding between us now, we are getting fitter and we have had some close results and I feel it won’t be long now before we start to WIN ! UPDATE . That first league win eventually came against Witney 5’s just a couple of weeks ago, which has lifted us off the bottom of the table. Cheers, Pete English, Men’s 4s Captain.
MEN’S 2s, Hi all, Jel here! I’m pleased to say that we are having a much better season than last (helped by the fact that we were relegated, but we won’t talk about that!) At the time of writing we have made Cooper, Fortress Cooper, as we have been unbeaten there in the league so far and we have recently won our first away game for two seasons! The side has really pulled together and there is a great team spirit. Like many sides we have had our ups and downs with regard to umpiring decisions this season but I would always ask that you don’t give them any abuse, as without them we would not be playing at all. (Well said Jel)
Thanks to all who came to the Quiz night (you can probably remember it better than me) & hope to see you again at the next one in the New Year. Hope you all have a Happy Christmas, and if I see you about, I’ll be looking for that Xmas drink! Jel Men’s 2s Captain.
Men’s 3rds Report
Well it’s been an interesting first half of the season for the men’s 3rds.There has been the return of some old faces, which is always good to see and also some new ones as well. This season’s team has been the youngest put out in a very long time and they are showing great potential. There has also been some drama with two of our players having to be carried off to hospital but they are fine and well now. We have managed to score a goal every game this season so far, which shows our potential to fight. We have also managed a draw and a win which is an improvement from last season as we did not produce these results until the second half of the season. There is still a lot to learn and to improve on during the rest of the season. I am looking forward to seeing how it turns out. UPDATE ! Second win last week 4-1 over Meadhurst.
James Palmer Mens’ 3rds Captain.
The Men’s 1sts and Ladies 1sts and Ladies 3rds are operating but compiling a report has proved one step too far, so apologies from their captains, but all three teams are enjoying their seasons, with younger players making good progress. The Men’s 1s are determined to improve their results in the New Year and both ladies teams are mid table.
Thanks to Steve Wain and all at Taurus Fire Safety for their sponsorship of this newsletter.
Ladies 2s
At the start of the season, the Ladies 2’s were an unknown quantity. With a new Captain and 8 new players coming to the squad and going to a higher division, how would this new group perform?
From the 1st match the players worked well together, quickly settling with each other, which bode well for the season ahead.
After trying some different formations, a system that seems to work has been found, this in turn had allowed everyone to relax and enjoy their game.
Up to this point we have played 11 games, lost 1, drawn 1 and had an amazing 9 wins. Everyone is flourishing at this level and we are looking forward to the rest of the season.
The Ladies 2’s would like to wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas and an even better New Year.
B.H.C. Development Officer- what is he doing?
After being appointed at the AGM back in May I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the club, its strengths and weaknesses, and what you all think we ought to do to improve. My priority is to achieve Club’s First status, so that we can be recommended as a well run club by other bodies and be able to apply for more funding. I am also spending time making links with as many schools and organisations in the area as I can in order to ensure that everyone knows that we exist!! Recruitment of players is vital and I am hopeful that the raised profile of the club will bring in new players, both young and old.
Early in the new year I will submit a development plan, which will set out in some detail how we intend to develop in the next few years. It will be published on the website and I will be asking for your comments, please look out for it.
As part of the first Clubs application we need to state our vision, so here it is, approved by the committee only last week, I hope it suits everyone and begins to set us on a route of development and success.
VISION STATEMENT
For Bicester Hockey Club to be the Sports Club of Choice in the area by providing an environment where children, men and ladies of all ages come to play sport in a friendly, sociable and committed environment.
We strive to provide a structure for the next generation of players through coaching and support.
We aim to be a club where everyone contributes to our success, whilst making it a fun and enjoyable social experience.
We believe sport should be for All. We want everyone to be part of that thinking and to join Bicester Hockey Club in order to participate in an active life style.
County Players!!
CONGRATULATIONS TO;
Nicky Pollock, Sky Tagliaferro, Sean Cox and Jez Taylor for their selection to Oxfordshire County Teams, well done from everyone at BHC!!
Club Captain’s/Disciplinary Officer Report & Fantasy league update from SEEBEE
Though it was unfortunate to have to drop the men’s 5th team it has been good to see teams adopting a playing squad basis and using the substitutions to improve overall team fitness for matches. I have been encouraged to see more numbers at training this season and the ladies training averages over 40 per week which is great to see. We have seen a number of new members join the club which is always welcome. Amongst them I would to particularly thank Sheryl “miss an open goal” Philpott who have quickly stepped in to help run the club by training the junior juniors on a Sunday and Emma Higgins and Nicky Pollack for helping out.
Talking of the juniors I have attended a couple of the training sessions and there are few cracking players among them which will be great for the club. The juniors do need more support from the senior players in the club; either to help with coaching or team managing one of the year groups. It does not have to be every week but if enough members volunteer one Sunday it will make life easier. Though results for most teams have not gone our way I am pleased to say that the number of players seeing plastic is once more down on the previous season so please keep it up.
Merry Christmas everybody and here’s to a good Hockey New Year.
SeaBee
Umpires (Short) Corner
As a player you are obliged to learn the rules of Hockey. There is no excuse for not knowing the rules as they are freely available to download off either the England Hockey or FIHockey websites. A new rule book will be published in June.
Here are a few rules testers for you. Select the answer you think is MOST correct.
1 Attacker strikes the ball in the D. The ball hits the foot of a defender on the backline inside the D before going off the backline. Which is the correct decision?
A Free Hit Defence B Penalty Corner C Penalty Stroke D Long Corner
2) Offending team disputes an offence. Umpire raises her arm up straight with a clenched fist and calls “Up 10!” The free hit must then be;
A Moved up 10 metres directly in front of where the offence took place
B Moved up 10 metres and if the free hit is to be taken inside the D, upgraded to a PC
C The opposition must now be at least 10 metres from where the free hit is to be taken
D The ball can be moved up to 10 metres from where the original offence took place in any direction up to the edge of the D.
3) Which of the following statements is incorrect when taking a 14 metre (16 yard) hit
A All players must be at least 5m from the striker
B If you take the hit from inside the D you can take it from anywhere
C The goalkeeper can take the hit providing they use their stick
D If the ball is lifted the free hit goes to the opposition
4 When is it acceptable to deliberately raise a lifted ball towards ANY player on the pitch
A Never
B When shooting at goal and players are in front of the goal line
C Pitch conditions make it too difficult to play the ball on the ground
D One on One with the goalkeeper
Fantasy League – Armchair Bicester Hockey Club Management
With over 100 teams entered into the league and a different change in format the fantasy league was going to be a little different this year.
The most dramatic change was being able to select up to three players from one team to make your squad of 16. This meant gambling on which teams you felt were going to do well and maybe not having any representatives from one team.
With Champagne (no plonk here) prizes up for grabs for the Manager of the Month competition was always going to be tight but Stuart Goodacre beat the opposition to secure the first bottle of fizz in November.
M1 put in a sterling performance to take top spot in the Goalkeeper chart, whilst goalscoring defender Alan Edwards took top defender spot despite threats from other defenders getting clean sheets and a few goals.
Midfield honours go to new umpire Sarah Blacklock the only girlie in the top honours this month
Regular scoring and a couple of MOM awards kept Danny Johnson on top of the Strikers table.
The fanatstar website has just been revamped and you can now set up mini leagues to challenge your friends. Go on go on go on!!!
There is also going to be an HA cup competition starting on the 24th January. Any NEW managers entering a team will automatically be entered before this date substituting for a Bye in one of the fixtures.
It is never too late to enter a fantasy league team as there are still 3 monthly bottles of champagne up for grabs and potential spot prizes. So go www.fantastar.com register, click ?join league? and then enter the league pascode 000201Bicestb5557e
Answers to Umpire Quiz
1 D – Long Corner The attackers were not denied possession
2 D – The ball may be moved UPTO 10m and the rules do not specify any direction.
3 D – A lifted ball is not penalised a dangerous ball is
4 A – Never. You cannot deliberately lift a ball at any player INCLUDING a Goalkeeper
FOX CUBS/ COACH /SUPPORT NEEDED
During the summer it looked as if Fox Cubs might fold, but due to some new folks offering to help with coaching and some existing coaches deciding to carry on, Sunday mornings look much the same at Cooper School. One of the parents, Marcia Steward was recruited as Junior Co-ordinator and is working hard supporting everyone. The recruitment work that is going on will eventually bring more players to the club, but everyone must take every opportunity to talk about BHC in and around the town and wider area. Fox Cubs yourselves, please try to bring one friend along after Christmas. Some parents have asked about gum shields. We have to say that they must be worn, but if you prefer your child not to, then please provide Marcia or the coach with a written note. Finally Fox Cubs please pay your membership fee by Januray 4th at the latest which will be the first session of the new year.
The Christmas Club Day next weekend, will also be Richard Edwards last session as U14s coach. Richard has coached and played for BHC for over 6 years and has contributed greatly to the junior development of players. Thank you, Richard. We are advertising here for a new coach, but the U14s will definitely continue in Jan as those of us who cover for the coaches on an occasional basis are willing to continue until a new coach is found.
We do however need a new coach for the U14 girls. Anyone interested is asked to contact Dan Round, Marcia Steward or Andy Walkey.
ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP
At the A.G.M. back in May the club agreed a new category of membership, that of Associate Member. This is aimed at former or social members of the club who may wish to maintain a casual link with us. Membership would entitle you to copies of this twice annual newsletter, invites to social events and the chance to play the occasional match, without paying the full membership fee. All this for only £10 per season! Full details and application forms can be found on our website; bicesterhockeyclub.org.uk
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Coaching & Umpiring Courses can easily be arranged if we have enough takers. The Club will support with the cost of these courses. Please contact SEEBEE, Andy Walkey or Dan Round for further details. Three club members will be on coaching courses in the New Year, why not join them, and then YOU can tell everyone what to do on a Saturday!!!!
END OF SEASON DINNER /DANCE
Saturday 28th February 2009 at The Great Barn, Aynho . Please put this date in your diary now!!
and finally, after your over large Christmas meal ,sit back and complete this hockey word search, complied and researched by Tracey Cox.
