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THE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER OF CLIFTONVILLE HOCKEY CLUB

RESULTS, SATURDAY 2^nd DECEMBER

 THIS WEEK, SATURDAY 9^th DECEMBER

FORTHCOMING MATCHES, SATURDAY 9^th DECEMBER

CLUB HOUSE DUTY = THE 1^st XI

DATES FOR THE DIARY

Club Supper Saturday 20th January 2001 at The Clubhouse
Club Dinner Dance – 31^st March 2001

 Bonus Ball Winner 2nd December 2000 - Andy Kingston

Match Reports

1st XI vs. vs. Penguins, drew 2-2

The 1's extended their unbeaten run to 2 games on Saturday with a draw against lowly Sussex opposition on Saturday.

Starting much the better of the two teams, great running off the ball, slick passing and midfield dominance had the Penguins on the back foot, and Ville quickly found themselves 1-0 through Matt Young. However, instead of using this as a platform for a comfortable win, the team once more went into its shell and allowed the opposition straight back into the game, and then take the lead immediately before half time.

I have come to the conclusion that Ville are gaining a reputation. No, not the kind of reputation enjoyed by the Neasden Gay and Lesbian Society, but a reputation of being vulnerable on the break. As soon as Ville got the ball, the whole Penguins side would retreat to the half way line, and even continued with this tactic when Ville were reduced to 10 men following the dismissal of Don Elmore. However, as soon as they received the ball, they would immediately pump it up the field, bypassing the midfield. This is not the first time this season that a team has adopted these tactics, its just Penguins were a bit more obvious about it.

The second half was again one way traffic. Pleasingly, however, the 1's did not allow their heads to drop and continued with patient build up, clever running off the ball, and sharp passing, deservedly gaining an equaliser with a converted Don Elmore stroke shortly before the end.

Two points dropped? Yes, but as usual the team played well, were much the better side, and were unlucky not to take the points. As a unit we were more solid at the back and in midfield, the passing was better and the commitment to the team unquestionable. We are (just) outside the relegation zone, and will undoubtedly stay there.

Floppy

2nd XI vs. University of Kent, drew 2-2

Bloody students. As we turn for the homeward leg of our league season we faced up to a strong university team on Saturday. With the loss of Jules Robinson to the firsts and the disappearance of James Foot we called on the services of Ballard the Elder to help us out. In addition we are pleased to announce the return of Roddy. Yes, he is back. The most sexually inactive human being since Pope Pious the Third has returned.

The game was played in good spirits and we had most of the early pressure but a lucky breakaway goal saw us concede the first goal. Then we won a penalty flick. Oh my god, what do we do? Who can take PF's? And then we were saved. Up stepped Max. He calmly slotted the flick and at half time it was all square.

In the second half we applied a lot of pressure, coming close on a number of occasions but we couldn't convert the pressure. Penalty corners in particular were a disappointment. In fact Algy commented he hadn't been this disappointed since he was invited to the Neasdon annual gang bang only to find out it was a percussion competition for the local Mafia.

We got another flick again through Max and they scored again.

Overall a disappointing performance but it still keeps us at the top of the league

Sea Cucumber

3rd XI vs. Folkestone, won 9-1

It was nice to return to the team at the same time as we gave our best display of the season running riot against Folkestone.

Things got off to a great start when right midfielder ADAM STRICKETT got on the end of a GRISHKA WINTER cross after just 3 minutes. Centre forward MARK KEENAGH then doubled the lead lifting the ball high into the roof of the net with less than 10 minutes on the clock. We had been in this position before this season before losing 7-6 and were determined not to let this advantage slip this time.

The central midfield pairing of DAVE CAIN and GRISHKA WINTER controlled the centre of the pitch allowing the forwards plenty of room in which to cause havoc. In fact, it was right-wing KRISS TUPPER returning from (self-inflicted) injury who scored the third goal as he out-foxed the Folkestone 'keeper (and Mark K who seemed to be keen to score it himself….) Just before half-time left-midfielder GREG HOWARD scored the goal of the match as he went around the keeper and lifted the ball in from an almost impossible angle.

My team talk was brief and upbeat as we only had a minute to turn around quickly, the groundsman keen to turn off the lights. (The game didn't finish until about 5.50)

The second half continued as the first had ended with Ville dominating. Within 2 minutes of the restart MARK KEENAGH score his second from the penalty spot before completing his second consecutive hat trick a few minutes later. Not to be outdone, KRISS TUPPER took the defence apart before adding his second goal and Ville were cruising at 7-nil. 

We then did our usual 'foot off the brakes' and getting cocky moment and careless defending (apart from Rooney of course) allowed Folkestone to score. This woke us up once more and the last 10 minutes of the match were played almost exclusively in Folkestones half. A superb field-length pass from left back ROB MACER allowed DAVE CAIN to find MARK KEENAGH who scored his fourth. Finally DAVE CAIN got his name on the score-sheet from half a metre after missing a first half sitter from the same distance. JAMES MANNING, who had an excellent debut on the left-wing worked hard as we tried to make it into double figures but unfortunately the whistle went as we made one last break with a 4 to 2 man advantage.

As usual I will have to reorganize the team, as 4 of them are unavailable next week when we meet Sevenoaks, a game we ought to win. Man of the match for me… GREG HOWARD for THAT goal and causing havoc down the left-hand side. Many thanks to GUY for umpiring in the usual Folkestone gloom.

Spanky Morgan

Court and Social

Notes from the Treasurer

Match Fees: I am aware that there is an amount of money that is still owing especially from the 4th and 5th XI, from which I can find no record of receiving any money this year. I would appreciate that this is passed on as quickly as possible. I seem to have a few gaps with other sides, which may be because the games did not take place etc, but I will try to clear those up with the people concerned. Please can I have details and sheets from the Ladies where they have paid money in directly.

With regard to the duplicate sheets that are being filled in for match fees, can those responsible please ensure that if Beer Kitty is recorded on them, that this is kept in a separate column to the fees, as it both makes it harder to check and the two should remain separate. THE CLUB'S FUNDS SHOULD NOT BE MAKING UP FOR LOW BEER KITTYS, or the other way round - most concerning to the beer drinkers is that the latter appears more prelevant! 

Subscriptions: It appears, at least from the information that I have, that there are many people who have not yet either paid their subs, or made a commitment to pay via standing order. If you know that you have not paid, please try to pay soon, otherwise when I have all the information you may have to suffer my wrath. 

Standing Orders: I appreciate that there have been problems with these, but all outstanding forms are now with the bank, so when I get the outstanding statements through, I should be able to start making some sense of why there seem to be problems. 

Bonus Ball: We must ensure that we cover our expenses on it - namely sell at least 30 numbers - be aware that if we do not, unless we are lucky and nobody picks the winning number we still have to pay out the £30 prize. Otherwise this money has to come from the Clubs funds. 

CLUB SUBS

Are now OVERDUE…by TWO MONTHS. If you have not paid your annual subscription, then please do so AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. We have a list of those who have yet to pay and will print this next week!