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Ladies Fifth XI Hockey
Following a very successful season in 2008/09 the ladies’ 5th team has been promoted for the second season in a row and we are now in division 3. Many of the very good juniors that played in this team have gone on to play for the higher teams, including in some cases a leap into the second team! There has been a consolidation and growth in confidence. We welcome players of all abilities and hope to give as many as possible an opportunity to play in matches.
This season the team is again a mixture of youth and experience and after the two pre season “friendlies” the team spirit and enthusiasm are very much in evidence. This is an excellent place to either begin or recommence your hockey career.
We are friendly and welcoming and will ensure that players are given opportunities to progress into higher squads at the appropriate time. If you are at all interested, please come along to training on Tuesday evenings and introduce yourself. We will be delighted to meet you!
CAPTAIN'S NOTES 2009/10 SEASON
"The mighty 5ths" as we have been called by some of the 1st team, have had another fantastic season! We have finished 6th in our league (we think) and have enjoyed an amazing run of competitive, committed hockey. The co-captains have enjoyed every minute of the fray and have been proud of every one of the players that have graced our team sheets this season. The junior players have improved beyond our wildest dreams (Charlotte and Alice now playing 2nd team and Georgie and Dobbie expecting promotion next season, Katie reliable and strong as ever) and the mature players given fine leadership and support to all. Our sincere thanks to all club members who have been supportive and encouraging. We are standing down as captains after leading the 5th team with great pride over the last few seasons. It is time for Harrogate to assess the future and for new leaders to take the helm. Thank you to all of the "mighty 5ths". You have been magnificent.
The last word from co-captain Lynne: Thank you Heather for your excellent match reports. Every week you praise us generously and now it is my turn. You have been immense as a player and a captain and your commitment to the team and to the best interests of the Club in general has been commendable. You're a real star, on and off the pitch. Thank you from us all for an extremely enjoyable and successful season.
LATEST RESULT AND MATCH REPORT:
Harrogate v Cleckheaton won 3 - 0
An interesting game with some highs and lows is the best way of describing this match. Because Cleckheaton had only 8 players and we had only 9, we were fairly evenly matched. However the silky skills of young and old combined gave us a well deserved victory. In fact, if truth be told, we should have had considerably more goals and in a more intense situation, would almost definitely have had a few more. Nevertheless, the match was played in a reasonably good spirit and Cleckheaton do deserve credit for turning out week in week out with reduced numbers. It cannot have been easy. Thanks to Julie, the 4th team keeper, for helping us out in an emergency and playing in goal. In the interests of safety, it seemed a sensible option to draft her in.
Please see above for my summary of the season.
Harrogate v Sheffield Hallam won 10 - 1
The absolute heroine of the day was Georgie Lightbody who scored a stunning 8 goals with total aplomb. Having not scored all season she saved the best til last when she cut through the defence and the goal keeper in a variety of styles to score some of the best goals of the year. It was a breathtaking performance which took both teams by storm. The whole team performed with a commitment and vigour that did credit to our season. We are moving towards a healthy climax with only two matches to go and a huge sense of pride in our junior players, Rosie was a stunner and Charlotte showed yet more maturity in her marking. So much promise. The older players can take great satisfaction from their supporting role today. The best is yet to come.
A big thank you to Legend for hosting a delightful end of season supper. Fanadabidosi!!
Harrogate v Leeds Uni 3rds lost 3 - 8
Well done to Leeds on their promotion to Division 2 following this match. They deserved their win, scoring clear, crisp goals rather too easily in the first half! The fact that we scored 3 goals is a credit to our determination to try and keep pace with the younger, fitter players. Georgie and Rosie, our characteristically pacy players, looked tired and well below par for them and some of our more mature players were easily outpaced on occasions by a forceful attack from Leeds. The match was umpired outstandingly well and this kept the whole thing flowing beautifully and in good spirit. Well done Leeds. We shall not miss you! Good luck in Div 2!
Harrogate v Leeds 3 drew 2 - 2
This match was eventful and not always for the best of reasons. The injury sustained by a Leeds defender in the first half left everyone shaken and our very best wishes go to the injured player who was taken to hospital, very generously, by Anne Maguire who had only come to watch! Sincere thanks to her! We were 0 - 2 down at half time and were a bit crotchety, actually. The team was different again (a characteristic of the season) and this is never the most settling of experiences but the second half did see a more calm and focused performance. Stunning goals from Tania, who is gradually recovering fitness and form, saw us take the draw and rue the lack of victory because she and Petra did not always capitalise on their amazing double act. Looking forward to a repeat show on Saturday next! Jennie and Rosie (welcome back after injury!) made good contributions to the build up and Loopy, Kay and Dawn (who nipped off at half time to play in a Basketball final!!) were solid. Carol showed characteristically fantastic adaptability and Sue Brown had her best performance of the season. Woody, Legend and Ali had a better second half and Julie made her presence felt. All in all, a frustrating game which we let slip far too far in the first half. All the cliches seem pertinent; relax, don't do it.....let the ball do the work....mark a man not a space....etc etc. We need to keep them at the forefront next week, when the challenge will be even greater.
Harrogate v Hull Uni Draw 2 - 2
I am going to start with a tribute; Loopy and Kay turn out week by week and put in sterling performances and today I was in danger of making them feel like they didn't do enough. That was absolutely not the case and never is...and today was no exception. Fantastic contributions from both. But they weren't the only ones! A determined, resilient and hard working performance by everyone on the pitch meant that we stifled the youth and exuberance of Hull and stunted their attack. Their captain, Willsy, was as usual, excellent but could not win this match alone and a team performance will always outdo an individual. We were awesome at times...but not quite as awesome as the Hull GK who absolutely saved their bacon. Well done forwards for their incredible attacks in the second half and defence for their sheer grit. Dawn put in an exceptional performance as CD and the marking from Dobby and Ali was exactly what the doc ordered. Legend was....a legend. Katie guested in a characteristically gutsy fashion and thanks to her for all her hard work...Man of the match was Katie H who was outstanding in goal against some stunning shots...and never faltered. Wow. 2 weeks of sheer grit. What more can a captain ask of a team? You should be proud of yourselves. I am.
Harrogate 5 v Batley draw 1 - 1
Some matches, for some reason, take on a greater significance than others. This was always going to be fiercely fought because we had not had our full squad out for the home fixture and were well and truly punished. We felt happier that we were well represented this time but were still only 11. This almost proved to be our downfall when someone had to go off through injury at half time. The determination and courage shown by the Harrogate players from there on in was magnificent. The marking would have done credit to Superglue, the free running from the midfield was awesome (notably Em and Georgie) and the defence showed that with their backs against the wall they can kick a**!! The clearances out of defence were rarely muddled and when up against some class attacking play from Batley the young players in particular showed immense cool. Charlotte and Natalie deserve special mention for their rise to the occasion. Ann and Co-Cap led by example. Petra was in a position to hit the oppo goalie's helmet twice as the ball was repelled yet again. A lesser performance from the goalie would have seen the 10 men win. Irrefutable. The draw felt like a win. It certainly felt like a restoration of dignity for Harrogate. A heartfelt well done from your wounded captain.
Harrogate 5 v Heckmondwike won 5 - 0
The fog can creat an almost eerie silence on a hockey pitch and this match was conducted in almost that. The goals were well taken. The opposition felt overwhelmed, I think, and the match seemed to slip Harrogate's way with increasing momentum. Anna conspired, as usual, to spend more time on the floor than upright yet showed her usual level of menace in the D, Loopy showed true grit up front and everyone else played a truly dependable, solid game. After the frenetic frustrations of last week, a relief to win so convincingly. Well done.
Harrogate 5ths v York 3rds lost 0 - 1
What a difference a week makes! We lost this game for a number of reasons but none of them was the same as last week's. The fact that we were reduced to 10 men within a relatively short space of time meant that we had to work as hard as can be for every advance. And work we did! Georgie's exceptional pace completely outwitted a number of experienced York players in a most gratifying manner. Carol, Helen and Lynne fought like tigresses to repel York advances towards a second goal and Katie's one on one defence was unbelievable today! Kay and Loopy ran and ran and the fact that we didn't equalise in the second half was more than bad luck. Jenny guested for us and played some great, incisive hockey! In spite of the defeat we could leave the pitch with heads held high lamenting only our poor record of slotting in goals when we had opportunities to do so. Next week we will take our chances....OR ELSE!
Harrogate v Horsforth 23.1.10 lost 2 - 3
Horsforth deserved this win because they really battled to keep us out in the second half and because we had made so many mistakes in the first half it was always going to be difficult! Everyone understood that the long break has left us all lacking fitness and sharpness and work to be done to get back to first half of season flow. Least said soonest mended. Shame the Captain forgot that and gave everyone a good, grumpy telling off at the final whistle which either galvanised or disheartened the troops....jury's out. Sorry girls!
Harrogate v Bingley Bees 12.12.09 won 3 - 1
This was a fantastic game! We won because we marked, tackled, passed and fought every inch of the way to do so. Petra's goal, from a fanatstic cross from the right, was a welcome moment since BBs had gone ahead first and given us some real worries in the first 15 minutes. However, experience kicked in eventually and Carol's goal, stroked in past the keeper, gave us another breathing space and the determination to keep Bingley out. Sam Swenson's fantastic saves did just that and with Legend in legendary form at the moment Bingley just couldn't penetrate. In the second half we were even more threatening and our third goal clinched a well deserved victory. Loopy came to life in the final twenty minutes after a spell on the bench to clear her thoughts and Kay was her usual frisky self chasing everything that moved. In addition, the role of the young players was outstanding. Georgia's pace is more than a match for any defender and Alice's marking was exceptional. Dobbie showed her class and willingness to learn which is vital in such a close fixture. The only disappointment was that Jaz didn't get much pitch time because of our wealth in defence. Her time will come!We finish the half season in 5th position, a credit to the hard work and commitment of all players. Have a well earned Christmas break...don't overdo the pudding and come back ready to take on the world!! (Or division 3, anyway)
Harrogate v Cleckheaton 5.12.09
This was a slightly odd match in that the opposition started the game with 8 players and rose to 9 after 15 minutes and we took ages to make any headway! It's the way of the world that the smaller the opposition the greater the challenge! Once we had broken through with the first goal the remaining three seemed simple but it was hard work, not least because the Cleckheaton keeper did really well! She must have kept them out of jail throughout a difficult season! The youngsters once again showed that we have some real talent coming through. Georgie was stunning in her tenacity and pace and Dobbie (junior) showed her now customary cool and class on the ball. Jaz made a super debut and the senior players kept their heads in fairly trying circumstances. As Carol said after the game. it's odd having no one to mark and not being marked yourself! Somewhat disorientating. However it could have gone awry but the senior players ensured that it didn't. Kay's goal was awesome in its deadly accuracy into the corner and Petra showed yet again that she may be an aunt but she's a cheeky girl in front of goal and the tally just keeps on rising. Keep it up girls. Mince pies and sherry next week, whatever the result! P.S any umpires who read this are very, very welcome to join us for the seasonal refreshments!:)
Harrogate v Sheffield Hallam 28.11.09 won 3-0
For the benefit of our US fan base, Aunty Petra scored a hat-trick! And that's with a grumbling hamstring and a dicky back!! Star turn from her and the other senior players.Sue Brown is settling nicely into her come-back and made some interesting forays into the midfield with a smart pair of heels. However, the contribution of the young players in this match was outstanding. They passed well, tackled with gusto and showed enormous potential yet again. There is so much still to come in the debut season for many of them and we look forward to seeing that potential fulfilled. Anna had a number of near misses and we had one goal disallowed which was, by the umpire's admission, perfectly legitimate but the heat of the moment saw an uncharacteristic error of judgement from umpire Bale and a hit out was awarded. Fortunately it would have been Harrogate's 4th so we shed no tears. Another great team effort, from GK through to forward line and we look forward to another home fixture next weekend. Early night on Friday, girls!
Harrogate v Leeds Uni 3 lost 0 - 2
What a fantastic match! Before the match the team was informed that anything better that a 0-5 defeat was effectively a win because this Uni team has had such a fantastic run this season. We went one better and conceded only 2 goals in the first half and none in the second. The defence was magnificent! Legend took clearance into a new realm and Carol and Charlotte ably joined by Petra and M at left defence, were so strong and controlled that we were dominant coming out of defence. We had loads of opportunities to score but couldn't quite push one in with our forward line up suffering from lack of familiarity with their role in the D. This can only get better as the season continues and there was so much to build on following today's performance. We can be nothing but proud of our performance. The umpires even congratulated us at the end of the match with a special mention for our young players who so impressed. It was all conducted in such an atmosphere of clean and fair play that we couldn't help but marvel at how our impression of University sport had been altered profoundly in the space of an hour and 10 minutes!! I have to say, with a half back line up with a combined age of 162, the gals done well!! Well done everyone.
Footnote: the Pre-Christmas get together took the bar by storm, cleaned them out of Pinot and Chardonnay and found one of the men's 2nd team players an object of such hilarity that we had to take to our bath chairs a tad prematurely. Let's hope he's still playing hockey in his later years with the same success as Harrogate Ladies' 5ths. I doubt it, somehow. We're unassailable!! Or incorrigible?! Bit of both....
Harrogate v Leeds 3s 14.11.09 drew 1 - 1
What an unusual match. The first half was really close and we were under a lot of pressure to keep out a second goal. Katie H was stunning in repelling some very firm shots on goal. The save on the line from Legend was inspiring...cool in a crisis. The first half saw us not quite settled in a winning formation and with few actual forwards at our disposal we even tried Charlotte D up front (normally RD!!) but struggled to hit the target. Anna was her usual mixture of the sublime or ridiculously funny and battled amazingly to stay on her feet in spite of determined efforts to land her on the floor.Sue made a fantastic debut in the mid defence and Hannah was impressive in the tackle as usual. Ali F marked her oppo out and how we didn't score in the second half is beyond comprehension. Apologies from yours truly for the curse uttered at the start of the team talk down...but I couldn't believe we hadn't clinched the win. Carol looked threatening at right attack and yet we lacked the finish we needed. Hats off to their GK. How are they bottom of the league with such an outstanding keeper? Leeds Uni on Saturday and another line up. Don't forget drinks and nibbles in the bar at Harrogate HC, 4.30pm. Let's make sure we all make it for pre-Christmas warm up!
Harrogate v Hull Uni 1sts 7.11.09 lost 0 - 7
After the glories of the York victory (well done everyone!) this was down to earth with a bottom bruising bump. The team was brought together under some pressure and they rose magnificently to the challenge. In the first twenty minutes Hull were marked so tightly they could hardly breathe let alone squeal and we looked positively robust; then our energy petered out and their organisation kicked in and they started to slot in some comfortably controlled goals. Astonishing to think that they play at such a low level in the University leagues and have played 3 and lost 3. Yet they revelled in their victory on Saturday. No doubt they will remember that last season they lost on the return leg. Food for thought. Special mention to Charlotte D who gave of her all and did magnificently in her first full ladies' match. Great promise shown here. Kay T was Capt's man of the match for her gutsy, athletic performance and her confounding of her captain's expectations. Well done!
Harrogate v Garforth Yvonne Horner Cup lost 0-1 8.11.09
This was a tight game. We did not get our positioning quite right in the first half and paid a price because we failed to capitalise on our home advantage. Garforth were hungry and fit and we were confused about what we were doing! The second half saw a re-jig and a much better performance. Pip B was comfortable in the mid and made life far more uncomfortable for the opposition, Charlotte got stuck in after a slow first half and showed her agility, Alice was dependable and firm in defence, Loopy was lithe, Lizzie P was her usual bundle of energy after the half time re-jig and we almost pulled off a draw. Truth be told, on the day, they deserved the win and we wish them the very best in the semi-finals. Let's hope next weekend brings some positive results.
Harrogate v City of York 31.10.09 won 4 - 2
We did miss you (lots!) Heather and the first ten minutes saw us barely out of second gear. We went one down when they scored from an almost impossible angle. From then on though we had most of the pressure even though it took a while to convert. Anna's finishing was the best I've seen from her and resulted in a well-earned hat-trick. This was ably supported by good play and movement from the other forwards, Charlotte (Crossman) and Petra, with Petra calmly scoring from a flick. Their second goal was a late one when our concentration seemed to have lapsed. The mature mid-field of Kay, Dawn, and Loopy showed their class. The younger back three did an excellent job with Alice keeping their front-runner tightly marked and making some creative passes out of defence and Aly sticking well to her task on the left. Playing for us for the first time and sharing right defence, Lizzy (Walker) and Charlotte (Dobson) played a good game and fitted in well. Thank you to Sam for agreeing to play in goal for us as well as for the 3s immediately afterwards. A good performance!
Harrogate v Pudsey 24.10.09 Yvonne Horner Cup won 6-1
What more could I add to my post match team chat? We were awesome; marked well, created space, helped each other, collected passes and scored goals. If we were all available every week we would have goals galore in our league games too! There were "bang 'em in" goals, loop the loop goals, outstretched-arm-should-never- have-stood-a-cat-in-hell's-chance goals...all of them magnificent. Well done Lizzie for breaking her duck, Rosie for her athleticism (and her Mum for helping with teas!) and Petra for her flick and other goals.Charlotte shone in her new position too! Also, well done to the solid defence who made Katie's spell in goal a little dull, actually. Lou-Lou was strident as CD and it was lovely to have her. Well done everyone. Wonder who we'll get in the next round?? Watch this space.
Harrogate v Halifax 17.10.09 won 2-0
After a week of availability troubles we were relieved to be on a pitch with 12 players. The first half saw us in a dominant role pressurising the Halifax goal and being denied by some top class goal keeping. We did not capitalise well enough on short corner opportunities and the crosses from the right did not bear fruit. The half time talk was full of exhortations and demands to take advantage of our superiority in possession and force some goals. The second half was much better. Emma and Anna linked beautifully playing off their strengths of speed and timing whilst the defence showed great self control and cleared the ball magnificently. We deserved to be 2 up but should have had a lot more in the bag. A very welcome win and great commitment shown by all. We seem to be building on the lessons of each game which is very positive going forward. Keep it up!
Harrogate v Heckmondwike 3-3
A game of two halves? We conceded some shockers in the first half and the mood was niggly and a touch bad tempered. The umpires weren't happy and both captains were spoken to at half time. The tone was sombre. Then we came to life! Suddenly Charlotte was in the game and scored her first of the season with some sharp play from Kay helping her along. The short corner routines finally bore fruit and we were right back in it. More than that, we could have won! Alice played bravely through a poorly wrist, Loopy kept her tea down (just!) and Jennie kept her cool on the ball. Legend cleared as if her life depended on it and Carol came to life, driving forward to good effect. Lizzie and Cat made a stunning double act on the left and Petra's two goals gave us the glow we needed to finish the match feeling proud of our performance. When it comes together we look like a team that can do well. We've go to make sure that happens from the first whistle to the last to make it count. No one will struggle to sleep well tonight! Well done girls.
Harrogate v Batley 1-5
Fitness, fitness, fitness. The key to our performance. We all have to keep working on it. The new young players did a fantastic job in their debut performances. This was tough opposition; good players who played well together and were very determined on the ball. They deserved their win but we could have done better in a variety of ways. We didn't always capitalise on our position in the attacking D as well as we might and Charlotte had made some lovely runs into the D! Excellent effort here. The defence were at times run ragged but kept at it with admirable determination. Credit to all of us for working so hard with a new team line up and a good team in opposition. We will make more of an impact on the return! Well done girls. See you at training? See above for times.
Harrogate v Bingley Bees 0-3
Remember what I said last week about fitness? It was the difference between win and loss this week. The midfield found it hard to mark when defending after an attack...hands up to this....fitness makes the difference and it was only when Loopy marked the critical player in the second half that we began to stunt their attack. The need to come to meet the ball was also paramount and we lost those 50/50 balls because we were too slow to move towards the ball.
The defence had a fantastic match. We really got our act together with marking and clearing the ball from the back and this was excellent in the second half. Total thanks to Hels for standing in goal for us. We are still learning in this league and we will have ups and downs. We will not lose much if we up our pace a tad! Well done girls and particularly Charlotte and Alice for their confident beginning in Ladies' Hockey. Great to have you! Here's to next week and training....and competetive hockey!!
Harrogate v Horsforth 9-2
A stunning performance by anybody's standard, we won this match handsomely. The attack was particularly impressive with controlled shots and follow up producing some delightfully placed goals. Hat-tricks from Petra and Katie Liversidge, in her debut league game, were especially impressive but Emma and Jennie clearly had a part to play and the forwards were outstanding overall.
The defence only conceded 2 goals but that was more good luck than good management. The temptation to push up proved irresistible because we were in attack so much but we were almost caught out and need to be aware of holding our shape next week. That said, Katie's judgement in goal was excellent and not a lot got past us. We go to Bingley Bs ready to test our new status as league leaders!
CAPTAIN'S NOTES 2008/09 SEASON
Thank you, Legend! What a great season, girls! We missed promotion by the tiniest of margins and start the new season full of confidence. Not least because our night out for end of season was such a brilliant night, where we said fond farewells to Emily and Hannah P and confirmed our team love-in. The absence of Rosie was sorely felt and we all send our love and best wishes for a speedy recovery. More of which, later.
Awesome season. Now sign up for AGM, friendly club match followed by Pizza and AGM. Try hard to attend. 6.15pm warm up, match then food and meeting. Tuesday April 21st. BE THERE!!! (That was a shout!)
VICE-CAPTAIN'S NOTE
This is your Vice-captain here! Before our illustrious Captain writes her final match report of the season I just wanted, on behalf of us all, to thank her. We have had a very good season and have done particularly well in the last few weeks (a good sign for next year). Heather has led by example in standard of play and commitment and has been an inspiration to us all. Her match reports have heaped praise on all of us and I'd like to reciprocate. Thank you Heather, you've been great (and we don't mind when you feel moved to shout at us!!).
LATEST RESULT & MATCH REPORT
Fixture: Harrogate v Hull Uni 1sts won 4-1
It has taken me a whole week to write this report because I have felt so sad about our last match of the season. We should have all ended the season on a total high because we trounced Hull, wiping the floor with their defence in the second half and showing far more grit, hunger and determination than we had in the first half. That's a habit we need to lose before next season!
Sadly the final minute of the game saw our fantastic winger Rosie take a ball in the eye and suffer a frightening injury that required 22 stitches to put right. She had played brilliantly, scoring a pearl of a goal in a slick 1 2 with Petra, and chasing everything down with her usual gusto. We all wish her a speedy and full recovery.
Not a pleasant match to play, with unsportsmanlike comments from Hull the order of the day, after a frustrating season for them. We capitalised on their frustration and the goals were well taken. Petra confirmed her top scorer status with aplomb, converting yet another penalty and more short corner glory.
The blend of experience and beauty always wins the day. Well done girls.
Fixture: Harrogate v Doncaster Independent lost 0-1
Thanks to Sadie, Hannah and Emma (B) for turning out at such short notice. Bunch of stars! Another scrappy one but we didn't entirely deserve to lose. We had more chances than the opposition in the attacking D but struggled to convert into goals. Alex and Jo were getting it together in the second half but we'd left it too late by then. Poor Katie H must want to give us a good talking to when she only conceded one scratty goal and we missed about 8! Her kicking out is really taking shape and will be a huge asset next week and indeed next season. A constantly improving performance from Katie. Well done. Good umpiring saw one player sent off (opposition) for back chat and a lesson learned by all; we are out there to have fun, not bad mouth other women. Eventually it all calmed down and we heaved a sigh of relief as we swept out of South Emsall and headed for home...and our final match against Hull Uni next weekend. Full steam ahead!! No slacking, girls....
Fixture: Harrogate v Syngenta draw 3-3
Oh dear. Bit of a scrappy one and we were fortunate to get the draw because they wanted to win a lot more than us for 75% of the match! They would do anything, it seemed, to win the ball and we have the bruises (literally) to show for it. However, our goals from Jennie (and Kay!), Alex and Loopy were fabulous and the highlights of the match on a day when we needed cheering up. Well done, girls.
Fixture: Harrogate v Adel won 4-0
This was a tougher fixture yet we never felt we would lose. The marking on both Saturday and Sunday paid dividends. Great to have Laura back in the fray and marking her player out of the game both days. Hannah P was fantastic in defence and Cat made a glorious comeback after a flurry of Spring weddings has kept her off the pitch. Dawn was firm and worked well with Kay and Loopy to keep the midfield in order. Em S said afterwards that she'd had a 'mare but her goal in the second half was great and made up for a lot! P needs to get that ankle sorted on her rest weekend and come back against Hull with a vengeance. Her flick was vintage Petra, enjoying the crowd adulation! Legend had a dream match, picking up all the loose balls and timing tackles beautifully. Shall we call it a Magners performance?? It was a great performance all round. Katie Houldershaw deserves special mention for her commitment to club this weekend. Brilliant!
Fixture: Harrogate v Ben Rhydding Won 5-0
Yet again, a slightly faltering performance brings a win. 5 goals (well done Jo and Jenny) but the defence got cold and didn't enjoy the game much and the attack felt they could have done even better on the goal tally front. Never mind. Every win a winner!
Fixture: Harrogate v Leeds University Lost 2-4 March 8th
Whoa! So what did we learn? That we can field a different team and still put up a fight...that we can lose even though we had 80% of the possession in the first 15 mins...that we can have LOADS of chances in the D and not score, with the best will in the world...but we can be happier about a match lost than a match won in which we did not play well (yesterday). It's a funny old world. It has to be said that the Uni played with growing accuracy and skill as the game developed and the arrival of the hail and snow probably sealed our fate. A little jaded, possibly. Onwards and upwards. Next weekend we regroup and start the final stages of the campaign with enthusiasm and determination.
Rosie gets a fine even before the Dinner, for arriving 15 mins into the first half! First round of drinks on you, Rosie. That's a heck of a lot of orange juice!?
Keep going, everyone!
Fixture: Harrogate v Doncater Independent 4-1 win March 7th
When Petra left the pitch, she was asked if we had lost heavily?! That was an easy mistake to make. We never felt like we were fully on top and at times felt seriously under the cosh as we muddled our marking and fumbled our shots on goal. Katie left her gum shield out this week so that she could shout better at the defence. She must have been hoarse! It was scrappy, sloppy and seriously flawed but we will learn from our mistakes. We usually do! We'll have to before tomorrow's show down with top of the league Leeds Uni.
Fixture: Harrogate v Legiolians 4-0 win Feb 28th
This was a great re-start to the last run of the season. We passed brilliantly and in the second half, although we didn't score, the ball did not leave the attacking half more than half a dozen times. That said, there were some firm words from Sweep regarding the marking and on a different day, we could have paid heavily. Jennie showed great determination and scored beautifully, proving that when the pressure is on it is possible to stay calm and slot in.The other goals were super, firm shots into the corner after skillful build up from the midfield.Emily Dunne impressed onlookers with her calm interceptions and Kay had a blinder, unmarked throughout and determined to take full advantage. Well done! First three points of the weekend.
Fixture: Harrogate v Adel 4ths 3-1 win March 1st
We seemed to get off to a sluggish start and after Saturday's match the opposition appeared very determined and ready for a fight! However, we soon got into our stride and a perfectly executed goal from Emma after a slot across the D gave us a great start. Their equaliser gave us a wobble but Dawn and Nat held their nerve and gave us two more stunning goals to set us well ahead in the confidence stakes. The Pearlers were outstanding in defence, despite Hannah playing completely out of position. Loopy's broken arm seems like a very dim memory in spite of only playing her second weekend out of pot (!!) and the Legend was indomitable across the rear. There were one or two scrappy moments in the defending D in the second half, but Katie held firm and the marking in the second half was SO much better that we held them out.Rosie took yet another injury but looked very dangerous up front and a special mention to Lauren, who forfeited being at her sister's bedside (in labour!) to be a stalwart sub. Thanks too to AM for her continuing support and Hollie for bringing some class back passing to everyone's attention, including the opposition umpire who said he couldn't coach his team to do likewise! Wow. That was a long report for what ,at the time, seemed a long match! Well done everyone. Here's to next weekend and continuing team determination.Six pointers are always the order of the day!
Fixture: Harrogate v Wakefield 4ths 2-2
Before this match began there had been a catalogue of bad omens...no details, but Ali Finney deserves a big fat medal for standing in and finding a granny with two hours to spare before push back...and it was worth it. We missed Kay and hope all is going well.
We drew 2-2 and it was a desperate shame not to win with so many chances in our attacking D. Nevertheless, there were some class performances from Cat (phew) Legend (cracking) Emily P (pace!) Katie (we will NOT lose!) and Em S (ta) and some gutsy ones from Jen (I can dribble around three at a time!) Ali F (fitter by the day) and Laura (darunrunrunrun). At home to LA Carnegie (Adel) on Sat will be the time to convert some of Alex's stunning crosses. Rosie's legs will dazzle us in front of a home crowd and the rest will be history....
Fixture: Jan 25th Harrogate v Ben Rhydding 4ths 5-0
If Saturday's match was gruelling and left one or two of us with headaches and dodgy joints, Sunday's was a very different affair. Three up at half time was a fair reflection of play, with the forwards finding lots of space and moving beautifully onto through balls with super goals the end result. Particular mention must go to Rosie H who put her outstanding pace to very good use and chased everything to the line. An excellent debut! Petra's continued run of fine form gave her a five goal tally for the weekend and left her feeling her age and lack of all round fitness!!! Maybe a trot round Central Park will help with that....Dawn, Ali and Lauren all brought fresh legs to the party and a feast of five goals was enjoyed by all. Co Captain Lynne has yet to give her feedback..and she did point out that in the second half we were lucky not to concede.She was right! Two match weekends taking their toll? Definitely the case for Co Cap H!! Let's go to Wakefield with renewed determination to keep up the goal tally.
Well done to everyone for showing such commitment over a busy weekend.
Fixture: Jan 24th Harrogate v Slazengers 2nds 4-2
This was a tough fixture for us, having lost 0-1 last time we met but everyone was very positive and with 12 players we felt confident. This proved well founded and an early lead gave us the confidence to press hard. The forward line up used the space well and the slick, short passing in the attack set up some cracking goals from Petra and Jennie. Laura's tight "man to man" marking paid huge dividends and stunted the Slazenger's attack leading to a well deserved and very rewarding victory. Marking was a priority in the team talk and everyone responded to this brilliantly. More of the same going forward please?!
Fixture: Jan 17th Harrogate v Halifax 2nds 6-6
As the result testifies, this was an absolute cracker of a match. Outstanding performances from Petra and Emma S well supported by Jennie up front gave us our stunning comeback (2-5 down at half time!) and Ali F deserves special mention for playing a full match after weeks of not playing but doing really well in defence. Cat and Alex showed little sign of post ski stress as they threw themselves into the fray and Em A was brilliant in defence. She'll dream about the number 31 for weeks to come!! Emily P's second half showed new passion and let's all have more of the same when we play our TWO matches this weekend coming. Katie in goal should be very proud of her performance against a typically determined attack from Halifax.
The match was played in a very competetive but friendly spirit.
Well done to everyone. A draw with league leaders with only eleven players available is a tribute to our commitment. Here's to 2009!!
Fixture: Yvonne Horner Cup v Halifax Jan 11th
A well managed match with a well deserved 4-2 win for Halifax. Good luck in the next round to them.
Fixtures: Salendine Nook, Halifax 2nds
Matches postponed due to Brrrrrrrr frozen pitch.
Let's hope for warmer conditions next week so that we can make the trip to Rhydding and not have another postponed fixture to slot in.
See you then!
Fixture: Nov 22nd, Halifax 2nds Result 0-3
The only positive about this match was that when our GK Katie had to drop out at the last minute due to illness, Jennie Cooke gamely took on the mantle and gave a fantastic performance in goal and for that she earned a spontaneous round of applause at the end of a gruelling and ultimately disappointing match. The least said about the fixture the better in many ways. Well done to the two Emilies, youngsters who will rarely have to play in such a match. Thank goodness.
We look forward to welcoming Salendine Nook on Saturday.
We have another match against Halifax 2nds on Sunday.
Fixture: Nov 15th, Syngenta 1sts Result: 6-2
Well done team! This was a very impressive game and a fine example of good team spirit. We had a strong squad (a mixture of youth and experience!) but there were people playing in different positions and the frequent changes could have been disruptive. We did of course miss Heather, our inspirational captain. We were one down, somewhat against the run of play, when a penalty flick was awarded against us. Our three forwards, Petra (2 goals), Anna (4 goals), and Emily (Adshead), ably backed up by Kay, Dawn, and Natalie, did some excellent passing and off-the ball running and we were soon leading 2-1. A third goal just before half-time was very welcome. The second half saw a further equally impressive three goals, with Natalie now part of the front line. Syngenta pulled one back near the end and at times came close. Katie played one of her best games in goal and although the score possibly suggests otherwise, the defence had plenty to do and stuck well to the task - well done Jayne, Laura, Emily (Pearlman), and Loopy.
Fixture: Nov 8th, Wakefield 4ths Result: 1-1
What a good game. There was a fluency to this game that gave both teams the opportunity to draw ahead, and neither could quite capitalise on their chances. The scoreline reflected a hard fought but good natured match with excellent performances from the defensive line up. Lynne Garne was masterful as the last line of defence and a very effective contribution was made by Jayne Stoker, guesting and tasting the delights of 5th team team spirit. It was there in spades in this match. Laura and Natalie shone and escaped injury and we all came off the pitch satisfied if disappointed with the outcome.
Fixture: Nov 9th, Hull University 1st team away Result: 0-2
What a difference a day makes! This was hard fought and brutal. The scoreline was a tribute to our determination and gutsy will power. Ash and Helen deserved their snooze on the way home after battling and resisting wave after wave of skillful, persistent attack from Hull. We had scrabbled a team together and it turned out to be an army. The newcomers to the team must have wondered what had hit them; the umpires certainly did. The result flattered the visitors but the Silver Fox will live to fight another day with Hull and she will raid the lair for the cream of the cubs to do it!
Well done to everyone who contributed to the weekend. The minute of silent reflection before the game reminded us all, that it's only a game and it's a privilege to play.
Fixture: Leeds University 3rds (Leeds 8 Harroagate 2)
We have to learn from our toughest matches and I'd like to think that this was one of the toughest. As I said after the match, the result was almost irrelevant (well played Leeds) but the lessons learned were critical. Marking closely throughout the game is essential at this level and accurate passing to our own players is the only way to advance our cause.
Highlights: Hollie saved the first penalty stroke she has ever faced, Petra scored from a penalty and opened the scoring of the match with a fabulous strike and Loopy's new shoes meant that she didn't fall and she played like a demon when she came on at left defence in a crisis. Fantastic determination shown from young players in the face of a barrage of bruising hits to knees, ankles and feet.
Food for thought: you have to mark your player even when they run away from you after the hit has been taken and not get drawn towards the space in front of the ball. It will always travel faster than you can back to your player!!! We mustn't let one difficult match knock us off course. Next week is a whole new ball game. Let's play it as well as we know we can.
Looking forward to seeing you Sat!
Fixture: Yvonne Horner Cup v Sheffield Uni Bankers
So, hat tricks were the order of the day! Very well done to Petra and Alex who gave us a 6-3 victory in our first round of the YH Cup. The determination in our attacking "d" garnered great results and there was evidence of battling from more than the scorers. The defence had a super first half and a slightly "tired" second half conceding some rather slack goals, but as everyone agreed, we deserved our win. We learned a lot about marking again today; it counts! We have continued with a great team performance and can look forward to building on our recent success in the next few weeks. Well done everyone.
Fixture: Legiolians away, Harrogate 4, Legiolians 1.
This was a hard fought, determined performance from yet another new line up and the result was outstanding. Newcomers Ali Reeve and Cat played blinders in defence and showed us all the meaning of tight marking. Alex and Jennie positioned themselves extremely well and didn't always get the service they deserved but Jennie slotted in a goal in spite of that and Alex looked dangerous. Petra and George WERE dangerous and boosted the scoreline, although Petra was saving her hat trick for another day! The oldies came off tired but delighted by the stunning result. Let's show the Bankers what we're made of on Sunday, ladies.It's good to have a win under our belts.