Mens Second XI Hockey

After a challenging 2009-10 season the Men's 2nd eleven are looking to build on a strong finish which yielded 9 points from three games to ensure their survival.

 

Harrogate Men's 2nd XI

Top: Ben Hotham, Rob Stanworth, Andrew Gange, Joe Lyon, Steve Thompson, Mike Hanson, Josh Lyon

Bottom: James Edmonson, Jim MacLaverty, Joshi Caldwell, Marcus Gentle, Steve Waddam

 

The Men's second team are firmly focussed on achieving promotion in the 2010-11 season and with a talented crop of youngsters it's certainly not out of the question. 

 

Although the team does comprise of a number of experienced players who have played at a higher level, We are keen to help develop promising young players with a path to playing in the men’s premier team.

2010-11 CAPTAIN 


Team Captain: Joe Lyon
Tel: 07515151208 
Email: 1joelyon@gmail.com

  


ARCHIVED MATCH REPORTS

Harrogate Hockey Club – Men’s 2nd XI – 28th March 2009

 
It’s All Over!

The last scheduled match of the season saw Harrogate travel to Rotherham to meet the Rotherham 3rds team who were already relegated from Yorkshire Division 2. With pride to play on both sides, Harrogate’s aim to ensure they did not lose the match, there was much to play for. Mustering only a bare eleven, with a number of regulars unavailable Harrogate were still determined to finish the season on a high, particularly as the club cup for the least number of losses was at stake.

The first half saw Harrogate dominate possession with clinical precision in passing and constant attacks. With pressure building it was not long before Harrogate were gaining the advantage and spent long periods of time camped in the oppositions goal area. However, despite being awarded a number of short corners Harrogate’s corner demons returned and a combination of off target shots, some brilliant saves by the Rotherham keeper and good defence saw Harrogate fail to capitalise. Things seemed to take a turn for the worse as first Andy Gange pulled a hamstring and had to hobble off and then Mike Hole suffered a knee injury and spent some time on the side line. It is to Harrogate’s credit that they held their own with 9 men against 11, with Rotherham rolling on substitutes, and the score was kept at nil all at half time.

Some quick thing by Captain Alex Stead at half time saw a change of formation with a flat back three and Ed Peters dropping into midfield while both Andre Gange and Mike Hole were put up front to create some threat if only a relatively immobile one. The plan seemed to work as at first Harrogate used both Andrew Gange and Mike Hole as pivot players passing the ball to them for the quick one–two attack pass. This resulted in Rotherham marking both players and tying down two of their defence and it enabled the midfield, notably Gary Nash and Alistair Clarke, to launch attacks through the holes in the Rotherham defence. It was not long before Harrogate took the lead as Gary Nash completed an excellent dribble into the goal area, drawing and then dummying the keeper to slot the ball home. Alistair Clarke then took control of the right side of the field and in a brilliant display of open play created opportunity after opportunity resulting in 4 well crafted goals. By this time the Harrogate defence were effectively standing on the half way line for long periods and Alex Stead, still determined to get a goal this season,  stepped up into the Rotherham twenty five while Steve Wadham and Philip Ratcliff patrolled the Harrogate half marking out the Rotherham attack. Mike Smith found himself with plenty of space and time to control the bottom of the midfield diamond and was able to spread the ball at will as well as making some excellent interceptions when Rotherham tried to launch an attack. Dominic Wray and Ed Peters stepped out wide and enabled a series of attacks to be developed down both sides. Rotherham were not beaten and managed to launch some attacks themselves down both wings. Through some good defending by the back line and some good keeping by Joe Reay-Young the attacks were foiled although a couple came close to spoiling the clean sheet wanted by Harrogate. Finally the match was well and truly Harrogate’s as the goal of the season, created by Alistair Clarke’s run and pass and Andrew Gange’s subtle strike, finished off Rotherham. This was the first and only goal for Andrew Gange this season converted with style and panache, unlike his previous reverse stick efforts. At the final whistle the score was 6 nil to Harrogate, confirmed as Champions of Yorkshire Division 2 with leading goal scorer Alistair Clarke recipient of a bottle of champagne and Alex Stead recipient of the Harrogate Hockey Club Lawson Cup for committed and dedicated captaincy. Next season it will be Yorkshire Division 1 for the motley crew that is Harrogate Hockey Men’s 2nd Team

Final Score: Harrogate 6 – Rotherham 0

Goals: Gary Nash, Alistair Clarke x 4, Andrew Gange 

 

Harrogate Hockey Club – Men’s 2nd XI – 21st March 2009

CHAMPIONS!

Harrogate came roaring back this weekend to rout Halifax and claim the championship title in style. An emphatic display saw the team combine as a fluent and dynamic unit playing with flair and energy. Following their only defeat of the season the team knew that a win against Halifax would be a giant stride to cement their top place in the league. A couple of changes had been made to the team as John Bell was unavailable, but both Gary Nash and Alastair Clarke were included.

From the off Harrogate were in no mood to let this match slip away and dominated play almost immediately. Constructing some good moves around the back and up both sides Harrogate were quick to make use of Halifax’ weaknesses and pushed forward with ease. A series of short corners were gained but Harrogate’s persistent failure to capitalise saw no score despite the advantage gained. Dom Wray, Mike Hanson and Alastair Clarke controlled the midfield enabling Gary Nash, James Hopkins and Chas Edmondson freedom of movement in the oppositions twenty five. Some well worked moves through the midfield and down both left and right sides saw the pressure build on Halifax and finally Gary Nash converted to put Harrogate in front. Halifax put up some resistance and launched some counter attacks that caused a little trouble for Harrogate, but to no avail as the Harrogate defence stood firm. Using rolling substitutes for the forwards enabled James Hopkins, Mike Hole and Chas Edmondson cause the Halifax defence no end of trouble but, despite all the effort, Harrogate had not increased the advantage by half time.

After the quiet but distinct half time talk Harrogate stepped on the pressure and made use of the many gaps across the field, particularly through their dominance of the midfield. Some flowing moves, notably using Dom Wray on the left and Alastair Clarke on the right, saw the ball quickly reach the oppositions goal area with all the forwards again causing difficulties for Halifax’ defence. With both Andy Gange and Phil Ratcliff pushing forward and even captain Alex Stead deserting his usual centre back position to advance on the oppositions goal, Harrogate simply overran Halifax. Mike Hanson controlled the midfield effortlessly switching play almost to his choosing. The pressure was building and it soon counted with first Gary Nash converting and then Mike Hole latching on to a through ball to put Harrogate three nil up. Halifax were not beaten and tried to launch some breakaway attacks, particularly as almost the entire Harrogate side had deserted their own half. James McLaverty was outstanding in keeping them at bay, smothering their attacks and then releasing the ball to a Harrogate player.   

Almost camped in the Halifax goal area Harrogate were going to add some more goals and a neat bit of dribbling by a number of players saw a series of short corners and attacks on the goal. From one of these Gary Nash placed an accurate shot goal bound, which Mike Hole prodded into the goal. As this was pretty much on the line both claimed it! Alex Stead was determined to get his name on the score sheet and at one point in the match was seen entrenched in the oppositions goal mouth standing almost on the goal line frantically trying to latch onto the ball. It was not to be and he was gently reminded, by a half hearted Halifax attack, that as centre back he really ought to be at the other end of the field defending.  

Alastair Clarke, who had been so unfortunate with the short corner routine in the first half and who had worked hard all match to move the ball down the right finally had his chance following an open play attack into the Halifax area. Gliding smoothly in on the right he had space and time to convert a quality strike that beat the keeper with pace. Play continued with Halifax now looking succinctly the worse for wear. A well crafted move across the midfield, down the right, and back to the centre saw Phil Ratcliff move from right back all the way to the edge of the oppositions goal area, collect the ball from Gary Nash and give a pinpoint pass to James Hopkins who converted with a perfect strike. There were more attacks but by this stage the game was well and truly won and come the final whistle the score was six nil, Harrogate claiming their sixteenth win of the season. Mention must be made of Joe Reay-Young, Harrogate’s keeper, who had almost the square root of nothing to do, particularly in the second half, and who enjoyed a relatively quiet Saturday afternoon in the early spring sunshine watching an imperious display of hockey whilst effortlessly keeping another clean sheet. News then reached Harrogate that their nearest challengers, Rotherham 2nds, the team that had beaten them the previous week, had drawn their match meaning that Harrogate were now in an unassailable position and could not be caught even with two games to go. Harrogate 2nd XI are, officially, Champions of Yorkshire Division 2 and will be promoted to Yorkshire Division 1. A fantastic season, and congratulations to all those who have played for the team this year.    

Final Score: Harrogate 6 – Halifax 0

Goals: Gary Nash x 2½ , Mike Hole x 1½ , Alastair Clarke, James Hopkins  
 

 

Rotherham 2XI Match –  14th March

The weekend from hell loomed for Harrogate as they prepared to face the two teams who could challenge for top spot and were both vying for promotion. Harrogate faced some changes and took to the pitch in a different formation than usual. It became quickly obvious that Rotherham were not in the mood for a quiet match and were quick to challenge, pushing Harrogate onto the back foot. Nonetheless Harrogate played some stylish hockey and launched a couple of break away attacks. Rotherham however kept Harrogate at bay for most of the first half and it was only a well worked passage of play that saw Harrogate finally go ahead with a Josh Caldwell drag flick. Rotherham came back almost immediately and minutes before half time. From a short corner the ball was deflected into Philip Ratcliff, stopping it on the line only to see the ball poked over the line in the resulting scramble to clear. One all at half time.

After half time Rotherham came out with their tails up and Harrogate simply weren’t in the game. Outplayed and muscled off the ball in almost every area of the field, Harrogate lost formation and impact. A careless error in defensive marking saw Rotherham score easily on the left and from there on they dominated, Harrogate conceding from a further two short corners. Rotherham wanted the match more and it showed. A disastrous start to the weekend as Harrogate succumbed to their first defeat in the league. Harrogate’s lead at the top of the table was cut to 8 points and the 10 match winning streak ended.

Final Score: Harrogate 1 – Rotherham 4

Goals: Josh Caldwell 

 

Chapeltown Match – 15th March 

Harrogate needed to get a win or a draw to ensure that they could still go into the final two weekends of the season with the Championship as a definite possibility. Chapeltown were one of the few teams this season to hold Harrogate to a draw and this time Harrogate were playing away at Chapeltown. The result from the Saturday was impressed upon the team by captain Alex Stead and the fact that the team needed to perform if promotion was the ultimate aim. A lightweight Harrogate with no substitutes started well and some good passing play saw the team have 3 or 4 good chances on goal. Harrogate came under pressure as Chapeltown began to take control of the game half way through the 1st half and were unlucky not to take the lead after a serious of short corners were saved by keeper Joe Reay-Young and some good defending from the back four and midfield.

Harrogate restarted the second half hoping to contain the opposition like they did in the first. However Chapeltown used the extra man in midfield against Harrogate to good effect and some good movement saw Chapeltown breaking the Harrogate defence effectively down there right side. Chapeltown then took the lead as Harrogate failed to clear the ball in the penalty area. Harrogate looked tired as a serious of double weekend games began to take its effect on the depleted team who were missing many key players. However Harrogate battled on and with five minutes to go managed to get their first short corner of the game. Harrogate failed to convert the chance, but immediately won another. John Bell's first shot on goal was deflected by the Chapeltown defence, but on his second chance he placed the ball past the keeper and over the back board. Harrogate held out for a well fought draw. This means that Harrogate need just one more win to secure the Championship title

Final Score: Harrogate 1 – Chapeltown 1

Goals: John Bell

(Match Reports by Phil Ratcliff)

 

League Table

Division 2 Ply W D L GF GA GD Pts Max
1 promoted Harrogate 2 21 17 3 1 69 25 44 54 57
2 promoted Chapeltown 2 21 14 3 4 73 25 48 45 48
3 level Rotherham 2 21 13 1 7 52 35 17 40 43
4 level Sheffield University Bankers 5 21 12 3 6 63 31 32 39 42
5 level Sheffield Hallam 4 21 12 1 8 56 42 14 37 40
6 level City of York 3 20 8 4 8 55 37 18 28 34
7 level Sheffield Hallam 5 21 7 4 10 35 51 -16 25 28
8 level Thirsk 1 20 7 3 10 40 61 -21 24 30
9 level Kingston-upon-Hull 3 20 7 2 11 34 52 -18 23 29
10 level Ben Rhydding 3 18 6 1 11 31 44 -13 19 31
11 relegated Halifax 2 20 4 0 16 25 76 -51 12 18
12 relegated Rotherham 3 20 2 1 17 21 75 -54 7 13

 

Next Fixture





Match and Meet times:

End Of Season

 

Results:

 

WIN - 28/03 - Rotherham 0 : 6 Harrogate (Clarke x4, Gange x1, Nash x1)

WIN - 22/03 - Harrogate 6 : 0 Halifax (Nash x2, Hole x2, Hopkins x1, Clarke x1)

DRAW - 15/03 - Chapeltown 1 : 1 Harrogate (Bell x1)

LOSS - 14/03 - Harrogate 1 : 4 Rotherham (Caldwell x1)

WIN - 08/03 - Thirsk 3 : 4 Harrogate (Hopkins x2, Bell x1, Caldwell x1)

WIN - 07/03 - Sheffield Hallam 0 : 3 Harrogate (Caldwell x2, Hopkins x1)

POSTPONED - 01/03 - Harrogate : Thirsk

WIN - 28/02 - Harrogate 4 : 2 City of York (Hopkins x1, Smith x1, Caldwell x2)

POSTPONED - 14/02/09 - Chapeltown : Harrogate

POSTPONED - 07/02/09 - Harrogate : Thirsk

WIN - 31/01 - Sheffield Hallam 2 : 5 Harrogate (Wray x1, Bell x1, Hanson x1, Hopkins x2)

WIN - 24/01 - Harrogate 1 : 0 Hull (Bell x1)

POSTPONED - 10/01/09 - Thirsk : Harrogate

WIN - 13/12 - Harrogate 5 : 3 Sheffield Hallam 5's (Bell x2, Clarke x1, Nash x1, Hopkins x1)

WIN - 06/12 - Rotherham 2's 0 :1 Harrogate (Nash G x1)

WIN - 29/11 - Ben Rhydding 0 : 1 Harrogate (Nash G x1)

WIN - 22/11 - Harrogate 3 : 1 Sheffield Uni Bankers (Clarke x2, Wray x1)

WIN - 15/11 - Halifax 1 : 3 Harrogate (Nash G x2, Hopkins x1)

DRAW - 08/11 - Harrogate 3 : 3 Sheffield Hallam (Hole x1, Hanson x1,Clarke x1)

WIN - 01/11 - Sheffield Bankers 0 : 3 Harrogate (Nash G x3)

DRAW - 25/10 - Harrogate 2 : 2 Chapeltown (Nash G 1, Hopkins 1)

WIN - 18/10:- Harrogate 9 : 1 Rotherham 3's (Hole x3, Hopkins x3,Nash G 1,Clarke 1,Wray 1)

WIN - 11/10:- City Of York 1 : 2 Harrogate (Hole 1, Nash G 1)

WIN - 04/10:- Harrogate 2 : 0 Ben Rhydding (Hopper 1, Clarke 1)

WIN - 27/09:- Hull 1 : 4 Harrogate (Wray 1, Hopper 2, Clarke 1)

 

Goalscorers:

 

Nash G - 14

Hopkins - 13

Clarke - 12

Hole - 8

Bell - 6

Caldwell - 6

Wray - 4

Hopper - 3

Hanson - 1

Gange - 1

Smith - 1

 

Stats:-

Wins: 17; Draws: 3; Losses: 1; Clean Sheets: 8; 

Hat Tricks: 4 - (Hole, Hopkins, G Nash, Clarke)

Cards:
 
Green
Yellow
Red
Bell
2
 
 
Caldwell
1
 
 
Clarke
 
1
 
G Nash
1
 
 

 

 

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Harrogate Hockey Club. Granby Hockey Centre. Ainsty Road Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG1 4AP, England.
Telephone: 01423 565696. eMail: info@harrogatehockey.co.uk