Stratford IV 2 Stratford V 2
 
In a needle match the two most successful mens teams took to a pitch that played like a skating rink. The fourth team were into their stride first with Simon Cossey showing an unexpected turn of speed latching onto a squarish ball from Funnell to slide home the first. Not to be outdone the fifths hit back when a superb run by Andy Townsin following an intricate passing movement involving the Hazell brothers for his first goal in five seasons.
Half time was celebrated with a traditional glass of port, which fired up both teams. Nigel Wood the "Peter Pan" of Stratfdord hockey club was soon into the action and despite heroic efforts from goalkeeper James Hook he gave the fourth team the lead. Debutante Richard Whittington having recently move to the club from London gave an outstanding performance in midfield for the fifths who for large parts of the second half were the better team. They clinched the equaliser with a goal that was something of a pantomime effort with Giles Stagg losing the ball behind him and the rest of the defense doing a disappearing act. Ashley Adams took centre stage with a mazydribble and Mark Newman appeared like the genie from the lamp to squeeze the ball in at the far post. An enjoyable match to send both teams into the Christmas break in good spirit.

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Worcester VI 0 Stratford IV 3
 
The long trip to Worcester saw Stratford start slowly and concede short corner after short corner. The new defensive formation masterminded by in form keeper Dave Dunnettsaw Stratford hold firm. Despite being on the back foot Stratford attacked and a one two between Phil Davey and Man of the Match Giles Stud saw Ben Woodhams score with a crafty deflection.
Shortly afterwards the ageless Nigel Wood drove into the Worcester circle to set up Ed Hogg with the easiest of chances. Worcester kept Stratford on the defensive with Pete Funnell, Simon Cossee and Henry Whetstone all in impervious form. The siege was broken when a scintillating run from Ben Woodhams leaving 3 defenders for dead with outrageous dummies before roofing the shot to make it 3-0 at half time.
In the second half Worcester again laid siege to the Stratford goal. Main Wain and Gordon Cooldown worked tirelessly in defense and despite all Worcester efforts the Stratford fortress withstood all their attacks and for the first time this season Stratford recorded a clean sheet.

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Hockey 5 Dec Stratford 3rd XI

Stratford 3rd XI vs Khalsa (5 Dec 09) Result: Stratford 2 - Khalsa 0.

Stratford 3^rd XI bounced back from their previous loss to win this Saturday gone against an experienced Khalsa side. Stratford took the lead when a Big red short corner routine hit the post, to fall for Hyde to pounce putting the home side in front. The second half saw similar hockey to the first with Stratford's keeper Purser playing excellently and keeping a clean sheet. It was Coldridge who sealed Khalsa's fate with a superbly taken goal roofing the ball at unheard of speed.  

Old Silhillians IV 1 Stratford V 1
 
Stratford forced a last minute equaliser to grab a desevred point in Solihull. Stratford dominated procedings from the first minute but were continually thwarted by the excellent keeping of the Old Sils 2nd team goalie who was given special dispensation to play. With Emile Sharp-Ruddock continually breaking up all the Old Sils attacks and the revered leadership of Scott Hazell dictating playfrom the back, with Ash Adams and Mark Newman at fullback through the midfield pair of Andrew Townsin and Ed Hogg. Stratford continually pressed but were undone by a rare short corner, past the debuting Sim "Rock God" Ashley in goal.
Despite the continual pressure and excellent running of John Bayliss and Alex Squance on the wings Stratford could find a way through. One Kilham in his last game before returning to South Africa struck a speculative effort through his own legs to force the save of the game. Jack Dudley belying his tender 13 years of age was a continual thorn in the Old Sils side and it was his play that forced the short cornerfrom which Stratford finally got their reward. Ed Hogg's excellent awareness found John Baylissunmarked at the farpost who flicked it home to a great cheer and a deserved point.

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Hockey Stratford 3rd XI

Stratford 3^rd XI Vs Kings Heath

Score 10-0 to Kings Heath.

 

Stratford suffered a heavy defeat to Kings Heath this Saturday, loosing 10-0. Kings Heath capitalised early on in the match, when Stratford's defence made some basic errors. By half time Kings Heath were 5 goals up, and Stratford struggling to keep possession. The loss can be chalked off to a number of factors going against Stratford in a string of unfortunate events. One Kings Heath player scoring 7 of their 10 goals. The one positive to take away was the Stratford's team spirit, a lesser team would have gone to bits, this didn't happen, Stratford kept trying and kept on playing. Stratford 3^rd XI are at home this Saturday  against Khalsa, for Stratford's last game before the Christmas break.

Stratford IV 1 Worcester V 5
 
Following their 7-0 drubbing Stratford welcomed back Peter Funnell and Nigel Wood to bolster the defence. It was soon "business as usual" as the latter kept the scoreline 0-0 following a trademark goal line clearance from a fierce Worcester short corner. Unfortuneatly Funnell couldn't match that on the other post for Stratford to go 1-0 down. The midfield was industious with Gordon Warmup and Giles Stagg dominating the middle of the park and Phillip Davey and Will Vaudry the wings. A superb run from Will Vaudry cut the Worcester defence to ribbons and Will Noble finished with aplomb. Worcesters set pieces made the difference and 2 further short corners and a penalty stroke saw Stratford go behind 4-1 a scoreline that did not reflect the balance of play. Stratford could not ake their chances and with the tempermental Will Noble yellow carded Stratford conceded a fifth, the only Worcester goal from open play. Stratford can take heart from a good perfomance against league leaders Worcester.

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Stratford 3rd XI Hockey 21 Nov

Stratford 3

Old Halesonians 2

Stratford continued their mid-table consolidation, following promotion last season, with a 3-2 victory at home. The team were back to their normal line up, but it was Old Hales who went 1-0 up within a few minutes, from a deflected short corner. Stratford fought back well and equalized quickly, albeit through a deflection off an Old Hales player.

Stratford looked the more dominant team and played some periods of excellent passing hockey, despite the torrential rain and attacked well up the right through Dave Coache, but again it was Old Hales who put themselves ahead though another short corner. Stratford equalised themselves through a short corner, put away by Dave Black although Old Hales caught Stratford on the break a few times, Purser in goal made a number of excellent saves. The winner came from one of many Dave Coache's impressive drives down the right, to be self finished with aplomb.

Stratford head into the final two games before Christmas slightly above mid table and with the potential to keep themselves in at least that position.

Stratford IV 1 Olton IV 2
 
A skillful and committed Olton team soon had Stratford under pressure, Stuart Hooker promoted from the 5ths was in fine form as Stratford goalkeeper to keep Olton at bay with a string of fine saves. Totally against the run of play Ian "Sniffer" Bettison maintained is goal scoring record with a well struck shot from about a yard.
The second half resembled "Custer's Last Stand" with wave after wave of attacks and short corner after short corner. Henry Whetstone and Simon Cossey defended stoutly and with 5 minutes to go Nigel Wood made his customary goal line clearance to keep Stratfords lead intact. Olton poured forward and scored with 4 minutes to go. A clumsy challenge from Peter Funnell gave another short corner away and from this Olton engineered a goal which gave them a deserved win. Stuart Hooker was by a distance man of the match.

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Hockey Stratford 3rd XI 7 November 2009

Result for Stratford 3rd XI vs Warwick 3rd XI on 7 November 2009. Played at Stratford.

 

Stratford 1 – Warwick  4

 

The first local derby of the season saw Warwick get the better of the 3^rd's in a hard fought game, Warwick scored with the first move of the game a long ball from the defence finding the Warwick forward clear of the defence to slip the ball past Purser. Stratford dominated the rest of the first half but couldn't find the final pass in the Warwick D to score during the first half despite having 70% of the possession. Crucially for the game Warwick scored on the half time whistle with a rare attack, finishing neatly from a tight angle deflating the Stratford side somewhat.

The 2^nd half followed the same pattern as the first half and the side missing the influence of vice captain Oli Dix at centre back continued to control the ball without scoring. Warwick scored 2 more break away goals with their own shots on target. Stratford did score with a snap shot from the edge of the D by Noble deflected in by Cawthorne. At the final whistle Stratford were deflated and left to rue a 4-1 loss despite all their hard work.

Stratford IV 3 Kings Heath IV 3
 
Strating with only 10 men Stratford looked if they maybe overrun by a fast running Kings Heath team. Scoring against the run of play a mazy dribble by Ben Woodhams was finished with panache. Stratford were now up to a full compliment but 2 goals were conceded from well worked short corners. There were no further goals before half-time but soon after the restart Kings Heath went 3-1 up and looked if they would win comfortably. The turning point of the game came with yet another goal line clearance by Nigel Wood to cap a mature performance, the same player then set up Jamie Thomas for Stratford's second goal. The team remained under pressure but hard tackling by Henry Whetstone and Simon Cossey kept the goal intact. Ace goal poacher Ben Woodhams then sneaked the equaliser and Stratford survived a controvertial dis-allowed goal for Kings Heath in the last seconds to secure a draw. With five players nursing injuries this was a creditable performance.

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FW: Stratford Hockey Club 4th XI Report

Stratford IV 1 Blossomfield VI 1
 
Stratford took to the pitch in a confident mood after three succesive wins. Taking on from where they left off Stratford attacked from the start, Jamie Thomas was soon giving the opposition defence an aerial bombardment, Alex Orchard showed great skill belying his years in midfield and was at the heart of the offense. Stratford took the lead when a fierce cross from Ed Hogg was deftly deflected into the goal by Gordon Wright. The second half followed the same pattern until the last 10 minutes when Blossomfield came back into the game. Only a series of saves by Dave Dunnett and a goal line clearance by Nigel Wood kept them at bay. In the final minute Blossomfield scored the equaliser in a match that Stratford should have made safe much earlier.

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Hockey, Stratford 3rd Xi match report 31 Oct

Stratford upon avon 3rd XI Match report for 31 Oct 2009.

Result: Stratford Lost 3-2 to Telford.

 

 

The 3^rd X1 came away from the long trip to Telford empty handed on Saturday despite a good performance and new formation showing continuing signs that McBride's side are more than comfortable in this league.

Telford took the lead against the run of play with a sweetly struck short corner hitting the backboard with some ferocity. Stratford continued to press forward and play the quicker hockey against Telford and Richard Hyde fresh from a holiday in nearby Wales finished off a sweeping move started by Tequila Coache. Hyde and Coache continued to press Telford back until mid way through the second half where upon a Blackwell short corner was deflected in neatly by Noble.

With the game there for the taking and despite some erratic umpiring from the home side Stratford were caught on the break once too often and overlap allowed Telford to sweep the ball into the net. At 2-2 both sides continued to attack and it was Telford who took their chance best, striking the ball from the right side of the D into the opposite corner to snatch the game 3-2 with just a few minutes to go.

Stratford Ladies 1sts 3 - 3 Birmingham Uni Ladies 4ths on 31/10/09

Stratford Ladies 1s faced last years top of the table this week for an
action packed game. After 2 losses and 1 draw Stratford were keen to put on
their best performance this week and they were not to disappoint. The team
had an air of positiveness and fight about them this week, which had been
lacking in previous weeks. Fast accurate passing from the outset and some
great teamwork got Stratford into their D early in the first half to claim
a short corner. The first strike was saved but a second penalty given gave
Stratford the opportunity to capitalise and it was Rachel Kent with her
first strike under the goalies armpit to get Stratford off to a great
start, however, Birmingham were quick to respond and drew the game back to
a draw quickly after, but Stratford were not to be put off this week and
the game continued at a fast pace with everyone on the pitch giving 100%,
there was equal action in both halves and the game was open to either side
to capitalise. Birmingham got the upper hand first via a penalty flick
which took them ahead before half time. An encouraging half time talk with
some practical advice from the new coach brought the Stratford girls out
fighting again, they drew back a goal quickly from open play where Holly
Outhwaite made a great break took the ball into the D and went one on one
with the goalie, with some beautiful skill she easily achieved the goal.
With 5 subs the Birmingham Uni team kept their quick pace throughout the
match, but Stratford kept up with them, the Uni took the lead with a 3rd
goal putting Stratford under more pressure to draw it back, but after
another short corner Stratford executed a perfect routine with a slip from
Rachel to Rosie Logan on the post to slot it home. The final 10 minutes
were very tense with Stratford defence under bounds of pressure, but with
Karena Quinn (player of the match) in goal having her best game of the
season and a stirling goal line save from Sandra Leary the final whistle
went leaving the score a very respectable 3-3 draw. Stratford are now ready
for their first win and hope to meet this on Saturday.

Stratford 3rd X1 – 3; Solihull Blossomfield – 1

Stratford 3^rd X1 – 3; Solihull Blossomfield – 1

Stratford hosted fellow promotees Solihull Blossomfield at the weekend and it was the local side that showed they were the ones that had adapted best to the higher league. They were more organised from the outset as they set about playing the 11 man hockey that has characterised their season to date.

Make no mistake Solihull Blossomfield are a good side. They pushed hard at the Stratford defence who stood firm, buoyed by some fine saves by keeper purser and some excellent marking form the back three of McBride, Austin and Dix.

Bird silenced the opposition playmaker from the outset and with the defence organised, Stratford started to make some telling attacks.

It was nil - nil at half time but Stratford had saved their best for a Golden patch in the first 20 minutes. If Solihull had their finger in the dyke for the first half then in 20 minutes they were blown away by a dominant display of passing Hockey. Coaché was tormentor in chief and set up Black with a beautiful reverse pass on the head of the D that opened the flood gates. A second for Black followed when released from midfield by Hugo Bates. Bates snaffled another moments later when Solihull got confused in defence and he pounced on the loose ball.

There were a number of hairy moments for Stratford as Solihull tried to force their way back into the game through a series of short corners but only managed the one gaol reply. Stratford are an improving side and are starting to feel confident at this new, higher level.

2ndTeamReport

Stratford 2nd XI    3     -    Warwick University 2nd XI   3

Stratford started their home campaign against one of the favorites for the division Warwick University, who as their name suggests fielded a team of 18-21 year olds and brought along four substitutes with them, which lead to a very energetic afternoon for Stratford. Stratford started brightly but the Uni side were the first to break the deadlock with a finish after three successive short corners had put the home team under pressure. That was the way it stayed until half time, with Jones, Reynolds, Warwick, Black and Rustler putting in a great deal of effort in midfield stopping the Uni side playing.

Warwick then scored straight away after half time giving the home side a mountain to climb, but Brookes slapped one over the keeper to keep hopes alive. Warwick then increased their lead and it would have been more conclusive, were it not for great defensive work from Forrester, Aiscough, Ralph and keeper Dudley, with the latter pulling off a number of good saves in goal. Captain white gave Stratford hope with a dipping strike off a short corner and then two minutes from the end another short corner was converted by Brookes off a Mark Reynolds pass to give Stratford a very important point and emphasizing their never die attitude.

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Hockey Report

Worcester 2nd XI      5       -       Stratford 2nd XI       3

 

After last years promotion Stratford started the new league season in Midlands Division 1, with a tough away trip against last years third place team in the division. Belying their infancy in the league, Stratford started very well and kept the ball for long periods of time frustrating the Worcester midfield and defence, so it was against the run of play that Worcester took the lead through a fortunate deflection off a short corner. Stratford came back swiftly though, with a well worked short corner, the cross from Reynolds was outrageously dummied by Howkins and Brookes, allowing Rustler to net at the back post. Worcester though scored another from a short before half time, nosing them ahead 2-1 at the break.

 

A rousing speech from captain Matt White sent Stratford bursting through with gusto and an acutely quick free hit has taken by Howkins, flipping it into the box to Rustler who flipped across to Brookes, volleying into the goal. Stratford looked good for the draw at this point, but two break away goals from Worcester opened up the defence which otherwise had looked very well formulated, with Bowen and Dudley marshalling from the back, Ainscough and White fighting hard with captain White taking one for the team in the face, allowing Forrester and Newbold to provide extra attacking impetus. Stratford got themselves back into the game again with Howkins firing a ball into Brookes, who poked between the keepers legs for his second. This however was somewhat of a false dawn, as Worcester scored a final goal to give the opposition the win. The score in all honesty did not reflect the game with Stratford at least good for a draw, the commitment shown however should bode well for the season and similar performances will certainly garnish Stratford greater rewards.

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Hockey Reports

Stratford 2nd XI       7       -      Solihull Blossumfield 2nd XI      1

 

The start of a new season is here for Stratford hockey club and the 2nd XI carried on where they left off after last years promotion to Midlands Division 1. Under the captaincy of Matt White for another season, Stratford faced their first friendly against Solihull who finished 3rd behind Stratford last season. An even start to the game on a very hot day, saw Stratford rely on a strong counter attacking game to open up Solihull, with the first goal coming from a three pronged attack between Reynolds, Russel and Brookes, leading to Brookes slapping the ball over the keeper's body to open the scoring. The next goal was taken by the ever industrious Jones, sniping in the box to open his tally for the season, closely followed by a well taken strike by Forrester finding the bottom corner. 

 

With a strong start it was imperative that Stratford utalised the heat of the day to tire out Solihull and thus changed tack, starting to play the ball around the back and midfield making Solihull chase the game. Russel added a well taken goal, sweeping into the net after a good initial save from Warwick by the opposition keeper. This season will definitely need a good conversion rate from short corners and Brookes scored his second after a well worked move, followed up by a drag flick by Howkins, clunging it past the stranded keeper. Russel added another strike, but in truth Stratford could have scored a few more and must be more clinical in this difficult new league. The defence of Ainscough, White, Dudley, Powell and Forrester rarely had any problems and continued the strength from last year, although they felt disspointed to give Solihull a consolation. Special mention must be given to Will and Ralph, two juniors experiencing second team hockey for the first time and performing admirably.  

 

 

 

 

 

Stratford's pre season got kick started with an emphatic win over Solihull on Saturday. Stratford were under the new captaincy of Stuart Guise who made a few changes to last year's starting 11.

 

The game began at a high tempo with both sides playing as if this was a league game! However Stratford took the reigns early and a surging run from Savage forced a mistake from the Solihull defence leading to a Short-Corner. This was pounced upon by Stratford and after a well worked set piece Mark Leary dispatched the ball over the logging keeper into the side netting. However Solihull came back hard at Stratford and after a period of absorbed pressure Stratford hit back with a great run from Havers and drawing another Short-Corner. This allowed sweeper Simpson to hammer the ball into the back of the goal allowing no time for the stunned Solihull defence to react. This gave Stratford a much needed cushion allowing them to start playing their free flowing hockey and it was not long until they capitalised again.  Some fantastic movement and passing involving Captain Stuart Guise, erstwhile Captain Hyatt, Garratt and Chorley allowed Grigg to sneak free from his marker and slot it into the open goal without the keeper moving! This sent Stratford into half time 3-0 to the good!

 

Solihull came out from half time a different team and some fast paced hockey again found Stratford being put under pressure but the very capable defence of Grey, Chorley, Simpson, Garratt, McKee and debutant Martyn Helliker allowed Stratford to feel at ease. The fourth goal for Stratford came from some excellent lead up play involving the whole team which allowed Grigg enough room to glide past two Solihull defenders and slip it under the diving keeper. This goal felt like the match winner but Solihull where still not a side to be complacent with and a quick counter attack caught Stratford napping and allowed Solihull to sneak the ball past the right pad of Helliker making the score 4-1. The last 15 minutes of the game belonged to Stratford with Havers getting 2 goals from some well deserved leg work up front. The final goal came 5 minutes before the final whistle with another Short-Corner routine. This time McKee unleashed a lighting quick drag flick forcing a save to the Keepers outstretched glove and allowing Savage to get on the score card with an easy rebound. The game finished 7-1 with a confident and clinical Stratford team leaving the field.  This was a changed Stratford side and if they carry this form on to the league they will be the side to beat this season.

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FW: 2nds Ladies Photo for our article

Picture of the victorious ladies 2nd Team.

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Saturday March 21st

Stratford 2nds 6 Bridgnorth 2nds 0

History was made last Saturday as a jubilant Stratford hockey 2nd team became the first 2nd team to gain promotion to a Midlands One division following an emphatic 6-0 mauling of Bridgnorth. Stratford started the game knowing that their nearest rivals were just 3 points behind with a superior goal difference and therefore only a win would do.

Stratford opened the scoring early on after some good midfield play. Warwick surged into the Bridgnorth D, drew the keeper out of position and played in Jones who finished coolly into an open goal, 1-0. With the Stratford defence holding firm and keeper Purser wondering if he should have turned up, Stratford scored number 2 after a good run by Howkins. On reaching the D, he hit a speculative reverse hit which Jones pounced on at the far post, 2-0.

At half time Stratford were urged to push on and make the game safe by skipper White, which they duly did. A good passage of midfield play by Russell (who had his match of the season) and Howkins released Warwick into the D who set up Havers for a simple tap in, 3-0. It was Havers again who showed sublime skill only minutes later as he received the ball on the edge of the D, only to skip pass one defender, sell a dummy to the keeper and then push the ball home, 4-0. With the whole team working hard throughout the second half, a run by Russell saw him spread the ball from left to right to Stokes (who managed to play some of the game despite an earlier knock). Stokes committed the keeper but was fouled by a Bridgnorth defender and a flick was awarded. Stokes took the flick and duly scored, 5-0.

However, with just 2 minutes remaining, and goal difference potentially crucial, Jones took a quick sideline hit which was passed around midfield and eventually found Bowen in the centre of midfield. A quick thinking Bowen played in Jones at the top of the D, who uncharacteristically rounded his marker and hit an unstoppable drive through a crowd of players into the bottom right corner of the goal to make the final score 6-0. A superb display by a Stratford 2nd team who now play their last game of the campaign this Saturday away at Shrewsbury who ironically need points to avoid relegation.

Stratford Ladies 1's 4 Olton & West Warwicks 2B's 2

Stratford played hosts to mid table team Olton and managed to claim a hard earned victory where they were pushed all the way by the visitors to claim the win. Stratford managed to put the disappointment of last week's loss behind them and made up for it with this home win.

Playing at home gave Stratford the edge they had been lacking the previous week and came out strongly. From the early pressure the home side had several attacks and their pressure was rewarded shortly after ten minutes of play when Holly Outhwaite made a trade mark run attacking down the left hand side of the pitch. Leaving defenders in her wake she showed good vision when she saw Catherine Smith unmarked and slotted the ball through to Smith, who with great composure, finished the move for the opening goal.

Olton collapsed after this goal and opened the doors for Stratford's attacking style of play. Again the pressure showed with a penalty corner being awarded to Stratford. The ball found its way to captain Kate Heritage who struck the ball past the defenders.

Shortly after this trademark goal Stratford were awarded another penalty corner. With the defence aware of the threat from the captain they rushed to put the pressure on her. Unfortunately for the visitors their rush defence left Emma Davis wide open. Heritage passed to Davis, who showed her skills by lifting the ball neatly over the advancing keeper.

Stratford were in danger of running away with the game but relaxed, thinking they had done the job. In doing so they allowed Olton back into the game and the visitors got two goals that their afternoon's efforts deserved.

The second Olton goal jolted Stratford back into life, who once again started to pile pressure onto the visitors. The home side sealed the win when they once again broke up field and Gemma Foster managed to get on the end of a deflection off the keeper to finish the scoring. Foster had a fine afternoon and was awarded Player of the Match.

Stratford will need to play as well this week when they visit the league leaders, Birmingham University 3rds.

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Stratford Fifths 1 Bourneville Fourths 1


Now fielding a fifth team for the first time in many years Stratford came up against a fit and athletic Bourneville team. All the Stratford youngsters played a part in a most impressive performance.Matt Wain was as industrious as ever in midfield with Jack Dudley making a small but skilful target man. Matt Vaudry and Alex Orchard showed some delightful touches in midfield and Ralph Newbould was stout in defence. They were supplemented by some older wiseheads including Trevor Handcox and Nigel Wood and really dominated the first half. Chances went a begging until Ben Woodhams broke the deadlock following up from a short corner. That lead was held onto until deep into the second half when Bourneville equalized with a goal past the despairing effort of Mark Dudley. A fair result with great encouragement for the future in the performance of all the Stratford juniors

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Saturday March 7th

Stratford 2nds 2 - Kings Heath Pickwick 1
With just 4 games games left to go and the race for promotion coming down to the wire, stratford 2nds started nervously in the must win game against Kings Heath Pickwick. It was certainly against the run of play when stratford scored the opening goal, a poor injection from a short corner turned good when the ball was slipped left to Hyatt who hit a first time shot, collected the resulting rebound off the keeper at the edge of the D, and struck the ball, reverse stick, across the face of goal in to the top right hand corner. Getting in front appeared to do nothing for Stratford's nerves and shortly after the restart some unusually slack marking let Kings Heath through on goal, a desperate lunging challenge from Hyatt, saw him not only concede a harsh penally flick, but also receive a green card for his trouble. Kings Heath converted the chance to draw level. Stratford eventually managed to up their game, with some great distribution from Howkins, finding the darting runs from, Brookes, Reynolds and Havers. Kings Heath struggled to make inroads in to Stratford's midfield as Jones blocked them off at every turn, proving again he's the main engine room of the team. Shortly before half time with the game carefully poised, Stratford's second goal came from a piercing drive from Reynolds which resulted in a short corner. A solid routine brought about a good save from the Kings Heath keeper with the resulting goal mouth scramble only cleared to Howkins who flicked it firmly in to the back of the net with a little help from the underside of the cross bar. Stratford started the second half brightly, but failed to take advantage of their superior possession, the best chance of the half came when a cutting run from Brookes saw him one on one with the keeper whom he beat only to be bundled over by the kings heath center back, giving stratford a penalty flick and a chance to put the result beyond doubt. Brookes stepped to up take, but disappointedly missed with what can only be described as an uncharacteristic error. Stratford panicked again and started playing deeper and deeper in their own half, and with five minutes to go had there entire team in there own D when a deflected free hit nestled in the net, after a some confusion and a long pause, the ref awarded a long corner and not a goal, the correct decision as the ball had deflected off a stratford stick. Stratford continued to play far too deep for the rest of the game, however their defense of White, Bowen, Gray and Garret, stood firm, proving once again why stratford has the best defensive record in the league. A well battled result, but a much improved performance required next week against the league leaders Olton & West Warwick


Stratford 3rd XI 4 - Wednesbury 2

A typically feisty Wednesbury side came to Stratford intent on using marginal tactics to spoil the game. Stratford, bar a moment or 2 where they let themselves sink to their level, let their passing game take control of the game and ensure another 3 points, leaving them requiring just 1 from their last 3 to ensure they win the league.
The game started well but Wednesbury were reduced to 10 when their centre back took out Blackwall. In a Nick Stokes inspired reconscilliation their center back continued his usual tirade so was rightly sent off. In the mean time Beefy roaming in the D gave Stratford the lead with a crisp finish. Pug then made it 2 with a clean strike from a short corner. The pace of the game was good, with Furby, Rigby and McBride providing some good balls through from the defence. Blackwall was then given a 10 minute break himself for a mis-timed tackle. During this period Wednesbury got a goal back with a dribbler that somehow found it's way through.
Back to full strength the halves began to dominate the play again with Coache and Black combining well, Coache in particular running their left back ragged. The pressure told with Blackwall, clearly relishing his Striker label, thumping the ball home to make it 3-1.
The game continued to dominated by Stratford in the second half but their centre back who had not returned to the pitch since his initial sending off was then given a red card for a continued foul mouthed tirade. Despite this Stratford got a 4th when Furby put Hyde through who shot very cleanly for a classy goal. Wednesbury got one back but the result was never really in doubt.

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February 28th

Stratford 2nd XI 1 - Warwick 2nd XI 0

The big games seem to be coming thick and fast now for a Stratford team only two more victories away from confirming promotion and the visit of fierce local rivals Warwick provided another test. Having comfortably beaten Warwick in the away fixture earlier in the season 3-0 and Warwick themselves on a very strong run of form since Christmas, the visitors looked very determined to throw a spanner into the Stratford promotion push. The first twenty minutes Stratford came out of the blocks quickly, completely outplaying their oponents, but faining to carve out many meaningful opportunities, with Noble the only player coming close but dragging his shot just wide. Jones and Stuart Barnes again controlled the midfield, with Forrester, Noble, Havers and Rustler driving up the wings, but it was from the penalty spot that Stratford eventually took the lead. The second short corner of the game was pushed back to Brookes and his first time slap deflection hit a Warwick player on the line resulting in a penalty flick, Brookes then stepped up to send the keeper the wrong way and put it into the bottom corner in an unsaveable strike.

Half time came and went and it was now time for the most impregnable defence in the league to take over and secure the points. Marshalled once again by Bowen, McBride and White marked their strikers out of the game with Garratt acting as an important outlet for pressure realease, hence there was very little for keeper Purser to do. 100% commitment was showed through the rest of the game with effort in abundance and a calmness to Stratford's game that has at times been missing since Christmas, finally securing the win much to the annoyance of Warwick. Stratford now sit pretty with only one team able to catch them and another stern test at the weekend, when visiting fourth placed Kings Heath.

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February 28th / March 1st

Stratford 3^rd XI 4 – Old Wulfs 2

A good performance in the first of the 2 games in the weekend saw Stratford take the 3 points that their performance deserved. With several players returning and the promoted Coache keen to make an impression the team worked hard on its passing game. Despite having a fair amount of the possession Old Wulfs gained the lead with a crisp shot that deflected off Hellicker's pads. Stratford continued to pass it nicely with Rigby playing it nicely and Black linking nicely with Coldridge resulted in Coldridge getting onto the end of a quick move from the back and the ball just made it over the line. Woodams then doubled the lead with a great deflection from a cross but a short corner given away resulted in Old Wulfs levelling the score at half time. After several fine saves from Hellicker the possession Stratford had told in the second half with Black striking home cleanly from the top of the D and then Woodams scored his 2^nd to complete the victory.

Stratford 3^rd XI 2 – West Brom 1

Stratford tool on a team with an unusually high number of campanologists and came through a tough game worthy winners to make it six points for the weekend. The team again looked to develop their passing play but were too often looking for one pass too long that was easily cut out by the opposition. A tight first half saw few chances for Stratford and some fine saves by Hellicker as well as some timely tackles at the back from Firby, Rigby, Stagg and Gordon. Just before half time Blackwall gained a short corner which Coldridge fired home. The second half continued to be a hard fought affair with Stratford continuing to pressure and defend with impressive dedication. Coache was creating some good chances down the right but despite being put through failed to convert a golden opportunity. Black and Powell continued to work hard in midfield however with Blackwall being given 10 minutes compulsory rest the extra man cost Stratford a goal. With 2 minutes to go however 3 consecutive shots on goal resulted in Castledini, playing his first game for 18 months, slotting home the winner. With promotion now guaranteed and 4 points needed from the last 4 games the champagne is on ice.

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Hockey Reports

Saturday February 21st 2009

Stratford 1sts 6 - Redditch 1sts 1

Stratford's mens firsts hosted local rivals Redditch in perfect hockey conditions this Saturday. The home side started the brighter and found themselves a goal to the good inside the first ten minutes when a huge through ball from skipper Hyatt caught the over committed Redditch defence off guard, allowing Richard Stokes to round the remaining defender and finish with aplomb.
The advantage was soon doubled by Grigg midway through the half when he deftly lofted the ball over his opponent's stick before driving the ball on the half volley into the roof of the net past the helpless keeper. As has been the problem all season for Stratford, they took their foot off the gas after building a decent advantage and conceded moments later when some sloppy passing allowed Redditch to intercept and burst through to score.
However, the black and whites did regain their two goal cushion before the interval, when Stokes completed a brace with a neat reverse stick finish following smooth interplay down the right from McKee and Grigg. Redditch regrouped at half time and came out all guns blazing at the start of the second half.
Thanks to the excellent defensive organisation of sweeper Simpson in marshalling central markers Chorley and Ainscough, the back unit remained watertight and soaked up 15 minutes of sustained pressure. What was effectively the match winning goal for Stratford came courtesy of a slick penalty corner routine that saw man of the match Grigg score his second with a neat deflection. With Stratford now in control at 4 - 1, Redditch were effectively a spent force.
The final fifteen minutes saw the addition of two more goals to the tally, both provided by South African Doesdif Savage, one a cracking reverse strike into the corner. The victory was well deserved and skipper Matt Hyatt said "We ironed out the inconsistencies in our game today and put in a solid performance which was rightfully reflected in the result. This is the level I expect the team to play to for the remaining six league fixtures."

Old Wulfrunians 2nd XI 2 - Stratford 2nd XI 4

After two close loses over the past couple of weeks that somewhat stalled the Stratford bandwagon, a return to winning ways was a welcome tonic and puts Stratford back in the promotion chase. The game started badly for Stratford with Old Wulfs centre forward breaking free, rounding keeper Purser and slotting home. However Stratford are a very resilient side and Richard Warwick shot from a tight angle through the keepers legs and James Brookes followed that up shortly after with a reverse stick deflecton off a Rustler centre, to send the away side in 2-1 up at the break. Great Marshalling from the defense of captain Bowen, Gray, Garratt and Rustler, limited Old Wulfs chances of getting back into the game and Will Noble scored with a reverse stick flick over the goalkeeper to effectively tie the game up. Old Wulfs then commited a number of players forward trying to get back into the game, which opened up the play and allowed Brookes to send a defense splitting pass to Warwick who took his opportunity well scoring from a difficult angle. The away side managed to get goal back, but the result was already assured and normal service was resumed.

Sunday February 22nd 2009

Old Hailsonians 2nd XI 1 - Stratford 2nd XI 4

The second game in two days gave Stratford the opportunity to make it a great weekend, playing the rescheduled fixture after the other weeks snow. Stratford had drawn against Old Hails earlier in the season in what was a very one sided match and were determined not to let this happen again. Stratford again started brightly with Brookes and Wawick going close, carving open the frail home defense, but it was Jones who broke the deadlock, getting the goal he very much deserved for a hard working performance in midfield. A second goal was scored before half time, when Stuart Barnes's strong shot off a short corner was defelected and looped over the goalkeeper into the net sending Stratford in clear at the interval. In all honesty Stratford could have been 4 or 5 up at the break, but a number of close misses left Statford looking a little vulnerable and this was emplified when Old Hails pulled a goal back from a strong short corner strike beating the excellent Helliker in goal. This galvanised Stratford and another Barnes short corner was deflected by Brookes into the net and shortly following that, the returning Oliver Hyatt followed up well from a surging burst by Warwick to net Stratford's fourth. The defense played out the remainder of the game with gusto, not giving Old Hails a sniff with McBride marking well at centre back, ably abetted by Garratt and returning captain White. This gave Stratford an excellent six point haul from the weekend and puts us back into the driving seat of the league, sitting nicely in second place and six points clear of our nearest rivals with five games to play and by far the stronges defence in the league, look out Midlands Division One because we are coming!!

Saturday February 21st 2009

Stratford 3^rd XI 2 – Olton 8.
With several key regulars missing the 3^rd XI took on a strong Olton team who lie 2^nd in the table. The team was hampered further when Price somehow managed to pull a hamstring in the first 5 minutes. Stratford went a goal down early on after a passage of domination by Olton. However with Blackwall relishing his new role up front, a slack back pass was pounced upon, and he fired it home in the bottom right corner for his first goal in 5 seasons.
Too often though the team were beaten to the ball, and the ball was played too centrally ignoring the good play of McBride and Bayliss down the right. The defence rallied under the attack with Hyde sweeping up on several occasions. However the pressure told and soon Olton converted their second after Stratford gave the ball away again. Dunnett saved several shots but the lead was extended to 3-1 when a flick was awarded. The second half saw Firby go off after a blow to the foot and the lead further pressure saw Stratford concede 2 further goals. Bird stayed wide in an attempt to keep the structure and Rigby and Valendar continued to work hard, but still the ball was given away too often. Dunnett managed to somehow save a second flick, with an agile stop low to his right, but with the score at 7-1 even another fine strike from Blackwall was mere consolation. Firby who dragged himself back on must have rued his decision when he was hit on the knee and promptly went off again.
With a lead of 6 points and 6 games to play there is still every hope, despite this result of promotion.

Saturday February 21st 2009

Dudley Ladies 1^st 3 v 2 Stratford Ladies 1^st

Stratford travelled to unknown opponents Dudley for this 4^th round of the Ladies National knockout cup game. The game started at a frantic pace as both sides tested a team neither had played before. The large crowd lifted the home side that had the better of the opening exchanges and went ahead early, leaving Stratford thinking they were in for a long afternoon.

After the opening exchanges the pace settled down and Stratford lifted their game, playing some of the best hockey they have this season. Stratford's dominance showed dividends midway through the half when they were awarded one of a series of penalty corners. As the ball was pushed out the Dudley defence hesitated in charging the shot down, giving captain Kate Heritage enough time to strike a well placed shot past the hesitant defence to level the scores. Stratford continued to dominate for the remainder of the half and had several shots on goal. Nearing the end of the half Stratford broke down field and moved the ball quickly into the Dudley goal area, where the ball found Rosie Logan who kept her composure and lifted the ball over the advancing keeper to give Stratford a 2-1 lead that their dominance deserved.

Turning round after the break Stratford continued to dominate and had further chances to extend their lead but the Dudley keeper, who had a fine game, prevented Stratford from scoring any further goals. Stratford's dominance limited the amount of possession and territory that Dudley had, however when Dudley did manage to gain the ball they looked dangerous and broke quickly. Half way through the second half they broke up field and managed to level the score. This boosted the home side's confidence and they started to come back into the game. With five minutes left, the game looked to be heading to extra time when Dudley again managed to break out of their own half. Following some swift passing they moved the ball to the Stratford goal and scored a well worked goal.

For the final five minutes Stratford camped on the Dudley goal line but couldn't get the goal to take the game into extra time. Stratford should feel hard done by after dominating the game and playing some of their best hockey of the season only to leave Dudley being knocked out of the cup. Stratford's next game is a league game against Sutton Coldfield this Saturday, a 12:30 push back.

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