Sunday, 20 December 2009

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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Wednesday, 9 December 2009

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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Monday, 7 December 2009

Hockey 5 Dec Stratford 3rd XI

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


Stratford 3rd 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.