Stratford Mens Firsts Gain Promotion March 27th 2010

STRATFORD ARE LEAGUE CHAMPIONS
Stratford 1sts 4 Finchfield 1sts 2

FOLLOWING last week’s vital win against Kings Heath Pickwick, Stratford played host to promotion-chasing rivals Finchfield on Saturday in the last game of the season. The build-up to one of the most important fixtures in the club’s history was made even more interesting during the course of the week when the league leaders, Wolverhampton, were docked points for fielding ineligible players.

(Story continues below image)

All this meant that victory for Stratford would see them crowned BodyKraft MRHA West Midlands Premier League champions and ensure promotion to Midlands Division 1. However, defeat could also have meant finishing in third spot and missing out on going up.

On a perfect spring afternoon in front of around 80 enthusiastic supporters, the match got off to a disappointing start for the home side, conceding in the first two minutes. Following some scrambled defending in the circle, Finchfield’s centre forward Matthew Stocken was able to drive the ball home through a tangle of feet and sticks past the unsighted Martyn Helliker in goal.

However, this seemed to settle the home side’s nerves, who conjured an equaliser after 14 minutes

Mark Leary was the man who registered on the scoreboard, with a simple tap-in at the far post following an excellent reverse pass by Greg Ricketts.

With Stratford now back in the game, the home support grew more and more vocal and spurred on a number of raids into the Finchfield circle with Russell, Jones and Brookes all making good inroads up front.

After 27 minutes, Stratford took the lead when Nick Russell opened his bag of tricks at the 23-metre line, rounding both centre-back and sweeper before lofting a fantastic reverse stick strike over the onrushing keeper.

Two minutes later it was

3-1. Following a driving run from Ed Grigg down the right flank, a penalty corner was awarded and was duly dispatched by Ricketts with a thunderous straight strike.

The remainder of the first half was mostly a midfield battle, with both sides trying to gain dominance. The effort and workrate of skipper Stuart Guise and the rest of the midfield proved themselves up to the challenge when tested. Running on adrenalin, bodies were even put on the line where necessary, with central midfielder Matt Hyatt having to leave the field of play to have a blood injury attended to after some full-length tackling which left his white shorts streaked with blood.

A solitary lapse in concentration saw the first half end on a sour note for the Black-and-Whites when Finchfield’s Luke Piper found himself unmarked with plenty of time in the circle to get a shot away. Although Helliker made a fine stop, the ball fell kindly for an easy tap-in to make the score 3-2.

Coach Andy Hodges delivered a concise half-time team talk to quash any signs of unease. This was displayed in Stratford’s precise passing after the restart and resolute defending from markers Chorley and Gray, expertly marshalled by sweeper Edward Simpson.

The longer the game went on, the more men Finchfield threw forward in search of an equaliser, which would effectively see them promoted. This resulted in a string of penalty corners for the away side which were admirably defended by the Stratford quartet of runners, getting whatever was necessary in the way of any goalbound strikes. In the case of the unfortunate “man of the match” Hyatt, this was especially true.

Having returned to the field of play only moments earlier after being patched up for a second blood injury, a thumping shot struck him squarely in the sternum, sending him to the ground.

With 10 minutes remaining, victory was sealed when, following a quick break, Brookes threaded a delightful pass through to the unmarked McKee, who expertly drew the keeper before slipping the ball to Leary. His goalbound shot struck a defender on the line and a penalty stroke was awarded to Stratford and Leary sent the keeper the wrong way for his second.

When the final whistle blew, a small pitch invasion triggered celebrations which will be long remembered.

A jubilant skipper Stu Guise said afterwards: “We thoroughly deserve to be league champions. It is something that everyone in the team and club have worked hard for. The input from our coach Andy Hodges has helped focus everyone’s ideas and drive which have culminated in this fantastic day.”

FW: match report Straftord Ladies 1st team

Stratford Ladies 1^st team played Nuneaton on Saturday. This was a crucial match for Stratford and a win was vital. Stratford started the first half positively with great one twos and a fast pace which resulted in numerous breaks from Hayley Nicholls, Holly Outhwaite and Abby Campbell, who had a two on one with the goalie. With great communication and ball distribution the midfield could feed the ball through to the forwards supporting the attacks on goal. Nuneaton broke and attacked our goal but with strong defending by Emma Van-Der-Hayden, Mel Coleman, Vicky Guise and Sandra Leary Stratford regained possession of the ball. With a short corner awarded to Nuneaton, Michelle was supported by Vicky Guise who cleared the shot. This was followed by an attack from Stratford which resulted in another short corner, from which Rachel scored a cracking goal! Towards the end of the first half, Nuneaton equalised leaving it 1-1 at half time. The second half started with Stratford commanding play, leading to plenty of attacks on goal. Hayley Nicholls (captain), Emma Davies, Jet Heyworth and Rachel Kent worked well covering the pitch and presenting the ball to Louisa Heyworth and Holly Outhwaite. Louisa took on the keeper and scored, resulting in Stratford leading 2-1! The whole team worked really hard to keep the lead which showed in the number of shots on goal and the amount of possession Stratford had. Nuneaton had a strong team with a great keeper who worked well under the pressure that Stratford put her under. A stunning effort from everyone kept the final score at 2-1 to Stratford, a win well deserved. On behalf of the team a massive thank you to Andy (coach) for the support he has given us.

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Stratford IV 3 Worcester VI 5
 
Stratford looking for a comfortable win in their last match of the campaign were in for a rude shock. A marauding Worcester soon had them on the ropes and well worked goals soon saw Stratford 2-0 down within 20 minutes. It could have been worse but Simon Banker earnt his bonus with a goal line clearance to keep Stratford in it. Scott Hazell and Alex Orchard put a bit of steel into the midfield and then captain Giles Stagg scored a crashing exocet of a shot into the backboard.
Stratford poured on the pressure and the equaliser came with a rapier of a shot by Nigel Wood from a short corner. Ed Hogg nearly gave Stratford the lead but his penalty stroke rattled the post.
The second half was nip and tuck with Mark Newnam and Peter Gunnell redoubtable in defense and Simon Harrison and Ben Woodhams sparkling up front. Ben gave Stratford the lead with a typical strikers goal.
A freak accident changed the course of the game, Orchard colliding with Wood splitting his lip and injuring his own foot. In a desperate unsuccessful attempt to save the resulting shot Dave Dunnett injured his thigh. After expert medical attention Orchard and goalkeeper Dunnett had to go off leaving Stratford with 9 men. They heroically held out as Worcester laid siege to the Stratford goal. The dam finally burst and Worcester clinched the match with two well taken goals. A disappointing end to what otherwise has been a good season.

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Re: Hockey Match Report Stratford 3rd's played on 21 March

Hockey match report. Barford Tigers 3^rd's vs Stratford 3^rd's. (Stratford were away)

Result: Barford 3 – Stratford 4

Stratford faced Barford away this weekend in their last league match of the season. Barford took first blood when they scored their first and dominated the first half of the match. Valiant Eric Furby diving magnificently to make a crutial tackle, was injured in the tackle and had to go off to receive medical treatment. This forced a change which saved the day for Stratford as evergreen Wood took up the sweepers spot and masterminded the construction of a defensive platform crucial to turning the match around, with building block's Austin, Stagg, Cawthorn and Hooker buoying up the team.

The second half saw Stratford come out all cylinders firing, fresh from an awe inspiring team talk by Captain McBride, one spectator commented "What did he (McBride) give those players during the break?" The answer, of course, was a heavy dose of motivation.

Stratford showed their ilk by digging deep, notably the injured Townsin playing through the pain and skipping round the opposition. This helped Stratford in making devastating breaks, the first came from Ed Hogg, with a well worked passing move swiftly up the pitch for Davey to lay up Hogg who's finish almost ripped the net. The next goal came from a defense splitting run by Dave Black, the ball found it's way to Davey who rocketed the ball past a frozen Barford keeper to bring the game back into Stratord's hands. Next up McBride, who startred the move from right back, followed up and was rewarded with Davey's deflection falling nicely into his path, McBride picked his spot and thrust home for Stratford's third goal. Barford pulled a goal back when their new sub came onto the field and caught Stratford unawares with his fresh legs. But it was stalwart Dave Bird who finished the game off with a short corner routine improvisation, when he was unable to set up Davey, Bird took it upon himself to drag flick with such fineness, it was likened to a kingfisher breaking the surface.

Stratford's Captain McBride commented after the match "A great game and a fitting end to a great season, with Stratford 3's finishing soundly mid -table in this higher league, I'm overjoyed with the boys performance. Roll on next season!"

Hockey Match Report Stratford 3rd's played on 21 March

Dear Sports Editor at the Herald,

Thank you for all your support over the season from all the Stratford teams, and especially the 3rd team. Your correction of our poor grammer has been greatly received!

 

Regards

Keith McBride

 

Hockey match report. Khalsa 3^rd's vs Stratford 3^rd's. (Stratford were away)

Result: Barford 3 – Stratford 4

 

 

Stratford faced Barford away this weekend in their last league match of the season. Barford took first blood when they scored their first and dominated the first half of the match. Valiant Eric Furby diving magnificently to make a crutial tackle, was injured in the tackle and had to go off to receive medical treatment.  This forced a change which saved the day for Stratford as evergreen Wood took up the sweepers spot and masterminded the construction of a defensive platform crucial to turning the match around, with building block's Austin, Stagg, Cawthorn and Hooker buoying up the team.

 

The second half saw Stratford come out all cylinders firing, fresh from an awe inspiring team talk by Captain McBride, one spectator commented "What did he (McBride) give those players during the break?" The answer, of course, was a heavy dose of motivation.

 

Stratford showed their ilk by digging deep, notably the injured Townsin playing through the pain and skipping round the opposition. This helped Stratford in making devastating breaks, the first came from Ed Hogg, with a well worked passing move swiftly up the pitch for Davey to lay up Hogg who's finish almost ripped the net. The next goal came from a defense splitting run by Dave Black, the ball found it's way to Davey who rocketed the ball past a frozen Barford keeper to bring the game back into Stratord's hands. Next up McBride, who startred the move from right back, followed up and was rewarded with Davey's deflection falling nicely into his path, McBride picked his spot and thrust home for Stratford's third goal. Barford pulled a goal back when their new sub came onto the field and caught Stratford unawares with his fresh legs. But it was stalwart Dave Bird who finished the game off with a short corner routine improvisation, when he was unable to set up Davey, Bird took it upon himself to drag flick with such fineness, it was likened to a kingfisher breaking the surface. 

 

Stratford's Captain McBride commented after the match "A great game and a fitting end to a great season, with Stratford 3's finishing soundly mid -table in this higher league, I'm overjoyed with the boys performance. Roll on next season!"

 

Worcester V 2 Stratford IV 1
 
Stratford travelled to high flying Worcester expecting a severe test of character. Delayed by a medical emergency Nigel Wood arrived late to marshall an under pressure defense with Worcester on the offensive. Stalwarts Trevor Handcock and Simon Cossey defended well against a lively and youthful Worcester attack.
Simeon Ashlet went close on the breakaway with good support from a lumbering Simon Harrison. Giles Stagg dominated the midfield with Robbie Foster lending good support on the right hand side, the sides were locked at 0-0 as the half time whistle blew.
The second half started with a bang, just back from suspension John Blackwall went on a mazy dribble before cracking a powerful shot passed a despairing keeper. Worcester redoubled their efforts and attacked relentlessly. Dave Dunnett in the Stratford goal pulled off a string of saves before Worcester equalised from a short corner. Robbie Foster nearly won it at the death with a fierce shot that narrowly missed the far post, with the last move of the game Worcester worked their way into the Stratford circle for one of their young strikers to stroke the ball home with the last hit of the game.
Worcester shaded it but Stratford could feel proud of their performance.
 

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Hockey Match report 13 Mar Stratford 3rd XI

Match report Hockey

Stratford 3^rd XI vs Kings Heath

Stratford at home.

Result Stratford 6 – Kings Heath 4

Stratford faced Kings Heath this Saturday, in what was sure to be a mid-table clash to remember. Kings Heath turned up with a depleted side, whereas Stratford had their strongest side out for the first time this half of the season. Despite this, Kings Heath took the lead against a sleeping Stratford and the visitors found themselves 3 goals up after only 15 minutes. Stratford's captain McBride make an inspirational tactical change which proved key to Stratford's performance, for almost instantly the home side were looking more structured and attacked to reduce the deficit. The rejuvenated defence marshalled by the sprightly Ainscough helped Stratford bring the score to a more attainable 3-2 at the half way mark. After the break Stratford came out all with sharpened darts, as Phil "the power" Davey converted a superbly taken ball in from Black to bring the game back into Stratford's control. Coache's trademark runs on the right flank ripping the Kings Heath defence apart, with the resultant cross's finding the net from Coldridge on two occasions. Townsin's relentless left mid battling put paid to Kings Heath's attacking midfield, and Bird's non stop movement in the pivot gave Stratford the all important structure. Whetstone, Austin and Miles all quashing the visitors strikers with prowess. All this added to a great spirited win for Stratford finishing 6-4, only marred by Kings Heath's bickering with the umpires resulting in them receiving two yellow cards and an early end to the game.

Hockey Stratford 3rd XI Match Report - Sat 6th March

Apologies for the lateness...

Hockey Stratford 3rd XI vs. Old Halesonians

Result: Stratford 2 – Old Hales 1

Headline suggestion:

Jonny 2 goals saves the day 

 

Stratford 3^rd team started with 11 fired up players determined to continue their winning form from last Saturday. Stratford went into the game with a positive mindset and won, gaining valuable points against a resilient Old Hales team, which at times felt as if they had had more players on the pitch than they should`ve!

In the first 15 minutes, the two teams were playing well and waiting for their opportunity to score; it was Stratford that struck first. Through skilful passing between McBride, E-man and Pug, Townsin forced a short corner. It was from this short corner that Stratford used their "Tactical Inside Transfer"  manoeuvre and Jonny BigRed scoring with a powerful shot to take the lead 1- 0. Old Hales scored the next goal putting Stratford on the back foot. Shortly before half time, Nigel Wood, with the speed of a cheetah, saved the ball on the line from a well worked passing move by Old Hales. After another passionate half time team talk from Captain McBride and despite Old Hales having better possession in the last quarter of the game, Stratford fought hard to hold on and forced another short corner in the last few minutes, resulting in another great strike and Jonny BigRed`s second goal of the day. A great team effort resulting in a win and a final score of 2-1 to Stratford.

FW: Match report Hockey

Stratford 1st team Match report

Gordon Wright

>
> West Midlands Premier Division
>
> Stratford 0 v 2 West Bromwich
>
> After suffering a first defeat of the season last time out, Stratford's
> promotion hopes remained in their own hands when welcoming bottom of the
> table West Bromwich to Stratford High School.
>
> Missing several key players due to injury and unavailability, the home
> side needed to bounce back from the 3-0 defeat suffered at Shrewbury when
> once again under strength, but despite enjoying the major share of
> territory and possession, the disciplined visitors staged something of a
> smash and grab raid and secured three points which gives them hope of
> avoiding relegation.
>
> The first five minutes encapsulated the story of the game with bright
> Stratford approach play freeing up James Brookes one-on-one with the West
> Brom 'keeper. Brookes attempted to chip the 'keeper only to see his
> effort tipped to safety. It was to be the first of a number of fine
> saves.
>
> One minute later and a fast counter-attack from West Brom saw them rip
> through the Stratford defence and only a lack of composure in front of
> goal and soem desparate defending kept the sides level.
>
> Throughout the game, Stratford created regular chances from open play,
> whilst also threatening from half a dozen short corners. Brookes, Leary,
> Ricketts, McKee, Guise and Howkins mnight all have scored on different
> days but the West Brom goalkeeper produced numerous excellent saves,
> displaying quick reflexes and enjoying the occasional slice of luck in
> securing a first clean sheet of the season.
>
> Unsurprisingly, the visitors relied on massed defensive ranks from the off
> to limit the home team's goalscoring threat, but their structured approach
> to the game paid dividens when they seized on a Stratford error to break
> quickly midway through the first half and take the lead.
>
> A near duplicate break in the second half again saw Stratford
> over-committed in attack and an exposed Martin Helliker in the home goal
> was unable to prevent the visitors doubling their advantage.
>
> Despite laying seige to the West Brom goal and camping almost exclusively
> in the West Brom half, Stratford were unable to rescue the game and now
> find themselves four points off the promotion pace with four games to
> play. Given Stratford still have both promotion rivals to play, there
> remains hope of Midlands 1 hockey next season. However, anything less
> than a win this Saturday away at top of the table Wolverhampton will mean
> a season which promised much will be one of rpogress only and not
> promotion.
>
>
> Hope this is okay ?
>
>
> Cheers
> Andy
>
>
_________________________________________________________________
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Hockey match report 27 Feb Stratford 3rd XI

Hockey Stratford 3rd XI vs Wolverhampton

Result: Stratford 6 - Wolvs 4

Headline suggestion:

 

Stratford slay the Wolves 

Stratford 3^rd team started with a bare 11 fired up players determined to get the first points of the season against an in form Wolverhampton team.

Against the run of play Wolverhampton scored the first two goals putting Stratford on the back foot. A good poached goal from Philip "the power" Davey followed by a missed flick from Big Red and then a superbly taken 2^nd goal from Davey saw the two sides level at half time. A rousing team talk from the passionate Captain McBride led the 3s into what was to be a battle royal of a second half! A dramatic and hard fought second half resulted in Big Red banishing the demons of the missed flick, solidly thudding home attempt number two before two more goals from youngster Davey (a total of 4 on his debut). This took Stratford into a 5-4 lead. A superb passing move was finished by the committed McBride diving through to slot the winner on the final whistle. The third team are doing well to hold their mid table position in the highest league they have played in.

 

Olton IV 3 Stratford IV 4
 
A young Olton team had Stratford on the rack from the start. The defense was at 6's and 7's and within 20 minutes Straford found themselves 2-0 down and looked as if it could be a cricket score. Damage limitation allowed Stratford to reach half time at 2-0.
A rousing motivational half time team talk by Nigel Wood meant Stratford started the 2nd half a different team. Ed Hogg burried a penalty stroke and the experienced Peter Havers tucked away the equaliser. Impressive defensive displays by Simon Cossey, Trevor Handcock, Giles Stagg and Mike Bruns gave Straford a solid platform and David Dunnett made several good saves. Ed Hogg completed his brace with a slapshot from the top of the circle and then the revelation and "Man of the Match" Peter Gunnell stepped up. First a goal line clearance kept Olton at bay and then he surged up the pitch to score the 4th with a superb drag flickfrom the edge of the circle almost bursting the roof of the net. Olton did get one back and Stratford had a very nervous final 5 minutes.
A great victory which at one stage seemed an impossibilty.

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Stratford II 2 Telford II 2
 
Mark Reynolds took over the captaincy from Matt Twitely in this relegation battle. For the first 10 minutes Stratford were on the ropes with a succession of short corners. Mark Dudley in the goalkeeping role was up to the task and kept Telford at bay and went on to put in a fine performance.
Stratford then got into gear David Dribble, Rob Bowen and John Blackwallproduced a sound base for the midfield to create chances. Will Schofield had a great opportunity but his reverse stick was a little disappointing. A real interchange of passes from a short corner lead to a neat little flick from Patrick Forrester to please his watching grandmother. Stratford held on until half time.
A measured half time team talk from coach Andy Hodges kept the momentum going, Straford doubled their lead a timely interception saw Rob Bowen surge up the field, slipped it to Patrick Forrester who fed Richard Warwick with as reverse pass who beat the defender and neatly lifted it over the diving goalkeeper.
Stratford then took their foot off the pedal and allowed Telford back into the game. A deliberate back stick saw John Blackwall concede a penalty stroke which was converted and also led to a yellow card. This heralded the arrival of Nigel Wood to bolster the flagging Stratford defense and he was soon into action with a goal line clearance to maintain Stratfords lead.
Stratford continued to create chances and both Mark Reynolds and David Black had one on one situations with the goal at their mercy but failed to convert. John Blackwall again used the wrong side of his stick to earn a red card, he also gave away a short corner from which Telford equalised to clinch a point in a game that Stratford should have made safe earlier.

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Stratford IV 7 Solihull Blossomfield 3
 
Following last weeks reverse Stratford knew they needed a good performance to keep captain Giles Stud satisfied.
Released from his defensive duties a rejuvenated Nigel Wood played up front spearheading Stratfords attack. He scored the first two goals with neat conversions from crosses, first from Phil Davey and then from the marauding Peter Havers on the right wing. Overconfidence let Bloss pull one backshortly before half time.
In the second half Stratford continued to dominate. Mike Bruns making the round trip from Aberystwyth was sublime in midfield and thoroughly deserved the accolade "Man of the Match". Goalkeeper Dave Dunnett ran the length of the pitch to convert a penalty stroke and goals came from Ed Hogg, Ian Bettison and Phil Davey, it was fitting that the "Old Maestro" Nigel Wood completed his hat-trick with a nonchalantly struck short corner. A fitting end to an excellent team performance.
 

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Hockey Stratford 3rd XI match report 13 Feb

Stratford 3^rd Vs Telford on 13 feb 2010

Result: 0-4

 

Stratford 3^rd XI played host to a buoyant Telford this weekend. Telford took the lead after some even play whereupon both sides looked to be evenly matched. Telford extended their lead with another before half time to leave Stratford questioning what could be done to improve their performance. The second half saw some good possession play by Stratford, but they were unable to convert this possession into anything dangerous enough to threaten Telford's goal.  Telford scored another two goals to finish the game 4-0. Stratford captain McBride said after the match "This was always going to be a tough match. With a few players returning from injury we were slow to start and lacked power in attack. The positive I will take from the game is the discovery of our two new youth players, Henry Whetstone and Pepe Townsin who stepped up and played very well indeed." Stratford will play Warwick next weekend in what is sure to be a boisterous local derby clash.

RE: 1st X1 Match Report Mens Hockey

> Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 21:32:01 +0000
> Subject: 1st X1 Match Report
>

>
>
> Old Wulfs 3 v Stratford 7
>
>
>
> Stratford sent out a strong message to their promotion rivals, of the BodyKraft West Midlands Premier, on Saturday as they produced a strong display to pick up a valuable three points, away, against Old Wulfrunians.
>
>
>
> It was a big weekend for the top four in the division as Stratford who are third, played fourth whilst Finchfield who are top lost to Wolverhampton, who are second, leaving Stratford still one point behind Wolverhampton with a game in hand and the only
> unbeaten side in the league.
>
>
>
> Stratford where dealt a blow in the warm up as they lost the experienced striker Mark Leary, due to injury, but this didn't stop them from getting into their stride early on and take a deserved lead. Stratford where patient in their build up which led
> to Matt Hyatt finding Captain Stuart Guise in space and with time to pick out James Brookes to sweep the ball into the goal. At this point in the game Stratford where in control but a rare attack from the home side brought them back into the game with a well
> taken goal.
>
>
>
> This asked Stratford questions and initially they reverted back to trying to force the game and turning over possession, as in previous weeks. But taking the lead just before half time, with Brookes doubling his tally after some good work from Ed Grigg
> and Craig McKee, Stratford looked settled again.
>
>
>
> Knowing that they were playing well Stratford where keen to push on with their advantage in the second half and they put themselves within a great position after ten minutes of the re-start with Savage and McKee extending their lead to three goals. Stratford
> didn't stop here as they where opening up the home side with every attack and could of easily scored another three goals but where guilty of not finishing the game off and this nearly came back to haunt them as Old Wulfs scored two quick goals to get them back
> into the game for the second time.
>
>
>
> But Stratford's attacking prowess didn't stop there as they continued to create chances and deservedly regained their lead through Captain Guise and then Greg Ricketts regained Stratford's three goal advantage before Savage scored his second and Stratford's
> seventh to finish the game off once and for all.
>
>
>
>
> Captain Guise couldn't hide his delight of their win 'We
> all came of the pitch extremely happy with the performance and result. Conceding three goals was slightly disappointing
> but this can not overshadow an excellent team result. Prior to the game we asked for everyone to increase
> their individual performances and they certainly responded
> positively.'
>
>

_________________________________________________________________

FW: match report for Ladies 1st

Saturday 6^th FEB

Stratford Ladies 1^st team played Birmingham University 4^th’s on Saturday. On a fast, bouncy pitch against a strong opposition Stratford started the first half positively. With great communication and short passes up the pitch Stratford fought hard for the ball giving Birmingham Uni a harder challenge than what they expected, Emma Davies and Rachel Kent held the middle of the pitch well supporting Stratford on the attack. The fast pace and skills of Birmingham University were evenly matched by the strong defence with Hayley Nicholls (captain) commanding the defence to keep the score at 0-0 at half time. The second half started with a goal by Birmingham University closely followed by an equaliser by Gemma Foster which was a break through made by Rosie Logan who won the ball through there midfield then created the pass to Gemma to scoremaking it 1-1. Following this were constant breaks by both teams with Hannah Campbell and Jet Heyworth taking the ball wide using the left and the right hand sides of the pitch and sending the ball through to Rosie and Holly. Birmingham Uni were fighting hard to try and get the winning goal but with several good saves by Michelle supported by Vicky & Hayley covering the corners the score remained equal. Mel, Emma and Louisa worked well switching the ball round the pitch and distributing the ball to the midfield. With the final score still 1-1 Stratford played positively and confidentially, a good result against a strong team.

Thanks

Hayley Nicholls

Stratford Ladies 1’s

Hockey Stratford 3rd XI 6 Feb Match report

Hockey Stratford 3rd XI 6 Feb Match report

Away vs Solihull Blossumfield

Stratford lost 3-2.

 

 

After recent losses against the two top teams in their league, Stratford's third team were looking to consolidate their mid table position against Solihull Blossomfield, who are bottom of the league. Their confidence was misplaced.  In fact it was more than misplaced – it went AWOL, along with the opportunity of a good victory.  Solihull won 3-2 and even managed to score both of Stratford's goals by twice deflecting the ball into their own net.    
 
Stratford played with a lack of self belief and drive and were unable to take advantage of a lot of space in the midfield.  Too many attacks just petered out without getting a shot on goal and often led to a break that put the Stratford defence under pressure.  Without a valiant performance from Tim Purser, in goal, the game would have been lost much earlier.  Whilst there was no doubt about the work the whole team put in, no one seemed able to play an anchor role or put in a decisive performance.  Stand in captain David Coache did his best to rouse the team but they failed to respond.  With a couple of tough matches coming up, the team has to find their missing confidence.

Hockey: Stratford 3rd XI 30 Jan

Stratford 3^rd XI Vs Harbourne

Score 0-6 to Harbourne.

 

Stratford lost their second match in a row this Saturday, loosing 0-6 to Harbourne. The away team were well practised and their slick passing and clever movement off the ball was to be Stratford's down fall. Also a lack of fitness showed as Stratford could not keep up with the younger Harbourne side. Harbourne did not let up, after winning the first half by four goals, put another two away in the second half. If it wasn't for Stratford's keeper Purser putting in a great performance the score line could have been worse. Stratford's captain McBride said after the match "Our last two losses did not come out of the blue, playing the two teams on top of the table, and with major players injured. However, I expect our performance's to improve from now on and Stratford to regain the solid form we showed in the first half of the season." Stratford travel to Solihull Bloss this Saturday, with high expectations of winning their first points after the mid-season break.

Stratford 5th 3 Sutton Coldfield 7th 2 (Played Sunday 31st Jan)
Taking to the pitch Stratford had a shakey start conceding an early goal from a Sutton break, Stratford quickly regained composure and settled into the game with the midfield putting together some slick passes working the ball from side to side. A perfect crossfield ball from Townsin was picked up by Alex Squance, he laid it off to captain Havers who fired the ball into the top left corner to bring Stratford back level. Sutton continued to pressure the Stratford defense gaining short corner after short corner but they could find no way through the expert keeping of Stuart Hooker and the goaline clearences of Mark Newman.
The second half saw Sutton push hard upfield and link together some great passes to again go one goal ahead. After the restart Stratford used the pace of the youth and experience of the older players to charge through the opposition midfield and gain a short corner, Bettison injected the ball to Stagg who sent it like a rocket inside the right post with the composure only before seen by Nigel Wood. Taking the upper hand and with about 5 minutes to go Joe Patrick released the ball to Gordon Wright down the left side who passed two Sutton players then released the ball to Squance who danced round the defense to flick the ball into the back of the net to give Stratford the winning goal. A big thankyou to the parents and supporters who came to watch the game.

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Edgbaston 6th 1 Stratford 4th 2
 
The game started similar to last weeks performance, the first half of the match was very close with neither side breaking the deadlock. However Edgbaston did have a goal disallowed, Stratford equally had some good chances at the other end but were unable to convert.
The half time team talk came under the supervision of the 4s new manager, this gave the team new motivation and they quickly picked up the pace. Despite Stratford's best efforts Edgbaston scored to go one up after a quick break. Stratford quickly responded by an exchange of passing between Phil Davey and Ed Hogg for Hogg to fire the ball into the top corner and make it one a piece. Stratford then had the edge to power in another spectacular goal when Orchard and Davey linked to set up Hogg for his second. Only the best savesd from keeper Dave Dunnett and the defensive co-ordination of Simon Cossey, Gunnell, Bruns and Whetstone kept Stratford in the game. Gunnell went on a rampage down the line, unfortunately launching his stick into a crowd of the opposition whilst trying to hit the ball. Townsin, Stagg and Furby kept up the midfield pressure and linked well to create further chances for Stratford as well as defending bravely against a young and pacey team.
Manager Moo gave man of the match to Ed Hogg and stated that "It was a good win for the team against a strong opposition."

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Stratford IV 2 Warwick 0
 
Stratford bounced back after their disappointing result last week, in a fiercely contested local derby with Warwick. An even 1st half lacked any memorable moments and the sides changed ends at 0-0.
Stratford stepped up to the plate in the 2nd half and began to move the ballwith Alex Orchard, Eric Furby and Giles Stagg playing neat little triangles, upping the pressure on Warwick.Stratford broke the deadlock with Ben Woodhams and Phil Davey exchanging passes for Ben to sneak the ball in. Stratford continued to dominate and Philip Davey scored a cracking goal from an acute angle to make it 2-0. Philip's 1st goal for the club and it certainly won't be his last! Ed Hogg had Warwick cowering with a super drag flick which would have made the game safe but rebounded off the post.
Nigel Wood back to marshall the defense opened up an old surgical wound and despite blood dripping from his stick was in position to stop a powerful Warwick shot on the goaline. Dave Dunnett made 2 fine saves to keep Stratford in front to keep a clean sheet and secure a valuable 3 points.
 

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SPORT: Stratford hockey 3rd XI 23 Jan 2010

Stratford 3rd XI vs Leek 23/01/10

Result: 0-3

Stratford's first league game since early December was always going to be tough facing top of the league Leek,  a team who have only dropped a couple of points all season.

 

The home side were on the back foot immediately, with lack of match practice clear for all to see. Leek scored 2 quick goals within the first 10 minutes, resulting from some slick passing in the final third and two well taken finishes. The third came after 15 minutes and that is how it remained.  The second half brought a different Stratford, with polished passing from Coache and Black, but scoring chances ultimately proved hard to come by for both teams.

 

Next week sees Stratford take on 2^nd place at home, with many positives to be taken from a stern second half performance.