Stratford Hockey Club Match Reports

umpire

2011-03-09T11:45:00.000Z

Hi Geoff

Are you available to umpire this Saturday @ home 11am for the ladies 1’s team

Please could you let me know asap

Many thanks

Hayley Nicholls

Stratford ladies 1s captain

Stratford Mens Firsts Gain Promotion March 27th 2010

2010-04-06T17:05:00.000+01:00

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

2010-03-29T14:40:00.001+01:00

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.

_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________

2010-03-24T06:33:00.001Z

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

2010-03-22T15:02:00.003Z

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

2010-03-22T10:57:00.001Z

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!"

2010-03-17T06:47:00.001Z

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

2010-03-15T15:25:00.002Z

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

2010-03-08T21:19:00.001Z

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

2010-03-01T17:27:00.001Z

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

2010-03-01T11:12:00.001Z

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.

2010-02-28T17:39:00.001Z

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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2010-02-24T04:30:00.001Z

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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2010-02-16T11:59:00.001Z

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

2010-02-15T12:30:00.001Z

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

2010-02-09T11:39:00.002Z

> 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

2010-02-09T08:29:00.001Z

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

2010-02-08T16:01:00.001Z

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

2010-02-01T13:40:00.001Z

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.

2010-01-31T19:31:00.001Z

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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2010-01-31T17:30:00.001Z

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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2010-01-26T19:24:00.001Z

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

2010-01-25T09:37:00.001Z

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.

2009-12-20T15:26:00.001Z

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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2009-12-09T00:05:00.001Z

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

2009-12-07T13:31:00.001Z

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.

2009-11-30T21:06:00.001Z

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

2009-11-30T09:38:00.001Z

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.

2009-11-29T14:22:00.000Z

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

2009-11-23T10:17:00.002Z

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.

2009-11-15T14:34:00.000Z

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

2009-11-10T09:27:00.001Z

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'sin 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.

2009-11-08T11:18:00.001Z

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

2009-11-02T23:38:00.001Z

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

2009-11-02T14:17:00.001Z

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.

2009-11-02T13:01:00.003Z

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

2009-10-27T10:09:00.002Z

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

2009-10-13T16:29:00.001+01:00

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

2009-10-06T12:40:00.001+01:00

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

2009-09-15T11:12:00.001+01:00

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

2009-03-30T17:10:00.006+01:00

Picture of the victorious ladies 2nd Team.

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Saturday March 21st

2009-03-21T17:53:00.000Z

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.

2009-03-14T11:18:00.001Z

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.

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

2009-03-07T10:17:00.002Z

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

2009-03-03T16:48:00.004Z

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

2009-02-28T12:19:00.000Z

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

2009-02-23T13:45:00.002Z

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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