Record attendance at 2010 summer camp - 225 happy (& wet) children enjoyed the 'dale's annual bonanza. Santa & Bear thanked SatNav & Nic for their usual outstanding admin and all the coaches for their fantastic contributions - see junior page for autumn details
Free Family Fun Day @ Craigholme School - 8th May
See Junior section for more detail
See Events page for details of Sponsored walk 23rd May
To raise more funds towards a new pitch 'Dale are having a sponsored Munro climb on Sunday 23rd May. Go to the events page for details: Registration and Sponsor form.
Sunday 25th April
Under 16 girls Clydesdale 1 - 1 Western Wildcats
Under 16 boys Clydesdale 6 - 2 Perthshire
Saturday 24th April
Cumbernauld 2 v 1 Ardrossan-West Women's Plate
Clydesdale 6 v 2 East Kilbride-West Women's Cup
Clydesdale 1 v 9 Kelburne-Men National 1 League
Under 18 Girls take Silver in cup final day @ Peffermill 18/4/10
6's meet Hillhead 7's on 17th April and win 2 - 0
Hillhead 7's call of clash with 'Dale 6's due to have been played 11.30am @ titwood on the 10th April.
Where now for the side that is growing in stature every week of the season?
'Dale ladies get a 1 - 2 promotion!
Also 1's make it to District Cup Final on 24th April
Both ladies 1st and 2nd teams gain promotion in same week - both also undefeated in league all season
Under 18 girls progress to finals day on 18th April @ Peffermill
See Juniors section for cup draw and Plat the Game Clinic
Indoor: 1st team win Division 2 to gain promotion back to Division for next season
Dale men to return to 1st division indoor hockey season after a team rebuilding program
West District Youth Indoor Finals - December 2009
Congratulations to all those that played in a final and a special well done to those that won!
Scottish Hockey May 2010 Newsletter
'Dale Men's 1st team win Presidents Cup
On a fresh (well cold) Saturday afternoon on 7th November the mighty 'Dale won the Cup Final. It was an impressive display and a crowd of over 50 enjoyed the spectical. The Dale fans outnumbered the Grange fans by a ratio of 15 to 1. I am sure this support helped the boys to victory! We hope this is the first of more to come over the next few seasons.
New hockey coaching @ St Bernard's School
Hockey coaching session started on Thursday 27th August. 6.00 to 7.00pm - outdoor.
Report for 24th April 2010
DALE GIRLS DO DOUBLE - AGAIN! Following last season's league & plate double, the 1st XI went one better on Saturday by adding the West District Cup to their 100% record in winning league division 2. Having not lost a league match for three years, this means that the last competitive game they lost was in the first round of last year's cup to Accies 1st, a match where 5 girls were away on D of E! This was a whole different ball game, however, as East Kilbride had won division 1 on Monday and were comfortably the highest ranked team we have played in serious competition. Regular readers will know that I felt the last two league games we played were the least convincing of the season and with our growing injury list it was difficult to assess our best tactics. The matter was greatly eased when both Tubbz & Knoxy declared themselves fit for the match and Jay's nails were deemed immaculate enough for her attendance. I should admit at this point that, having seen all but one game this season, a bout of tendonitis had confined me to bed and my absence was rewarded with a very dubious dummy of the day by Ms Jenny "8 fingers" Eadie, but more of this later. Having been briefed in detail about EK's key players by Lah Lah, the first half ended 2 -2 but with goals from the returning Knoxy & Jay, only a late equaliser spoiled a very confident performance. Having ascertained all this from my bed, I 'phoned back the eldest Eadie female to be told that the score was now 4 - 2, following a wonder goal from her of the perfect nails, and somehow managed to convince my warder that I had to get to the game. So, from Dolphin Road, I enjoyed the last 15 minutes of superb hockey as the girls added a further two, the last following a brilliant dribble by Tubbz enabled Knoxy complete her hat trick. Ailsa, at her very best, terrorised their defence for the entire match and added a goal to yet another season's huge tally. All I saw of Jay was a run past three defenders into the D and, with only the keeper to beat for her hat trick, she missed the ball completely! Most of these facts were elicited from the Troon Ladies coach, Rhoda Brookes, who was attending as the new district vice president. In 2006-07 Troon won this cup, handing a hockey lesson to our fledgling 4th division side on their way. That match enabled Santa & I to demonstrate how teamwork makes such a difference and everyone playing that day (most of the present team) have obviously learnt well. She was particularly impressed with yet another dominant display at the back from Christie and Katy F and, in the absence of Jenny, our only ever-present of the season, Ali Eadie, produced possibly her best ever performance for the Dale (good time to do it Tumshie). After about 30 people told me that Jay's second was the goal of the season, she admitted to me after the game that she had merely closed her eyes and hit it as hard as she could but, no panic, her nails were still intact! Santa, running the bench, gave everyone pitch time, so it was very much a team effort including our injured soldiers, who have contributed so much to the season. Well done girls, you have made some old men very proud. Just for the record, in winning Div 1 EK conceded 15 goals in 18 games. After their final game of the season, Greaves Clydesdale have scored 175 in 24 games. Attacking seems to work! And, mentioning Greaves, our thanks to Sandy, Ann, Julian & Frank for their great support this season. Not only have the girls played like champions, they have looked the part as well.
Report for 10th & 17th April 2010
Over the last two weeks, the 1st XI finished their league season and emulated the seconds by completing their first 100% record while winning their third consecutive league title. With Tubbz still injured and several suffering from exam fever there were further opportunities for our talented youngsters to make a name for themselves.
Firstly, we travelled to Greenock and were astonished to find absolutely no trace of ice or snow and Adam Bain coaching the opposition. The new pitch at Inverclyde Academy took some getting used to and what was a fairly underwhelming first half performance was notable for Ali, Katie (2) & Jay virtually making the game safe after 35 minutes. Further goals from our excellent debutants, Alice Sherwood & Rosie Shanks added lustre to the second half when we squandered multiple chances but, of more concern, was our abandonment of our normal positional play which, time & again, left the defence exposed to counter attack. Luckily, the Greenock forwards appeared to be very nervous and only scored one but the story could have been a lot worse. Then it got worse! We all went back to Glenpark where the home side announced that their selection for player of the match was . . . . . . . . . OK you’ve guessed – Jenny.
Between games we held the Easter Camp, which was, yet again, a major success with nearly 150 different children enjoying magnificent weather for the week. We are, as ever, hugely indebted to Caroline & Nic for their tireless efforts behind the scenes, but for Caroline’s wee Jenny it ended up a disaster. Instead of jetting off to Munich to play against Germany –16’s, the tour was volcano’d off and, instantly bored, she turned up at camp. Within 15 minutes she was inadvertently (well that’s what Murray said) tripped and broke two fingers, ruling her out of the Scottish –18 & district cup finals.
And so to Saturday. Only Kelburne stood between us and our 100%. Missing Jenny (broken fingers), Tubbz (broken foot) and Jay (broken nail and split ends!) it meant yet another debutant, Jenny Mathieson, and Lena McCrae & Amy Martin joining in the fun as well as the long awaited return of Knoxy.
While not as demanding as the cup semi, it was still an engrossing match and, as the week before, our defensive positioning was not up to scratch and, over the piece, we conceded twice. At the other end, however, Ailsa was in match winning form, scoring one and creating lots of chances including the first for Jo. Two goals in one season. Phew!
Caroline was also outstanding, until she was tripped in the second half and ended up in the Victoria for a shoulder x-ray. Happily there is no break and she is determined to play in the cup final. But, leaving the match before the end meant she was dummy of the day!
The introduction of Rachael Ewing got Katy fired up and, as well as scoring herself, she set up the last goal for Knoxy, who was a thorn in their side for the entire match. With Jenny a mere spectator, Kelburne put on their thinking caps and voted twin sister Ali player of the match.
Yesterday, the –18 girls beat St Georges 6 – 0 to reach the Scottish Cup Final, which they lost 1 – 4 to an excellent Cala side that contained several Scotland players. Given the average age of the Clydesdale girls, it was a super performance and, as several of the girls have another 4 attempts to win it, they can hold their heads high.
Next Saturday is the West District Cup Final against East Kilbride (14.00 @ Titwood). Please come along and support the season finale if you can
Report from 27th March 2010
We were missing Kirsten McIntosh, who was away at the Scotland under 18 trials (and being selected! Brilliant Tubbz) but, with Tereza standing in, the defence looked pretty solid. The rest of the team was much as normal, along with the ever improving Lauren Morrison making her debut & Elspeth Couper making a welcome return.
Our opening goal came from a long through ball from Katy, which was deflected just inside the D. "Leave it" cried a defender and the 'keeper duly obliged, much to the delight of the home crowd, as umpire McCrae correctly awarded the goal.
Like last week, we squandered loads of chances & corners. 30 seconds after entering the fray, Lauren fired one goalwards only to see the ball deflect away off a 'Dale stick and then, unfortunately, at the other end a blameless Elspeth deflected a wild, wayward shot into our own net. Half time 1 -1.
The second half saw a significant improvement and we dominated for long periods. As well as Jenny who, in fairness, deserved her award, Caroline had a superb match at right mid and was involved in both our goals, scoring one and laying the ball off for Jenny to thump in the eventual winner.
We did miss two penalties, however, with Katy hitting the post and Jenny slipping one just past. There will be plenty of practice before the cup final!
Ailsa's goal took her to 30 for the season, for the third year in a row, which is a remarkable achievement but there was only one choice as dummy when she arrived with tanned arms and legs but, unfortunately, looked like she had been sun bathing with a bag over her head! (I'm sure nobody else noticed . . . . )
On Sunday, we played an Irvine development team, who were very inexperienced, and our assorted 3rd & 4th girls proved far too strong, given that half of them have played Irvine 1st XI in the league. The highlight, however, was a late attempt at dummy of the season by Rosie Shanks. On being asked, having missed countless chances in the first half, if she needed glasses, she blinked, took on an astonished look and announced that she only had one contact lens in place. I refer to last week's comment about private education!
Report from 20th March 2010
With a stirring 2 - 0 victory over a Kelburne XI in the West League Cup Semi Final, Greaves Clydesdale Ladies progressed to their second finals day in succession. Following their win in the plate last year, they now have a chance in the main event on 24th April against East Kilbride or Milne Craig Western, the top two teams in Division 1!
Saturday's match started with a flurry of attacking from Clydesdale and both Ailsa & Caitlin were denied by the first of what later became a succession of magnificent saves from Laurie Kirkland in the Kelburne goal. Indeed it took 15 minutes to break the deadlock when Ms Girdwood followed up a rebound from close range. That normally calms the nerves and the girls build on their lead. Not on Saturday. Although they made little impact in our D, Kelburne played with great spirit, led by captain & internationalist Rachel Ewing and, for a ten minute period, the Dale girls lost their shape and were repeatedly rescued by some great defending from Christie Wilmot & Elaine Eadie at the back. In the absence of Knoxy & Tubbz (ill/injured) there was a warm welcome back to Jenny, who managed several short bursts as she builds up her fitness.
During the half, St Columba's student Kirkland also saved numerous short corners, as the usually reliable squad failed to ignite, and the half time score of 1 - 0 was anything but comfortable.
In the spring warmth, both teams started the second half in top gear and while our girls maintained their territorial dominance and regular corners, Kelburne continued to fight and the midfield battle between Ewing & Katie Fulton threatened to spill over into open warfare. The result was that, for a period the game got a bit scrappy and the mood was not particularly helped by the friendly (!) banter of some of the home support. With 15 minutes left Kelburne mounted a series of attacks, winning 3 short corners and, from open play, bringing the best out of Rosinah, proving there was more than one international squad keeper on the pitch. Immediately thereafter the ball was played down the left and, from the ensuing cross, yet another goalmouth melee resulted in a second goal for our own St Columba's girl, Caitlin. I hope they are still talking today! Up to that point, I felt that, had Kelburne scored, they would take the initiative and, from the relief shown by the players, I suspect they did too. The game buzzed from end to end until, with seconds to go , Kelburne were awarded a final penalty corner. As the final whistle blew and the game was won, the push out evaded their stopper and the ball ran harmlessly away to leave the final score 2 - 0.
I don't know who was named player of the match but, obviously, Jenny must have been in the frame. I think Caitlin did enough to edge it but she definitely won the dummy for asking, immediately post match, how many more league games were left. On being told she had just won the cup semi final she replied "Oh! Cool" You can't whack private education.
In Division two, over the weekend, Ferguslie won both their matches to ensure second place and relegate Kelburne to third. Not a great day for the team in yellow.
The two's ended their season with a comfortable 4 - 0 win over Hillhead to maintain their 100% record and ending the season with a goals record of F105 A9. The most notable point was that Amy failed to score. That champagne on Thursday seems to have had an effect.
The three's also ended their first year with a 2 - 3 defeat by Greenock. It was a game we could have won but, as stated before, watch this space next season.
Report from 18th March 2010
Amy goes mad (again) as two's win debut title
On yet another great Dale night the two's, playing GHK, not only won West Division 4 and retained their 100% record but, in a fantastic goal glut, notched up their 100th goal of the season, swiftly followed by their 100th league goal!
Having scored 13 goals in her last two games, Amy Martin managed a further 7 to take her to 40 for the season, a club record. On this occasion, however, it was not the scoring that caught the eye but some terrific build up play. In the absence of a goalie, Dr Laura Mackie decided to use the extra outfielder in the middle and Fiona Burnett, Anna Crawford, Alice Sherwood & Elspeth Cooper set a cracking pace from the off, well supported by Frances, Lena & Katie L behind. Any early nerves were quickly extinguished when Fiona Nelson finished a four pass move from the push back to score in 20 seconds! The girls dominated the first half but seemed determined to burst the net with each shot and at half time the score was only 4 - 0.
After Bear & Santa suggested that their targets were still in sight with a little circumspection in their D (No we didn't actually say that), the second half brought an avalanche. As well as Amy, Elspeth scored a hat-trick And their were contibutions from Rosie Shanks & both Fiona's. With Anna suffering a slight ankle knock, sub Lauren Morrison added a bit more power in the middle and kept GHK confined to their own half for a final score of 14 - 0.
For the record, Elspeth scored the 100th goal and Amy (!) the 100th league effort (our 13th of the night). GHK had no idea what all the excitement was about - until the champagne was produced.
With an age profile like this, bring on Div 3. Well done all concerned.
This week's (Monday 15th March) events.
Monday 15th
Training 6.30pm to 8.00pm
Thursday 18th
2nd team v GHK 4's - Won 14 nil, scored 100th goal of the season, 100th goal in the league and unbeaten!
Ladies Match Reports
Saturday 20th
1st Team v Kelburne 3's in cup Semi-Final - 2.30pm @ Linwood
2nd Team v Hillhead 6's in league - 2.30pm @ Craigholme
3rd Team v Greenock 2's in league - 1.00pm @ Bellahouston
Sunday 21st
Under 16 v Grange in U16 League - 10.00am at Stirling Uni
Under 18 v Strathallan 1.00pm and v Perthshire 4.00pm @ Peffermill
Sunday Team v Loch Lomond in Friendly - 2.00pm @ East End Park, Dumbarton
Report from 13th March 2010
1st XI Secure Third Succesive League Title While Amy Martin Makes the Headlines Again
After their success on Thursday, the one's only needed a single point against Hillhead to ensure league victory. Because of the Scottish Schools Cross Country etc., we were 8 players short but, with our strength in depth, were quietly confident that debutants Caitlin Girdwood, Morven McEwan & Jess Scott would make their mark. It would be fair to say that the script did not go exactly to plan as, after 6 minutes, we were two down. I don't remember the last time this happened but it is better to be behind in 6 mins rather than 60 and, thankfully, concentration levels went up and three of the Club's most consistent goal scorers got to work. Katy F(2) & Ailsa got things under control and Fiona Nelson making only her second appearance scored to make the half time score 4 - 2. The highlight of the half was Jess crashing past their defence, sidestepping the goalie, and sending a rocket way past the the far post. The dummy of the day judges all had their pens out!
A half time wake-up call meant the second half was more one-sided with Katie adding two more, Fiona reaching her hat-trick and goals from Skipper Vance and new girl Caitlin, who had a terrific second half. It was not without a shock, however, as Hillhead broke away to score a third. This is the most league goals we have conceded in a game for the last three years. The final score was 10 -3 but with a little luck for Morven, she could have added another couple in the dying minutes. Player of the match on such an important day went, appropriately, to the captain, who was still grinning hours later.
With the dummy apparently settled, the champagne corks flew and the cry went out for a team photo. "Can we not do this on Monday so I can get my hair done!" cried Ailsa, in front of her proud parents. Rarely has a dummy changed hands so quickly!
The seconds, needing four points to win Division 4, set out to play bottom club Giffnock also hoping to score enough goals to give them a chance of 100 for the season. Enter Amy. After her 5 for the one's on Thursday, she has clearly decided that scoring is a piece of cake (see the 2nd XI teas!) she managed an incredible 8, to set a new club record. Brilliant. It was also a great day for Lauren Morrison, who added two more. I didn't see the game but she has impressed me all season and I'm sure there will be many more where they came from. Final score 11 - 1 and 1 point needed this Thursday, 6.30 @ Dale against GHK. Please come along and support if you can - there may be some champagne left!
On Sunday, we had another game against Glasgow Uni for the fours and a cast of thousands (but no goalie!) led them a merry dance. Goals from Alice, Robyn, Lara, Lissie & Frances (the veteran of this group) proved too much in a 5 -2 victory. For the third time this season Robyn was player of the match, as yet another team was misled by her size. She'll be frightening when she reaches 4 feet.
Report from 11th Mar 2010
Barring the biggest series of flukes in history it was congratulations to the 1st XI on Thursday night when they won their third league title in a row with a 12 - 0 defeat of Uddingston. Statistically if Ferguslie win all their o/s matches and we lose all of ours we will both have 42 pts. Our goal diff advantage of 90! Would appear a bridge too far.
On the night, however, there were no fewer than 10 call offs for a variety of reasons and this meant opportunities galore for some of the 2nd's. Given that they also have a 100% record this season, confidence was not lacking, and certainly not from Amy Martin who, making her competitive debut in the ones, scored 5 before half time! With the bulk of the short corner team away winning the Scottish Schools cup in Edinburgh, a second debutant, Tereza McLaughlin, took over as stick stopper (& centre mid) with aplomb and Katy F also scored the first of her 4 before half time. Katy Lang & further first timer, Frances Lonergan controlled the left flank while Anna Crawford continued her recent run of form on the right wing, regularly being picked out by Caroline & Katy to supply Amy with any number of chances.
Having just returned from Oz, it was good to welcome Rhona back as sweeper. See you at training on Monday Rhona!
Comfortably ahead, the second half allowed multiple substitutions and returned Heather from the back to her old haunt on the left wing. I don't think their defence managed to tackle her for the rest of the match so the flow rather switched from right to left to take full advantage. She scored two and could have had several more but for some fine goalkeeping. Finally, Frances capped her evening with her debut goal and a very happy bunch left the pitch in high spiritsand skipper CV as player of the match. On Saturday we need 1 point to be certain of victory. Interestingly we are playing Hillhead, who we played to secure both our previous titles. An omen?
Well done again girls.
Ladies Match Reports 6th Mar 10
With the 1st XI being snowed off again, I was able to watch both the 2nd & 3rd XI's in action this week and what a thoroughly enjoyable experience it turned out to be.
First up were the two's, at home to Greenock and looking for their twelfth win on the trot. Imagine our surprise, as we arrived just in time to see Greenock open the scoring. The rest of the first half was mainly 'Dale pressure but, despite some good efforts from Amy & Fiona, their shape was too ragged caused, probably, by the absence of Tereza, on 1st duty, and a succession of substitutions. A firm talking to at half time from the skipper resolved matters and although they never achieved their usual standard, they took control through some determined play in midfield by Jenny, Frances & Stefania and Jess creating a bit of havoc down the middle. The first goal came from a Katy Lang overlap on the right and taken to the line by Fiona. With the Bear roaring "cut it back" she equalised from a (very) acute angle and completely steadied the nerves (not Bear's!). Amy Arnott & Lauren Morrison, making their debuts, grew in confidence and set up Amy to scramble home a second. This was followed by a great run down the left from Anna, who's shot was partially stopped by the keeper but despatched from close in by Lyndsey. Final score 3-1 and the title ever nearer.
A quick rush to Anniesland with umpire Claus and what transpired to be one of the performances of the season. I have rambled on about how the threes have improved but here was actual evidence of how they are progressing. Against GHK IV, this was a, squad effort. Val & Pat called the shots but were ably assisted at the back by Maisha, Karina & Rose and Mairi in midfield showed hitherto unseen aggression and power to regularly regain possession. Early on, Rosie chased what looked a lost cause and having got the ball ran round the keeper to slip home a great opener. If the two's had been excited at their opener earlier, they never achieved the height of these high fives. At that point, I was worried that they might implode but the subs kept the flow going towards their goal and Holly, Flora & Sofia enjoyed an element of domination that was somewhat unexpected. A cross from the right allowed Rosie to double her tally and allowed for a very positive half time chat.
Up till now I haven't mentioned the other two stars of the day. Lara & Alice had run themselves daft in the first half, supporting Rosie, and midway through the second, Lara played the ball inside the right mid for Alice to display an astonishing burst of pace to leave her standing. She then rounded the full back and skelped in one of the goals of the season. Cue chaos. It was only fair that Rosie capped a terrific personal performance with her first senior hat-trick and irrespective of how the rest of the season works out, if they play with this gusto they will certainly enjoy themselves. Final score 4-0.
And so to Sunday. The two's, with Tereza back in harness, entertained Irvine - far from their rugby pitch home. In contrast to the previous day, the girls came out with all guns blazing and, having dominated the first half got to the break leading by an Amy hat-trick. Knowing she had to leave early, she popped in a fourth to ensure the points and left the rest to get on with it. This was the first time I had seen them playing with such confidence. The passing consistently going to the right player, irrespective of where they were, meant possession in spades. Anna & Fiona ran riot down the right and, as yesterday, Frances, Jenny & Coups did the same on the left. Fiona did her best to catch Amy up with a well taken pair and the final goal came from Elspeth following up on the left. Final score 7-0. P13 W13.
The final game was the 3rd's at Hillhead V. Although they lost 1-2 (Scorer Morven), their performance matched the previous day and they all knew they had played well again. Interestingly, Hillhead thought they were very aggressive! I blame the coaches.
Ladies Match Reports 27th Feb 10
Before the match reports, the tale of three blonde bimbos. Over the weekend the Misses Doig, McIntosh & Wilmot played for Hutchie ones on Saturday morning, our ones in the afternoon and the under 18's in Sunday's cup match against Kelso, winning all three 14 - 0! This is surely some kind of record.
The two's had a week off but their closest rivals, Loch Lomond beat the threes 7 - 0. While our girls were disappointed, Loch Lomond have beaten everyone this season except Laura's girls so I remain sure that they will be the team to beat next year. Maisha celebrated her return with a player of the match performance and Robyn again excelled.
On Sunday, their second foray of the weekend garnered a point away at Hillhead with a 1-3 loss and put smiles back on the faces. I am doubly convinced, having watched the fours play Glasgow Uni on Sunday, that things are progressing well. Although we lost 2 - 0, the score line didn't reflect the play and the performances of a young team was very encouraging. At the back, Amy Arnott, Carol Still & Janette "Henry" Lindsay were excellent, Amy, in particular, showing the benefits of her regular attendance at training. The youngsters in midfield and up front are all beginning to fulfil their potential and were very unfortunate not to score. Look out Div 4.
Having played in the west district schools 3rd year tournament all morning, we decided that Jenny & Ali should stay on the bench, as they were exhausted. GHK had no such opportunity as they had even more girls, who actually won the tournament, having to play. After the disappointing display against Giffnock last week, Katie F reverted to her normal centre back role and, with Caroline moving to centre mid, Katie McAlpine continued at on her right. Following Bear's instructions to the letter, the first half was probably our best period of the season. Passing was back to pre Christmas levels and the forwards movement off the ball left the GHK defence chasing shadows. Added to which, the short corner team were in top form and, as a consequence, GHK soon suffered. This was somewhat unfortunate, as they played some of the best hockey we have seen this season. It is highly unusual for us to play younger opposition and, on this showing, they should follow in our footsteps if they continue to play together. Assorted goals from Fulton, McIntosh, Doig, Knox(2) & Vance made the half time score 6 - 0 and set up all sorts of statistical opportunities for the second half.
Unfortunately for the oppo, fatigue began to set in just as we upped the tempo and the first significant milestone was Jay scoring the 100th league goal of the season. Christie scored her debut 'Dale goal (and her first since P7!), followed rapidly by Tubbz completing her first hat-trick with our 300th league goal in the last 3 seasons. Katie F scored a short that would be the envy of most of our men's' teams; Jay and Ailsa scored again; Knoxy completed her hat-trick (not her first!) then missed a penalty and the final score of 14 - 0 increased our goal difference to three figures. To lose the league from here we probably have to lose the next five matches 0 -18 which appears a tad unlikely. The only, small, criticism of this display is that we sometimes became our own worst enemies by cluttering their D with our players, making it harder to get a clear shot away. Their keeper was grounded on numerous occasions and there was great confusion as to who should actually go for the ball but, after an overall performance this good, it is something we can work on at training. Katie F was player of the match although Jenny pointed out that she had been the outstanding non-playing sub of the season, never mind the match! The dummy was unanimously awarded to Ailsa (& don't forget the missed penalty) for missing an open goal from about 6 inches in one of the aforementioned overcrowded melees.
On Sunday the under 18's hammered Kelso in the cup. I would love to comment further but the players could not even remember who had scored. Bear - "Did you score Ailsa?", "Yes", "How many?", "Some!" Help.
I think Amy scored 5. Well at least the oppo in the next round won't know who to mark. . .
Ladies Match Reports 20th Feb 10
For their most important match so far this season, the 2nd XI were without Jenny, Stefania & Frances (or the midfield as it is otherwise known) for their visit to 2nd placed Loch Lomond. Despite this, the squad system provided more than adequate cover and, after Lomond had equalised our opener, we moved to a 3 -1 advantage. Given our previous displays, this looked good enough for victory but Lomond showed why they are second with a spirited fight back to draw level again. Their equaliser was from a penalty stroke conceded by a mortified captain Laura. Laura, trust me, if you play sweeper, it comes with the job! As it turned out, it only served to invigorate a great finishing burst & Jess Scott scored her 3rd to secure a vital 3 pts. The 4th goal was scored by Amy Martin, her 17th in 9 starts, which is an outstanding scoring rate. Despite all the excitement up front, the player of the match was Tereza with yet another outstanding show at the back. Now 6 points clear with a big goal difference advantage, the girls now need to keep up their concentration for three more matches to ensure early celebrations.
After their horrifying afternoon against the two's, the 3rd XI hosted Irvine, missing no fewer than nine players (see school holidays!). But, missing their home grass, Irvine are not the same team and a competitive afternoon finished even at 1-1. Our goal was scored, yet again, by Rosie Shanks with a starring performance from big Robyn Belch who used her size to intimidate Irvine at every turn. (I may have inadvertently just taken LSD!) The enthusiasm of the girls playing in the three and fours are a great credit to the adults who heeded our pleas and have returned to senior hockey. Their regular attendance at training and organising after match hospitality is helping to create a fantastic group of youngsters, who are really enjoying senior hockey and making the selectors job harder by the week.
With Rhona sunning herself in the Philippines and Elaine & Jenny running in the Scottish Cross Country, the ones welcomed back Jay after all her ailments and Katie McAlpine from St Columba's impossible match times to play at Giffnock. The absentees caused a fair bit of reshuffling and Christie took over sweeping duties with Katie F moving forward to centre mid. The first short corner bamboozled the Giffnock defence as they charged towards the afore mentioned Christie & Katie, Ailsa injected to Tubbz for Jay to drag-flick (under instruction) high just past the near post. At the next corner, this early confusion manifested itself in Katie getting enough time to score the first of an eventual hat-trick. Without Rhona, however, a short corner unit using 3 defenders meant apoplexy for the coach and supporters as we only had one player in our half. I'm sure that Rosinah was thinking that she might see some action for a change but, despite several breakaways, some terrific channelling and tackling kept their visits to our D down to one! Because of the level of pressure we have inflicted on other teams all season, we have seen some super 'keeping from the opposition. By any standard, however, Giffnock's young keeper had a brilliant game. There have been several games this season when we have been our own worst enemy, shooting straight at the pads, but not on Saturday. It is difficult to quantify how many we might have scored had she not been playing but it was plenty. Not only were the saves outstanding, her distribution started several counter-attacks and kept us on our toes throughout. Despite this, the overall pressure told in the end and Ailsa, Knoxy & Hazel completed a 6 - 0 victory. The performance, however, was disappointing. I now think that Katie is much better suited to centre back, where she creates havoc. In our best performances in recent years, our ability to play round the back to maintain possession has been both outstanding and unique in our leagues. We have recently apparently decided that charging forward in numbers is more effective and, while this works on occasion, on Saturday, with Ali, Heather, Christie & Tubbz always in space, I could count the number of back passes they received on the fingers of one hand. Giffnock named Katie McAlpine player of the match. There was only one we could name! Victory means that we are 10 pts clear of Kelburne with a game in hand and an 80 goal better difference.
The dummy of the day wasn't awarded until much later on Saturday night when an incredulous Jenny Eadie 'phoned me to ask if she had been player of the match, yet again. My explanation that actually playing in the game might have offered a somewhat better opportunity, sadly fell on deaf ears and she left to double check the league rules.
Ladies Match Reports 6th/7th Feb 10
Before this week's match reports, can I just take this opportunity to thank everyone who was involved in last weekend's quite unexpected and undeserved party. For those who missed it - big mistake! I had almost forgotten how good meringues could taste and as for 'Old Jo's' birthday cake - 'Even Older Bear' loved it!
This weekend brought a number of records - the 2nd XI had their biggest win (So, sadly, the three's had their biggest defeat) and Fiona Nelson set a Club individual scoring record with seven. Amy Martin will be furious she missed the game. The match was spoiled somewhat by the lack of keepers and, due to the number of absentees, the teams were as imbalanced as the score line suggests. However, I remain convinced that the development of our youngsters indicate that the threes possess the talent to be league winners next season and I am sure that their remaining fixtures this season will continue this improvement.
From the two's point of view, their goal difference is now worth another point in their battle with Loch Lomond and they have an excellent chance of achieving Doc's target of 100 league goals for the season, especially if Amy & Fiona keep up their prolific scoring run. P 10 W 10 F 62 A 4
The 1st XI arrived at EK on Saturday to watch the Div 1 top of the table clash (and I use the word advisedly) between EK & Western and to see what we might expect next season. From 0-2, Western fought back to lead 3-2, only to lose an equaliser with 5 minutes to go. In a dramatic finish, however, Debbie Barr scored from almost the last hit of the ball to secure a vital 3 points.
Following that excitement, it didn't take long to get the scoring going against EK II, with Katie F notching a couple of early corners and some of our interplay in the first half was exceptional. Not for the first time, Tubbz capped a terrific performance with a solo goal from inside our 25. She makes it look so easy at times that you forget the level of skill required to glide past six or seven opponents without any of them getting a touch. The consistency shown by the backs this season has been one of the reasons we can attack with such confidence. On this occasion, Christie gave a block-tackling master class and, along with Rhona's positional sense and Elaine's calm efficiency, Katie & Tubbz inevitably get plenty of opportunities to move up into midfield and keep up the pressure.
The recent highlights of watching our one's have included seeing youngsters from the two's getting the opportunity to play occasional matches afforded by the strength of our league position. On Saturday, following her superb debut before Christmas, Anna Crawford got a second chance and, on this occasion, got to play in her favoured position of centre-mid, the normal position of five in a row man-of-the-match winner Jenny, so no pressure there then. In the event, she got stuck in like a veteran as Katie completed her hat-trick and further goals from Tubbz, Knoxie & Ailsa made the final score 8 - 0. Mia Cruikshank had her second shut out deputising for Rosinah and, instead of her usual man of the match, Jenny was anointed dummy of the day from a triple attempt to miss an open goal.
On Sunday, the oft postponed match against second placed Ferguslie eventually took place at Linwood. In view of their demolition of Kelburne we expected, and got, our toughest match of the season. Their defence worked really hard right up to the final minute and there is no doubt that their lack of subs affected the score line as we were constantly able to send on fresh young legs to attack them. The youngest of these belonged to Fiona Burnet who, like Anna, had enjoyed a spectacular debut against Hillhead before Christmas. If that was good, this was almost unbelievable. Ailsa had opened the scoring early on, deflecting a Fulton through ball past the startled keeper, before manager Eadie brought on young Burnett on the left wing. Within a minute, she appeared at the left post to slam home a Doig cross and almost before the cheering had died down she flew down the wing and hit a screamer in the far side of the net from what could euphemistically called an acute angle. Santa's cry of "Great cross Fiona" was most apt. So far and all was going to plan - it was all too easy. . . then, and not for the first time, Ferguslie broke away down their left and the winger's cross evaded all our sticks for their striker to pull one back. 3-1 at half time but their goal had focussed our attention. After her record breaking on Saturday, Fiona Nelson was making her 1st XI debut and we welcomed back Elspeth Couper to the midfield but the second half belonged to Miss Burnett, who completed her hat-trick early on. 4-1 and comfortable again but Ferguslie refused to give in and their forwards were, for the first time this season, giving the defence something to think about especially as their striker cracked in a second. 4-2 was definitely not part of our plan but, then again, we are not at the top of the league for nothing and Coups then chased a lost cause to retain possession and a quick transfer to Ailsa allowed her to elude her marker (something that had proved difficult all afternoon) and pop in a fifth. Skipper Caroline, who had a great weekend then confused the goalie with a reverse push to make the game safe before, in my opinion, the goal of the game. Heather, Katie, Jenny & Caroline kept possession before releasing Ailsa along the right by-line. As she neared the goal who should appear at the far post but the galloping Burnett and a beautifully weighted pass allowed her to crack in her fourth for a final score of 7 - 2. Two goals conceded in a match! Tomek will be furious.
Inexplicably, Ferguslie picked Jenny as man of the match. I am now convinced that she is using all her pocket money as bribes or maybe the fact that mum, Satnav, used to play for Ferguslie . . . . The dummy was unanimously awarded to Christie for a magnificent slip while tackling. Instead of her trademark block, we got the splits, a falling back in a giggling heap and a nutmeg all in one. I would like to apologise to all the players for guffawing at this while my whistle was still in my mouth, thereby stopping the game! P 11 W 11 F 85 A 4
Ladies Match Reports 12th/13th Dec 09
On Saturday, the long awaited 2nd v 3rd league game took place in mist shrouded Titwood. In the absence of Captain Laura, the two's did what they have done all season and ran out easy winners 8 - 0.
Amy Martin was top scorer with four, taking her up to second equal with Katie Fulton in the club charts with 14. Jess Scott notched another double, Elspeth Couper and goal a game Nelson completed the scoring.
While disappointing for the three's, there is plenty of evidence to suggest that they will follow the two's trajectory next season as the youngsters develop and for the second's there is great satisfaction of reaching halfway in the season with their 100% record intact and a healthy goal difference of 36.
The weekend also allowed the 1st XI to play two of their games in hand against dangerous opponents. Firstly GHK, who were promoted with us last year, again provided a tougher match than most and although we won 6 - 1, they were unfortunate to lose their centre-mid, Bev, just after half time. Mind you, we were missing Jay to illness, Elaine to injury, Christie & Heather to Xmas and Caroline to Sandhurst, where she was trying to see Prince Harry (she was too late and had to watch her brother passing out instead). After an initial stalemate, we won several shorts and, with Katie F scoring from the second, followed quickly by another Ailsa gem, the pressure was firmly applied to their defence. For the umpteenth week on the trot, Jenny was player of the match. We have now decided that this is because the opposition all think she is about 10 (then again, she probably did the same when she was 10!) because every week there have been a number of outstanding candidates. On Saturday, Tubbz, Katie F, Old Jo, Katie Mac & Ali formed a solid wall behind the forwards and left Rhona to her own devices, yet again. Ailsa completed another hat trick, Katie added a second and Knoxy, who had been very unlucky throughout scored the last. At 4-0, GHK broke through and we conceded only the 2nd league goal of the season. Tubbz was clearly upset as, receiving the push back, she danced through their entire team and switched the ball for a great finish. 12 seconds for revenge.
On Sunday, the venue changed to Jordanhill and the team changed even more for a game against Hillhead. With Caroline, Jay, Elaine & Knoxy missing. We were able to introduce two of our great 13 year olds, Anna Crawford & Fiona Burnett, initially to get a feel for first team hockey and a little court time. Oh ye of little faith. After 10 minutes Hazel and Ailsa (her 22nd so far this season) had us two up and manger Fulton put both girls on for their debuts. It had been noted during warm up that they could both leather the ball and, after only three minutes, Anna picked up a cross at the top of the D and gave the goalie no chance. Boy, can that girl smile! Katie, playing centre forward, added a fourth before half time and Mr Fulton decided that the newcomers had earned the rest of the match on the pitch. The second half was fairly one sided with Miss Crawford scoring a similar effort to her first and Fiona opening her account following up a short corner. Three more were scored by Hazel, Katie & Tubbz and umpire Cheyne was awarded dummy of the day for blowing time as Hazel was about to roll the ball into an empty net for double figures. I just thought he was being sporting! The player of the match was, remarkably, Jenny. All this and she got into the Scotland under 16's - can the two be in any way related? In truth, the match was an unqualified success. Anna & Fiona grabbed their chances with aplomb and, forgetting the goals, their all round performances and commitment were simply terrific. The good news is that Anna's wee sister, Olivia, has just started playing!
So, at the split, the 1st have also won all 8 matches but, having the advantage of other teams beating each other, lead by 6 points, with a game in hand.
Noting the standard of juniors in the 2nd & 3rd XI's, as well, I can't wait for the restart.
In the meantime there will be all manner of opportunities in friendlies throughout the festive season so please read your emails. See you at the party on Saturday. Bear.
Ladies Match Reports 5th/6th Dec 09
The 2nd XI played their only match of the year on grass with their visit to Irvine and returned with all three points from a match that, while it maintained their 100% league record, was not particularly enjoyed by adult and junior alike. It is easy for us old guys who grew up playing on some dreadful surfaces to laugh this off but, when you have played almost all of your hockey on artificial pitches or the Titwood grass, such matches are very difficult to adapt to and the returning Fiona Nelson and goal a game Laura Jamieson (well for the last two weeks anyway) made the final score 2-0 and ensured we remained 6 pts clear of Loch Lomond at the top of the league. The 1st XI entertained East Kilbride, when they eventually managed to get into Craigholme - many thanks to Elaine Macara, who left her game to collect the keys for us. In the absence of Rosinah, Knoxy, Jay and Elaine & Jenny, who were both on cross country duty, we welcomed back Katie McAlpine and gave a debut to Mia Cruikshank in goal. The absentees meant some positional jiggling about but, as has been the case all season, the girls responded in style and, after settling in, put relentless pressure on the EK defence, who responded in some style and it took far longer than normal to break the deadlock. When the first goal came it was, as ever, Ms Doig who applied the finishing touch. With Katie (F) playing in central midfield her normal place in the back four was taken by Christie Wilmot, who turned in a Fulton-like performance of attacking from deep along with Tubbz and this pressure began to take it's toll and further goals from Vance & McAlpine made it 3-0 at half time. The second half, if anything, was even more one sided and further goals from Fulton (2), Vance, Conejo & Doig made the final score 8-0 and clear space at the top of the league. Oh! and a shut out for Mia - that'll be a jug, dad. On Sunday, the 3rd XI had a friendly against Glasgow Uni 3rds. In the absence of a goalie, Mairi Gray & Liz Gilchrist did a half each and acquitted themselves well. Goals from Rose Fitzpatrick & Alex McLeod put us two ahead but as the game progressed a series of minor injuries slowed us down and the Uni girls clawed their way back and, having got one back just before half time, they played well in the second half and ran out 5-2 victors.
Saturday 28th November 2009
A defeat for the threes when, possibly, the absence of Val Gray meant that we only had one adult available but, yet again, the girls continue to develop and there are a number pushing for places in the higher teams. The manner in which the 2nd's are performing makes these opportunities few and far between, however, and Saturday was no exception. In a table top clash with Hillhead, the girls maintained their 100% record with a deserved 4 - 0 win. After waiting for a year for her first goal (& hat trick) last weekend, Lyndsey did it again and Laura Jamieson was this week's debut goal scorer. Fiona Nelson, back from holiday, and Amy got the other two, both moving to double figures for the season but the player of the match, after her terrific performance last week, was 13 year old Fiona Burnet. Given her starring role for the under 18's last Sunday, there will be one or two first teamers looking anxiously over their shoulders. The ones also had a table top clash with old rivals Kelburne. While we have won all our games but have had several postponements, Kelburne had played three more games and topped the league by 3 pts. Their last two games, however, had registered losses against teams that we would have expected them to dominate so there was a suspicion that they may have lost some players. On the day, a fairly strong squad arrived and we expected a tough encounter. Since the stunning performance against East Kilbride in last year's plate semi, the coaches, parents and, I am sure, the players, have been hoping to see a repetition and on Saturday it came pretty close. From the off, Kelburne attacked and Rhona was immediately into the fray with a great block. From then on she produced her best performance of the season and along with Christie, Tubbz & Elaine controlled the match from the back. Obviously, as usual, Katie was absent as she joined up with the midfield along with Caroline, Jo & Jenny who all ran themselves into the ground to keep possession and press for almost the whole match. This would have meant little if the forwards hadn't performed as well but Knoxy, again, proved the benefit of an old head with the first two beautifully finished strikes to really get the game going. Ailsa & Hazel, on the wings, were getting the service that every forward thrives on and Ms Doig made it 3 - 0 before half time. In the second half, manager Fulton called the changes and Ali Eadie came on at centre for Knoxy. She has now played in about every position except goal this season, without a complaint, and she celebrated this role with two terrific goals, one from a Doig cross and the other following a rebound from a Fulton shot. Ailsa, who had an outstanding second half, also added a second and Hazel did an Ali and netted from another rebound, much to their keeper's annoyance. With a minute to go, Jenny capped yet another player of the match performance with a solo effort from the top of the D to make the final score 8 - 0 and put us top of the league, still with three games in hand. The dummy of the day was deemed to be Jay, who was appearing in the Glasgow Gang Show, for missing out on the carnage.
Girls Under 18 Cup Matches 22nd Nov 09
11:20am v Kelso High 8 = 0 win to 'Dale
2pm v Strathallan 2 - 2 draw despite 80% pressure - well according to Ronnie...
This had been revamped due to teams calling off!
Ladies Match Reports
Saturday 21st November 2009
Ladies II 10 - 0 Giffnock IV
Our roving reporter was at the game as the 1st team game was postponed due to a flooded Lower Windyedge pitch. We look forward to his words of insight. That's not right, a Bear does not rove, is it not more of a prowl?
On a day of monsoon-like weather, the ladies 1st XI stop-start season stopped again when the "all-weather" Lower Windyedge succumbed to flooding!
That enabled the team & supporters to appear at the altogether drier Titwood to support the two's against Giffnock. Top of the league against bottom should be predictable and, from the off, it was easy to see who was who but, if victory appeared a foregone conclusion, the crowd and the coaches wanted to see if the recent performances and the outstanding attendance record at training could be transformed into something substantial.
From the off, Clydesdale pressed and Lara Tompkins hit three excellent early crosses across the face of the goal which were missed by attack and defence alike, probably due to the fact that most of both teams had taken up residency in their D. Because of this the goals, when they came, were a bit scrappy but persistence paid off and Amy & Lyndsey forced in three before half time. Santa & Bear then explained the benefits of using the whole pitch and not cluttering the middle. Thankfully, everyone listened and the second half showed why they have maintained their 100% record this season. Suddenly the ball was played round the back and Lena, Tereza, Laura & Katy switched the ball from wing to wing with aplomb. This had the effect of drawing the Giffnock defence up field and the midfield dynamos Burnet, Mathieson & di Ciacca took full advantage, releasing Amy & Lyndsey to complete hat-tricks. When Amy scored her fourth, we were delighted to note that her education has not all been wasted, as she waved the appropriate number of fingers to everyone in her vicinity. Added to Lyndsey's debut goal, Stefania also scored her first but the score of the match belonged to 13 year old Fiona Burnet, who capped a fantastic performance with a run from outside the 25 which swept her past the full back into the area, whereupon she jinked past the centre backs, paused until the keeper made her move, and slipped the ball tidily into the net. "How did she do that?" cried 1st XI skipper Vance. She kept both hands on the stick, Caroline!
Throughout the second half, Lara continued to torment from the wing to such a degree that she was named player of the match but, to be honest, they could justifiably have picked almost anyone from a great team effort. They will have tougher matches in the weeks to come but, if they remember how they played in the second half, they will continue to succeed.
Ladies Match Reports
Saturday 14th November 2009
After a three week break in what is already a disjointed season, all the ladies teams returned to league action on Saturday.
Before we had even started we were delighted to note that Rosinah Akhtar, Jenny Eadie, Caitlin Girdwood and last year's player of the year, Karin Belch, had all been selected for the Scotland under 16 training squad. Well done girls - it is well deserved!
First up at Craigholme were the 3rd XI. Following a first half, described by Pat Arnott & Val Gray as the best they had played all season, Rosie Shanks followed her earlier school hat-trick with the opener against GHK after 2 minutes of the second half. The Dale continued to press but, unfortunately, with 10 minutes to go the youngsters tired and the older High School girls equalised and then took the points with a second goal in the last minute. Despite this, the girls were very upbeat and pointed out that, due to the early start, they had been restricted to only 11 players and that this had been the difference and not their ability.
At the same time, and similarly affected by call offs, the two's visited Greenock and, in a match dominated by the Dale midfield, ran out comfortable 7 - 1 winners. Captain Laura Mackie was especially delighted that all our goals were scored by juniors - Fiona Burnett, Jenny Mathieson & Amy Brown with 2 each and Elspeth Couper with a rare effort from midfield. Having spent Monday training working hard on shooting, this was very tangible evidence that sometimes it works! This result maintains the team's 100% record and makes the next few weeks very interesting.
The final game of the day brought 3rd placed Greenock 1st to Craigholme for a floodlit encounter against the 1's. From the start, we played much as we had finished against Broomhill in the cup - too much running with ball in the middle of the park and not enough quick passing. It was obvious that Greenock were a useful side, who had an experienced defence and fast forwards and we were missing an entire forward line, Knoxy, Hazel & Jay, through illness. But it shouldn't have taken 20 minutes for the first decisive pass to reach Ailsa in the D. As has been the norm for the past three years, she deflected the ball past the stricken keeper and the team visibly relaxed. At half-time, manager R Fulton spelled out what was required and the second half was quite a different affair. The ball started doing the work and Caroline & Jo got more involved with Jenny, playing at centre forward, turning in a player of the match performance with a well taken second early on. Katie then scored with as hard a short corner strike as she has struck to make the game safe but no-one could have predicted what was to follow. With depleted resources, manager Fulton threw right back, Elaine Eadie, on at centre forward only for her to deflect a Conejo shot into the bottom corner. Her scream of "I've scored for the ladies" (after 4 years) brought an immediate complaint from the Noise Abatement Society and a well deserved Dummy of the Day.
On Sunday, the 4thXI welcomed Loch Lomond to Titwood for a friendly, which allowed several of the girls, who were unavailable on Saturday, to get a run out and they did themselves proud with a well deserved 3 - 1 victory over an excellent young side made up, in the main, by Lomond schoolgirls. With Arlene Carruthers & Liz Gilchrist keeping things steady at the back and Karen McQuarrie providing a bit of defensive pace, the first half was evenly fought until Lomond went ahead in the last minute. Umpire/Coach/Manager Bear trying to utilise 16 players changed a couple of things for the second half and Caitlin, Lara Tompkins and Morven McEwan combined well together to control midfield. After a period of sustained pressure, Frances Feeley picked up a Brogan cross and thumped home the equaliser. Nothing, however, could have prepared your scribe for what happened next. Picking up a rebound just inside the 23, Caitlin ran the ball to the top right of the D and clattered the ball over the keeper's head into the far postage stamp, still rising! Suffice to say it took a couple of seconds to blow for the goal as I couldn't believe what I'd just seen - no wonder she's had Scotland's call. Another Girdwood, Tomkins move ended with Lara crossing from the right and Morven running in at the far post to convert. Another Monday special seems to work. Well done Santa for arranging this series of Sunday matches - so far, they have all been excellent and the pool of league players continues to expand at an alarming rate.
Saturday 31st October 2009
With virtually a full squad to pick from, the ladies 1st XI headed to Scotstoun for a last-16 cup tie against Broomhill in good spirits. Having beaten them at the same stage two years ago, when we were still in division 4 and winning both league matches comfortably last season, anything other than a further victory would have been deemed a shock.
In the circumstances, a magnificent move in the first 90 seconds ended with Ailsa crossing to Knoxie for a close range finish and a bumper score looked in order. Unfortunately, for the first time in a long time, the team then decided that dribbling the ball, rather than passing, was the order of the day and a lot of excellent running off the ball by the forwards went unrewarded for nearly twenty minutes before Caroline, Hazel & Jay made the game secure before half-time. The second half went much the way of the first with some robust Broomhill defending keeping the score down while conceding a number of penalty corners. Unusually, Katie was unlucky with a number of strikes and Jay livened things up with a drag flick that rattled the top of the post (and the defenders). Ailsa, with two, and captain Caroline, avoiding her second hat trick in two games took the final tally to 7 - 0 and a place in the quarter finals.
At the same stage, the second eleven played Giffnock III, who had succumbed to the 1st's 14-1 last week. In a match that promises much for the rest of the league season, they succumbed 1 - 2 but the performance far outweighed the result. Giffnock scored from two penalty corners following breakaways but the Dale girls spent much of the game on the attack and after Amy Brown pulled one back at the start of the second half they enjoyed almost total possession. That this possession did not lead to further goals was a big disappointment to the girls but, as was the case the previous week, the Giffnock goalie was outstanding. Santa & Bear were quick to point out that such results were part & parcel of the game and they would undoubtedly win future matches they didn't deserve and, after all, they had just given a team from two divisions higher a heck of a fright.
Saturday 24th October 2009
After a two week break, due to the October school week, the ladies returned to league duties on Saturday.
With Elaine & Jenny Eadie running in the Scottish School's cross country, the 1st XI welcomed skipper Caroline back for her first league match of the season, against Giffnock, and she responded with two goals and the player of the match accolade. A very quick opening goal was followed by 10-15 minutes of competitive hockey before two outstanding far post deflections from Ailsa & Hazel, both from Katie Fulton passes, settled the nerves and despite a brilliant penalty save from Knoxy (her first ever miss apparently - shades of Bear!) the Dale took complete control. KK finished the half with a second penalty conversion and a comfortable 7-0 lead. The second half followed a similar pattern - Ailsa, Hazel & Jay proved too quick up front and the midfield and defence pressed hard to keep the game almost entirely in the Giffnock half. It is always easy to say the opposition 'keeper is great when you are on top but, in this case, she really was their best player with a series of terrific saves which avoided a record score. Katie F, Ailsa & Hazel all completed hat-tricks but, with three minutes left, we were caught on the break and conceded our first league goal of the season much to the horror of the large, noisy, crowd.
Having provided the bulk of the noisy support, the 2nd XI then played Loch Lomond, who started the match level on points. It was all one way traffic for Lomond, at least that is what their umpire seemed to be signalling but even he could not prevent goal-a-game Fiona Nelson score a well taken winner. The game, however, is not over until the umpire blows and, on this occasion, with one minor stoppage in the second half, the umpire played an astonishing 17 minutes of overtime, despite Kenny McCrae's protestations. The result puts the two's at the top of the table and looking forward to next week's cup tie against the Giffnock side they had just studied against the ones. Stefinia was once again voted player of the match for her solid performance in her mid field role. This win places the 2's in the lead spot of the league.
The 3rd XI were away to Irvine and this has always been a fixture that has caused us concern in the past. Played on grass, it heavily favours the home team, as many of our girls have never played on that surface. On this occasion, the pitch was in better nick than previous years but their greater strength proved too much and we lost 0 - 2. Yet again Maisha Kimingi was our star with her battling style well suited for the fray and, at least, the girls are safe in the knowledge that they will be on artificial for the return.
On Sunday we had another first. With the ever increasing number of players available, we held a 4th XI friendly against a Dalziel "development" team. In the event, 8 of their 1st turned up and our girls made up the numbers. On a miserable day, the girls were always going to be up against it v. such senior opposition but gave a terrific performance all round. Mia Cruikshank had a marvellous game in goal despite a 2 - 5 score line almost certainly against the biggest opponents she has met yet. Arlene Carruthers & Jeanette Lindsay made their debuts after regular attendance at training and showed they have been paying attention thereat! The younger players also got stuck in and Vanessa Hogan & Caitlin Girdwood scored the best two goals of the match, the latter another far-post deflection from a Jenny Eadie rocket. As a first attempt, this was a major success and we will be repeating it as often as possible throughout the season.
Saturday 3rd October 2009
THE DALE RELINQUISH PLATE TROPHY
The 3rd XI were indebted to Alice Sherwood on Saturday as she stood in for our sick goalie, Nicola Shaw. While she had an excellent match and was in now way to blame for a 1-4 league defeat, there is little doubt she was badly missed in the forward line. Hillhead were older and stronger but, as the game progressed, our youngsters grew in confidence and were rewarded by an excellent goal from Vanessa Hogan. At the back, our adults Val & Pat were in the thick of things and player of the match, Maisha, rarely missed a tackle but the lack of experience in midfield and an injury to Lara Tomkins meant that moving the ball forward proved too difficult and Hillhead enjoyed a fair degree of territorial advantage. Despite this, Robyn Belch proved, yet again, that size isn't everything, especially in the first half when her contribution deserved better luck.
Meanwhile, in the cup, both the 1st & 2nd XI's progressed to round two, thereby exiting the plate competition. At Hillhead, the two's had a comfortable 6-0 win, managing to keep the opposition out our D for the entire match. Two early goals from Amy Brown got us off to a good start and a Fiona Nelson hat-trick plus a goal from the player of the match, the ever improving Jenny Mathieson, sealed the win. Skipper Laura Mackie was delighted with the result but more especially with the performance of the younger players who more than matched a far more mature Hillhead side. Fiona Burnet, Anna Crawford & Frances Lonergan continue to excel and, adding the experience of Elspeth Couper & Katie Lang to the mix just proved too quick.
For the first time since playing Glasgow Accies in last year's cup, the 1st XI played a team that pushed them all the way. Western Wildcats won division 4 last year in much the same fashion as we did the previous year and played with great spirit and discipline throughout. That said, we deservedly won 4-3 but, hopefully, will learn a couple of lessons from playing such a quick team. Rhona was exposed on several occasions on the break and there is no doubt that Katie & Tubbz trip to India and a late injury to Elaine didn't help matters. The rejigged back four understandably took time to knit and we certainly missed the usual speed of release to let Ailsa & Jay go on the wings. That said, Jenny had another terrific performance in central midfield and, not for the first time, the smallest player on the pitch was player of the match.
Losing the first goal in 15 minutes, we then had an extended period of pressure and were rewarded by two typical Doig goals, only to lose an equaliser almost immediately. A long run from Heather, unusually playing left back, was beautifully struck to regain the lead, swiftly followed by goal of the game from Hazel Imrie, running in from deep on the right and skelping the ball just inside the near post.
Two minutes later, Jay drag flicked a penalty corner high to the left hand post, which was saved by the defender, only for the rebound to be driven home. As the girls celebrated going 5-2 ahead, umpire Tart called the initial shot dangerous and, instead of being comfortable, Western broke quickly from the 16 and scored a third to make the last 10 minutes very exciting. Both teams contributed to an excellent match that was thoroughly enjoyed by a sizeable support.
There is now a two week break in the fixture list due to the school October week but, following these performances, the selectors' job is not getting any easier!
A friendly game has been arranged with Greenock on Sunday - 11th October starting at 1.00pm on the Astro pitch at Titwood.
Results 19th September 09
Uddingston 0 - 13 Clydsedale I
GHK IV 1 - 4 Clydesdale II
Clydesdale III 0 - 2 Hillhead V
The Bear Essentials!
Following such an encouraging start to the season last week, all three ladies teams improved on their performances although the 3rd XI unfortunately lost a match they completely dominated.
With Skipper Vance sunning herself in Berlin and VC Katie Fulton off buying an exotic wardrobe for her trip to India, 1st XI captaincy was handed back to Old Jo Armstrong, who celebrated the return of the armband by scoring her first goal since 2007. She was not alone as the team demonstrated their well practised possession play to utterly dominate Uddingston Ladies, eventually winning 13 - 0 and going to the top of the league. From the off, Uddy self passed and charged forwards, only to lose the ball to Jenny Eadie about a second later and not get it back again for about 7 minutes, when Jenny finished another sweeping move from the top of the D. This was followed 2 minutes later by Jay Cheyne's first goal since her return from Western and the game already looked safe. In Katie's absence the team could not rely on her short corner expertise, but it was a delight to watch the forwards take responsibility and score 9 of the goals. The key to this is our speed down the flanks coupled with Knoxy's ability to either deflect crosses into the net or to direct them to one of the youngsters. As well as scoring twice herself, Jay, Ailsa & Hazel all benefited from her passes.
After 10 minutes Christie Wilmot was introduced at left back. Recently transferred from Giffnock and making her debut, she provided a immediate addition to the back four with a couple of crunching tackles and immediately began to link with Rhona, Tubbz, Ali & Elaine, so much so that poor Rosinah in goal didn't touch the ball all afternoon. Tubbz played at her international best and thoroughly deserved man of the match, which was only slightly marred by arriving with her legs covered in black ink spots. She was, quite rightly, also awarded the dummy for bringing Dalmatians into disrepute.
Meanwhile, at Anniesland, the 2nd XI also went to the top of the league with a powerful display against GHK, winning 4 - 1 which, with tidier finishing, could have been a lot more. The midfield, in particular, looked very strong with Stefania di Ciacca producing a player of the match performance and our Czech import, Tereza McLaughlin, scoring her debut goal. Nursing mum Tereza is still building up her fitness but is clearly the real deal and has also just completed her Level 1 Coaching certificate, which we will put to good use!. Jess Scott followed her brace for the threes last week with another double and Lara Tomkins completed the scoring. In goal, Mia Cruikshank continues to gain in confidence and, along with the other GK's, the input of goalie coach, Greig Cunningham, on Monday nights is beginning to bear fruit.
While the 3rds lost, there was much to be encouraged by and our new seniors, Pat Arnott & Val Gray, playing with daughters Amy & Mairi, thoroughly enjoyed their return to competitive hockey. Yet another youngster, Morven McEwan, was player of the match, following her success at the last two hockey camps, and all that was missing was a bit more firepower up front. With 10 call-offs from the 1st & 2nd XI's this week, it should not be an issue in future although, with such positive results, the selectors' task is somewhat unenviable.
Saturday report - 11th September 2009
Clydesdale Ladies, with three league teams entered in the West District League for the first time, started the season in some style with all three sides winning their opening fixtures.
The third XI, on debut, beat Giffnock 2-1 with Jessica Scott scoring her second late on to secure all 3 points. Three newcomers to senior hockey all made encouraging starts, Flora Walker and Rose Fitzpatrick showed great promise and Robyn Belch, named player of the match, proved that big sister Karin is not the only talent in the family.
The second XI began the season where they left off last year with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Hillhead. Goals from Fiona Nelson & Alice Sherwood settled the match but captain Laura Mackie was happier about the overall display, which she felt was already an improvement and, once her short corner team had the chance to practise, augured well for the future. Francis Lonergan, Maisha Kimingi and Jenny Mathieson all made telling contributions but the player of the match was yet another youngster, Lara Tomkins.
The 1st XI travelled to sunny Saltcoats to discover that there were no proper goals on the pitch and that we could either use indoor goals or rearrange the fixture. In the circumstances Skipper Vance elected to play but there is no doubt that the mini goals prevented a goal fest. The 'Dale had almost 90% possession and a short corner count of 19-1 but a remarkable number of shots either slid past the wee goals or the Ardrossan goalie, who was their best player, had a simpler task than normal in making numerous saves. With Caroline in training for the Berlin marathon next week and Rhona on holiday, the team was buoyed by the return of Tubbz from UK Games participation and Lauren Halley & Jay Cheyne from Western and it took little time to show that we have considerable strength in depth. It took 25 minutes, however, for Katie Fulton to break the deadlock from a well worked short corner switch and "the older woman" Knoxie settled the match with a goal in the first attack of the second half, which won her player of the match. The inaugural Dummy of the Day was won by Hezza for a ridiculous celebration dance in the Ardrossan clubhouse, which had the supporters shaking their heads in either disbelief or pity. Roll on next week.
Bear