Sunday 19/06/11

The girls played Watsonians in an exciting game. The 'Dale won 3-2 in this challenging encounter. This game marks the end of the under 16 girls club season for 2010-2011.

Sunday 8th May - Scottish District Cup Final

Following on from a narrow victory the previous Sunday against Orkney in the semi final a more experienced side took to the field. Boasting no less than 8 previous internationalists the Milne Craig Clydesdale Western 2s approached the game in what seemed a confident mood..

Just before the start of the game the Edinburgh weather delivered a downpour that left the pitch in almost perfect playing condition. Luckily, the rain was finishing as we took to the pitch.

Despite the experience on the pitch it seemed a nervy start as Giffnock took the game to MCCW. However, the experience on the pitch did not allow Giffnock the space to create many goal-scoring chances with Stobo called upon to make only 2 relatively simple kicking saves. The MCCW side took time to deal with the threat of the young Giffnock side and so did not create many chances themselves.

With no score in the first half both teams took time to consider their game plan but the options selected by MCCW seemed to be more effective as they mounted a number of attacks on the Giffnock goal, won several short corners but to no avail despite one corner strike hitting the post. Under this pressure Giffnock only managed two attacks into the MCCW defensive area but did create the need for goal minder Stobo to make a save.

Both teams had adopted a 4 – 4 – 2 formation that resulted in most of the play being fought out in the middle half of the pitch.

MCCW created most of the scoring chances towards the end of game but did not get that elusive match winning goal. Either a defender or Giffnock goal minder, Sandra Leitch, blocked the shots from Bethan Mann, Karen Longmuir, Lorna Dobbie, Kath Gray, Fiona Burnet and Jenny Eadie.

With no score come the sound of final horn both squads selected their penalty stroke-taking players. MCCW won the toss and captain, Kath Gray, elected her team to start. A confident Bethan Mann stepped up to the mark and slotted the ball low to the ‘keepers right. The sound of the ball striking the backboard confirmed a goal. With Giffnock now under pressure an agile and confident looking Kirstin Stobo had a chance to show her goal minding prowess. As the penalty stoke was flicked goal bound Stobo dived to her right pulling of a great save. With the score in favour of MCCW Lorna Dobie stepped up but the fast stick of Leitch deflected the ball passed the ‘keppers right hand post. The next effort by Giffnock was saved by Stobo diving right to block the ball and re-establing the MCCW leading margin.

A young Jennie Eadie now stepped forward. With the confidence of youth on her side she stoked the ball high to the right of ‘keeper Leitch causing the net and her chest to swell with both pride and joy. This also gained a two-goal advantage. The next Giffnock player managed to beat the prowess of Stobo with a ball low to the left of the ‘keeper.

The experienced Karen Barr stepped up next. Not feeling relieved of the pressure until the ball struck the backboard low to Leitch’s right. With the next Giffnock player, obviously feeling the pressure of a 3 – 1 advantage to MCCW, she took a nervy flick low to Stobo’s left. The ever-alert Stobo dived low to get a strong block in place to prevent the goal bound ball continuing its progress to the target. After a few moments delay the umpires confirmed it was all over with a 3 – 1 victory to now rejoicing Milne Craig Clydesdale Western squad.

Sunday 1st May - Blue Skies in Aberdeen

The sky was blue on 1st May on a surprisingly hot day. So much for weather forecasts! This made hard fast moving hockey a challenge for both Orkney and Milne Craig Clydesdale Western but each team tried to raise their respective games to match the occasion.
Orkney seemed to be better equipped in the 1st half so the 0 - 0 half time score was slightly favourable to MCCW.
After the half time interval MCCW seemed to have gotten the 3 hour bus journey out of their legs and so began to swing the game in their favour. With more opportunities and 3 penalty corners they certainly began to look like they wanted to win.
With some nervous moments in both defences it took some tenacious play by Fi Reid, with 10 minutes of play left, to bring the hope of avoiding a penalty decider, much to the relief of all but the Orkney assembly a ball finally went over the goal line.  The ball was crossed from the right by Fi Burnet and found the stick of Fi Reid in the crowded D. With a blocked shot the ball fell between goalie and defender then under and behind goalie and probably a nudge from goalie put the ball over the line.
Whilst Orkney were not yet defeated the sharpness seemed to leave them or the confidence rose within MCCW to see a more dominate game and the remaining 10 minutes seemed to fly bye to the sound of the horn signalling full time.
Both teams deserve high praise for a grand spectacle of hockey but in the end the honour of a cup final goes to Blue Sox. Peffermill next Sunday - 8th May v Giffnock A.

Well done to Kirstin, Lizzie, Susie, Anne, Fi Reid, Fi Burnet, Bethan, Helen, Frances, Karen, Jenny and Ali.
Santa

6th April 2011

The season is nearing a close for with all the district league games completed and only a few reserve and national league games outstanding.

Blue/Orange/White sox combined team remain in the Scottish District cup

White Sox won division 1 of the West ladies district league, Navy Sox came a close 2nd with the 3rd placed Glasgow Uni a dozen points behind.

The CW 2s and 3s finished a very crediable mid league considering all the players that stepped up teams to fill the voids created by a long list of injuries and a switch in tactics of the 1st team carrying a bigger squad.

We will need to wait and see the final places for the 1s, Blue Sox and Orange Sox.

Santa

Youngsters to the Fore (& Four for the Oldies) 21st & 22nd March 2011

With all the rearranged matches now jamming the calendar, it is difficult to keep up the reports but I start this week with the Navy Sox visit to Cumbernauld on Saturday.   As in many matches this year it was a solid victory for youth and pace against experience and, while the girls dominated for a lot of the game, their keeper did a great job in keeping the score so low. Unfortunately, with goals counting for so much in the run-in it was not a great day (or pitch!) to only manage 2. The good news is that they were scored by FAB & Alice, who continue to amaze on a weekly basis but, as ever, the bulk of the work was being carried out by Tubbz & Katy, the former still suffering from illness, who caused problems all over the pitch. Debutant Flora Walker was given plenty of court time and used it to great effect and with Rhona & Rosinah in their usual good form another shut out was recorded.   On Sunday we travelled to Beith to play Garnock for the first time and had a straightforward 5 - 0 victory (although umpire Cheyne had awarded Garnock a goal that was turned over by the other umpire!). Yet again the opposition goalie was inspired but we also missed a remarkable number of chances. Thankfully the captain had brought her shooting stick and coolly converted a couple of short corners to set us on our way. Heather has also been scoring on a regular basis of late and added a well crafted effort here to her tally. Young (!) Katie also scored and FAB probably got the best of the lot near the end. Garnock struggle with player numbers apparently but they have a couple of excellent youngsters who put on quite a show against a much stronger team.   Back at 'Dale the 2nds beat a useful Strathclyde Uni side 2 - 1 with a terrific debut goal from Rachel Campbell and a joint effort from Anna Crawford & Rosie Shanks. It was great seeing Anna back from illness and along with Alice, Annie & Emma in midfield did much to control the game. Given that we played with Laura as kicking back, this was a great effort and a thoroughly entertaining match.   And so to Tuesday and the third round of the White/Navy Sox saga, this time in the cup. The final score of 5 - 3 to the white sox tells you just about all you need to know. It was a great match and, yet again, played to a standard that belied the fact that it was a district match. At 0 - 2 the navy sox went 3 - 2 up with a flurry of goals from Alice, Ailsa & Heather but, in the end the white sox greater strength and experience was just too much. It remains a credit to all concerned that we have so much talent available at the club and it is no surprise that the two squads continue to dominate the league table.   On Saturday the Two's visited Hillhead and, still without a keeper, captain Jamieson returned to her kicking role. As it happened the youngsters in midfield and up front played so well that she was able to play as sweeper and only conceded one late goal. In the meantime Rosie had achieved the almost impossible and had not avoided a hat-trick (she left that to Amy Cummings!) but netted four in a convincing 6 - 1 win. Maisha, playing her first game in ages was in great form and as for Mini Steiger, well look out Holly. Rose & Victoria did everything required at the back and Alice, Annie & Mairead set up a load of chances. When the wingers remember where the wing actually is and the strikers realise that they can pass the ball round a charging goalie, goodness knows how many this lot might score.   On Sunday, a much changed Greaves Clydesdale visited Kinross in the District Cup 1/4 final. Missing all our Scotland -16's and playing the unbeaten midlands league leaders, this was always going to be tough and, without a regular goalie, Laura J agreed to wear pads for the first time.  What followed was a terrific achievement, as the girls won 4 - 2 to set up a semi final against CALA. Two from Knoxy and one from Ailsa might have been expected but the fourth from debutant Kirsty Forgie, playing alongside five of the previous days 2nds, was the icing on the cake. With 5 adults and 3 sixth years, this was possibly the oldest team that we have ever sent out and we didn't even have old Jo available!

14th March

Navy Sox received confirmation that they are through to the final of the West District cup.

They will play Dumfries at 2:00pm on the 27th March @ Titwood. The plate match between Garnock and Glasgow University 3s will start at 12:15pm.

8th March A potential new player arrived today. Tereza delivered Roza weighing in at 4.05kg. I may have to wait a few years but I am confident we will see Roza on the pitch at Titwood!

3rd March Doigs in Cloning Controversy

Following the previous weekend's double header against Glasgow Uni, Saturday brought the much awaited first clash between White & Navy Sox and, suffice to say, it didn't fail to live up to expectation and provided a third great match on the trot.

After some of the most shambolic pitch delays and a double booking, the match started two hours late, which enabled spectators to watch a turgid national reserve league match and, by comparison, what followed was a huge improvement in both pace and skill.

Navy Sox got off to a flyer with FAB setting up Ailsa, to get behind the left back and cross to Hazel at the far post for an excellent opener. Yet, just as some thought this was going to be straightforward, White Sox did what they have done all season and equalised with a super finish from right winger Holly Steiger (who? - Ed.).  Game on.

Navy's first short corner allowed Katy to bang in yet another in a hugely productive season but, again, and in similar fashion, the Whites came straight back to level. After some terrific midfield duels, Fiona again found Ailsa on the break and this time she finished the move herself. 25 minutes gone and 3 - 2. It was great to watch. Having witnessed some of the White Sox in their pomp and marvelled at their prowess, it was the ridiculously uncapped Sharon Duncan who was causing the most damage. Since the 'Dale/Navy Sox started, no single player has caused them so much trouble. In what appeared to be a free role she spent the evening (!) prompting her forwards and it was only some excellent defensive work that prevented a very different ending.

Just before half time, yet another through ball saw Katie McAlpine streak past a helpless White's back 4 to open a gap for the first time.

The second half was possibly even more exciting, as the White's greater experience ensured that the youngsters had to stick to their game plan or suffer the consequences. Apart, obviously, from missing Wendy, the slight difference was that the Navy's constant subbing ensured a regular supply of fresh sprinters and, unfortunately, Marge strained a calf during all this and she is just a tad difficult to replace. Despite Ailsa adding a fifth, White's, through Sharon, won a succession of corners and, for the third week on the trot, Rosinah proved that all that specialist training is bearing fruit.

And so to the finale. Another wonderful break down the right by Ailsa was followed by almost a mirror image of the first goal only, this time, instead of a tap in, Hazel cracked it into the roof for goal of the game. I think the result was fair but the final score of 6-2 was rather flattering.

Much to my surprise on Sunday, as I took my place on the bench for the seconds v Argyle, I wondered how Ailsa could be playing again only to discover that wee sister Emma is actually a secret twin (although not so good at pizza deliveries or shopping apparently) and was making her debut along with Rachel Campbell & Rhona McCarte in a very young team. Despite my concerns about inexperience, I am delighted to report that they looked like they had played together for years. Given the fact that Rachel is a goalie, who Hutchie won't play outfield, she must be some keeper because she put in a great show on the right wing.

All this was possible due to the excellent control of the defence, where Victoria, Lena, Rose, Flora & Rhona settled in and kept Mia well protected while the dynamos that are Annie, Emma & Julie kept Robynho & Lara regularly supplied. I suspect the average age was about 15 against an experienced and solid Argyle side, all of which made for a very entertaining afternoon even without the added attraction of any goals.

As snowed off fixtures appear again in quick succession, the Navy Sox travelled to Jordanhill on Monday for a district cup 1/4 final match against Hillhead III.

Given our recent form and a succession of comfortable results against the same opposition, it might have been assumed that this would have been fairly straight forward but Hillhead were having none of it and it took a tremendous effort to overcome some very talented youngsters.

The first couple of minutes were spent chasing the ball as the 'Head kept possession and the coaches checked the script but, once we finally got a shot with the round thing through Elaine Eadie, the whole team settled down into something approaching their usual gusto. With Tubbz & Knoxy ill and injured it was a night for the seniors, Rhona & Caroline, to set an early example and both responded in some style, the latter having her best game of the season (must have heard how the youngsters did on Saturday!). Combine this with all the pace that has become the trademark and we were soon making regular inroads to their D. Following a panicky bit of defending Heather scored the opener with a well taken shot and, I suspect, Hillhead must have wondered what they had done wrong. While they were still thinking, one of the Doig sisters (not sure which) did what she has been doing since the team started and came in from the right wing to double the lead and finally settled the nerves. This allowed the introduction of Alice Sherwood and debutant Rosie (hat-trick avoidance) Shanks who both played very well indeed although Rosie did admit "I'm really nervous, you know", completely undoing Ailsa's nerve settling of moments previously!

Try as they might, Hillhead rarely got in our D and, when they did, Rosinah's imperious form of late was well up to the challenge, ably supported by some very strong defending from Lena, Elaine & Frances. Captain Katie, Coups & FAB slowly took over midfield and the skipper scored two more to make the score line look a lot more decisive than much of the game actually was but all in all it was another excellent all round performance with FAB getting the nod as player of the match.

The result, however, means another match with White Sox in the Semi-Final so, as a prelude to that, the two sides squared up again on Thursday for what turned out to be another great advert for the game and the club.

With minor changes in personnel on both sides the White Sox tactics changed slightly as they sat back and looked to attack on the break and in the opening period their plan worked well, accruing a succession of penalty corners and successfully cutting down the number of passes getting to the Navy wingers. Tubbz, however, recovering from 'flu and sounding like an ageing seal was, again, a class apart and took the game to the White's whenever possible.

I thought the youngsters might have learned from Saturday that, if you put the ball near a multiple-capped international, there is a slight possibility that they might relieve you of it but, time and again, they tried to disprove the theory. Only they didn't. Ann & Marge were proving an irresistible barrier while Sharon started where she left off on Saturday.

But, just as on Monday, the Navy Sox grew in confidence as the game progressed and the midfield became more and more competitive as "old" Caroline (sorry but Jo wasn't playing) along with FAB and the two Jenny's began to find more space. Eventually, after a string of corners of their own, Katy switched the ball left for the Hobbit to open the scoring just before half time.

If anything, like Saturday, the second half was even more absorbing with neither side giving an inch and the Navy's decided to give youth a chance (!) bringing on Rosie & Lara. It appeared that Rosie had left her nerves at Jordanhill as she very nearly turned in a Doig cross after a great run to the far post. Meanwhile Lara had, at long last, discovered the way to stop Ms Duncan running the show. We coaches call this the stick tackle or the "Tompkins" as it shall henceforth be known. In fairness she also was very involved in several build ups and both sides created opportunities a plenty without getting anything past either excellent goalie.

So it ended up with another Navy victory but, in my opinion, the real winner was hockey and great credit is due to everyone involved. I am sure that the large gang of Navy supporters will have enjoyed what they have watched in the last week more than any other series of games over the last few years. Bring on the semi.

20th February - Pat's perceptions

The 3s entertained new girls on the block. Loch Lomond 2s at home. The Lomond team featured the strong adversary in goal that we remembered from last year. But don't worry, we had Rosinah! The Lomond team were strong in defence with much of their experienced players fielding the onslaught from the 3s attackers (and I chose my words carefully). Rosie Shanks coming back to the team after a dose of concussion was on fire for much of the match. She might not have told you the year or the name of the prime minister but that was because she was terrorising the Lomond goalie. (Who got her own back later, see below). The midfield and forwards dominated the proceedings and were relentless in their pressure on the Lomond defence. Rosie scored first then Lomond equalised from a PC. That just plain annoyed our forwards who responded with goals from Dawn and Mairi. Bear immediately texted Ronnie and Maggie on holiday in Paris to share the momentous news........ Oooh la la!

Although we had much of the pressure there were some lovely young players in Lomond's ranks, and they always looked dangerous as they attacked quickly on the break and in number. However, they were no match for our spicy gingers, Karina and Amy or for Irish charmer Una who dominated the centre of defence. The team played well, and looked good especially when we found Sophia, Sophie and Dawn high on our wings. It was a joy to behold as new signings Sophie and Isla fitted into the team so well and Annie Shields and Mairi ran their wee socks off in midfield. Amy poached our last goal off the post in a PC to finish the game 4 - 1. But for the Lomond goalie, it could have been so much more as we tried to go through her, round her, over her, etc... They must have been spoiled for choice as to who should be dame of the game, but they plumped very deservedly for Rosie.

What a beautiful game was played. Thanks to our supporters who must have frozen their touches watching. Fortunately there was hot soup for match teas, which was where the Lomond goalie got her revenge by nicking our teams plate of bread. Yes, they ran her ragged during the match but wouldn't say boo afterwards!

12th February - Bear Facts!

A double header against Glasgow Uni ended with a win apiece and, if there is still a slight grievance over the result at Dumfries, there is no doubt that on both days the better side won. I don't know how many changes there were in the Uni team but, due to the mid term holidays, we were both short handed and turned out two completely different teams.   On Saturday, we produced an exceptional performance given that we had only 11 players and were missing 3 internationals and one pizza delivery girl!   Uni had the fittest squad we have met in years and their regular substitutions kept up the pressure. Unfortunately for them they met Tubbz, Katy & FAB in top form and our regular attacks were thwarted by their excellent keeper. At the other end, they too had several good attacks but Rosinah was also in sparkling form and kept things very tight. As the game progressed Elaine & Caroline began to dominate the right flank while nobody from Uni appeared capable of getting the ball away from Tubbz. An hour in and Kirsten had yet another dizzy run through about five tackles, this time finishing with a belter across the goal where Hazel was well positioned to finish the move in style. It was all that was required for the three points but I have rarely seen the team looking that tired after a match.   Unfortunately, the captain,Tubbz & Fiona were unable to play on Sunday joining Caitlin, Jenny M & Lara, among others, on holiday in foreign fields (some very foreign). I don't really want to mention the small soiree in honour of Jo's departure to run the EEC but it would be fair to say that all the adults and supporters had been out to play on Saturday night - perhaps not the match required on Sunday, then?   They were replaced by the returning Ailsa "Hot & Spicy" Doig , Frances, Katie McAlpine, Hobbit, Lena and a guest appearance from La La.   While, unlike Saturday, Uni held the advantage for most of the match, there were plenty of positives to take forward and the main problem was integrating so many changes. All of the replacements made their mark and Liz showed how she has developed so many youngsters over the years with her tactical nous. For the first time in ages Rosinah had much to do over the weekend and probably had her best two games.   So, well done Uni, I'm sure they will give other teams a game over the rest of the season.

Patter from Pat

The 3s set off a little light in number and missing regulars Mairi, Liz M and Rosie. We started the game with 9 players, apparently Lanark was further away and took longer to reach than the last time Liz G had played there! Despite the resilience and bravery of Nicola, Karina and Amy at the heart of defence we were unable to subdue the attack of stronger, bigger players. It was a hard match with Nurse Ratchett dispensing ice and ibuprofen to Liz and Dawn who had both absorbed the might of a Lanark ball at full speed, then sent them back on again. Eilidh Gilchrist had some great searing runs through the middle, but even with Sophia and Becca pushing hard at their defence (did I mention they were big?), we were unable to breach their goal. The match ended 3 - 0 to Lanark, but that was only half the story, the 3s more than held their own with new signing Claire Mc Bride showing great promise for the future. On a lighter note, Nicola broke the world snowball eating record at match teas ........

For the second time in two week Amy A ‘Red’ was declared player of the match for the ‘Dale. She was heard to ask, “Is it cos I is ginger?”

5th February - Bear essentials 

Some years ago, playing for the men’s 4th XI with youngsters like Fraggle & Leroy we found ourselves 0 - 4 against Strathclyde Uni but, just before half time, Ross Milligna (the well known typing error) scored a bit of a fluke and, after a spirited half-time chat, the old men rattled in a further 4 to take the points (and the league later on). In the bar afterwards a stunned group of students looked as if they had been shot between the eyes, such was their disbelief, and I can only surmise that the home faces in the Dumfries clubhouse on Saturday must have looked somewhat similar after the White Sox did exactly the same thing to maintain their 100% record. Unfortunately I have no idea of the scorers as I believe our lot are still in the pub!

If last week's Navy Sox match against Accies was a bit strained, the match practice it provided was enough for the girls to produce their best performance of the season against East Kilbride on Saturday. After the (extreme) disappointment of the first match being abandoned, when we were leading 5 - 0, we had a point to prove and did so by scoring 4 goals faster that Arsenal managed against Newcastle (in 13 minutes!). In two minutes, we were awarded our first short corner. I was a trifle concerned because, during the warm-up, Katy "Peach" had been less than Schnappy with her striking, claiming extreme fatigue (aye right!). It was, as they say, all right on the night, however, and our lead was quickly doubled when Hobbit cracked in a second from the top of the D.

While Tubbz had yet another great performance at the back (and the middle and the front), Knoxy showed exactly what an old head brings to the attack. Following a great move down the left involving Tubbz, & FAB, Katy McA crossed in for Knoxy to completely deceive the keeper with a reverse stick deflection and everyone was smiling. In the absence of CV, away shopping in New York no less, this was the youngest side for some time and whatever manager Santa tried came off in some style. Frances replaced Rhona for a spell at the back and the biggest compliment I can pay is to say that no-one noticed. Ali had another superb 70 minutes, wherever she played and Jenny Mathieson had her best game at this level. Interchanging the midfield at will kept the pace up and the pressure on. All of this was made possible by Knoxy's positional play. She deservedly got the fourth but spent ages laying balls off to either side that completely confused the EK defence. Just as we tapped in the fifth, their umpire awarded a penalty instead but we won't talk about that.

Minutes into the second half, Ailsa got us back to that 5 - 0 scoreline that so rankled but, horror shock, we then conceded following a well executed EK attack and, I am delighted to say, refocussed and put EK under remarkable pressure. With the captain fast sobering up, she hit some outstanding long passes to switch play from side to side and I lost count of the number of shots just off target. In one fantastic move from left defence, she picked out Fiona at right midfield who, in turn crossed to Knoxy at the top of the D. Kirsten dummied to go left while laying the ball back in Fiona's path and then Miss Burnett dummied a shot and rolled the ball on to the penalty spot from where Knoxy missed by about an inch. It would have been goal of the season by a margin.

Despite all this activity the score remained stubbornly at 5 - 1 until Ms Knox deservedly made up for earlier by completing her hat trick in style. Then followed a harsh lesson in goalkeeping for Rosinah. Having channelled the EK right wing into the corner she crossed along the bye line. Rosinah, guarding the near post, was taken aback as the ball hit the corner thereof and ricocheted out to the centre forward for a tap in. As before, however, this only led to another charge up the pitch and, from the push back, the ball made it's way to FAB in the box, who made no mistake in completing a 7 - 2 win. Only Rhona & Knoxy are over 18. Are you listening skipper?

Off Pat reporting

The 3s entertained Irvine 2s on Hutchies hallowed pitch. The teams looked evenly matched with both teams fielding young legs and old heads in equal measures. The defence were looking strong with Amy and Karina making a welcome return to the team. Neither however, were under much pressure during the match as Una Brosnan mopped up and cut out many of Irvine's attacking moves. Our forwards and midfield kept much of the possession, and it was only a matter of time before Irvine yielded to a Mairi Gray goal and then another. Sophia having had several weeks of rest (at the shops) brought a few new silky moves to the proceedings and scored our 3rd goal. Rosie and Dawn, despite their best endeavours, were very unlucky not to get on the scoring sheet as well, but closing honours were due to Becca who scored a well deserved goal to finish the match. Special mention to Olivia, who if given enough jelly babies and the promise of after match cake is showing great versatility in defence, midfield or the forward line and Eilidh who is maturing into such a skilful and composed player.

29th January 11

Even rarer than a solar eclipse, the Navy Socks actually played a game on Saturday.

Given their lack of training and match practice it would have been nice to get an easy one for starters but no, we got Glasgow Accies who have somehow managed to play all their matches and are riding high in the league.

It certainly took longer than normal to settle down and, during this period, we conceded a fairly scrappy opener. Defensively, thereafter, we picked up well with Elaine & Ali combining several times to release Ailsa down the right. Several players looked slightly out of sorts but slowly we began to exert enough pressure at their end and, playing at a different level from everyone else on the pitch, Tubbz showed exactly why she has achieved what she has. Every time she went forward, she created panic in the ranks and on one early raid, having drawn their entire  defence to the left, she slipped the ball to Katy F to crack into the D where CV deflected the equaliser. General relief all round.

As the half progressed, we gained more and more possession and with Jenny, FAB, Katy McA, Caitlin, Frances, Heather & Knoxy inter changing and keeping the legs fresh we quickly added a second with Grumpy Fulton nipping in from 25 to D and finishing with a great strike it began to look like business as usual.

Shock, Horror, with 30 secs left on the clock Accies won a short corner and equalised with the last hit of the half. I don't know what manager Santa said to the girls at half time (I do know what he said to our umpire about stick tackling!).

The second half was a tale of mainly 'Dale possession and spirited Accies defending but they had a couple of excellent forwards so great care was required not to over commit. Even so they managed another couple of corners and much spectators' breath was held.

Eventually we managed a winner with yet another Fulton blast into the D being dinked in by Ailsa but it was with some relief that the final whistle ended the tension. Thanks to Accies for tea of the season, an excellent curry on a cold afternoon - just the job.

So, rushing back to 'dale, we arrived in time for the two's match with Wildcats.

Sans goalie, this looked a tough task but, despite a couple of good stops on the line by our elderly defence, the combined efforts of Kicking Back Laura J (total number of kicks during match = 0), Tricia, Victoria & Lena (OK they are not all ageing!) was enough to keep their attack out the D. Lena was also involved in developing defence to attack and it was great to see Laura Campbell, playing so well, linking with her repeatedly along with debutant Kirsty Forgie. All of this gave the ever improving Miss Tomkins a chance to show off her attacking skills which she did with gusto, scoring one average goal and one belter from the top of the D. When it dawns that the top of the D gives her a better chance of scoring, instead of 6 inches from the bye line, she will take some stopping and she deservedly won player of the match (again). Final score 2 - 0

So Who Needs Training - 15th/16th Jan 11

After what seems like an eternity, people actually played hockey last weekend!   Given that only 4 ladies played in the Ne'er Day match and only 12 arrived at the hastily rearranged training session last Wednesday, the results were excellent.   The 3rds continued where they left off with a resounding 4 -0 win against Hillhead 6's with the youngsters doing all the scoring. A debut goal from Rebecca Andrew and another from Mairi Gray were added to by yet another hat-trick avoidance from Rosie - boy must her mum be loaded!   Given their performance on Sunday, the two's 2-2 draw with Uddy on Saturday must be deemed a bit disappointing but the following day the girls put on an great show against Hillhead 5's.   the usual mix of youth and experience blended well from the start with Victoria Pitstra, Laura J, Lena and Old Jo, our Belgian export, running the back and allowing Mia to quietly freeze behind them. In midfield Ali & Katy L did their usual great job but the eye catchers were wee Sherwood and, after a ridiculously long injury break, it was great to see Elspeth back on a pitch. Indeed Coups opened the scoring as Alice simply ran the show. I am delighted that both displays have resulted in a return to the Navy Socks this weekend.   After sustained pressure, Lara scored an outstanding solo effort, beating both centre backs before sliding the ball behind the keeper and if young Julie Lonergan had simply deflected a great cross a couple of minutes later instead of trying to leather the ball, the game would be over. Obviously, never having made a mistake on a hockey pitch before, I can criticise but I think there is every chance Julie will learn quicker than I did!   The second half was slightly frustrating in that we did not convert our chances but Lara & Holly Steiger created the highlight with a series of 1 -2's down the middle of the pitch from our 25 that ended with a good save. After about 20 minutes Holly sealed the win with a well deserved finish and all that spoiled the day was Hillhead scoring with the last touch of the game just to really brass Mia off! Lara was Hillhead's choice as player of the day - just after dad left the club with his wallet . . .

Hazel's Perfect Timing

Another excellent weekend for all the west district ladies teams led off, as ever, by the White Sox beating Glasgow Accies 4 - 0 to remain top of the division. Slowly catching up their fixtures, the Navy Sox are rapidly climbing the table with a fourth consecutive win against Hillhead. In the corresponding fixture last year and the score at 9 - 0 in our favour, Hazel Imrie surged into the circle rounded the keeper and, just as she was about to score, I blew for time. Boy was I popular! On Saturday, with the score at 3 - 0, Hazel surged into the D and, without wasting time rounding the keeper, slammed the ball home with 3 seconds to spare - a lesson learned. The game was certainly not the best of the season but a first half penalty from Jenny and short corner conversion by Katie F kept our noses in front. Two terrific passing moves in the second allowed Knoxy to finish the game off and Hazel to just miss what would have been goal of the game. Our advantage meant that Lara, fresh from her stage success in "The Wiz", was kept on for the whole second half and I am certain the experience will have delighted her just as much as dad.

At Dalziel, the seconds moved up a gear with a 4 - 1 victory. The scoring plaudits went to Flora Walker with two but the main feature was the fact that mother & daughter, Tricia & Julie Lonergan, also scored. I am not sure if this has ever happened before at the club but I hope that they both enjoyed bragging rights over dinner on Saturday night!

Finally, at the barren wastelands of the north pole (or Mearns Castle as it is sometimes known), the thirds completed a clean sweep by beating Giffnock 7 - 1. With a full squad of 16 it was also a chance to give more court time to the youngsters and, like last week, they flourished. Both Annie Shields and Robynho scored twice and, as last week, Miss Belch was player of the match. I calculate that she has now managed this feat five times more than her big sister! Amy & Mairi both scored again and Nicky, who apparently hasn't emigrated, yet, scored for the second game on the trot.

I would love to update everyone on their league positions but, unfortunately, the league website is currently out of date.

Youth grabs its chance 14/11/2010

In a busy three day spell, the White & Navy Sox secured three hard fought victories while the ever-improving 3rd XI beat GHK 4-1 at Craigholme.
With a full squad, there was a great opportunity for the latter to blood a number of youngsters and after a wobbly start, losing a goal in 4 minutes, the girls began to connect with each other and slowly began to dominate the match for periods as their confidence grew.
An excellent move, started by Flora Walker on the left of midfield, and played through the overlapping Amy Arnott, ended with a cracking equaliser from Mairi Gray and shortly afterwards Robynho Belch was on hand at the right hand post to reverse hit a left wing cross and take the lead before half time. The second half produced lots of chances with Una getting into lots of good positions but not being picked up by her colleagues. Enterprising work in midfield from Dawn Fulton, Annie Shields and Rebecca Andrew kept up the pressure, however, and eventually a third was scored by Nicky Suckle in her farewell game before moving to Australia.
The White Socks continued their 100% start to the season, beating reigning champions, East Kilbride, 2-0 at Duncanrig.
The Navy Sox played Glasgow Accies in a rearranged match on Thursday night in miserable weather and with most of the forwards unavailable. It was therefore very frustrating that a great deal of pressure amounted to very little, as several chances were missed by our makeshift attack. They did, however, force a number of penalty corners and thankfully the captain was in fine form converting two, to hold a deserved and well earned lead for most of the game.
Unfortunately, as has happened a couple of times this season, we then decided it was all too easy and quick passing and possession became dribbling and Accies winning chances to hit us on the break. With 12 minutes to go they did precisely that and a game that we had controlled throughout became very tense. While we held on to win, there is little doubt that there is a big gulf between the second and first divisions and, while we clearly have some of the best youngsters in the league, concentration levels have to improve accordingly to ensure such lapses are kept to a minimum. It is with great sadness that I have to report that their pick as player of the match was, for the nth time in a row, Jenny. Proving without doubt that the News of the World should run a sting operation to see how much dosh is changing hands!
And so to Saturday and the visit of Cumbernauld. Two weeks ago, they showed against White Sox just how tough they could be and I was delighted to learn that, while Knoxy was still ill and Caitlin injured, Ailsa was available, so we had something approaching a forward line. Elaine and Jenny were away on running duty so, with a number of girls in the blue and orange sox, Santa had called Lara Tomkins and Alice Sherwood into the squad. Now, while there is no doubt that they are both fantastic prospects, I felt that Cumbernauld were just too big and strong for them and was hesitant to put them on the pitch. How wrong can you be!
Having had a long pre match discussion on how to play, we started in blistering style with Fiona Burnett in great form at right mid, setting Ailsa off time and again and getting great support from Caroline, Heather and Hazel in creating some degree of havoc. In a reversal of Thursday, we also won a host of short corners but then did everything we could to mistime them. But cometh the hour, cometh the thirteen year olds. Making their first division debuts, both youngsters instantly played with all the confidence they have shown as we have watched them develop and within 2-3 minutes of coming on, Alice sprinted to the left post to slam home a Doig cross, as if it were just another training session. Immediately on the restart, Lara picked up a through ball from Tubbz, jinked past two defenders, and the goalie needed a sharp save to prevent her scoring too. 
The second goal was a replica of the first, only this time Heather did the finishing and we ended a terrific half two ahead.
At the back, Frances, Rhona, Katie & Tubbz were maintaining a careful watch because, despite our pressure, in their centre forward, Cumbernauld possessed a dangerous weapon and, after Thursday, we didn't want any nasty surprises. That, however, was precisely what we got as, in a carbon copy, they broke at speed while we were pressing and, despite Rosinah's best effort, we were nervously back at 2-1. Unlike Thursday, we maintained our passing game and player of the match, Ms Burnett (a mature 14), scored a great third from the edge of the D to make the remaining few minutes somewhat more comfortable.
In all the excitement, we forgot to award the dummy. It only seems fair that it remains with me for my lack of faith in the youngsters' ability. What will they be like if they actually get to training in time for the fitness work . . . 

Fulton's Famous Five

Following the dreadful weather on Friday, we were surprised by a weekend of beautiful sunshine and, other than the increasingly unlucky 2nd XI, further success in the West District Ladies' Leagues, Cup & Plate.

The two's lost a close plate match with Giffnock 1 - 2 and were left ruing another single goal defeat. Looking at the team lines, I am sure there will be a reversal of luck in the near future.

The three's, however, kept their recent run of success going with a 2 - 0 win over Hillhead and that puts them up in the top half of the league for the first time.

On the Hutchie pitch, the White & Navy socks had cup matches against Cumbernauld & GHK respectively. These were the first two senior games I have watched at Hutchie and it must be said that the pitch's reputation for being very slippy appears well earned, as several players in both matches took unlikely tumbles, mainly off the ball.

The White Sox had far the most competitive game in an all 1st division clash and, in the end, their wise old(er) heads held the key. Marge & Ann Menzies were everywhere and Wendy, well she played like only she can. I hope the youngsters in the team realise that even if you strip away the remarkable ability, the level of commitment she shows wins matches on its own.

That said, my player of the match was Sharon Duncan, who's creative talents opened up plenty of opportunities for her young colleagues and regularly frustrated a robust 'Nauld defence. It was 3-1 at half time but the visitors refused to lie down and scored early in the second to build up the tension. CW quickly reopened a two goal advantage but Emma O'Rourke had to make an excellent save from a penalty stroke to ensure their deserved advance to the quarter finals.

In the earlier match, Navy Socks played a young, talented GHK II side who, in Amy Liu, have an outstanding young goalie. Unfortunately for her and her team, she met a side playing their game of the season. With Knoxie, Jo & Ali Eadie all missing (Ali for the first time in over 30 matches), there was a chance for some of the youngsters to stake a claim for a regular start and how they grabbed it. Everyone in the squad, bar Rhona, had at least one shot on target (yes, even Elaine!) and the GHK defence was, at times, subsumed in blue shirts. The forwards were magnificent from the start, making leads all over the GHK half and, with Caroline, Jenny, FAB & Katy McA winning virtually every 50/50, there were long periods of possession and sparkling interplay. On the left wing, Hazel had her best ever game and it was fitting that she opened the scoring with another cracking shot. All this pressure, in turn, led to a succession of penalty corners and captain Katy was in determined mood to get the job done quickly, scoring two in quick succession. Further strikes from Tubbz & Ailsa meant that for the 3rd game on the trot, it was 5 - 0 at half time.

If possible, the second half was even more one-sided and the skipper fired in three more corners before leaving the pitch and avoiding a double hat-trick (Jug & Dummy of the Day). Meanwhile, back on the pitch, manager Fulton called the changes and players reappeared in different positions without affecting the teamwork. Frances, Fiona and Caitlin showed exactly why they are training with Scotland under 16's and Caroline belied her ageing limbs with yet another outstanding performance. Further goals from Jenny, Katy McAlpine and Hazel's second completed an 11 - 0 win. With most of the girls involved in next week's inter-district tournament, it means another week off and a rearrangement of the match with White Sox - maybe we should play on November 5th!

Bare Essentails by Bear

Girdwood's Golden Goal

In a preface to a busy weekend's west district hockey, the under 16's produced an excellent display on Thursday night to defeat the older touring team from Kings School, Tynemouth.   In a team including 4 newcomers, it was an entertaining match from start to finish and the final score of 10 - 0 was thoroughly deserved. While captain Lonergan and the youngest sisters of Kintail were the core of the team, they all spent time on the bench and the standard barely dropped. Hat-tricks from Lara & Jenny were accompanied by singles from Alice, Rosie, Alison and, on her debut, 12 year old Makenzie Brown overcame some initial nerves to score her first ever 'Dale goal just after half-time.   For all this, my player of the match was Annie Shields, also playing her first game, who followed up her award as best player at the autumn camp with an increasingly mature performance. Unfortunately, she was also Dummy of the Day for forgetting her shin guards and playing with a pair of Santa's gloves down her socks!   Finally, it was fantastic to see both squads enjoying each other's company after the match - you never know, it might just catch on!   At the weekend, the white sox continued on their perfect start to the season, beating Hillhead 3 - 0 on Saturday and Garnock 10 - 0 on Sunday. The 2nd XI, much changed from last season (& last week!) unfortunately lost on both days 0 - 2 but, encouragingly, the thirds won 2 - 1 with goals from Rosie (again) and Irish newcomer Una Brosnan.   The navy socks (apologies to the other teams - these were the games I actually saw) also had a high scoring two days which, in reality, should have been even higher but there was evidence of a rediscovery of last year's form on show both days.   On Saturday it was league action at Ayr. 'Dale started like an express train with Knoxie in sparkling form and, after 15 minutes, we were 5 ahead. Ailsa was also showing the Ayr defence a clean pair of heels and the ever more confident Hazel gave the right sided defenders a torrid afternoon. Despite keeping up the pressure, there were no more goals in the half but we then scored with the first move in the second to kill the game. Ayr, however, failed to lie down and put up a robust defence for most of the half which, in a way, was good for 'Dale as they had to up the workrate to contain a couple of useful attacks, one of which involved Jenny running about 50 yds (nealry 50 metres in new money) to pick up the rebound from Rosinah's pads. The final word went, however, to the Navy with a seventh just before full time. Katie F & Knoxie got two a piece with Hazel, Jenny & Ailsa contributing one each.   On Sunday we welcomed Watsonians for a Scottish District Cup tie and they must be sick of the M8 as this is the third trip a Watson's team has been at Titwood this month.   Unfortunately for them, they got the same kind of reception as the other two but only after a strangely subdued start to the match, quite in contrast to the Ayr game. Our first break came with a penalty stroke but, unfortunately, Knoxie chose to dent the post instead. But just as I began to have dread Dumfries thoughts, Caitlin Girdwood transformed the match with an extraordinary strike. Beating two defenders down the right wing, she cut across the top of the D before unleashing a reverse stick shot that nearly ripped the roof of the net off. The sizeable crowd took a second or two to realise what had happened , as did umpire Leitch, before going mad. Rarely in a ladies match have I seen a ball going faster and I'm fairly sure their goalie felt the same!   That started the goal fest and Caitlin went on to record her hat trick with another two cracking efforts. Meanwhile Katie F, Jenny & Hazel all recorded doubles for a final tally of 9 - 0.  Hazel was presented with a chance of her three from a magnificent pass from Ali Eadie when her air shot would, on most days, have been an automatic choice of Dummy. However, her feeble effort was surpassed with ease by the aforementioned Ms Eadie who then missed not one but two from even closer. It is always good when the award goes to someone who deserves it!  

PS Ali, after all your nagging, I brought the puppy to training on Monday - where were you . . . .

Ladies Monday evening Training

We will restart on Monday 9th August @ 6.30 - congratulations to coach Tomek & Patsy on the birth of their daughter, Lena

West District Ladies Cup Final Clydesdale 6 - 2 East Kilbride

In a fantastic second half performance the 'Dale ladies put Division 1 on warning for next season.

In what I consider to have been the best performance all season the girls ran and continued to run out winners to to the end of the match. East Kilbride played a great part in the final to make it a very good game.

Top Scorers 2009-2010 season

Amy Martin              45
Katy Fulton              34
Ailsa Doig                 29
Fiona Nelson            25
Kirsteen Knox         19
Hazel Imrie              13
Jess Scott                 12
Rosie Shanks           12
Fiona Burnet            11
Caroline Vance          9

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.

Match reports for the season 2009-2010 are now on the archived news section - link at the bottom of the home page.

Alternative Directions to Irvine