Ladies held by Old Georgians

So - the first game of the season and we were all up for a good match to blow away the summer cobwebs and we got it in a hard-fought 2-2 draw with Old Georgians. This was Michele’s first league game in goal for us since taking up the mantle and she put her all into it. We started out hard and the adrenaline was pumping though maybe too much as for the first quarter we were quite frantic. The second quarter we were settling into the game and starting to get used to the new ‘goals can be scored from defensive sticks’ rule with a couple of close shaves – this could be an interesting new addition to the rules – we’re yet to see how it will affect tactics. We ended the first half 0-1 down and determined to come back hard. There was good movement up front and with strong team work from the middle we fought hard and focused on the task in hand. The defence also worked well together clearing a few short corners and communicating from the back. There were a few skirmishes but the umpires dealt steadily with everything that cropped up. We had one opportunity we thought was a goal but which had been struck from outside the D but with two further opportunities which Georgie and May converted we went 2-1 up only to just let one more of theirs in within the last 10 minutes of the game. The game was hard fought yet in the end the 2-2 draw was probably a fair reflection of the match. I look forward to seeing the same spirit we showed during this fixture coming out throughout the season. Sarah Tucker

Welcome from the new Club Captain

Simon Marshall takes over from David Knapp as club captain for the 2012-13 season.  Joining the OCHC in 1993, Virge was quickly established as a stalwart of the 1st XI throughout its period of great success in both league and cup and his goals, rarely from more than four or five yards out, were vital to our success and his off-field enthusiasm was infectious. 

While Virge may struggle to match Knappy's fitness, we are delighted that his son Dan has already played for the 1st XI and mercifully is not a chip off the old block.  Virge writes:

"Welcome to a new and hopefully successful and enjoyable season at OCHC. I hope that all members, both old and new, continue to embrace the club ethos of fun and fair play whilst at the same time playing to win.

One of my first tasks must be to thank on your behalf the huge contribution made to the club by my predecessor David Knapp. As long standing first team player, coach and manager and then more recently as Club Captain, Knappy has committed huge amounts of time, effort and dedication to the success and life of the Club. I am delighted to announce that in recognition of this Knappy has been made a Vice President of the OCHC. Congratulations David and your fellow players of a certain age are now looking forward to playing with you in the vets.

Dodie Khurshid has also retired as Club Secretary after 12 years and he too has been made a Vice President in recognition of his long service as player and committee member.

The new season also brings some new faces on the Committee and I have to say I have been mightily impressed with the enthusiasm shown pre-season. Just so that you know who we are our ghastly mugshots will soon appear under the Officers section of this website.

You will all probably be aware by now of the launch of the Colts Section, to be run by Gav Adair. We have had some very encouraging feedback to this initiative from local schools and both Kingston and Elmbridge Councils. Please help to spread the word and make the Colts Section a winner.

Finally, a large part of the success of the Club is down to what happens on the pitch. Please can you all make a special effort to commit yourselves to playing for your teams and to helping your team captains by standing by your availability and playing on a regular basis.

Here's to an enjoyable and victorious season and I look forward to seeing you in the bar."

Two generations of Marshalls

Relaunched 100 Club to help support Colts

The 100 Club was launched almost 20 years ago to help provide funding for special projects and in that time has assisted many individuals as well as enabled a number of improvements to be made to the club and the way we operate.

Every quarter, the Club will hold a draw for three prizes:

1st prize - £50.00
2nd prize - £25.00
3rd prize - £15.00

For the princely sum of £1.00 per month you get one ticket to participate in each and every draw. The more
tickets you subscribe to, the more you can win. Do the maths – for £12 each year you could win £200.

In 2012-13, proceeds from the draw will be used to help fund the OCHC Colts section by subsidising the coaching.

Contact Simon Marshall for a Direct Debit mandate.

The results of the September draw:-

£50 - Johnny Briggs
£25 - Steve Williamson
£15 - Pete Shanks

Colts section launches on September 15

The Old Cranleighan Hockey Club, based on the Portsmouth Road in Thames Ditton, are introducing Sunday-morning colts hockey starting with an introduction day on Saturday, September 15 from 10am.

In response to the increasing demand for junior hockey in the area, the club, who have their own astroturf pitch and ground, will start by offering training to boys and girls who are under 12 years of age. Initially the aim is to provide both an introduction to hockey for those who have never played before or are inexperienced through to more structured coaching for those with some previous experience.

Gavin Adair, who is coordinating the scheme, said: “We anticipate that most children will be in school years 4 to 6 (broadly 8 to 12 years of age) but are willing to accommodate siblings and others outside of that age range subject to prior discussion and agreement with a committee member. Our plans are to expand these age groups in future years.”

Colts sessions, which will be supervised by qualified coaches, will run on Sunday mornings from 10am to 11.30am beginning on September 23.  The clubhouse will be open serving coffee and bacon sandwiches to parents.

The introduction day for all interested participants will be part of the Club Day on Saturday where people will be on hand should you have any questions while the kids get on with the hockey.

Gavin Adair can be contacted on colts@oldcranleighan.com  and full details can be found on the club’s website: www.oldcranleighan.org.uk/ochc/colts.htm