GB 0-1 NED

Full of confidence on the back of their 4-2 defeat of Pakistan, GB were mindful this was a completely different proposition against a classy Dutch side. They started the game well, sitting deep and happy for the Dutch to hold the ball, but not allow them to penetrate. Matthijs Brouwer had other ideas, forcing goalkeep McGregor to make two fine saves. A probing run from Robert van der Horst beat everyon, including McGregor but was denied by the far post.

GB surviced this mini onslaught and reacted well, forcing errors from the Dutch and earning three penalty corners. Hugely experienced Dutch goalkeeper Guus Vogels denied both Mantell and Jackson, before Mantell dragged the third wide of the post to go in 0-0 at half time.

GB began the second half in a simalr vein - working very hard to deny the Dutch time and space. Rob Moore forced his way into the Dutch circle with some neat work and hot a powerful reverse stick shot towards the top right corner, but was again denied by an in-form Vogels.

As the game entered the final 10 minutes Tim Hoyng broke down the left flank and into the GB 23 - a tired James Tindall made an effort to stay with the Dutch player but could only bring him down, earning himself a yellow card and the looming threat of Taeka Taekema from the resulting penalty corner. Having been denied by McGregor thus far, Taekema duly dispatched his drag flick low and to the left of McGregor, to give the Dutch the lead with seven minutes remaining.

No way back for GB in what was a tremendous effort - but you have to play for 70 minutes, not give away needless penalty corners and take yout chances when they arise.

A new online hockey magazine has been launched over the summer. In magazine format (yes you can turn the pages on screen) HKY world covers all the major international issues, both on and off the pitch. Take a look

GB's women went down 5-1 to current World and European Champions Germany, in their opening match of the games yesterday. The men however looked confident against Pakistan, coming away with three points after a 4-2 victory. Leading 3-0 at half time GB had taken their chances well, something that has let them down in recent tournaments. Goalkeeper McGregor was in excellent form and aided by some resolute defending to keep out Pakistan. The men play the Netherlands on Wednesday.

GB V Pakistan highlights

Image courtesy of FIH

We have arranged with Tony Pryce Sports, two stick test evenings. The first on 19/08/08 at Treforest and the second on 16/09/08 at WHS. Many sticks available to try and maybe some competitions to enter and points make prizes in competitions don’t u know. Try before you buy?

Training commences on Tuesday 12th August 18.30 to 20.00 at Treforest, Uni of Glam Pitch as the WHS pitch relay will not be ready. This, and the sessions on 19th & 26th August, will be for all squads – 1s through to 8s. Naz and Tyrone have kindly agreed to deliver the coaching on these nights.

Rolling on into September the training will revert to WIS for 1s & 2s squads and others by invitation only through Naz & Tyrone & Beazo. 3s to 8s squads will commence at WHS assuming the pitch is ready. Further news & info nearer the date on both these training issues via me and / or the team captains.

March 2008

R Caddick - £30
J Parry - £15
W Powell - £5

April 2008

T Tenge -£30
N Coulson -£15
C Marriott - £5

May 08

S Allen - £30
A May - £15
J Page - £5

We are lucky enough to be having the surface re-laid at WHS with a cuttingiedge sand dressed carpet and shockpad. This is the latest pitch technology, so it should play more like a water base, but without the requirement for watering.

The contractors are hard at work and aim to have the pitch finished for the last week of August. This will mean early pre-season training will have to take place at an alternative venue. Bob Fleck is assessing the options, so watch this space for updates.

Whitchurch have made a significant impact on the latest Wales senior squad, competing at the Celtic Cup, held in Cork 4-6 July.

Not only is Nazir Mohammed managing the squad, but Tyrone Moore is Assistant Coach. Furthermore, Iwan Williams, Ben Croxall, Jonny Gordon and Joe Naughalty have broken into the squad, giving Whitchurch the greatest representation of any other club. Well done boys. Whitchurch Saint, Zoe Grant will also be the squad physio.

Full squad

We are delighted to announce Whitchurch HC Clubman of the Year and 1st Team Manager, Nazir Mohammed, has just been appointed as Manager for the Wales men's senior squad.

Naz will work closely with newly appointed Head Coach Zak Jones in preparing the Squad for the Celtic Cup, which this year takes place in Cork, in July.

Whitchurch begin with a tough away trip to Bournville on 28 September.

28 Sep Bournville A

04 Oct Exeter Univ A

12 Oct Old Georgians H

19 Oct Team Bath Buccs A

26 Oct Firebrands H

09 Nov Cardiff A

16 Nov Guildford H

22 Nov Stourport A

30 Nov Uni of Birmingham H

01 Feb Bournville H

08 Feb Exeter Univ H

14 Feb Old Georgians A

22 Feb Team Bath Buccs H

01 Mar Firebrands A

07 Mar Cardiff H

15 Mar Guildford A

22 Mar Stourport H

29 Mar Uni of Birmingham A

The WHU have appointed Zak Jones as the new Head Coach for Wales Senior Men's Squad. Zak has represented Wales at every level, having won 115 senior caps. Zak takes over from Mike Williamson who is taking a break from international hockey to focus on his club activities with Reading. Zak is currently assistant coach for the U21s squad and will continue in this role.

This summer is a relatively quiet one for the seniors with just the Celtic Cup in Cork. The U21s have their Celtic Cup in Edinburgh and then travel to Italy for the Junior Euro Nations in July. The seniors will be planning their preparations around the Euro Nations which Wales will be hosting in Wrexham in August 2009.

Whitchurch 1-0 Cardiff & UWIC

In what was expected to be the deciding game of the tournament, Whitchurch completed a recent (& rare) double over local rivals Cardiff & UWIC to secure the top ranking spot for Wales in the 2009 European club competitions. With both sides having secured comfortable 5-0 victories over Cardiff University, the result of Monday's game would be conclusive.

Cardiff started the brighter - looking to avenge last week's semi-final cup defeat. Tim Jones appeared to take up challenge with some probing runs at the Whitchurch defence, who remained stubborn and unbreached. Barely five minutes in, some smart work from Cardiff beat Iwan Williams in goal, only for Neil Potter to calmly clear off the line...an early warning for Whitchurch.

Whitchurch managed to gain some momentum and the more direct approach they have taken this season could have paid off with Jon Collis breaking from midfield, with a three on two he looked to pick out Laith El Khatib, but the pass was too strong for the oncoming forward.

The first half continued as an even contest, with neither side forcing a breakthrough. Tim Jones recieved a green card for a stick tackle, which set the tone for Doug Young to receive the first yellow card of the afternoon shortly afterwards. Whitchurch were able to stave off the power-play pressure and get through to half time at 0-0.

The second half started at a similar canter, with both sides probing but failing to make things happen in the circle. Cardiff received their first yellow card five minutes into the second period - their central defender making in roads was halted by Keating, with Collis then picking up the ball the Cardiff player over zealously tackled him from behind. This gave Whitchurch some added impetus and the Cardiff goalkeeper was called upon to intervene on a few occassions, but the score still remained even.

Tempers were beginning to flare on both sides, with each side receiving a green card for dissent. Shortly after, a clumsy tackle from Cardiff's Ramage resulted in a peanlty corner for Whitchurch and Ramage joining his team mate in the sin bin. With two men short Cardiff were now under considerable pressure, but to their credit remained stout in defence. Whitchurch could not get the breakthrough.

As the game neared the last 15 minutes, Cardiff incurred another sin-bin but still held Whitchurch firm. By this time the inclement weather had turned to downright awful wind and rain, making conditions very difficult for all concerned.

Whitchurch broke and fed the ball to Potter on the Cardiff 23m line, who in attempting to move the ball around the Cardiff Captain, played the balll off his opponent, earning a free hit. Thinking quickly the hit was taken straight away, giving Cardiff little chance to recover, the ball was driven across to the oncoming Naughalty who deflected first time over the advancing Cardiff keeper, to score what would be the winner.

Squad

Williams, Keating, Gordon, Croxall, Brotherton, Fisher, Westerman, Collis, Potter, Naughalty, El Khatib, Whatling, Young, Barker, Gierak

Whitchurch 5-0 Cardiff Uni.

Whitchurch began their Euro Qualifier campaign where they left off at the Welsh Cup, with another convincing win against a depleted Cardiff University side. The students are missing players through injury and exam commitments and these two tournament weekends do not come at a good time for them, with their league season having finished well over a month ago.

The students took a slightly different approach in this match - sitting back in a half court press. Whitchurch showed good patience and continued to probe the University defence, but it stood firm for the first quarter of the game.

Whitchurch goalkeeper Chris Gierak was effectively a spectator at this point and with some dynamic attacking from Joe Naughalty and some penetrative passing from Collis and Westerman the opening goal was something of an inevitability. Good work from Naughalty opened things up for Laith El Khatib to tap home.

Bouyed by their breakthrough Whitchurch continued to press and El Khatib scored his second with a precise drive into the bottom left corner from the top of the circle. Jonny Gordon, Owen Brotherton and Alex Keating had things tied up at the back, with one solitary Cardiff University attacker getting little support from midfield. Martyn White again looked spritely, but the Whitchurch players were ganging up in numbers to nullify his runs.

Mark Whatling chipped in with the third goal and El Khatib secured his hatrick with a low penalty corner drag that the keeper got to but could not keep out. The students lookd a little weary by this point and allowed Adam Barker to sneak in, round the keep and finish coolly on the half volley to make it five. Doug Young had three good chances in the the last few minutes, but could not convert at the back post.

Whitchurch have Sunday off, whereas the students take on Cardiff & UWIC in a must win game. Cardiff & UWIC meet Whitchurch on Monday in what is expected to be the decider.

Squad

Gierak, Brotherton, Gordon, Keating, Potter, Westerman, Collis, Fisher, Naughalty, El Khatib, Croxall, Barker, Whatling, Young

Hi everyone,

 Thanks for some great hockey last weekend. The website has now been updated

www.fidopics.co.uk

Ceri Fido

Bournville

Cardiff & UWIC

Exeter University

Firebrands

Guildford

Old Georgians

Stourport

Team Bath Buccs

University of Birmingham

Whitchurch

Following Wrexham's late withdrawl from the tournament, the match times have been re-scheduled.

Saturday 24th May

Sunday 25th May

Monday 26th May

Whitchurch 7-0 Cardiff University

Whitchurch secured the Welsh Cup in style with a highly professional performance. In all four rounds the Cup winners only conceded one goal (against Wrexham), scoring 37 in the process.

The match started at quite an intensity with both sides exchanging early forays into their opponents circle. The students mustered a few half chances and Iwan Williams was called into actio to block a couple of attacks at the edge of his area. This did not deter Whitchurch, who have been playing a controlled and more direct style of late - countering with pace, which they did down the right - Neil Potter driving forward and passing to Liath El Khatib who drew the covering defender and the goalkeeper and selflessly squared to Joe Naughalty to slot home.

Whitchurch continued to dominate proceedings, interspersed with the occasional probing run from ex-Whitchurch player Martyn White. Naughalty doubled his tally and the scoreline with a smart solo effort - driving powerfully across the top of the circle and crashing the ball home with confidence for a 2-0 lead.

The Whitchurch penalty corner routine is looking far more effective than it has for some time. Jon Collis orchestrating proceedings from the top of the circle. Two penalty corners in quick succession allowed Whitchurch to try a coupl of alternative moves - the first was denied but brought about another PC. Collis slipped left from the top to Naughalty who slapped diagonally to the back post for Keating to tap in. 3-0.

Half time came and went and Whitchurch expected the depleted students to come at them eraly in the second period. But once again it was Whitchurch who stamoed their authority on the game. An early penalty corner and another alternative routine. Collis lined up to power the drag flick, drawing in the defenders and deftly lining up Naughalty immediatley to his left to flick home to make it 4-0.

Whitchurch were now controlling proceedings and the students whislt somewhat disheartened kept Whitchurch on their toes. The combined efforts of Gordon, John, Brotherton, Croxall and Keating kept things in order and snuffed out any real danger. Mark Whatling crept in with a deft touch over the keeper to take it to 5-0.

Before we knew it the sixth was scored (PS El Khatib) and just moments before the end, senior professional Neil Potter scored with some innovation to dink the ball over his shoulder and a stranded goalkeeper to take things to 7-0.

Whitchurch 4-0 Cardiff & UWIC

Whitchurch put local rivals Cardiff & UWIC to the sword in convincing fashion, in the second semi-final, after Cardiff University HC also won through to Sunday's final.

After the disappointment of Cernusco the boys will be keen to make amends on home soil. They meet old rivals Cardiff & UWIC in the second Welsh Cup semi-final, taking place on Saturday 17 May. Unfortunately the game co-incides with the FA Cup Final, but I'm sure you will be able to make time to come down and support. If all goes to plan the Final is on the Sunday (18th) at 13:30.

Disappointment for Whitchurch as they went down 3-2 to host Club Cernusco. Having been 2-0 down at half time Joe Naughalty equalised on 66 minutes, which would have been enough to take them through to the promotion game. But a deflection from Barzano with two minutes remaining took the spoils. This means Whitchurch finished fifth overall and nest year looks like we may have two Welsh sides in the same tournament.

Whitchurch hit a rich vein of form - putting the Danish side Orient Lyngby to the sword. Jon Collis with a PC hatrick, Joe Naughalty and Doug Young with solo efforts. See the Euope 2008 pages for more info.

Whitchurch gained a vital point, having to come from behind against a very capable Belarussian side. Goals from El Khatib, Collis and Naughalty. See the Euope 2008 pages for more info.

Venue - King George V ground, Swansea

 Come along and support the boys.

The Whitchurch HC 60th anniversary dinner was a tremendous success at the Park Inn Hotel in the centre of Cardiff. Many thanks must go to Roger Caddick, Jenny Bayliss, Collette Davies & Ben Croxall who worked extremely hard to make the night such a success.

There were faces old and new from throughout the 60 years, with 150 in attendance. Not to mention some photos with very embarassing haircuts dating back to the 1970s and a very slender 19 year old Andy King - who'd have thought it!

Each team elected their own player of the season:

1s - Jonny Gordon

2s - Doug Young

3s - Wayne Robson

4s - Adam Stone

5s - TBC @ AGM

6s - TBC @ AGM

7s - Tony Curtis

8s - James Hodge

Most Improved Player - Rhys Gowman

Clubman of the Year - Naz Mohammed

Team of the Year - 3s

Whitchurch B Captain David Harris was on hand on Wednesday to collect the winner's trophy for the North 2 division, at the League Area presentation evening, held at Whitchurch Rugby Sports & Social Club. Cardiff & UWIC were also presented with a trophy as winners of the West of England & South Wales Premier Division.

Whitchurch continued in fine form for their forthcoming cup action with a resounding 8-0 victory over Swansea Bay, at the King George V ground.

Whitchurch dominated proceedings, dictating the tempo and direction of play with a good balance of patience and directness. Swansea Bay were restricted to two shots on the Whitchurch goal, which goalkeeper Chris Gierak dealt with capably.

Coach Tyrone Moore was able to make use of his full squad resources and try out a few tactical options in preparation for the Milan sojourn and challenges back home during May.

Saturday saw the 2nd XI win back their 2nd XI Cup crown, with a convincing 5-0 defeat of Swansea Bay. Captain Tim Hingston had a strong squad with a blend of youth and experience. Mike Riches umoired the final.

Sunday was the final game of the Slazenger England Hockey League. Whitchurch entertained newly crowned champions Exeter University and came out 2-1 victors. A penalty corner double from Owen brotherton gave Whitchurch the points after coming form behind. Whitchurch now will finish either fifth or sixth depending on the outcome of the snowed-off game at Indian Gymkhana.

Robinsons lost 1-5 to Holcombe and will now face counterparts from the north, Hull, in the play-off to see who has the chance of staying up.

The season is far from over for the Men's 1st Team. This is the business end of the season and whilst not being embroiled in league promotion or relegations issues, there are a few scores to settle on the cup front.

The Welsh Cup semi-final draw has just been made and Whitchurch face old enemy Cardiff & UWIC, who have the better of recent fixtures. Both semis will be played on the Saturdat at WIS, with the final the day after, also at WIS.

The following weekend all four sides meet again to contest the Euro qualifier title and determine who will represent Wales in Europe in 2009.

Before all that, the boys travel to Milan to take on Belarussian, Danish and Italian opposition, before hopefully making the final and achieving promotion to the Trophy competition.

Check out the fixtures page for more details.

Whitchurch Vs Cardiff & UWIC

Cardiff Uni Vs Swansea Bay

Saturday 17 May @ WIS

The 1st Team's winning run in the EHL came to an end on Saturday - going down 3-2 at Oxted, after being 0-2 up and creating a host of chances.

Normal service was resumed on Sunday when they despatched Wrexham 8-1 in the quarter finals of the Welsh Cup. Whitchurch will face local rivals Cardiff & UWIC in the semi-final at WIS on Saturday 17 May. Swansea Bay will face Cardiff Uni in the other fixture.

In a tough weekend of hockey all three English teams dropped out of contention in the Euro Hockey League, held at Club Egara, Spain. Reading were drawn against Cannock on Easter Saturday - withe the Berkshire winning through. Loughbrough Students beat Royal Antwerp, to put two English sides through to the quarter finals.

Loughbrough gave German side Uhlenhorster HC a tough game, eventualy losing 2-1 and unable to capitalise on a sudden death penalty corner to draw level. Reading also had a very difficult game on Easter Monday. They eventually went down 2-1 to Dutch side Rotterdam, after giving a very good account of themselves.

In the other ties, Dutch side HGC went through against Ono Terrassa of Spain and hosts Club Egara beat French side Saint Germain. The semi fianls and final will be held over the weekend of May 10/11 in Holland.

HGC

Club Egara

Rotterdam

Uhlenhorster HC

Click here to see video highlights of the KO16 games in Terrassa. 

The Easter weekend will see the KO16 round of the tournament take place in Egara, near Barcelona. There are four British Clubs in action - Reading, Cannock and Loughbrough Students from England and Azzuri Kelbourne from Scotland.

Reading and Cannock will actually play each other for the chance to progress to the semis in May, which are likely to be held in Holland. Reading currently head the Slazenger England Hockey League Premier Division, with Cannock in third.

To keep up to date with the tournament and see video highlights go to www.eurohockeyleague.tv

With wins for the top three sides and losses further down the Club thre are some mixed outcomes for next season.

The 1s season has two games remaining and a Cup run to complete. The 2s secured safety in Prem 2 with a win over City of Bath and have reached the final of the 2nd XI Cup against Swansea Bay. The 3s are top of the tree in North 2, but the 4s have been dragged into relagation after a promising start to the season. It looks like they will be in the same division as the 5s and 6s...not ideal. Furthermore, relegation of the 7s leaves them in the same division as the 8s for the 2008-09 season.

Whitchurch 2-1 Indian Gymkhana

Three more points in a game that Whitchurh should have won more convincingly...again. More

GB 2-0 India

Great Britain's men joined the ladies in booking their place on the plane to Beijing - albeit seven months later.

GB took control from the first whistle with goals from Barry Middleton and Richard Mantell - denying India their place at the Olympucs for the first time since 1928.

India incurred two yellow cards once again and could not gain control of the game despite a number of opportunities. Late in the game India were awarded three penalty corners in a row, but the GB defence held firm.

Whitchurch 2-0 Cambridge Uni

Whitchurch fought hard to secure another three points at home to Cambridge University.

IND 2-3 GBR

GB drew first blood against arch rivals India in the mid afternoon Chilean heat. After going down to an early goal, GB fought back to level the scores and take the lead - benefiting from India being awarded two yellow cards in the first period. India drew level in the second period, but it was GB who held their nerve and snatched a winner in the 69th minute.

Friday is a rest day, with GB playing Austria on Saturday before the play-off matches on Sunday. GB expect to play India once again on Sunday - this time in the Final, with only the winner going through to compete in Beijing.

Great Britain's men continued their 100% record in Santiago, beating hosts Chile 4-1 on Tuesday night. A composed and controlled performance from the British side saw them dominate proceedings with some stout defending and incisive attacking play.

With three games played they are second in the table behind India. Both sides have won their opening three games - India have already scored 33 goals, and GB only conceded one. The top two sides meet on Thursday in what is expected to also be the Final on the 9th.

Men's 1 won another three points at home beating Ipswich 6-1. Report to follow.

Check out the images of the Panto courtesy of Kath Harris.

Great Britain started their campaign to reach the Olympic Finals in beijing in good style - against arguably the weaker opposition in the tournament. Beating Mexico 11-0 and Russia 8-0. This is a good platform for the squad who face hosts Chile on Tuesday.

The tournament is being held in Santiago and runs from 1-9 March.

The official tournament website is up and running - keep an eye open for news and developments from Milan - www.clubchallenge.org

Please send your photos of the Panto to marketing@whitchurch-hc.com to be uploaded to the site.

Will be held at the Park Inn in the City Centre on Saturday 26th April with tickets being maintained at last year's price of £25. The event will mark the 60th anniversary of the club's formation so we are hoping many former members will be joining us.

There will be a private bar from 18:30 and dinner will commence at 19:45. Rooms are available in the hotel for those who live away from Cardiff, at £65 (single) and £75 (double). These can be booked directly with the hotel on T: (029) 2034 1441. This will be a great opportunity for past and present memebers to get together and talk about old times.

Please contact Roger Caddick for your tickets T: (029) 20 36 2860.

The Men's 1s went down 2-0 at home to league leaders Sevenoaks, last Sunday. More

Ceri Fido

New photos on website for 4th team v Gloucester and B team v Swansea University

www.fidopics.co.uk

There are new action shots of the recent match between the 5s V 6s on the Fidopics website.

Whitchurch have been awarded a home tie against Wrexham in the quarter final of the Welsh Cup. The tie will be played on 30th March.