- Harleston May Day Tournament – Ladies Lift Plate
Newmarket Hockey Club travelled to the home of the Harleston Magpies to compete in their annual May bank holiday tournament. The squad, which was predominantly made up of ladies 1′s and a couple of ladies 2′s knew not what to expect as this was their first entry into this particular event.
Their first game took place on grass, apparently this was all the rage 30 years ago but then again so were VHS recorders. Lowestoft proved worthy opponents and opened up the scoring, play was end to end but Newmarket couldn’t find the back of the net until all the hard work by Beth Wombwell, who looked quite at home playing on grass, eventually paid off. A ball was fed into the D that bore resemblance to something that had been dropped by 617 squadron and as it bounced, Wombwell made a clean connection and fired the ball across the line to pull off a well earned draw.
The second match, again on grass, was against Diss, this match wasn’t quite so end to end, mostly due to the rugged surface of the playing pitch. The match ended nil nil.
Newmarket’s next 2 games were on the Water Based astro, comparatively speaking, a bit like trading in your Reliant Robin for a Porsche 911 C4S. An excellent game prevailed but neither side could find the back board and for the second game in a row, a scoreless result was recorded.
To reach the Cup play off, Newmarket needed to beat their next opponents and although Beth Wombwell got her second goal of the day, they could only secure a one all draw which meant Newmarket would go through to the play offs where they would compete for the plate.
Newmarket had a bye in the quarter finals and the and a semi final against the hosts, Harleston Magpies was set to push back at 4pm. Newmarket remained true to form and by the end of the match were locked at a draw, penalty flicks were going to be how the game would be decided, coach Chris Evans selected the five to take the flicks. Newmarket missed the first and the magpies went one up. The next six flicks were we’re thoroughly in Newmarket’s favour, with Jade Atkinson, the Newmarket Goalkeeper, saving all of the Magpies efforts, whilst Newmarket through Angel Fayers, Lydia Evans and Beth Wombwell scored all three of theirs meant Newmarket had secured a place in the plate final.
The final was played on grass but by now Newmarket were buzzing, the opposition didn’t actually get into Newmarket’s half. They came out one nil winners after an excellent deflected goal by April Atkinson earned them the victory they so deserved. A great day was had by all and Lou Milner and Verity MacMahon, both 2nd team players had exceptional matched and certainly proved their worth. April Atkinson won the player of the final. To top the day off, the Men’s team, won the cup final in a thrilling game that ended 2-0 to the boys
- Newmarket Ladies 2s v St. Ives Ladies 2s – Sunday 7th April – home at Newmarket
The sun was out as were the supporters for the ladies 2s final match of the season on Sunday but with some tired players from the previous days game and a few sore heads from celebrating the other Newmarket teams great performances the day before also, Newmarket knew that they faced a tough game and a tough game it turned out to be! St. Ives had several individually strong players who Newmarket put up a good fight against but the result was not what Newmarket hoped for and they had to suffer a 2-0 defeat. The team finished 2nd overall in their league however meaning promotion next season which is a tremendous overall result.
14 April 2013- Newmarket Ladies 2s v Ely Ladies 2s – Saturday 6th April – away at Ely
Newmarket ladies 2s took a strong squad of 16 to Ely on Saturday for their last away game of the season and it was an intense game from the push back. The first half saw Newmarket with most of the possession and a goal from Kerry O Hara which came from a pass from Ruth Godden and Loren Davenport on the midfield to Kerry on the left wing saw them take the lead before half time. With Sam Brooke as sweeper and the other players in defence which comprised of Sarah Ganiford, Anna Parker and Nikki Boyle, Ely struggled to find an equaliser until well into the second half. Great individual performances from Donna Keates, Harriet Briggs and goalkeeper Sue Bullimore showed just how much the team are ready for the promotion into the league above next season. It was when Ely had found the goal that Newmarket upped the ante again and with Zoe Bailey finding some great passes to Verity Mac Mahon on the right wing who was named man of the match, there were several chances for Newmarket to take the lead again but the goal never came and the score remained a draw at 1-1.
8 October 2012- Cup Sucess For Ladies & Scare For Mens’ 1′s
Newmarket Ladies 1’s v Spalding Ladies 2’s. 4-0 win to Newmarket.
Newmarket ladies 1’s faced Spalding 2’s in the League Cup competition this weekend.
It was a lot tougher than Town expected and Captain Gail Parkins playing with a new surname after being married the previous week and a new stick (wedding present), had to rally her side.
The first half was pretty much deadlock with both sides spilling passes and players not quite meeting balls in time. There was little possession in midfield and both keepers were called into action.
Both teams also had their fair share of short corner chances but could not get that final pass on target.
With the heat again having an effect on the game as with the previous week; halftime was much needed by the players. Newmarket took the chance to re-group and re focus on the need to get an early goal. This was achieved just 2 minutes in-Hayley Stoneman made a fabulous central run and took on the keeper smashing the ball in.
This gave Newmarket the confidence and safety cushion they needed to press on the defence further. Stoneman combined with Beth Wombwell up front, both switching the ball between each other and Wombwell got the final touch extending Town’s lead.
Stoneman took advantage of the defence tracking Newmarket wide players and again drove up the middle of the pitch easily slotting passed the keeper.
The play was looking a little scrappy and Lydia Evans received a flyway stick to the face-with a short break off the pitch she came back on playing with full confidence and in the 29th minute she was rewarded with a goal-booming the ball hard and fast on a narrow angle far right of the D finishing off the game in style and continuing Town’s participation in the Cup Competition.
Newmarket Ladies 2 V Cambridge City
Having played Cambridge City 4’s two weeks previous in a league match, Newmarket were upbeat about the potential win against them in the League Cup.
From the off Newmarket showed confidence on the ball.
Great link play from Kerry Alderson, Cassie Edgar-Ayms and April Atkinson on the right saw Newmarket threaten City.
Sue Bullimore in goal communicated well with her backs Anna Parker and Sam Brooke. This kept City from being able to get through the solid Newmarket defence.
20 minutes into the match a cross pitch ball from Becka Swift found Zoe Bailey unmarked who swiftly interlinked with Edgar-Ayms, who was already looking for Alderson pacing forward giving the chance for a shot. Although first saved by the keeper’s quick reactions, Alderson not wanting to come away goalless swept in the re-bound giving Newmarket the deserved goal.
Now goal hungry, the fresh legs of Rachel Bullingham, Holly Woods and Harry Briggs saw that the pace down the left wing picked up and Swift scored only to find the Umpire had already blown his whistle for previous foot foul.
With the team working hard and moments of great link up play, Newmarket were putting all their training methods into the match.
Donna Keats staying solid and man marking saw Newmarket’s first half end at 1-0.
No team really dominated the other; Newmarket not wanting to get complacent saw Jade Atkinson channelling her opponent and winning challenges Town could build on.
A quick change of positions and players altering the defence line around dramatically proved Newmarket are a team that can work around anything.
Town continued to work hard but with the warm weather and tiring bodies the team were happy to hear the final whistle winning 1-0.
Well deserved Man of the Match-Jade Atkinson.
Wisbech 2nd XI 3 Newmarket 1st XI 1
Town made the journey northwards without skipper Will Wilson who was nursing his injured knee. This caused a reshuffle in the back line which upset the shape and fluidity which the Newmarket fans have come to expect from the yellow and blue machine.
Right from the first whistle Wisbech played with more passion and purpose, running out deserved winners and killing off any hope of the mighty Town had of bettering last year and going the season unbeaten.
Instead, Newmarket got a taste of their own medicine outplayed by a savvy opposition who thoroughly deserved the three points and have set the benchmark for what Town must achieve if they want to be the best in Div 3 NW.
The first ten minutes set the tone for most of the game with the Newmarket back four unable to handle the free movement on the youthful and pacey Wisbech front line.
Runs from midfield weren’t tracked and despite the urgent commands of Newmarket’s experienced Keeper Chris Routs the Wisbech forwards were able to find far too much room in and around the Town D. The pressure began to tell and it was no surprise when a goal mouth scramble saw the home team take a deserved lead. Watching from the side lines Coach Nick Thorpe pulled his hair out in frustration as his side were outplayed for the first time during his reign.
Going 1 down seemed to spark some life into Newmarket. Thorpe shuffled his pack and the introduction of Worrall and Skelton helped Town find a foothold in the game. They began to venture forward. Mounting some meaningful attacks of their own helped them force a series of short corners, one of which fell to the energetic Ollie Wade who slammed home an equaliser from a tight angle.
Unfortunately Town did not add to this as their usually effective corner routines came to nothing. The Wisbech back four soaked up the pressure before a quick break up-field saw them re take the lead.
A missed penalty flick meant town were still only 1 down at halftime.
Some ugly tackles from a “competitive” Wisbech midfield went unpunished before Worrall took matters into his own hands and spent 10 minutes in the sin bin as a result.
In his absence Wisbech made it 3- 1 with a slick short corner of their own.
Lessons will be taken and perhaps this is the wake-up call Town need to help ensure they remain focused on gaining a 3rd consecutive promotion.
- Another Victorious Week For The Club!
Newmarket Ladies 1’s v Oundle Ladies: 7-0 win to Newmarket
Newmarket ladies 1’s helped continue the clubs winning run this weekend as they convincingly beat Oundle ladies 7-0 at home.
The squad brimming with enthusiasm and skill this season were keen to show their intentions of dominating the league from opening push back. Oundle were penned into their defending half and forced to play square and back passes. With pace up front, Beth Wombwell slipped her defender and took on the keeper-with little effort she found the target to take Town in front after 5 minutes. With a full sideline of supporters cheering-the team were lifted to extend this lead. By this point Newmarket were able to sit high in defence. Nicola Boyle made her first team league debut and rose to the challenge and worked superbly with her new teammates at the back.
Town looked comfortable on the ball and coach Chris Evans was able to adjust the team – trying out new position options. Hayley Stoneman taking on a more defensive role this season provided skill and pace toward the midfield leaving Claire McDonnell the chance to sit higher. Oundle were giving Newmarket a lot of space to run with the ball and McDonnell darted up the right and found Di Thomas top D-she took a step inside and struck sweetly to beat the keeper at right post.
McDonnell was rewarded for her unselfish distribution-finding herself free top D after a pinpoint pass from Jazz Wombwell she scampered round 2 players and clipped into goal. A head injury to an Oundle player created a gap in play which was much needed due to the heat.
The second half was as high paced as the first and Town were hungry for more goals. Kerry Alderson like Boyle was making her first team league debut and certainly made an impact on the game with her pace and accuracy.
Beth Wombwell again was on target only for the goal to be disallowed – this was a teaser for the crowd as Angel Fayers stepped up and pounced on the left post soon after, giving Newmarket a fourth.
Looking solid Isabel Hooley and Louise Downs were clinical in their execution of passes confidently worked together to provide the front men shooting opportunities.
Oundle did not give up the fight and for a ten minute period were holding possession well and build chances to shoot towards Sue Bullimore in goal. Getting restless Newmarket finally got the ball away. In a goalline scramble the Oundle keeper must be praised for blocking numerous shots, however Thomas boomed the ball first time into goal to take her team’s tally to 5. Beth Wombwell was also not done with being on the score sheet and swept from mid range to get her brace.
1’s player of 2011/12 season Tania Fisher was on form as usual as was Lydia Evans who was unlucky not to find the target on several occasions. Town’s final goal started from a defensive clearance. Within about 4 passes the ball was heading goalwards. After an initial shot by McDonnell the ball fell nicely for Thomas to reverse sweep away giving her a hat-trick. At this early point of the season the team sit top of the league on goal difference-a position they wish to remain at.
Jenny Richards played her final game for Newmarket before starting student life. She will be missed by the squad and club-they all wish her luck for the future.
Newmarket Ladies 2′s v’s Peterborough Ladies 2′s – Saturday 22nd September (home)
It was a quick pace from the onset in this match with both teams fitness levels really put to the test. The first goal came from Newmarket in the 22nd minute by Lou Downs who has shown she means business now she has recovered from last seasons injury. There were plenty of shots on goal from the Peterborough side but none in the first half could get past Newmarket goalkeeper Sue Bullimore who won man of the match for her efforts. Going into the second half leading 1-0, Newmarket dominated possession for the early part of the second half which was rewarded with a second goal for them by Tracey Cockerill in the 9th minute. It wasn’t long after that Peterborough got their first goal however. There was some great play by Newmarkets Zoe Bailey, April Atkinson, Sam Brooke & Grace Evans and in the 31st minute Lou Downs got her second goal making it 3-1 to Newmarket and securing the win.
Newmarket 1st XI 6-0 St Neots 1st XI
Goal scorers – Harry Bell x 2, Matt Holden x 2, Ollie Wade and Mark Pears
Newmarket went into their first home game of the 2012-13 season fairly heavily disrupted by the unusually early start to season. With right winger Mr Suzanna Burrows trying to develop a life away from the sport he loves, Simon Harrington using Pedalo’s as only he can in Spain and James Wrinch spending more time than desired with the contents of his own stomach the team were forced into a re-shuffle. Mark Pears was moved from centre forward to right back, Dave Worrall moved to centre back with Matt Holden returning to play right wing.
Having won every home game during last season conceding only 3 goals in the process, the team were still confident. They came up against an experienced resilient St Neots team who were not prepared to roll over and competed all over the park. As the game progressed Newmarket’s superior ability and greater team work enabled them to dominate both possession and territory. Newmarket won a flurry of penalty corners capitalising on the third one when Harry Bell deflected in Ollie Wade’s pass.
The second goal followed soon after, Matt Holden drove the by line from the right wing. Skelton was open for square pass and a certain tap in, Holden instead opted to play a 1-2 with the goalkeeper’s pads. Fortunately for the team, and definitely for Holden, he tucked away the rebound.
Despite Newmarket dominance, St Neots kept the back four of Pears, Worrall, Jordan Newnes and Will Wilson on their toes. Goal keeper Chris Routs had to be alert to dart from his line and block, this left more space for Newmarket to attack and Holden soon scored the third, collecting Leggett’s fine through ball and beating the keeper with a shot from a tight angle. The half time whistle went soon after with the team 3 goals to the good.
The second half was more of the same, Ollie Wade continued his fine recent performances at left half, providing great defensive cover for his full back and through a combination of lung busting runs and individual skill giving his closest opponents plenty to worry about. Following a great attack down the left, involving most the team, Mike Skelton passed to Leggett, who slipped to Bell to score his second.
The fifth was scored by Ollie Wade, Alex Andreou’s shot was blocked by the St Neots keeper, Skelton picked up the rebound and squared for Wade to force home, the scoring was rounded off by Mark Pears who slammed home after the keeper had blocked Wilson initial penalty corner effort.
Man of the match was Ollie Wade and Dick of the day Will Wilson (very harsh, as the author of the match report felt he had an outstanding game, bettered by only Wade), for losing his keys and chucking a couple of less than average aerials. The team were also grateful to Greg Cummins for benching, hopefully with a little more persuasion he could play every week!
Next week the team are at home to Wisbech, the game starts at 3:30, supporters are always very welcome. The club are fortunate to have a large squad for their men’s teams, but new players are always welcome to join our successful growing club, the men train at 7pm on Wednesday evenings at the leisure centre, please look on the website www.newmarkethockeyclub.co.uk for more info.
Newmarket Mens 2′s v Grantham: 2-1 win to Newmarket
With last weeks game playing on the minds of the Newmarket team, they travelled to Grantham with a resolve to put right last week’s injustice. Due to a delayed start tensions where building but these evaporated as the whistle blew to begin.
Newmarket immediately began where they left off last week, with the new forward partnership of Will Hosegood and James Atkinson combining to create some early chances. The chances came to nothing though as a combination of bad luck and some errant shooting conspired to keep the game level.
Grantham where not to be easily subdued however, and responded with some quick break-away attacks. These where soaked up with some robust defending from the usual back four of Boyle, Atkinson senior(very, very senior) Jenkins and Prentice. The latter proving that even the old boys have some running left in them, but it will be Thursday before he feels his legs again.
The attacks from Grantham where few and far between though, and yet again Newmarket commanded the midfield, with Ben Gottfredson and Mark Simpson pairing up effectively and feeding the wingers, Jordan Walker on the left and Rob Greene on the right.
Despite the amount of pressure exerted by Newmarket however, the half-time score remained 0-0, leaving Newmarket wondering what they would have to do to get the ball into the back of the net.
The second half began as the first half ended, with Newmarket piling on the pressure. This was rewarded by a penalty corner, which goal machine Hosegood promptly planted into the back of the net, 1-0 Newmarket. This goal buoyed up the team and they put even more pressure onto a flagging Grantham and another penalty corner was awarded. Enter Mr Hosegood to smash another one into the back of the goal, 2-0 Newmarket and a win was on its way.
Despite a late rally from Grantham which led to what was probably the goal of the game, unfortunately scored by Atkinson senior past the despairing Chris Warren in the Newmarket goal, Newmarket hung on to record their first win of the new season which was thoroughly deserved.
- 2′s On Hot Form!
Newmarket Ladies II’s vs. Lowestoft Ladies II’s – At Newmarket
The weather was on fire and so were the Newmarket Ladies 2’s this Saturday as they played their hearts out against Lowestoft at home. The pace was steady for the first half which probably had something to do with the hot conditions but Newmarket picked it up towards the end of the half to show they weren’t messing around and Cassie Ayms produced the goods with a whack and a half from a short corner to give Newmarket the 1-0 lead. The second half was evenly fought with Lowestoft missing more than a few chances of a goal due to Sue Bullimore’s quick fire saves in goal and her efforts were rightfully awarded with the Coaches player of the match and joint woman of the match! It looked like Lowestoft were going to bring the score to a 1-1 draw but with a great passing effort from the defence to the midfield, proving the new 4-4-2 formation was working, April Atkinson swept the ball through to Verity MacMahon who found her way around the Lowestoft goalkeeper to secure the 2-0 win for Newmarket.
6 March 2012- Ladies 2′s Slip To Drop Zone
2-1 to Castaways.
Scorer: Lou Downs.
Newmarket Ladies 2′s faced the Ipswich Castaways on Saturday in a bid to stay out of the relegation zone. Newly promoted Newmarket have struggled slightly to find their feet this season but were looking hopeful from the start of the game. Great link up play down the left hand side between Tracy Cockerill, Lou Downs and Becca Swift kept Castaways on their toes and proved useful in giving us some room to move.
It was a fairly even game with both sides looking to score. Castaways broke the deadlock first with a dubious goal coming in from a short corner. The 1st umpire deemed a no goal as the ball went in above the backboard but after a quick discussion with the 2nd umpire the goal was awarded. Newmarket kept their heads in the game and fought back with Cassie Ayms distributing the ball well out to Ruth Godden and Kerrie Alderton on the wings. Castaways managed to break free again and put there 2nd goal in before half time. Skipper Nikki Boyle tried to rouse the team with a half time chat which appeared to work. Lou Downs, newly back from injury, managed to slide a reverse sweep shot past the keeper and in to the goal.
Galvanised by this Newmarket began to push harder looking for the equaliser. Goalie Sue Bullimore and Centre Back Anna Parker worked hard to prevent any more goals from entering Newmarket’s goal. The final whistle went leaving Newmarket losing 2-1 but the performance of the team proved that the girls are determined and won’t give up.
Next week’s game is away to top of the league Haverhill. Lou Downs was voted MOTM.
5 December 2011- Ayms Brace Keeps 2′s out Of Danger
Nemarket Ladies 2′s v Ipswich: 3-1 win to Newmarket.
Newmarket travelled to Ipswich keen to secure another win and some valuable points. Tracy Cockerill opened the scoring after 10 mins when a well worked move between Peri Green and Beth Wombwell found Tracy in a fine position to finish. The game saw some attacking play from both sides but Newmarket’s defence of Anna Parker and Mel Podd kept Ipswich from scoring. Newmarket were awarded a short corner just before half time and Cassie Ayms converted Tracy Cockerill’s injection in some style. The first half finished 2-0 and Newmarket continued their determined play in the second half with some great runs from April Atkinson and Ruth Godden. Despite some great team play from Sarah Gainford and some lovely breaks down the left from Harriet Briggs Newmarket were unable to find the net. An error at the back from Newmarket gifted Ipswich a goal which seemed to spur the Ipswich side on. A period of sustained pressure from Ipswich culminated in a goal line save by a Newmarket foot and a penalty flick being awarded. Newmarket could feel their victory slipping away but their Keeper Sue Bullimore, not for the first time, produced an excellent save to maintain Newmarket’s lead. Shortly afterwards Newmarket were awarded another short corner and once again Cassie Ayms stepped up to convert. The game finished 3-1 giving Newmarket some much needed points in their fight to stay in this league.
- Ladies seconds clinch consecutive victory
Newmarket Ladies II 5 – 2 Felixstowe I
Newmarket played Felixstowe at home in a crucial game for deciding their destiny this season. They started well with Beth Wombwell scoring early on from close range. They enjoyed large spells of pressure in the first half and scored another four goals, both Tracey Cockerill and Zoe Bailey scoring a brace.
The second half was a different story, Newmarket were completely out played by a rivatalised Felixstowe who scored twice and were unlucky not to get anything from the game. Newmarket however gained a vital win, their second on the bounce.
- Premier League Proves Tough For 2′s
Ladies 2′s v’s Ipswich Grasshoppers: 2-0 to Grasshoppers
Newmarket Ladies II’s, who are playing their first season in the Suffolk Premier league after gaining promotion last season, travelled to Grasshoppers in Ipswich on Saturday. Newmarket’s defence was pushed to the limits with a barrage of attacks and only the thing that kept them in the game was Goalkeeper, Sue Bullimore, who pulled off some incredible saves and at the end of the first half, considered themselves to be lucky to be trailing only 2 – 0. The second half though, told a different story with Newmarket playing hockey that was worthy and more befitting to a team in the Premier League, the only thing missing were goals. This certainly was a game of two halves in which all the players contributed to make it an excellent team building exercise to make this season have the potential to be very exciting
MOM Sue Bullimore
