KESWICK HOCKEY CLUB

Netherwood League

Ambleside 3-3 Keswick
GSK South Lakes 1-5 Keswick
Last Saturday the Ladies Development team travelled to Kendal to play two League games in a triangular event with Ambleside and GSK South Lakes and came away with not only their first victory of the season but also a very creditable draw against a strong Ambleside team.

Keswick’s side throughout the season has frequently been made up of U16s girls and although they have been on the end of some heavy defeats they always enjoy their games. As the season has gone on they have got stronger and better and from not being able to score at all, they began scoring the odd goal and then, latterly, two goals in games. In March they gained their very first point of the campaign and since then they’ve grown in stature securing more draws, scoring more goals and gaining confidence.

So it was no surprise on Saturday when they more than competed with an older, more experienced Ambleside team, taking the lead twice through marvellous team goals by the vastly improving Emily Penny, with 14 year old Emma Harrison scoring her debut goal. Keswick deserved to win this game, Jenny Johnson working tirelessly in defence, intercepting, tracking and tackling back aided by Molly Wilkinson, while Clare Fisher’s composure in defence allied to her experience and communication added greatly to Keswick’s cause.

Emily Sherwen was lively for Keswick at right forward contributing greatly to one of Keswick’s goals and ‘keeper Sophie Parker made one save in the first half she had no right to get near. Following a sharp shot on the turn from the Ambleside forward from close range, Sophie just drifted to the right with the play and somehow got her pad on the ball to deflect it wide for a corner. Captain Vicky Bruce led by example and had a fine game at left midfield.

After an hour’s break Keswick returned to the field to take on GSK South Lakes who had also drawn with Ambleside, 1-1. Keswick tore into GSK with a vengeance and were soon 2-0 up through Claire Hewson and then a brilliant finish from the vastly improving Emily Penny. Keswick were then reduced to only 9 players when Emily Sherwen had to go work and Vicky Bruce was left suffering severe cramp; but Keswick’s youngster’s upped their work rate and never stopped running. GSK had their chances but, once again, Sophie Parker coped well in goal.

Keswick’s passing and movement was excellent and this resulted in further goals in the second half from Claire Hewson, Emily Penny and a very composed finish from Emma Harrison after a fine run into the circle. Helen Norman and Carol Dawson exerted their experience too during this tremendous team performance.

Match sponsor: The Keswick Reminder

Netherwood League

Ulverston Ladies 2nds 1   Keswick Ladies 2nds 1

The Development Team travelled to Ulverston last Sunday to play their third fixture of the weekend, with Captain Vicky Bruce and Tracey Harrison the only adults playing, alongside what was ostensibly an U16 team. Having played so well the previous day, taking 4 points from two matches, the players were keen to repeat this success and started well claiming the early pressure. The team produced some good play in possession, with the midfield of Vicky Bruce, Tasha Woolley, Sophie Parker (playing out of goal for the game) and Molly Wilkinson controlling play and putting the forwards through to pressurise Ulverston’s goal and Emily Penney, so dominant on Saturday, once again had a couple of early shots saved. As the game settled Ulverston had periods of possession but Keswick’s back three of Amy Rush, Emma Harrison and Chloe Smart put on an excellent display of controlled marking ensuring the opposition rarely got into the circle, a relief for ‘keeper Tracey Harrison - who used to play regularly for Keswick in goal but who hadn’t played for a number of years!Midway through the first half an injury to Vicky Bruce meant took no further part in the game and with no substitute the youngsters were left to fend for themselves. By halftime there was no score and the team had time to reorganise, returning for the restart undeterred with 10 players. Keswick started the second half well, Kythe Deardon made two telling runs down the right only to have her shots saved by the ‘keeper, while Sam Ormerod - also a ‘keeper by trade - showed great strength down the left flank linking well with Sophie Parker and Emily Penney. But it was a pass out of defence by Emma Harrison, who had a great weekend on the pitch, to Emily Penney who skillfully rounded three defenders before drawing the goalkeeper, that put Keswick ahead, taking Emily’s tally for the weekend to 4.  Ulverston then upped their game, coming back strongly and had a 10 minute period where they were relentless in attack. Keswick’s defence stood strong though, Amy Rush and Emma Harrison showing great team work as one tackled and the other cleared to thwart the Ulverston attack time and time again. It was, however, a superbly struck penalty corner which gave ‘keeper Tracey Harrison no chance of saving that eventually gave Ulverston their equaliser.   Although Keswick continued to fight to the final whistle, with 10 players for three quarters of the game they just could not find the winner they so deserved. However, this was an excellent weekend for the Development Team which remained undefeated after their 3 back-to-back games, a tall order for any side and certainly a great learning curve for these very promising young players; player of the match was: Sophie Parker.
Match sponsor: Compass Components, Keswick

Keswick HC Under 14 Mixed team win "The William Wilson Trophy" at Ulverston

This talented bunch of young players, who have experienced success in their respective gender teams this year, came together once again to produce some excellent hockey at the weekend when they competed in Sunday’s William Wilson U14 Mixed 7-a-side Tournament at Ulverston.

Although they got off to a slow start against Western Lakes, having not played together for several months, by the midway point they started to find their form and a superb goal from Captain Seth Fletcher put Keswick in the lead. A second goal by Seth was disallowed, as it went in just as the umpire had blown for a penalty corner, Keswick took the corner superbly and Seth thumped the ball home to give his team a 2 – 0 win.

Now well into their stride Keswick met the first of the two Kirkby Lonsdale teams and a cross from Seth resulted in a lovely goal from Libby Dawson, perfectly positioned by the far post. Keswick kept up the pressure and Libby scored her second, this time after a good run up the wing with the ball. Kirkby put the pressure on but were no match for this ever-solid defence of Elliot Desert and Emma Harrison, who intercepted everything long before it reached their goal. The game ended with another 2 – 0 win for Keswick.

By far the hardest game of the day was against Kirkby Lonsdale’s other team, but Sam Ormerod was as dependable as ever in goal clearing the few shots that actually reached her. Molly Wilkinson was a workhorse in midfield tirelessly feeding the ball to her forwards. After several missed shots on goal, Ben Harrison finally slotted in a lovely goal to give Keswick a 1 – 0 win.

Keswick next played the first of the two young Ulverston teams and right from the start had total control of the game. Ben opened up the scoring, followed closely by a lovely goal from Molly. Seth added another two goals in quick succession, followed by another from Ben, then Seth added a further two, with Emma Harrison topping off the 8 – 0 win.

The final game against the other Ulverston team went very much the same way as the first, with Seth and Molly scoring two goals each and Ben four, to give Keswick another 8 – 0 win.

Having won all their matches without conceding a goal and scoring 21, Keswick were crowned the overall winners of the Tournament, a fitting end to a very good season for this group of players.

Match sponsor: The Toy Shop, Cockermouth

KESWICK HOCKEY CLUB

Under 15 Girls

Blackpool Tour
This was another first for Keswick HC this season; Coach Ann Rush organised a tour for the Club’s U15 girls over the early May Bank Holiday weekend, taking in friendly games against Blackpool, Preston and Morecambe hockey clubs.

Sixteen very excited lassies set off on the Saturday morning for Stanley Park in Blackpool in buoyant mood. Blackpool has a strong Under 15 girls’ team and featured a whole squad of Lancashire county players, a couple of them North regional players to boot, so this was going to be a tough test for Keswick on a very warm sunny afternoon.

It was decided to play three 20 minute sessions in the hot sun and Keswick played very well in the 1st and 3rd sessions, holding Blackpool to a 1-0 win and a 1-1 draw, although in the middle session they somehow couldn’t stem the Blackpool tide and conceded five goals to nil as their hosts turned up the heat on Keswick.    

Rosie Heap tucked away Keswick’s consolation goal in fine fashion and the team played some very tidy hockey during the three session game.

Having celebrated Emma Harrison’s birthday on the Saturday evening at the local Italian restaurant with bowling to follow (Emma did manage to blow all her candles out!) the squad set off for Preston on Sunday morning. Another fine team performance resulted in a 4-0 victory for Keswick, with Natasha Woolley grabbing a hat trick and Kate Eldred adding the fourth. Both teams played very well but Keswick took their chances with Sam Ormerod and Sophie Parker - sharing the goalkeeping duties - keeping the Preston forwards at bay.

Morecambe sadly pulled out of Monday’s game very late so plans were hastily altered and after enjoying a superb five course meal in their hotel on the Sunday evening it was decided to host an inter-club game on Lytham St. Anne’s fine sandy beach – and an experience greatly enjoyed by all! The tide was out and, although a little windy, a grand game was enjoyed on the marked out sand – the score was irrelevant – happy faces said it all!

Prior to leaving for home an awards ceremony was held in the hotel and even the coaches received a presentation from their players.
Tour Awards –
Player of the Tour: Lucy Bushby; Player of the Match v Blackpool: Anna Broadbent; Player of the Match v Preston: Kate Eldred; Player of the Match on the Beach: Natasha Woolley
Skill Award U14: Emma Harrison; Skill Award U15: Jenny Johnson; Most Improved Player U14: Kythe Deardon; Most Improved Player U15: Sophie Parker;
Tour Manager’s Award: Amy Rush
Tour Medals: Rosie Heap; Libby Dawson; Sam Ormerod; Samantha Brough; Georgia Le Voi; Chloe Smart and Molly Wilkinson.

This was a great experience for all the girls, who returned home very happy if not extremely tired!

Tour sponsor: Keswick Computer Solutions; The Toy Shop, Cockermouth

Under 9 Mixed Tournament

Keswick’s youngest players travelled to Windermere on Saturday to compete in that Club’s annual U9 Mixed Tournament. The squad comprised Harry Hird (GK), Megan Almond, Grace Law, Jenny Hunter, Euan Harrison, Beth Coles, Adam Bainbridge and Isla Campbell.

Keswick’s first opposition Windermere S were a very strong team and although Keswick had a few chances, they were unable to break down Windermere’s solid defence. Harry Hird, playing for the first time in goal, made some excellent saves but Keswick were unable to prevent the final score being 4 – 0 to Windermere.

Next Keswick met Kirkby Lonsdale Y and the team passed and tackled well, and had numerous shots which just missed the goal. The defence played very well and Keswick were rewarded with a 3 – 0 win, with 2 goals from Adam Bainbridge and 1 from Euan Harrison.

Gal Gators were Keswick’s third opposition and proved to be a very strong team with Keswick having to defend most of the game. Despite many good saves once again from Harry the final score was 4 – 0 to Gal Gators.

Their final game was against Windermere Q and Keswick had another good game, with Adam Bainbridge scoring his third goal; however the final score was 2 – 1 to Windermere.

This is a great learning curve for young hockey players and enjoyment of the game is paramount at this age – by all accounts they all enjoyed the experience.

Match sponsor: The Toy Shop, Cockermouth

Under 13 Mixed League

Keswick travelled to Kirkby Stephen on Sunday to play the final games in the U13 Mixed League, against two Kirkby Lonsdale teams and Ulverston.

Kirkby Lonsdale R proved to be very tough opponents and despite the best efforts of Meghan Avery and Peter Sutton in defence and Joseph Richardson in goal the opposition managed to open up a 3 goal lead. Keswick kept pushing and Chris Sharpe and Rebecca Furness in midfield worked hard and were finally rewarded by a goal from Harry Wilkinson, leaving the final score at 3 – 1 to Kirkby.

Against Kirkby Lonsdale B Keswick began to play much better as a team and Aylin Hoggan at centre defence and Louise Owen and Isla Brough in midfield worked tirelessly in giving Keswick 0 – 0 draw.

Finally, Keswick played Ulverston and this was another good game with the sides very evenly matched. Daniel Dutton played well up front and Alex Chaudhri worked hard in centre midfield to leave Keswick with their second 0 – 0 draw of the day.

Match sponsor: The Toy Shop, Cockermouth

U11 Boys Yazoo North Mini Hockey Championships 2009

Keswick HC’s U11 squad - Jack Hird (GK), Richard Sharpe, Tyson Olley, Ben Harrison, Matty Burridge, Jack Law, David Thomas and Jack Shaw - travelled to Manchester on Sunday 26 April to play in the North round of the national Yazoo Mini Hockey Championships, having qualified a few weeks earlier at Durham.
The games were played on a water-based pitch which was a first for all the boys and makes the game slightly different to playing on a sand-based pitch which is what they were used to at Cockermouth and around Cumbria.

Their first game was against Kirkham GS and Keswick took a while to get into their stride and by the end of the first half were 3 – 0 down. They started to play much better in the second half and a goal from Ben Harrison pegged back the score, although Kirkham put on the pressure finally ran out 5 – 1 winners.

Keswick faced Alderley Edge HC next and got into their stride a bit better, an early goal from Jack Law giving Keswick the lead, but then Alderley Edge pulled one back. However, a lovely second goal by Jack Shaw gave Keswick a well deserved 2 – 1 win.

In their final game Keswick came up against York HC. Despite Keswick having all the play to start with, York defended well and Keswick just couldn’t find the net. York came back at Keswick after half time and piled on the pressure leaving the final score 5 – 0 in their favour.

At the end of the final game 3 of the teams in the group of four were on equal points and Keswick only missed out on the playoffs on goal difference.

Reaching these championships for the Keswick lads was a huge achievement, particularly considering the North winners had 150+ U11 boys to choose from. The whole of Keswick Hockey Club is immensely proud of these youngsters and the lads should be very proud of themselves.

Match sponsor: The Toy Shop, Cockermouth