Beeston Hockey Club News Articles

Beeston Smash Surbiton

Bees stalemate at EG

Bees secure 4th play-off spot

Bees back in Cup Final

Unbeaten Bees

Bees Knocked out of Euro Hockey League

Junior National Finals

Update member details

Bees back in Europe

U10 boys and Girls Midlands Champions

Close Encounter

Join the website

Player of the Season

England Hockey Cup Final

BEES WIN CUP FINAL

Log on for website

BEESTON v SURBITON

Bees top the Premiership

Bees stay top

12 wins from 12 matches

High 5 Ward

Euro Hockey League Squad

Bees drop into 2nd place

Bees move into last 16 of the Cup

BEES IN EUROPE

Brilliant Bees win in Spain

Bees win at Brooklands

Big win at Bowdon

Double disappointment for Ladies 1s

Bees win double header

Outdoor Junior cup success

Mixed fortunes for Beeston Ladies

Level 1 Umpiring Course available

EURO HOCKEY LEAGUE KO16 DRAW

Indoor Junior teams march on

Level 1 umpires course details

BEES HEAD TO WEMBLEY

U18 girls win National Indoor Champions

SUPER SIXES FINALS

Beeston in INDOOR FINAL

Mens 6 a side summer hockey at Highfields!!!

Beeston U16 rock on

U18 Girls beat Leicester in Cup

Super Sixes 2011

Bees struggle to regain form

U18 and U16's move into Quarter Finals

BEESTON SIXES 2011

Bees mighty win over Students

READING WITHDRAW FROM CUP

LIVE ACTS ANNOUNCED FOR BEESTON SIXES 2011

Beckys at the double secure vital win for Bees

Bees win in London

Bees challenge for EHL Play off slot

Boys reach national finals, girls just miss out

Race night a great success

Bees beat Bowdon

Beeston Ladies have destiny in their own hands

Ladies 2's promoted

Bees slip up at Reading

BEES ARE IN THE CUP FINAL

Ladies 4s Promoted

Ladies 3rd Team win the Notts Cup

Bees meet Surbiton in Championship Tournament

Beeston Juniors have a busy end to the season!

Beeston Supporters Scarves

Annual Dinner and Awards Evening 2011

BEE THERE

Midlands Challenge FINALS

BEES STORM INTO EUROPE

Beeston Juniors hope for national success!

Bees chase Championship title

ENGLAND CHAMPIONS

RECORD WEEKEND

U18 and U16's National Champions

Parr's army take National Cup

BEES are England Champions

GRAND NATIONAL DAY

Bees buzz in to Euro 1/4 final!

Bees reach the last 8 in Europe

Beeston Sixes Tournament

CUP FINAL Saturday May 14th

Nottingham Evening Post Cup Final article

Beeston win the CUP FINAL and take the DOUBLE

Beeston player of the Season announced

EHL Draw announced!

Beeston Hockey Club

Highfields Bonus Ball!

BEES WIN OPENING MATCH

Beeston lose at Reading

Stapenhorst hat-trick sinks Brooklands

EHL Tickets On Sale! Live steaming of Euro HL

Bees lose at Hampstead

Beeston Ladies remain unbeaten in Investec Womens Hockey League

Beeston Bonfire and Fireworks

Springfield’s put to the sword.

THIS FRIDAY - BHC V L'Boro Students

Bees win in Euro hockey League

Beeston power on into EURO HL KO 16

Physiotherapy at Beeston HC

Fire-Cracker Friday is a HUGE SUCCESS

Bees move up the League with 5 goal win.

Beeston Ladies misfire in Wakefield

Big Weekend of Hockey at Highfields

Match reports and Photos

BEESTON CLOSE THE GAP

Mixed fortunes and performances for Ladies in Investec League and Cup games

BEESTON JUNIORS AT FUTURES CUP

BEES move into Round 3 Cup Draw

PITCH RESURFACING

SUNDAY BONFIRE EVENT

Fireworks expected with EH league and Junior Cup action

What a weekend.....

Beeston win at SOUTHGATE

BEESTON TRIO PICKED FOR GREAT BRITAIN

Beeston ladies win at Doncaster

New Spectator Hut Arrives!

Beeston Ladies go top after draw

Jackson sinks Bees

Super Sunday Poster

Beeston stay top with 10-0 demolition

BEES move into 2nd Place in PREMIERSHIP

Bees move into Quarter Final stage of EH Cup.

Pinner hits the big time !!!!

Clinical Beeston put five past Brooklands Poynton

Bees lose at Surbiton

"Super Sunday" this Sunday Beeston v Reading 2pm

BEESTON WIN TEAM OF THE YEAR AWARD

Reading clobber the Bees

Bees win second award in a week

Bees donate programme sales to Highfields Pitch Fund

Fantastic Fundraising effort

Bees qualify for Super Sixes

Beeston Hawes to arouse Wembley

Bees selected for England Indoor Sides

Hockey club benefits from offender payback

Curry and Quiz night - 2nd March

Beeston U18 Girls National Indoor Champions

Bees lose out to East Grinstead in exciting Indoor Final at Wembley.

Beeston Sixes 2012!!!

Beeston Players selected for NAGS squads

Beeston v CANNOCK - CUP 1/4 FINAL

Beeston ladies red hot in the snow

BEES win in EXETER

ENTRIES OPEN - Men's Summer League 2012

TONIGHT!!!! - The Cup holders play at Highfields!

Bees storm into Semi-Final

Dawkins on song as Bees stay top of the table

Group registrations Visa International hockey Tornament May 2-6 2012

Bees draw at Bowdon

Date:- 6 November 2011 (Sunday)

Time:- Gates open at 7pm

Venue:- Highfields Sports Club

Bonfire night and fireworks display. This year we have a bouncy castle, candy floss stall, popcorn stall, roast pork rolls, mulled wine, plus The Stick & Pitcher bar open until 11pm.

Entry is £5 adults and £3 Children Under 16. Advance tickets available at the Stick & Pitcher bar from Wednesday 12th October. Car Parking on 1st come 1st served basis.

David Griffiths — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:35:08 +0000

BEESTON 5 - 1 SURBITON

Reading, in Men’s Premier Division, won at the weekend, and that meant – coupled with other results – they secured European hockey in 2010-11 as they will finish the season at the top of the table. Their ranking and the league winners will be decided at the EHL Championships.

Surbiton gifted the first European qualification place to Reading in Men’s Premier Division after losing 5-1 at Beeston. Beeston burst into an early 3-0 lead with two goals from Jamie Parker and a superb finish from Stephen Wood. Surbiton pulled one back on the brink of half time from their only penalty corner of the game.

Sam Ward completed the rout with a brace of second half goals.

David Griffiths — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:36:29 +0000

EAST GRINSTEAD 1 - 1 BEESTON

Beeston headed south after the Surbiton win to meet third placed East Grinstead. The home side took the lead in the 16^thminute when Dave De Prez scrambled home a left wing cross. Beeston seemed on top of the contest but couldn’t break the deadlock. The turning point came when Niall Stott was yellow carded and whilst he watched from the bench, Martin Jones connected with a Carl Smith pass and tipped the ball home. The match was fragmented by numerous umpiring stoppages and the end result was probably the correct one.

Beeston face another double header this weekend.

On Saturday they meet Bowdon, in the penultimate Premiership match (2.00pm) at Highfields Sports Club.

On Sunday, Beeston meet Brooklands (2.00pm) in the Semi-Final of the England Hockey Cup.

Captain, Stephen Lawrence, stated, “We have another massive weekend of hockey in front of us. We need another win to guarantee our passage into the EHL Championships where the top five clubs compete for the remaining two European slots for 2010/11. On Sunday we have a chance to get into the Cup Final once again, and as the Final is on our home ground on May 15th and the players are focused on lifting the cup, this year. “

David Griffiths — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 10:08:55 +0000

BEESTON 3 – 1 BOWDON

Beeston blasted their way into the Championship play offs, which determine the league title and which teams play in the Euro Hockey League next season, with a comprehensive home win in the penultimate Premiership match of the season.

The Cheshire visitors took an early 6^th minute lead when Chris Borrett finished off their only penalty corner of the game. Beeston then introduced their two England internationals, Adam Dixon and Alistair Wilson, on their return from the World Cup in Delhi.

Bees bounced back in the 19^th minute when Chris Seddon drove forward into the Bowdon defence and his pass found Jamie Parker who turned the ball home.

The Bees took the lead a minute after half-time when Stephen Lawrence followed up Beeston’s second penalty corner and pounced on a half save.

Bowdon went close in the 55^th minute but George Pinner pulled off a match winning save.

Beeston grew in confidence and flair as the game progressed and a move between Martin Jones and Sam Ward was dispatched by the mercurial Jones in the 64^th minute to send the Bees flying into the EHL Championships.

David Griffiths — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 10:09:55 +0000

BEESTON 1 - 0 BROOKLANDS

The semi final of the England Hockey Cup came to Highfields Sports Club where Nottingham based Beeston hosted Cheshire’s Premiership side, Brooklands. Beeston, who were winners of the Cup in 2008 and runners up in 2009, reached their third successive Final as they defeated Brooklands.

Brooklands route to the semi finals included the scalp of Reading, who are the current holders of the Cup and comfortable leaders in the EHL Premier Division.

The match was a dreary affair with both sides looking tired after the National League encounters of the previous day. Beeston created three penalty corners that all came to nothing. Brooklands created none, a testament to the efficiency of the Beeston back four.

The deadlock was broken in the 22^nd minute when Andrew Monte found Carl Smith with a right hand side pass. Smith turned and crashed the ball home to send the Bees into yet another cup final.

Beeston now meet Hampstead and Westminster, in the England Hockey Cup Final, on Saturday May 15^th. (3.30pm)

Beeston finish the league season with a home derby match against Loughborough Students on Sunday 28^th March (2.00pm)

Beeston Manager, Graham Griffiths, summed up the weekend. “We are at the crucial stage of the season. We are the only club in England who are in the England Hockey League championship, the cup final and the Euro Hockey League. Today, we clawed our way into the Cup Final, and we are also in the last 16 in Europe. Now we need to go up a gear and next week we have a full squad to pick from for the first time this year. We are all looking forward to the closing stage of the season.”

David Griffiths — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 15:18:37 +0100

BEESTON 1 – 1 LOUGHBOROUGH STUDENTS.

The East Midlands giants met in the last league game of the season and the draw that was etched out was enough to see both sides qualify for the Championship slots, to be decided after Easter.

The game was contested in midfield and Beeston contained the students to one penalty corner in the entire 70 minutes. Jamie Parker missed a chance to put Beeston ahead in the 10th minute. Loughborough eventually broke the deadlock when a superb Jon Bleby 35 metre pass found James Osborn who deflected home from close range.

Beeston equalised a minute from half time when Andrew Monte beat Great Britain goalkeeper, Ali McGregor, with a weighted low flick.

Beeston had Ali Wilson sent off in the 42^nd minute on a yellow card, which was upgraded to 10 minutes, after England defender, Wilson, engaged umpire Richard Shaw in conversation. Loughborough failed to power play the situation and as they game faded away the Bees had two penalty corner chances in the final minutes, to turn the match, but struggled to trap the injected pass.

A point for Loughborough proved enough for the students to grab the final spot in the Championship play offs and means they will have to return to meet Beeston in the knock out match in Round 1 of the play offs that determine the League winner and the Euro Hockey League spots for next season.

A point for Beeston saw Beeston unbeaten at home this season, proving how difficult it has become to beat Beeston at fortress Highfields. The Bees will focus on the play offs after Easter. The next challenge is KO16 of the Euro Hockey league. Beeston leave for Rotterdam on Wednesday and play KHC Leuven (Belgium) on Friday April 1^st9:30am (local time). If the Bees progress to Round 3 (the last 8), they will meet Amsterdam or East Grinstead on Sunday 3^rd April. (2.30pm).

The matches can be viewed live online. Just visit www.ehlhockey.tv

Beeston have named a 20 man squad for Rotterdam.

Squad:- George Pinner, Tom Skinner, Mark Wadsley, Wayne Rowland, Stephen wood, Zak Jones, Martin Jones, Carl Smith, Jamie Parker, Ben Arnold, James McBlane, Chris Seddon, David Griffiths, Adam Dixon, Andrew Monte, Stephen Lawrence, Alistair Wilson, Sam Dixon, Alex Armstrong, Sam Ward.

David Griffiths — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 13:06:15 +0100

BEESTON 1 – 3 KHC LEUVAN

In the first match of the day in Rotterdam, Belgium’s KHC Leuven surged into the Quarter Finals of the Euro Hockey League thanks to a 1-3 victory over Beeston of England. It was an incredible result for Leuven, who had lost 3-0 to the Englishmen in the Pool phase in Paris, in October.

The win has sealed a place in the Euro Hockey League Quarter Finals, where they went on to face Amsterdam H&BC. Irishman Phelie Maguire scored a crucial goal for the Belgians, with Argentina international Juane Garreta and Patrice Houssein also finding the target.

Beeston started the match stronger and eventually took the lead in the 28thminute, from their only penalty corner of the match, giving them a huge boost as they approached half time. The Bees looked to have won another corner on the fringe of half-time but failed to register the video umpire referral, before the half time hooter sounded.

The second half was a different affair. Leuven looked energised and Beeston failed to get into second gear. Leuven equalised two minutes after the break with a low penalty corner flick from Argentina international, Juanne Garreta.

The Belgium side drove on and took the lead four minutes later, from a right wing cross deflected home by Patrice Houssein.

Leuven sealed the victory in the 69th minute when Phelie Maguire rounded Beeston goalkeeper to fire home.

Beeston were hugely disappointed by their second half performance and hopefully numerous lessons will be addressed before they start the England Hockey League Championship matches on April 24th. England’s top 5 sides compete for the League title and the three Euro Hockey League slots in next year’s EHL competition.

David Griffiths — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 08:20:54 +0100

Junior national finals

Beeston were well represented at the U16 and U18 National finals weekend. Congratulations to the U16 Boys for becoming national champions and to the U16 girls and U18 boys who came runners up.

The U16 boys drew with Cannock 4-4 in their opening game, drew 3-3 with Bromley and Beckenham and finally beat Taunton 4-1 to clinch the title.

The U16 Girls were unbeated throughout the competition, only conceding 1 goal throughout the tournament but lost out on goal difference. They drew with Wakefield 1-1, Beat Teddington 4-0 and Taunton 1-0.

The U18 Boys started well beating Old Loughtonians 2-1, Stourport 5-0 but lost to 3-1 to Cannock in a tough final game.

Overall a great weekend for the Beeston Juniors. Thank you to Webs furniture training and Woo ltd for their support of the junior teams.

David Griffiths — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 17:14:14 +0100

In order to get the new website up and running with new members please e mail Andy Smith, your Secretary at andysmith3a@msn.com. This way I can enter you onto the system as a member and then I will also have your up to date email address. Once you are logged as a member then you can update your own details ie address, telephone number etc. This will also ensure records are accurate. So get those emails in soonest please.

David Griffiths — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 22:14:02 +0100

BEESTON Blast their way back into Europe with a duo of championship play off wins.

BEESTON 3 – 1 LOUGHBOROUGH STUDENTS (Saturday) Beeston stayed in the hunt for a place in next season’s European Hockey League with a comfortable home win in the first round of the English league Championship. Loughborough are now out of the race and their season has ended.

Beeston took the lead from their only penalty corner of the first half. Andrew Monte fired home in the 34th minute to see the Bees into a first half lead. Chris Seddon increased the lead in the 42nd minute with a reverse hit following a fast counter attack. England U21 international, Ben Arnold, completed the win in the 60th minute from another penalty corner. Nick Catlin pulled back a goal for the Students in the closing stages, but it was all too late and the Bees had advanced into the semi-final.

READING 1 - 2 BEESTON (Sunday)

Reading had finished the league season 13 points clear of Beeston and few expected this game to be more than a formality, especially as Beeston had the extra play off game on the previous day. The purpose of the play-offs this season was to allow the England senior internationals to compete for the Euro hockey places and Beeston welcomed back their two international stars, Ali Wilson and Adam Dixon.

The first half was chess- like, as both teams tried to break the deadlock. Reading eventually took the lead in the 41st minute when Richard Springham beat George Pinner in the Bees’ goal with a slow, weighted push. As the minutes ticked down, Beeston pulled themselves back into the contest when Australian, Andrew Monte, powered home an unstoppable flick in the 58th minute.The Bees were now energised.

The prospect of extra time was all too much for Matt Taylor and he linked up to a left-sided attack and saw his shot deflect off Nick Brothers into the Reading goal. The Bees were ahead. The last five minutes saw Beeston retreat and Reading on fire, but the courageous Beeston defence held firm and the Bees completed an amazing away victory, which sends the Nottingham side into Europe for the second consecutive season.

The victory leaves Reading out of the Championship race and Beeston guaranteed the second seeding in the EHL next season. East Grinstead beat Surbiton in the other semi-final and Surbiton cannot now qualify for Europe. Beeston now face East Grinstead in the Championship Final on Bank Holiday Monday, May 3rd 2.30pm at Cannock HC. With only two games left of the season, the Bees still have a chance of completing the League and Cup double.

A delighted Beeston manager, Graham Griffiths, commented, “This was a massive weekend for the club. The squad have played in Paris and Rotterdam this season and they desperately wanted to be back in with the big European clubs next season. We have cleared a huge hurdle this weekend, now we need to re-focus and finish the job.”

Natalie Hardwicke — Mon, 03 May 2010 15:58:03 +0100

Beeston boys and girls U10s teams were crowned Midlands champions 2010. Both teams played some excellent hockey and were delighted to do the double!

David Griffiths — Mon, 03 May 2010 19:51:00 +0100

England Hockey League Championship Final

BEESTON 4 – 4 EAST GRINSTEAD

Beeston lost 3-5 on penalty flicks, after golden goal extra time.

East Grinstead and Beeston, if you looked at the stats over the last six games, were equally matched, so the crowd was anticipating a high scoring, close affair, before the start of this game. Their two meetings this season ended in parity so a draw was always on the cards.

Beeston were off to a scintillating start when Sam Ward finished in the sixth minute. East Grinstead equalized in the 19th minute through Danny Hall’s searing strike that rattled past George Pinner. Beeston went ahead again through Jamie Parker, and then extended their lead when Matt Taylor struck shortly before half time.

It was 3-1 as the teams left for their half time team talk. Matt Taylor was the next to score for Beeston in the 43rd minute providing a three goal cushion.

Beeston appeared to have the title within their grasp with eleven minutes remaining on the clock, but that was before they were forced to play out the match with 10 men, after Andrew Monte and then, Ali Wilson were dispatched on yellow cards. Grinstead pounced on this lifeline and Gareth Carr stepped up to take a 59thminute penalty corner, which he calmly despatched into the top right hand corner. East Grinstead earned another on 64 minutes; Gareth Carr did the same. With the tension mounting, East Grinstead probed the Beeston defence searching for further openings, and with four minutes remaining earned another penalty corner, which, was smashed home by Carr to take the Sussex side into golden goal extra time.

Mark Wadsley thought he had won the contest for Beeston as he scored in the final minute of extra time only to see his effort turned into a Beeston penalty corner that the Bees failed to convert. So, the extra time period produced no goals, and sent the league championship decider into penalty strokes. Stephen Wood was first to step up for Beeston, and had his stroke smartly saved by Richard Potton. The two sides then traded goals, and it was left to Gareth Carr, the final stroke taker for East Grinstead to win the game. He held his nerve and netted the winner which had East Grinstead fans in delirium.

Both sides go on to represent England in next season’s Euro Hockey League. Beeston still have the chance of getting their hands on the silverware when they meet Hampstead and Westminster in the England Hockey Cup Final on Saturday 15thMay (3.30pm at Highfields Sports Club, Nottingham.)

Andy Smith — Tue, 04 May 2010 19:58:18 +0100

If you want to join the Beeston Hockey Club website then send an e mail to Andy Smith at andysmith3a@msn.com and lets get you on. Then you can update your own details at your own leisure.

Graham Griffiths — Wed, 12 May 2010 21:09:03 +0100

Australian, Andrew Monte has been voted Player of the season by his peers in the ational League Squad. Defender, Andrew, has scored 19 goals in this season's campaign.

Graham Griffiths — Fri, 14 May 2010 18:54:29 +0100

The Bees meet Hampstead in the National Cup final 3.30pm on Saturday 15th May at Highfields Hockey

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/hockey/8683000.stm

Centre.

Graham Griffiths — Sun, 16 May 2010 23:46:06 +0100

England Hockey Cup Final

BEESTON 2 - 1 HAMPSTEAD and WESTMINSTER

Beeston lifted hockey’s Men’s Cup in glorious sunshine at Highfields Sports Club thanks to two goals in the final eight minutes of a competitive tie against England Hockey League Premier Division rivals Hampstead & Westminster.

Beeston mustered the first circle entry after just two minutes but Sam Ward, falling off balance, failed to hit the target.

At the other end, a minute later, Hampstead & Westminster won the game’s first penalty corner and David Eakins drew an excellent save from England international George Pinner in the Beeston goal.

Hampstead & Westminster enjoyed the best of the opening 15 minutes and had a further chance to open the scoring just before the quarter of an hour mark when Jaime Gonzalez-Laguillo Garcia squeezed the ball through to Jordache Rawson on the penalty spot. Pinner though was out smartly to smother at close range.

Beeston’s Sam Dixon blazed over the bar after an excellent passing move by the Nottingham side that spanned the length and breadth of the pitch and they won a penalty corner shortly after. Andrew Monte’s flick from the top of the circle was comfortably saved by England under 21 goalkeeper, Ian Scanlon.

As the half wore on Beeston began to assert themselves and their best chance fell in the 30th minute. Jamie Parker received the ball in space at the back of the circle. With time to set himself he unleashed a powerful low shot that forced the scrambling Scanlon into an excellent low save, preventing a certain goal.

Playing on their home pitch, the Bees won a second corner just before half time. This time it was Chris Seddon with the flick low to Scanlon’s right and the Hampstead & Westminster goalkeeper did well to tip the ball onto his post as he dived to keep Seddon’s effort out.

Beeston came out with renewed passion at the start of the second half, winning more ball and controlling better possession than they had in the first. Despite their efforts though they had nothing to show for it when the Londoners won a penalty corner at the other end with 15 minutes of the second half played.

From a switch at the corner, Andrew Cornick dived courageously to deflect the ball high into the net beyond George Pinner to give Hampstead & Westminster the lead with 51 minutes on the clock.

The goal riled Beeston but still they struggled to penetrate Hampstead & Westminster’s defence. The Londoners squandered an opportunity to double their lead just before the hour, firing a penalty corner over the crossbar and it was to cost them as Beeston turned the game on its head in the final ten minutes.

On 62 minutes and with Hampstead & Westminster on the back foot, Beeston appealed for a penalty corner at the top of the circle. As the defence stopped and with no whistle coming, Jamie Parker took full advantage of the defensive lapse to rifle home the equaliser and set up an exciting final few minutes.

As Beeston piled on the pressure, Martin Jones then forced Scanlon into a good save with his left glove and it was not long before Beeston netted their late winner. Breaking from midfield Chris Seddon took the ball into the circle at pace before shooting on his reverse underneath the onrushing goalkeeper to secure the 2010 Men’s Cup and return it to Highfields following its year-long stay at Reading’s Sonning Lane.

Stephen Lawrence, Beeston’s victorious captain, said afterwards, “It wasn’t our best game and Hampstead played well. We kept going until the end and thankfully when we finally clinched the equaliser it gave us the confidence to drive on. It was our third final in a row. It’s a great competition and we had a huge crowd here today. Overall it has been a tough season but looking back it has probably been our most successful.”

Andy Smith — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 17:33:12 +0100

We need every member to log on if we are going to use the website to its full potential, so come on please

Graham Griffiths — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 21:40:35 +0100

Beeston start their National League Premiership season with a 2.00pm match against Surbiton, on Sunday 19th September. This match has been switched to Highfields Hockey Centre.

Graham Griffiths — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 19:45:34 +0100

BEESTON 6 – 2 SURBITON

There have been several changes within the squad this summer. Carl Smith has departed to play in Spain and Sam Dixon has moved down to university in London and will play for Hampstead and Westminster.

However Tim Whiteman and Ollie Willars have returned from their travels and Nils Lloyd Penny returns after graduating from Birmingham University. Other additions to the squad are Irishman David Ames (Cookstown) , Martin Scanlon (Cannock) , Aiden Khares (Brooklands), Chris Gregg (Loughborough Students) and Jon Peckett (Racing Club Paris). Martin Jones has taken over from Zak Jones as coach and he will be assisted by Steve Musson and Matt Taylor.

Graham Griffiths starts his 25th year as Beeston manager. The Bees will again be without Ali Wilson and Adam Dixon for the start of the season as they are with England preparing for the Commonwealth Games.

After the heartbreak of losing the Championship Play Off Final on penalties to East Grinstead, Beeston men went on to win the Cup Final beating Hampstead and Westminster 2-1 at Highfields. Their performance in the Championship playoff matches means that Beeston men will play in Europe again this season! They have been drawn to play in Terrassa, Spain on the weekend of the 29-31 October, where they will play the host club, Atletic Terrassa and CA Montrouge (France). The two teams topping the group of 3 qualify for the next round at Easter.

Beeston have quietly re-organised and improved their squad since last May. There has been no mention of squad changes or any news of their pre-season building. But all was revealed on Sunday. The Bees six pre-season matches saw them unbeaten with wins against Wimbledon, Belper, Cannock, Bowdon, Loughborough Students and Brooklands. Their Euro Hockey league preparations saw them playing in Dublin, where they dispatched fellow Euro League and Ireland’s top teams, Glenanne and Pembroke Wanderers.

So the season started with the Bees resplendent in new Adidas sponsored kit and the announcement of a sponsorship deal with Webs Furniture Training. The crowd wondered where the assembled company had come from and how they would knit together.

Beeston took the lead in the 16th minute with David Ames scoring on his debut. The Londoners pulled one back four minutes later and eventually took the lead in the 29th minute through Tom Doran. Beeston equalised as half-time approached from a bullet like Andrew Monte penalty corner flick.

The second half saw the Bees at the best. A minute after half-time Matt Taylor and Martin Jones linked together with Jones putting the Bees into the lead. Jones raced through the Surbiton defence ten minutes later and his pass found Ames who scored his second. A minute later Sam Ward, Martin Scanlon and Aiden Khares were involved in a quality passing move which Khares finished off on his Beeston debut.

In the final minute, new player-coach, Martin Jones, finished off last season’s League runners-up, with a devastating run and quality finish.

Premiership leaders, Beeston, meet Cannock in the Midlands derby match, at Highfields, on Saturday 25th (2.00pm).

A delighted, Martin Jones, said, “We ran out clear winners but we still have a lot to do as we prepare for Cannock in six days time.”

Graham Griffiths — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 21:28:02 +0100

BEESTON 3 – 0 CANNOCK

Beeston stay on top of the England hockey Premiership with a convincing 3-0 defeat over local Midland rivals, Cannock at Highfields Hockey Centre.

The Bees flew into a an unbelievable 25th second lead when Cannock lost possession and Irish international, David Ames smashed the ball into the Cannock circle to connect with an acrobatic Sam Ward who deflected the ball high into the Cannock net.

Ollie Cooper had a chance to pull the Knockers back into the game but George Pinner pulled off the first of numerous saves to thwart the Cannock forward.

Martin Jones was fouled in the Cannock circle in the 9th minute but Andrew Monte missed the resulting penalty stroke as he shot wide of the gaping Cannock net.

Monte corrected his error in the 32nd minute when he shot the Bees into a 2-0 lead with an unstoppable penalty corner drag flick from Beeston’s second corner of the match.

Cannock had a couple of corners in the closing minute of the first half but were no match for Pinner in the Beeston goal.

Beeston put the result to bed in the 41st minute as Monte fired home another penalty corner.

Cannock rallied had five more penalty corner chances but their routine was too laboured to cause any real issues and the Bees took maximum points to lead the division for another week.

Next weekend Premiership leaders, Beeston, travel to Loughborough Students (2.00pm) in the East Midlands derby match, at Loughborough University, on Saturday October 2nd (2.00pm).

Cup holders Beeston, start their Cup campaign the next day, when they travel to Rugby to defend their trophy.

Man of the match, George Pinner was still full of exuberance after the match and commented, “We are obviously pleased with the result today but we still have another gear to find. The confidence in the squad is sky high and we know that we can play at another level. Next week will be a tough challenge as Loughborough are a much improved squad from last season and are expected to do well this year; but so are we. This time last season we had our thoughts on our European campaign. This season we still have four tough league games to address before we travel to Barcelona and our focus is firmly on the domestic title.”

Graham Griffiths — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 23:39:37 +0100

Loughborough Students 1 v 4 Beeston Saturday Oct 2nd.

Beeston produced some attractive hockey to run away with the points in the East Midlands derby. The opening goal came in the 4th minute when Chris Gregg reverse hit a left wing pass for Sam Ward, hovering like a hawk on the far post, to deflect home.

Beeston’s second came in the 18th minute as the Students, Chris Griffiths was shown a two minute green card and as he strolled off, the Bees pounced, were awarded their 2nd penalty corner, and Andrew Monte flicked it home.

Loughborough were awarded their only first half penalty corner in the 34th minute but Pinner saved and the Bees went into half-time 2-0 up.

Beeston went further ahead in the 44th minute when Sam Ward showed great skills and his precision pass found Martin Jones. Jones finished off the move in style and the points were heading back to Nottingham. The final nail in the Loughborough coffin came in the 64th minute when David Ames wound his way through the Students defence and smashed home the fourth, silencing the home supporters. Ames, the young Irishman, had a major impact on the game and is proving a real asset in the Bees midfield.

The young side are responding to the thoughtful approach of new coach Martin Jones and confidence is sky high.

Rugby and East Staffs 0 - 8 Beeston. Sunday October 3rd, England Hockey Cup Round 2

Beeston brought in six members of their Swarm squad on Sunday give the full squad equal pitch time and to rest some of the senior players as Europe approaches. It might have been a different squad but the patterns of play were identical to the side that had demolished Loughborough 24 hours earlier. The cup holders progressed to the next round with goals from David Ames, Stephen Lawrence, Richard Lawrence (3), Tim Whiteman, Chris Gregg and Martin Jones. Midland Premier side, Rugby, continued to attack the Bees but a strong display by Beeston goalkeeper Tom Skinner kept the Simpson brothers at bay. Beeston have now won all their 12 matches this season and are playing with authority and decisiveness.

Top of the table, Beeston are at home to Canterbury in the National Premier League, on Saturday 9th October, 2.00pm at Highfields Hockey Centre.

Graham Griffiths — Sat, 09 Oct 2010 22:24:42 +0100

BEESTON 5 -3 CANTERBURY

Beeston looked somewhat depleted at the start of the match with forwards, Martin Jones, Jamie Parker and Matt Taylor all missing from the squad. This was a day for the younger squad members to stake a claim for a spot in the Euro Hockey 18 man squad, due to be announced on Monday.

But Beeston looked all at sea in the first half failing to gain a penalty corner. Against the run of play, Sam Ward connected with a Mark Wadsley left wing cross in the 14th minute to put the Bees ahead. Canterbury equalised with their first penalty corner as Matt Botha followed up a goalkeeper save. Botha put the Kent side ahead three minutes from half time as he rounded Andrew Monte and fired a reverse stick shot past the stranded Pinner in the Beeston goal.

The second half was a different match. Beeston came out looking quicker and more interested. Ward equalised in the 44th minute and five minutes later collected his hat-trick as he deflected home Beeston’s third penalty corner.

Canterbury equalised with ten minutes to go when Botha collected his hat-trick from a penalty corner which was slipped left for him to fire over a grounded keeper.

Beeston then moved into top gear, Ward put the Bees in front, following a clever right wing run by Ben Arnold and he finished off his day when he hit his fifth strike into the Canterbury roof from close range to send the Beeston fans into raptures.

Man of the Match Sam Ward, commented after the match. “We were all rollocked by coach, Steve Musson at half-time. The senior players then decided to stamp their authority on the game and I thought I’d done enough when I got my hat-trick. I then got growled at by the manager and was told to stop mucking about and go and get some more. I think everyone was quite pleased by the end of the game.”

Manager, Graham Griffiths said,” We knew this was going to be a tough game. Saturday hockey brings us many issues of availability and we need an extended squad of players to deal with this. Sam was superb today. He goes into areas that so-called better players are afraid of. At 19 years of age the Premier Division leading scorer is a growing talent. We are delighted for him. But, next week he needs to work hard, in training, to ensure he’s on the bus to Sussex.”

Top of the table, Beeston are away to East Grinstead in the National Premier League, on Sunday 17th October, 2.00pm. The top two sides in the country are expected to battle it out for the League title and their recent encounters have all been closely contested, attacking games of quality hockey.

Captain, Stephen Lawrence added,” The East Grinstead game is the one we all long to play in. We always have close games against them but our squad has so much depth this season we all know that players are sitting on the bench who can step out onto the turf and alter the dynamics of a game.”

Graham Griffiths — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 16:33:47 +0100

The following 18 man squad will represent Beeston in Barcelona at the end of this month:-

GEORGE PINNER   THOMAS SKINNER   MARK WADSLEY   DAVID AMES MARTIN JONES   JON PECKETT
JAMES PARKER    SAMUEL WARD   MATTHEW TAYLOR    ADAM DIXON    ANDREW MONTE     STEPHEN LAWRENCE   ALASTAIR WILSON    TIMOTHY WHITEMAN   MARTIN SCANLON
CHRISTOPHER GREGG   BENJAMIN ARNOLD   JAMES MCBLANE

Friday Oct 29th 12.00 v CA Montrouge (France)

Sunday Oct 31st 12.00 v Atletic Terrassa (Spain)

Both matches are at Terrassa. See you there.

Graham Griffiths — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 16:23:05 +0100

EAST GRINSTEAD 2 - 0 BEESTON

The big showdown in Men’s Premier Division, on Sunday, that pitted perfect records for both East Grinstead and Beeston, ended in a 2-0 win for the home side. East Grinstead’s Mats Grambusch put his side into a thirteenth minute lead which was doubled 20 minutes into the second half by player coach Mark Pearn. Free scoring Beeston, who went into the game having averaged 4.5 goals per game, were unable to break the deadlock in their fifth fixture of the season. East Grinstead, as a result, moved away from Beeston for the first time, three points clear at the top.

Beeston found it difficult to hold possession as their core skills were not up to the occasion and the first half was a scrappy affair with neither side dominating. Neither side could execute a penalty corner but the breakthrough came in the 55thminute when Grinstead’s Mark Pearn was allowed to carve his way through the Beeston ranks and his precision shot beat Pinner in the Beeston goal.

Beeston now meet Hampstead at home on Saturday 23rdOctober (2.00pm) and the Bees travel to Cambridge University (2.00pm) on the next day, to compete in Round 4, of the England Hockey Cup. This game has been moved forward by a week as Beeston play in the Euro Hockey League in Barcelona on the designated day of the Cup competition.

Graham Griffiths — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 20:34:14 +0100

BEESTON 0 – 2 HAMPSTEAD

Beeston suffered a rare home defeat at the hands of a Hampstead side, which included three former Beeston players; Mike Williamson, Sam Dixon and Alex Collins.

The Bees squad include Alastair Wilson and Adam Dixon who joined the squad for the first time this season having just returned from the Commonwealth games in Delhi.

The Bees squandered five penalty corners before Hampstead took the lead. A rash tackle by Jon Peckett a minute from half time, saw him dispatched on a two minute green card and Hampstead awarded their second corner which was dispatched into the top corner by Stephan Verhle-Smith.

Beeston continued to dominate possession but their finishing was inadequate and numerous chances were squandered. Martin Jones might have felt he had equalised in the 48th minute but his effort was ruled out and another penalty corner awarded by an overzealous umpire. Sam Ward had a clear cut chance in the 57th minute but again the Bees failed to capitalise on increasing pressure.

Lorenz Neff was superb in the Londoners goal and the inevitable happened in the 58th minute when Hampstead broke down their left and found Will Naylor who beat Pinner in the Beeston goal with ease. The win moves Hampstead into third place, only two points behind Beeston.

CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY 3 - 5 BEESTON

Cup holders, Beeston put aside their League disappointment, when they travelled to Cambridge to take on the University side in Round 3 of the England Hockey Cup. A hat trick from Sam Ward and a brace from Nottingham University student, Richard Lawrence was enough to see the Bees through to the last 16.

The Bees now move to Barcelona to compete in Round 1 of the Euro Hockey League, where they play CA Montrouge (France) on Friday 29th October and Atletic Terrassa (Spain) on Sunday 31st October. Both games will go out live on Eurosport 2.

Captain, Stephen Lawrence summed up the next phase of a busy season, “All 18 players travelling to Spain are really up for the European campaign. We learnt so much in this tough competition last season and as we are representing England, we have a responsibility to reach the second phase of the EHL which takes place next Easter.”

Graham Griffiths — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 17:34:34 +0100

http://www.ehlhockey.tv/

If you cannot be in Terrassa you can follow the Bees progress on the above link.

See you all in Barcelona.

Graham Griffiths — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 21:19:13 +0000

BEESTON 3-2 CA MONTROUGE (France)

Jones firecracker gives Beeston victory over Montrouge

A stunning fourth quarter strike from player coach Martin Jones gave Beeston a deserved 3-2 victory over CA Montouge, the current French Champions, in Barcelona.

The Bees were the dominant force in the first two periods, establishing a two goal cushion thanks to penalty corner efforts from Adam Dixon and Andrew Monte, but a breathtaking strike from Olivier Sanchez gave Montrouge a lifeline in the third quarter. However, England and Great Britain international Jones re-established the two goal advantage in the fourth quarter when he slammed a reverse stick shot into the roof of the net from the top of the circle, which proved to be enough despite a late penalty corner goal from Montrouge’s Martin Mayer.

The win put Beeston on top of Pool C, earning them a maximum five points, and qualification for KO16.

“It was a really good first half performance”, said Beeston goalkeeper George Pinner. “We came out and did what we needed to do … scoring two goals from two penalty corners was a big start. Unfortunately we hit the self destruct button in the second half, but I think we got it together near the end of the game. It is a good squad performance, and hopefully there will be more of the same against Atletic Terrassa on Sunday.”

ATLETIC TERRASSA (Spain) 1 – 2 BEESTON

Atlétic Terrassa stung by brilliant Beeston

England’s Beeston produced a superb performance to record a famous victory over host club and 18 times Spanish champions, Atlétic Terrassa, winning the match 2-1.

It was the second year in succession that the Bees have beaten a Round 1 host club following the defeat of St Germain HC in Round 1.2 of last season’s competition, in Paris. The thrilling game was played in front of a sell-out crowd, who enjoyed arguably the most exciting match of the tournament so far in the glorious sunshine. Terrassa had the support of a lively home crowd but, perhaps because the colour gold is common to both clubs, Beeston seemed to take some inspiration from this and were urged on by their band of supporters from Nottingham.

Australian penalty corner specialist Andrew Monte was the Beeston hero, netting two stunning penalty corners in the second quarter before Florian Michel pulled a goal back just before half time. Despite a number of chances for Atlétic, Beeston held firm and kept their discipline to record arguably their finest ever win in European competition.

Monte commented,” It was a huge occasion and we rose to it. The tactics and detailed planning were extremely professional and we all knew that we were here to win the group. Now we need to take this experience back into our domestic league and start the process of qualifying for next season’s EHL.”

8 European sides will be top seeded in KO 16 and an unbeaten Beeston are in this exclusive group. Rounds 2 and 3 take place next Easter.

Graham Griffiths — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 18:56:59 +0000

BROOKLANDS 0 – 2 BEESTON

Beeston returned to their domestic duties and travelled to the North West to meet Brooklands in Manchester.

Brooklands, a much improved unit lead by coach, John Bell played with tenacity. As it turned out the game was played out without any real killer instinct and Brooklands spent large periods of the game watching Beeston pass the ball around Sale and occasionally picked up a turn over.

Beeston took the lead in the 15th minute when Mark Wadsley picked out Irishman David Ames in the Brooklands circle. Ames carefully and calmly reversed chipped the ball home.

Five minutes from half time Matt Taylor smashed a cross to Sam Ward who delicately tipped home beating Lee Able in the Brooklands goal.

Beeston continued to dominate possession but struggled to finish off Brooklands who stuck to their guns and played some gutsy hockey. Beeston will look back at their penalty corner play which produced nothing on a damp and dismal day. But will also be content with three away points which keep them in second place in the Premiership.

Goalscorer, David Ames, commented, “We are delighted with our performance today. We had 80% of the possession and the result was never in question. We now return to Manchester next Sunday for a difficult game against Bowdon who are just behind us in the League. Our performances are improving match by match and the team is developing different styles of play.”

Beeston play away at Bowdon on Sunday, 2.00pm

Graham Griffiths — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 21:10:41 +0000

BOWDON 1 – 2 BEESTON

The two top sides in the North put on a riveting display of quality hockey in front of a large crowd in Cheshire on Sunday.

With Beeston in second place in the Premiership and Bowdon in third, the game was poised to be a tense affair. Beeston had two early penalty corners but squandered both.

Bowdon went into the lead in the 17th minute from their only penalty corner of the first half. England striker, Simon Egerton, flicked home to the delight of the home supporters and Bowdon led at the half way mark.

A more determined Beeston appeared in the second half. Beeston gained a penalty corner four minutes after the break and Andrew Monte hurtled a flick, high into the Bowdon net, to equalise.

As the match progressed, Beeston pushed forward, but Bowdon stood firm, defending in numbers and a draw seemed inevitable. The Bees can hardly be described as predictable and like the Zulus at Rorke’s Drift they attacked in waves. The barricades were eventually breached in the 67th minute. With three minutes left on the clock, Beeston were awarded a penalty corner. This was the chance they had hoped for. Would they hold their nerve? Would Rob Turner, the Bowdon goalkeeper, thwart them once again? The ball was injected, the crowd was silent, as the huge Australian, Andrew Monte, flicked the ball low through the Bowdon defence and Beeston went into the lead, a lead they were not likely to give up with three minutes left on the clock. The Bees ran down the clock and took three hard won points.

The win keeps the Bees in touch with East Grinstead the league leaders and opens up a six point gap from third placed Bowdon who demonstrated that they are capable of a serious challenge for end of season honours.

Next weekend Beeston have a tricky double header. On Saturday, they meet fellow Euro Hockey League side, Reading, in the National Premiership (2.00pm at Highfields Hockey Centre.)

On Sunday they travel to the North West for the third week in a row for Round 4 of the England Hockey Cup. Cup holders Beeston are away to Deeside Ramblers (1.00pm at Tarporley, Cheshire)

Pete Holmes — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 19:37:26 +0000

Beeston Ladies endured another disappointing weekend, suffering a narrow 2-1 defeat to local rivals Belper in the England Hockey League before exiting the Women’s Cup 6-1 at the hands of Premier Division University of Birmingham.

Saturday’s game against bottom of the table Belper had been billed as a ‘must win six pointer’ and unsurprisingly both teams showed nerves and lack of confidence. After a scrappy opening period, Belper’s England Under 18 midfielder Anna Toman opened the scoring for the visitors after 24 minutes with a moment of individual brilliance. A fine solo effort saw her go on a run from just inside the Beeston half, beating at least three opponents before drawing the Bees keeper and unleashing a powerful finish. The goal seemed to jolt the Bees into action and five minutes later they were level having been awarded a penalty stroke after Nailers defender Anke Kozuch stopped a shot from Wiz Mumby on the line. Jo Hunter stepped up to convert her second penalty stroke in successive games to level the scores going into the interval. Straight after the break Beeston won a penalty corner, but Belper keeper Kathryn Bradbury leapt high to deflect the attempted drag flick away from the goal. On 48 minutes, Belper’s Charlotte Hobbs was fouled to give the visitors their first penalty corner. Anna Toman’s shot was saved by Bees keeper Nat Hunter, but Anke Kozuch was first to react, lifting the ball over the keeper to give Belper the lead. The remaining twenty minutes saw Beeston frantically trying to draw level with Wiz Mumby being yellow carded as the Bees threw in the proverbial kitchen sink, but all to no avail as Belper held on for their first league win of the season and in so doing leapfrogged their opponents in the table.

The following day the squad travelled to face Premier Division high fliers University of Birmingham and will have taken some consolation from a much improved performance with the whole team playing with greater grit and determination. In an open game, playing against a team which included GB international Susie Gilbert, the Bees played well to restrict their opponents to a 2-0 lead at half-time and a 3-1 lead with only 10 minutes remaining (the Bees goal coming from Sophie Robinson after 60 minutes). Only in the closing stages as Beeston began to tire did the University of Birmingham manage to pull away, scoring three further goals to give the final scoreline a somewhat flattering look.

This Sunday Beeston make the long trip to the North East to face Sunderland Ladies.

Squad (v Belper) - Hunter (N), Sharpe, Lee, Wraith, McComb, Pipe, Hunter (J), Robinson,Leiper, Tuplin, Eaton, Bailey,Bamford,Mumby

Squad (v University of Birmingham) - Hunter (N), Sharpe, Lee, Wraith, McComb, Pipe, Hunter (J), Robinson,Leiper, Tuplin, Eaton, Bailey, Smith

Graham Griffiths — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 21:21:46 +0000

BEESTON 1 – 0 READING

Both sides are representing England in the Euro hockey League and are awaiting the draw to see who they have been paired with in Holland at Easter. The programme said it all. Virtually every player had representative honours and the crowd awaited a show of attacking hockey. What they got was a quality match with both sides trying to unlock each other in a fascinating clash of the Titans. Beeston were awarded 3 penalty corners, Reading two. Both sides hit the post in the first half; both sides had half-chances as the game progressed. The points were snatched away from Reading in the 26th minute when Matt Taylor fired home from the left of the Reading goal to give the Bees maximum points. In the midst of all this glitter, James McBlane quietly got on with winning his 200th National League cap for Beeston. McBlane has been a stalwart in the Beeston defence and once again put in a faultless performance.

DEESIDE RAMBLERS 3 - 5 BEESTON England Hockey Cup Round 4

On Sunday, the Cup Holders, Beeston met Deeside Ramblers from the North Conference of the National League under the shadow of Beeston Castle, in Cheshire.Beeston went into the half time break three goals up, with goals from Martin Scanlon, James McBlane and Andrew Monte. The result was reasonably secure.Martin Jones added to Deeside woe when he scored three minutes into the second half. Deeside pulled on back in the 40th minute through Andy Seiman. Beeston’s best goal came in the 50th minute when Martin Scanlon crossed from the left and 16 year old Sam Perrin, making his Beeston debut, tipped the ball into the roof of the Cheshire net to score a stunning goal. Former Bees striker, Ibrar Latif picked up a second half brace for Deeside but the result was already in the bag and the Bees marched into the last eight of the competition.

Celebrating a successful weekend, former Scotland international, James McBlane said, “It’s been a great first half of the season. In the league we are breathing on the necks of East Grinstead. In Europe we are unbeaten, in the Cup we are in the draw for the quarter finals. There are now two tricky league games prior to the Christmas break then we go to Bristol for the opening half of the Indoor Premiership.” The canny Scot added “To cap off the weekend with an open play goal was a special moment.”

Natalie Hardwicke — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 20:59:35 +0000

Junior Cup Round Up 14th November

On Sunday all the Beeston junior teams had convincing wins in Junior EH Cups.

U18 Boys Coalville 3 Beeston 15

Beeston dominated this match coming out easy winners with goals from Sam Perrin 7, Ben Morris 6 and George Osborne 2.

U18 Girls Beeston 3 Matlock 0

With 6 players missing through injury and first team duties, Wiz Mumby (2) and Alia Korta scored to give Beeston the win in a well contested cup match.

U16 Boys Beeston 9 City of York 1

This match was much tighter than the score line suggests. Henry Ricketts put Beeston in front after 9 minutes but City of York soon drew level from a short corner. However they failed to convert any of their subsequent short corners and it was Beeston’s Chris proctor who scored twice from short corners before the interval. Two quick goals came from Derryl Rafter at the start of the second half and further goals were scored by Josh Wainwright, Chris Proctor 2 and Henry Ricketts.

U16 Girls Burton 0 Beeston 7

The young Beeston team dominated the game, playing well as a team. Goal scorers were Harriet Comley (2), Imogen Hooper (2), Steph Hale (2), Erica Sanders.

Round 3 matches will be played on Nov 28th

U18 Boys Bridgnorth v Beeston

U18 Girls Leicester v Beeston

U16 Boys Beeston v Belper 2.00pm

U16 Girls Beeston v Lichfield 12.00pm

The U14 Girls were also in action in the EH U14 Club Competition. This competition is run initially on a local league basis over several Sundays and finishes with a Regional Finals day in April. Beeston Girls have been drawn in the North Region and Beeston Boys in the East Region!

On Sunday the Girls’ matches were at Beeston when Beeston beat Matlock 4-0 and Belper 2-0. They play their remaining matches on Nov 28th at Sheffield against Sheffield Hallam and SBU.

The U14 Boys did not play on Sunday their remaining fixtures are at West Bridgford on March 13th.

Pete Holmes — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 09:29:08 +0000

Beeston Ladies’ first and second teams experienced very different fortunes over the weekend, with the 1s suffering a 1-0 defeat at Sunderland and the 2s recording a convincing 7-0 win against Hampton in Arden.

The Bees made the long trip to the North East to face a Sunderland team that has been at or near the top of the table all season and were to suffer a narrow defeat that has been typical of many of their games so far this season. Although the hosts dominated possession and territory for much of the game, the Bees defence stood firm (with Nat Hunter performing heroics in the Beeston goal) conceding a solitary goal when Janette Hope scored after 25 minutes. Having withstood so much pressure, Beeston so nearly stole a point - Sophie Robinson having an effort hit the crossbar and the Bees laying siege to the Sunderland goal in the closing stages. So again a case of so near, but yet so far. Of the eight defeats suffered by the Bees, only two have been by a margin of more than a single goal.

By contrast, the 2s continued their free scoring form against their opponents from the West Midlands, enjoying a comfortable 7-0 win. Beeston are top scorers in the Midlands Region Hockey League Division 1 with 34 goals in 8 league games. Beeston’s goals came from Hannah Wraith (2), Lettie Cary (2), Rachael Lee, Ellie Atkins and Heather Morris.

This weekend (weather permitting!) the 2s travel to Wellingborough whilst the 1s host University of Durham – pushback at Highfields on Saturday is 12.00.

Andy Smith — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 15:23:48 +0000

Matt Bloor from Notts County Council Sports Development is in the process of organising a level 1 Umpires Course to be run by Andy Barnes. The venue is to be at Bilborough College and the course is to be held over 2 evenings in Feb and March 2011 (dates to be confirmed)

The Level 1 Award continues to be the ‘passport’ to competitive 11 a-side hockey for club umpires. The Award is made up of three key parts (see below). Completion and accreditation is based upon the final part - a successful assessment on a match by a locally approved assessor.

1. A classroom based presentation representing four hours and 30 minutes (delivered in two sessions and including viewing the Core Skills of Umpiring DVD and an examination paper). The classroom session is tutored by a county based England Hockey Board (EHB) approved tutor and it involves consideration of the umpiring skills required for competitive hockey and a detailed study of the Rules of Hockey.

2. A minimum of three practice games. The practice games can be independently organised and candidates have up to two years within which they can complete. In some counties / areas candidates can umpire local league hockey. Hockey Umpiring Associations and / or counties can advise of local arrangements.

3. An assessment on a suitable 11 a-side hockey match. The assessment can be on any 11 a-side hockey game where the two teams play within a competitive framework. 1st X1 school hockey is included however the match should first be ‘approved as suitable’ by the local umpiring association or county (if no umpiring association exists). It should be noted that most 1st X1 school hockey more than adequately equates with lower league competition.

If anyone wishes to register their interest in the course then email Matt Bloor at matthew.bloor@nottscc.gov.uk
Thanks
Andy Smith

Graham Griffiths — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 16:58:36 +0000

Beeston have been drawn against Dinamo Kazan (Russia) in KO 16 at Bloemendaal HC (Netherlands) on Friday 22nd April, 2011 09.30am start.

The winner will play against HGC (Netherlands) or Glenanne (Ireland) in KO8 on Sunday 24th April. 2.30pm start.

Book your flights to Amsterdam and join the travelling Beeston Swarmers.

Graham Griffiths — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 18:04:17 +0000

Following on from the success of the Under 16 Boys and Girls in winning the Midlands Indoor finals on Saturday, the under 18 boys and girls joined their younger teammates in the Indoor National Finals when both teams finished as Midlands U18 Runners Up today.

The Under 18 girls were unbeaten with 3 wins and a 2-2 draw against local rivals Belper, the team finished as runners up as Belpers goal difference was superior to that of Beeston by 1 goal !!!

The Under 18 Boys beat Ludlow 6-1, Telford 4-2 and Streetley 2-0. In a close match the boys lost 2-4 to Cannock to finish as runners up in the Midlands Tournament.

The teams will now try to improve on the outstanding success of the teams in the Indoor Finals last season.

Andy Smith — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 09:53:52 +0000

Course Information
Date(s): 6:30 – 9pm on Thursdays 10th & 17th March 2011.
Venue: Bilborough College, College Way, Nottingham, NG8 4DQ
Costs: 16 Free Funded places are available to Nottinghamshire
residents or those who are members of Notts affiliated Hockey
Clubs. *
Non-funded candidates will be charged £25
Spaces: There are 20 spaces available on the course.
Booking: Please send completed forms to the following address by
Monday 7th February 2011

the forms are avialable by contacting Andy Smith on andysmith3a@msn.com

Graham Griffiths — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 15:08:27 +0000

INDOOR FINALS at WEMBLEY

The line-up for the showpiece super sixes National Indoor Hockey Finals at London’s Wembley Arena is complete following the conclusion of the super sixes men’s and women’s Premier Divisions at the weekend.

East Grinstead, Reading, Beeston and Old Loughtonians will contest the men’s semi finals at Wembley on Sunday 30 January after they finished first to fourth respectively in the Men’s Premier Division at Bristol, on Sunday.

Beeston will do battle with Reading in the Semi-final as they bid to become National Indoor Champions and represent England in Europe next season. Indoor Premiership League leaders, East Grinstead play Old Loughtonians in the other semi final.

Beeston’s final day saw them take maximum points as they also despatched Surbiton 4-2 in the final game of the league programme. The introduction of indoor stalwart, Stephen Wood for the final two fixtures paid dividends and Great Britain pair, Adam Dixon and George Pinner were outstanding as Beeston drove into the finals. Beeston will head to Wembley Arena on the back of a strong finish in the Premier Division.

As the only side to beat East Grinstead in the league, which they did 7-6 on Sunday with a goal from Tim Davenport two minutes from time, the Nottingham-based club will be confident they have what it takes to beat Reading for a place in the final.

Indoor coach, Stephen Musson, was thrilled to be back in the National Finals. “This is our third National Indoor Finals and it has been great watching a young Beeston side mature as we have progressed during the indoor league programme. Our confidence is sky high and we are all looking forward to the Wembley Arena trip.”

Natalie Hardwicke — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 17:56:00 +0000

The U16 boys, U16 girls, U18 boys all made it to the semi finals but fell at the last hurdle.

The U18 girls are National Indoor Champions after beating Belper 5-2 in the semi-finals, they went on to win the competition with a convincing 4-0 win over Old Loughtonians in the Final.

Graham Griffiths — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 21:22:41 +0000

http://www.englandhockey.co.uk/news.asp?itemid=9547&itemTitle=super+sixes+%2D+National+Indoor+Hockey+Finals&section=22&sectionTitle=News

super sixes National Indoor Hockey Finals Sunday 30 January 2011 Timetable of events

11:00 Wembley Arena doors open

12:00 Men’s Semi Final One: East Grinstead v Old Loughtonians

12:22 International player recognition presentations

13:25 Men’s Semi Final Two: Reading v Beeston

14:23 Storm – Free Runners

15:05 Women’s Final: Bowdon Hightown v Reading

15:57 Women's Final Presentation

16:05 Katy Shotter

16:45 Men’s Final: East Grinstead or Old Loughtonians v Reading or Beeston

17:45 Men’s Final Presentation

DON'T FORGET - THE SUPER SIXES NATIONAL INDOOR HOCKEY FINALS ARE NOT BEING TELEVISED. THE ONLY WAY TO SEE THESE MATCHES IS TO COME TO WEMBLEY ARENA ON SUNDAY 30 JANUARY 2011

Graham Griffiths — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 20:37:12 +0000

BEESTON v READING (SEMI-FINAL) 5-4

Beeston joined East Grinstead in the super sixes Final after a tense semi-final which was only decided on penalty flicks after a 3-3 stalemate in normal time.
Unusually for an indoor game, the first half was goalless. George Pinner in the Beeston goal pulled off a string of excellent saves to keep his side in the game, and the first half highlights were a couple of Beeston penalty corners, one of which was saved onto the post. A disallowed Reading goal for lifting the ball when not shooting initially had Pinner in a furious temper before the decision was overturned.
Early in the second half, Beeston broke the deadlock with a Tim Davenport penalty corner into the goalkeeper’s bottom corner. In spite of this, the game continued at a lively tempo but with no clear cut opportunities for a further five minutes. Pinner again displayed his passion on a few occasions, but for the most part was having an exceptional game. In the 28th minute, Reading equalised after three players broke on two Beeston defenders. A slick passing move culminated in skipper Rhys Joyce slotting the ball around Pinner and over the line for 1-1.
No sooner than they had equalised, Reading were behind again. Beeston capitalised on a Reading defensive error, creating a three on one situation, with England and Great Britain international Adam Dixon eventually slotting into an open goal. The goals sparked the game into life with chances coming at both ends. Reading equalised in the 31st minute through a Richard Mantell penalty corner, the experienced international converting the chance after the ball was slipped to the left. And on 35 minutes the Berkshire side might have taken the lead when Joyce played the ball through Pinner’s legs but it ran wide of the post.
With just three minutes remaining, Beeston seemed to have the game won with a controversial goal. England and Great Britain goalkeeper Nick Brothers made the original save after Beeston had broken, and as Reading looked to play it out the back line, Dixon snatched on the opportunity and put it in the back of the net. Reading claimed it was illegal, but the decision was upheld as a time out was called.
With their super sixes fate resting on the final seconds of the game, Reading replaced goalkeeper Brothers to give themselves another outfielder on the pitch but as the clock ticked down it looked to have failed. However, with just seven seconds remaining Richard Mantell speared a long ball from back to front, where it was deflected in the circle and under Pinner’s body by Iain Mackay to salvage a last minute equaliser for Reading. Beeston complained that Reading had seven players on the pitch prior to the equaliser and lodged a protest.
With the score at 3-3, penalty strokes were called upon to decide the contest. After Beeston’s James McBlane and Reading’s Simon Mantell had converted the opening flicks, Richard Lane and Richard Mantell both missed. In the deciding third round, Chris Gregg converted for Beeston, before Jonty Clarke put his flick onto the bar resulting in exuberant celebrations from Beeston, 2-1 winners on penalty strokes.

Final - East Grinstead v Beeston 8-5

With a near capacity crowd of just under 5000 roaring the teams on, the men’s final came to life instantly with East Grinstead taking a 1-0 lead within seconds of the start. After scoring four in their earlier semi-final, David De Prez added a fifth to his tally for the day. A break down the left hand side resulted in a cross to the unmarked De Prez (pictured), who made no mistake in slotting it past eventual Man of the Match, George Pinner in the Beeston goal.
The Bees reacted almost immediately, with Tim Davenport converting a penalty corner from the top of the circle to equalise. Almost as quickly as Beeston had got themselves back into the game, they were left cursing as East Grinstead re-took the lead through De Prez, who took advantage of confusion in the Beeston defence and calmly slotted it past Pinner.
The frantic pace of the opening few minutes showed no signs of letting up at all as Beeston equalised for the second time in just the eighth minute. Some excellent build-up play left England and Great Britain international Adam Dixon with a relatively simple conversion.
The East Grinstead men were not to be denied and found themselves ahead within a minute. Darren Cheesman, another international star, broke down the right and pulled it back for his England and Great Britain captain Barry Middleton to lob into the net and restore the lead. After 13 minutes, East Grinstead managed to stretch out a two goal gap for the first time in the match when De Prez completed his second hat-trick of the day. It was a familiar story as the defending champions broke down the Beeston defence and De Prez had the calmness of mind to put the ball into the back of the goal for 4-2.
Almost predictably, Beeston fought their way back into the match three minutes later. A scramble involving Richard Potton, the East Grinstead goalkeeper, his defence and some Beeston attackers on the left hand side of the circle resulted in the ball breaking to Dixon, who made no mistake in flicking the ball home. East Grinstead managed to maintain the pattern of the first half by adding a fifth just before the end of the first half. Barry Middleton was the beneficiary of the East Grinstead attacking prowess, and pushed the ball beyond the advancing Pinner.
Despite East Grinstead’s two goal half time cushion nothing was guaranteed and with both sides looking capable of scoring further goals there was still plenty to play for in the second half.
In comparison to the frantic nature of the first half, the second half began almost slowly. Pinner continued to make a nuisance of himself to the East Grinstead attack, pulling off a string of excellent saves to keep the score as close as it was. Seven minutes into the second half Beeston pulled one back, but not without controversy. With East Grinstead’s Adam Harper injured in the circle during the build-up, play continued and James McBlane added to the Beeston tally. The goal stood despite the East Grinstead protests. With ten minutes remaining, ‘Grinstead again stretched their lead, Scotland and Great Britain international Niall Stott (pictured) with a drag flick from the top of the circle.
Beeston gave themselves a flicker of hope towards the end of the match when they pulled to within one goal of EG at 6-5. Stephen Wood injected the penalty corner to the top of the circle before receiving it back and slotting into the largely open goal. After hitting the bar on another counter-attack, East Grinstead restored their two goal cushion once more with an almost carbon copy of Beeston’s fifth. This time, Mark Pearn was the injector who received it back and finished off the well executed set piece. In a desperate attempt to get back into the game in the final minute, Beeston withdrew their goalkeeper Pinner and played with six outfielders. Instead of benefitting from the extra man on pitch, Beeston lost the ball almost straight away and Stott rounded the defence before passing the ball into the empty goal to make it 8-5.
Beeston goalkeeper George Pinner, who will be one of the 12 English players that travel to Poznan in Poland for the FIH Indoor World Cup (8-13 February) was named Man of the Match following his performance in the final.

David Griffiths — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 18:08:55 +0000

Highfields Sports Club is proud to introduce the launch of its 6 a side Summer Leagues. The 6 aside leagues will feature 2 pools of 6 teams playing on either a Tuesday or Thursday from 7:30pm-9:30pm

The league is a great opportunity to socialise and enjoy hockey at the end of the season. The league could also be used as a fundraising exercise for your club. It would cost £4.20 per player per night (assuming a squad of 10) therefore you set your own match tax.

Each team will play each other twice over the first five weeks.

Week 6 will be finals night between pools being played

on Tuesday 21st June 2011.

Every team will play 2 x 30 minute matches each week and

all matches are played on our state-of-the-art Water-based*

League facilities include:

" Stick & Pitcher bar with new pool table!!

" Hot food available all night

" The Beehive Hockey Shop opened on prior request

" Tournament winners receive a gallon of beer and £100 cheque payable to the winning club.

***Please note teams must provide their own umpires for matches

and supply their own first aid kit and first aider.***

Score cards to be collected from the bar and returned with your scores completed.

Depending on the demand we may host a pre-season 6 a side league starting on 12th July 2011.

*Week 6 (finals night) - Classification games for 9th-12th place will be played on our Sandbase pitch

Click here for Entry Form

Click here to view the League Format

Graham Griffiths — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 16:33:16 +0000

Beeston Under 16's continued their defence of the National Under 16 club title with a comprehensive victory over local rivals Belper 6-1 in Round 3 of the cup. Goals from Chris Proctor 2, Charlie Dolan 2, Henry Ricketts and Josh Wainwright saw Beeston take a 6-0 lead with Belper getting a late consolation goal. The scoreline certainly did not flatter Beeston who could have won by a greater margin and never looked back after taking the lead in the 3rd minute. The Beeston U16 squad now play Lichfield in Round 4 on 13.2.11 for a place in the National Quarter Finals.

Beeston Squad: Sam Lloyd, Byung Moo Lee, Luke Cosford (v/c), Will Taylor, Aaron Hibell, Kartar Soar, Henry Ricketts, Chris Proctor (captain), Charlie Parker, Josh Wainwright, Charlie Dolan, Tom Mayfield, Derryl Rafter, Alex Smith, Alex Butler, George Edwards.

In addition to the U16 Boys the U18 Girls play Leicester on 2.2.11 for a place in the last 16, if they are successful they will join the U18 Boys who play Sheffield Hallam and the U16 Girls who have a short trip to play Yate (South Gloucester, 360 mile round trip) !!!! This once again reflects the fantastic success and consistancy of the Beeston junior teams over several years.

Natalie Hardwicke — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 15:18:32 +0000

The U18 girls played exceptionally well and beat Leicester 8-0 in round 3 of the U18 National Cup. Goal scorers were Becky Siebert (2), Wiz Mumby, Alia Korta, Kim Leiper (2), Sophie Aspinall (2).

Well done girls!!

Graham Griffiths — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 18:50:41 +0000

Super Sixes Beeston vs Reading at Wembley Arena

Graham Griffiths — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 17:12:14 +0000

CANNOCK 3-1 BEESTON

The National Hockey Premiership has many similarities to the Grand National at Aintree. The clubs race around the course twice and the winner is crowned Champion. Beeston began the second lap of their league at the weekend with two away fixtures against sides hoping to avoid relegation and promptly fell at Becher's Brook. The fence was named after Captain Martin Becher. He was unseated from his mount, Conrad, and fell into the ditch when leading in 1839.

Beeston’s league challenge was ended in a similar fashion at Cannock on Saturday when a below par performance gave Cannock the energy to unseat them. Cannock took the lead in the 7th minute when Matt Plunkett capitalised on an Andrew Monte error. Monte made up for this in the 39th minute with a penalty corner strike. Cannock quickly took the lead when Ross Haywood despatched their 3rd penalty corner of the match. By the end of the race Robbie Smith was all alone in the paddock and killed off the result with two minutes left on the clock.

CANTERBURY 2 – 2 BEESTON

The Bees galloped into an early lead when Andrew Monte powered home a low penalty corner flick but Matt Harper equalised four minutes later. A turnover led to Canterbury taking the lead before the break when Rob Price smashed home from the right of the Beeston circle. Sam Ward equalised in the 43rd minute before he missed an open goal in the 52nd minute, Beeston collected one point from a possible six, as their league challenge fell at the Chair. East Grinstead won at the weekend to go charging off into the final straight.

Beeston must now regroup and consolidate to finish in the play off slots if they are to qualify for European hockey next season.

Beeston are at home on Saturday (19th February) when they meet local rivals Loughborough Students in the East Midlands derby at Highfields (2.00pm)

Graham Griffiths — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 19:14:10 +0000

It has been a great week in the continuing success story that is the junior section of Beeston Hockey Club, which has the reputation of being the best in the country.

Early last week Beeston heard that four more of their starlets had been selected for England squads. Chris Proctor and Charlie Parker have been selected for the England U16 Boys squad and goalkeepers Martha Baker and David Overton for the England U16 Girls and U18 Boys respectively.

Beeston made history earlier this season in being the only club to ever get all 4 age group teams through to the National Indoor Semi-Finals (the U18 Girls becoming National Champions). Last weekend the same age group teams were competing to reach the National Outdoor Quarter Finals. The Beeston teams did not disappoint, with all 4 teams qualifying for the National Quarters, again Beeston are the only club nationally to have all four teams still competing at this stage of their competitions.

The U16 Boys were away at Lichfield, who also boast an England U16 in Robbie Gleeson, despite his class and presence the Beeston boys played entertaining attacking hockey and were far too strong for their rivals, a 3-1 half time advantage became a 9-1 victory with a second half hat trick from Derryl Rafter and a spectacular goal converted by Chris Proctor from a flowing move involving Alex Butler and Charlie Parker.

The U18 Boys equalled their younger rivals with a 9-1 victory away to Sheffield, while the U18 Girls were gifted a walkover by Slazenger perhaps fearing the task in hand as Beeston had thrashed local rivals Leicester 8-0 in the previous round. Finally, the U16 Girls travelled to Yate, a 360 mile round trip, where they stormed to an 8-0 victory to set up a “Super Sunday” on March 6thwhen all four teams will be in action again in the National Quarter Finals.

Graham Griffiths — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 22:00:31 +0000

This year's 37th annual Beeston Sixes hockey tournament will be held from Friday 1st July - Sunday 3rd July 2010. Hockey will be on the Saturday and Sunday, and the entertainment kicking off the Friday night before.

Tournament entry this year is £265 per team of ten which includes camping

Details on www.highfields.org.uk

Graham Griffiths — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 23:53:41 +0000

BEESTON 3 - 0 LOUGHBOROUGH STUDENTS

Beeston maintained second position in the National Premier Division with a powerful win over local rivals Loughborough Students.

The Bees took the lead in the 8thminute. Great Britain international, Adam Dixon drove down the right gliding past the Loughborough defence with skill and speed and his meticulous pass found Sam Ward who fired past Ali McGregor in the Students goal.

The Bees repeated the trick in the 45thminute when Ben Arnold ghosted his way down the right and turned the ball back from Ward to get his second.

The crowd had witnessed two stunning goals but the third goal in the 49thminute was one of the best seen in the premiership this season. Australian, Andrew Monte picked up the ball in his own circle and threw a huge aerial to James McBlane on the half way line. The canny Scot repeated the trick throwing the ball high over the Loughborough defence to Sam Ward on the edge of the other circle. The young striker coolly beat the advancing former Great Britain goalkeeper, McGregor, to complete a clinical hat-trick.

Beeston Manager, Graham Griffiths, commented, “The lads were happy with the team performance today. There were moments of brilliance, and we looked more composed and committed this week. “

Beeston face a tough double-header next weekend. On Saturday they travel to London to meet Hampstead and Westminster (Maida Vale). On Sunday Beeston, the Cup Holders, play Reading in the quarter final of this year’s competition at home (2.00pm)

Beeston 2ndteam, The Swarm defeated Cannock Stags at the weekend 6-1 and now lead the Midlands Challenge League by a 16 point margin. With Great Britain Super League duties taking priority over the Cup this year some of the Swarm team will be drafted in to cover for Sunday’s Cup Quarter final.

Graham Griffiths — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 16:56:11 +0000

Statement from reading HC

It is with great regret that Reading HC Men's 1st XI are withdrawing from the England Hockey Cup 1/4 final. Due to 16 players being unavailable due to GB centralised players not playing in the cup, GBSL training on the same day as the cup quarter final and a number of injuries and other unavailability we feel we cannot give the National Cup the honour it deserves in not playing with a genuine 1st XI. As we do have a strong history in the cup we have battled over the last few years to continue playing in the cup but with so many players not available and the cup not a priority for England Hockey we have no option but to conceed the game and consider if we enter at all next season.

Statement from Beeston HC

We were facing similar problems with player availability but were looking forward to bringing some of our youngsters into the cup squad to give them valuable experience. We know we will be presented with the same problem in the Semi-final but we are committed to do our best in order to retain the cup, in what we consider to be a major domestic competition. It seems a shame that such a wonderful competition is facing closure by stealth.

Graham Griffiths
Beeston manager.

David Griffiths — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 13:29:29 +0000

LIVE ACTS ANNOUNCED FOR THIS YEARS SIXES!!!

The entertainment for this years 6's has been confirmed with live acts from The Burgundy's on Friday night and solo accoustic singer, Mark James performing on the Saturday night!!!

Sixes Entry Form

Pete Holmes — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 21:10:09 +0000

Beeston Ladies’ two Beckys (Eaton and Siebert) both found the net at the weekend to secure a vital 2-1 win for the Bees against Doncaster. The win lifts Beeston off the bottom of Women’s National Conference North and closes the gap on their closest rivals (Belper and Springfields UCLAN) as four teams battle it out to secure their places in the National League.

Sunday’s game at Highfields was a classic game of two halves. Although the Bees enjoyed plenty of possession in the first half, much of their play lacked the necessary edge to create clear cut opportunities and when they did get in their opponents ‘D’, they struggled to apply the finishing touch. Six minutes before the break, the visitors went ahead through Lisa Garbutt.

The half time team talk from the Bees management team (supplemented by the addition of Steve Musson and Griff on a rare day off from duties with the Men) obviously did the trick with Beeston starting the second half with much greater pace and determination. After 42 minutes their efforts were rewarded with Becky Eaton converting a penalty corner. Doncaster refused to lie down and the Bees had to withstand considerable pressure including a spell of four successive penalty corners. After 54 minutes the moment that turned the match (and hopefully Beeston’s season) saw Sophie Robinson break up a Doncaster attack on the edge of the Beeston D before going on a surging run, playing an inch perfect pass to Emily Smith who drew the Doncaster keeper before unselfishly squaring the ball to Becky Siebert who applied a cool finish to net the winner.

Next weekend Beeston travel to Preston and Wakefield to play a double header against Springfields UCLAN and Bradford-Wakefield. Their Under 18s are also in cup action against their counterparts from Wakefield.

Beeston Squad – Hunter N, Sharpe, Bamford, Wraith, McComb, Pipe, Hunter J, Robinson, Baker, Tuplin, Eaton, Bailey, Hopkisson, Siebert, Leiper, Smith

Graham Griffiths — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 17:02:27 +0000

HAMPSTEAD and WESTMINSTER 2 - 3 BEESTON

Beeston maintained second position in the National Premier Division with an away win over Hampstead, in London, and closed the points gap on Premiership leaders, East Grinstead.

The first half belonged to the Bees and they took the lead in the second minute. Martin Scanlon drove down the right and his cross found Sam Ward whose shot flew off the Hampstead keeper for Matt Taylor to parry home.

The Bees went further ahead in the 28thminute when Mark Wadsley moved down the bye line and found Taylor who increased the Beeston lead.

The second half proved a different game. The Bees failed to drive on and Hampstead grew in confidence. The Londoners pulled one back through Ian Roberts early on and the Bees looked fragile in defence. The umpiring began to match the Bees inept efforts and Adam Dixon was eventually dispatched on a yellow card in the 55thminute. Hampstead then equalised from the resulting penalty corner when Dan Fox smashed the ball through a crowded penalty area. Dixon’s fellow Great Britain international, Alastair Wilson, offered help to the umpire and was also sent off during a minute of madness.

Fortunately for the Bees, the previous incident awoke the Beeston passions and Wilson and Dixon then Taylor ran through the Hampstead defence and Dixon got the winner with seven minutes left on the clock.

Beeston now face a massive home double this weekend. On Saturday the Bees play the England Champions and top of the table, East Grinstead ay 5.30pm.

On Sunday, they meet Brooklands (Manchester), at home (2.00pm)

Graham Griffiths — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 00:43:37 +0000

BEESTON 1 -5 EAST GRINSTEAD

East Grinstead’s indifferent form in Men’s Premier Division continued at the weekend. On Saturday they registered an important 5-1 away at second placed Beeston, but then lost out by the odd goal to Reading on Sunday.David De Prez notched a goal in either half to help East Grinstead on their way to victory over Beeston. The Men’s Premier Division leaders were pinned back by Matthew Taylor’s 23rd minute goal and shared the spoils at half time. De Prez began the scoring in the second half and East Grinstead moved from strength to strength. Gareth Carr added to the tally two minutes later to open the lead to two. Dominic Male and Niall Stott completed the scoring within a minute of each other with sixteen minutes remaining on the clock to complete a convincing score line victory. East Grinstead opened up an eight point lead over Saturday night, but the results on Sunday were to see that lead reduced again to five.

Reading and East Grinstead have enjoyed many exciting and tense affairs and Sunday’s fixture was no different. With Reading seeking a strong finish to the season heading into the play-offs and East Grinstead buoyant from their win on Saturday the writing was on the wall for a fine game. Instead, Reading gained their seventh win of the season and maintained their fourth placed position.

BEESTON 6 – 2 BROOKLANDS

Beeston were able to restore the five point gap between themselves and the leaders, following East Grinstead’s loss, after convincingly beating second bottom Brooklands MU. After half an hour Beeston led 2-1 thanks to goals from an Adam Dixon penalty corner and superb finish from Martin Scanlon. They would, perhaps, have been able to take more advantage had they not suffered a period of indiscipline either side of half time which saw the Midlanders reduced to nine men on two occasions. With all players back on the field, Beeston re-asserted their dominance scoring a further four times through Taylor, Wilson, Gregg and Wood. Former, Beeston striker, Charlie Brooke, registered a consolation goal for the visitors on the stroke of full time.

With 3 matches to go in the Premiership the Bees need a win over Manchester side, Bowdon on Sunday to maintain second place in the Premier League. A second place finish would ensure a home tie in the Play off’s that decide the European slots for next season.

Beeston meet Bowdon on Sunday March 13th (2.00pm) at Highfields Hockey Centre. This is the final NL Premier League game this Season.

Natalie Hardwicke — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 19:35:44 +0000

Mixed Fortunes for the Junior Bees in Cup Quarter Finals

Boys make National Finals weekend but Girls just miss out!

Beeston U16 and U18 Boys and Girls teams all played their respective Cup National Quarter Finals on Sunday March 7th.

Sadly both girls’ teams lost narrowly away from Highfields and so miss out on the National Finals weekend in April.

The U18 Girls were disadvantaged by a gruelling schedule leading up to their tie which meant that some of the squad played for their schools in the National Schools finals on Thursday and Friday, the Beeston Ladies 1st team on Saturday and Sunday. The rescheduled Wakefield v Beeston Ladies league match meant that Beeston had to give up home advantage in the U18 Cup match to enable both clubs to field their strongest U18 squads. The cup match itself ended in a 1-1 draw and Beeston lost the subsequent penalty stroke competition 3-4. A heartbreaking end to what has been a highly successful season for the Girls U18s who were crowned National Indoor Champions in January.

The U16 Girls travelled to local rivals Leicester where they were narrowly beaten 1-2. Both teams should still be very proud of their achievements in the cup this season losing at the national Quarter Final stage in close competitive matches.

Earlier in the week the U14 Girls secured their place in the North Regional Finals after beating SBU 6-0 in a rearranged fixture. They completed their league fixtures with a 5 – 0 win against Sheffield Hallam today.

Beeston U14 Girls are the reigning champions of the North and will now play in the North Regional Finals on Sunday April 10th.

Happily for the Boys it was a different story.

The U16 Boys were drawn away to Bath Buccaneers, the team who had beaten Beeston in the National Indoors semi final in January! However Bath were no match for Beeston in the outdoor 11-a-side game, lacking firepower up front and rarely threatening the Beeston goal. Bath defended well against a dominant Beeston team and so the Bees only managed to take a 2 goal lead by half time through goals from Chris Proctor and Josh Wainwright. This pattern of play continued in the second half except that Beeston GK Sam Lloyd was called into action and did not disappoint making 2 exceptional saves to keep a clean sheet for Beeston. A further goal from Beeston’s captain meant the final score was 3-0 to Beeston. Bath were excellent hosts and the team enjoyed an after match meal at the local golf club knowing that they had secured a place at the National Finals weekend in April.

Meanwhile back at Highfields Beeston U18 Boys, the only club team to play at home in the Q/finals started their match against Wycombe one hour later than the U16s. In 2008 these teams had finished 1st (Wycombe) and 2nd (Beeston) in the then U15 cup after the Bees lost to Wycombe 0 -1. Wycombe also came out as narrow 7-6 winners in January when the 2 clubs met in the U18 National Indoor semis when Wycombe again went on to be crowned Champions!! This time Beeston were determined to reverse past results and played some sublime hockey for the first 25 minutes of the match. They stormed to a 3 - 0 lead with goals from Ben Morris (2) and Sam Perrin.

Goals either side of half time by both teams, Marcus Hooper scored for Beeston, still left the Bees with a winning margin of 3 goals. However Beeston then conceded a goal in bizarre circumstances and Wycombe got a second wind going on to narrow the score to 4-3. Beeston were not going to let this one get away and by the time the final whistle blew they were back in control once again and the home crowd could relax! Beeston Boys U18s and U16swill now travel to Canterbury HC on April 8th to take part in the Nationals a round robin finale to their cup competitions on April 9th and 10th.

The U18s will face Bromley&Beckenham, Canterbury and Telford&Wrekin and will be hoping to improve on last year’s runners up slot.

The U16s will face Ben Rhydding, Canterbury and Wycombe as they hope to emulate last year’s National Champions squad!

Beeston U14 Boys beat Burton 4-0 and City of York 5-0 today as they qualified for the East Regional Finals on Sunday April 10th.

Natalie Hardwicke — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 19:49:45 +0000

Thank you to all the members who supported the club's race night last weekend. It was great to see so many people there. The club raised over £600. A good night was had by all, especially Chris Glover who win the grand prize at the end of the night!!

Pictures can be found in the picture gallery.

Tickets for the next social, the famous end of season ball in May, go on sale soon.

Graham Griffiths — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 18:52:45 +0000

BEESTON 3-0 BOWDON

With two Premiership matches to go Beeston maintained second position in the National Premier Division with a home win over Bowdon. Beeston have now qualified for the Championship play-offs. If the Bees maintain this position they will face a home play-off against Surbiton or Reading on Sunday April 3rd. Three of the successful sides go on to represent England in the Euro Hockey league, next season.

The opening half against Bowdon was an exciting encounter that neither side could master. The Bees had six penalty corners but their routines let them down and gave Bowdon hope of taking home the points.

The second half was a different affair. Beeston took the lead in the 49thminute when Adam Dixon attacked down the right. His pass found Chris Gregg who topped his shot but Martin Scanlon was there to fire the ball into the roof of the Cheshire net.

As Bowdon lost their discipline the Bees pounced. Scanlon fired in a bullet pass from the left wing in the 62ndminute and the mercurial, Martin Jones, was at hand to deflect a thunderbolt past Turner in the Bowdon goal.

Beeston finished off the proceedings in the 64th minute when Australian, Andrew Monte finally connected with a penalty corner flicked high in the top corner of the Bowdon net.

Men's Premier Division 2010/11 (current Play off places)

Pts

Loughborough Students

-1

Man of the Match Tim Whiteman mussed, “We are slowly getting back to Championship form and we seem to be peaking at the right time as we head towards the Euro Hockey League last 16 in Holland. Mark Wadsley pulled off a brilliant save from Bowdon’s third corner; Martin Jones is looking much sharper and the inclusion of the veteran Stephen Wood has added a level of calmness to the team. We now need to sort out our penalty corner routine.”

Beeston now face a difficult away double this weekend. On Saturday, in the penultimate league match, Bees play the Reading at Sonning lane 1.30pm

On Sunday, they meet Hampstead in the Semi-Final on the EH Cup (2.30pm in Paddington). The Bees side will be grossly depleted due to GB Super League training.

The Bees second team (Beeston Swarm) clinched the title on Saturday and are now Midlands Challenge League Champions. On Sunday they defeated Cheltenham 7-1 in the England hockey 2ndteam Cup semi-final. The Swarm meet Southgate (London) in the National final at Cannock on April 10th.

Pete Holmes — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 20:23:12 +0000

Beeston Ladies survived an onslaught, both on and off the pitch, at the weekend to secure a vital point against local rivals Belper. Both teams are tied on 9 points, but the Bees have a vastly superior goal difference. Aldridge & Walsall (who Beeston visit on the final weekend of the season) are on 6 points and again Beeston have a significant edge in terms of goal difference. Beeston know that another win will mean that they escape automatic relegation and with Belper facing two tough away trips in their remaining fixtures, it will also be likely to spare them the tension of an end of season relegation tournament.

The game at Belper was always going to be a tense aware – with a large and vociferous crowd gathering to watch the local rivals battling for National League survival. Beeston were fired up and came out of the blocks strongly to make the best possible start. After 3 minutes, top scorer Sophie Robinson latched on to a misplaced back pass to fire in an unstoppable short to put the Bees ahead. Belper were clearly rattled, but eventually managed to find their feet and to force Beeston keeper Nat Hunter into two superb saves, both from Belper’s Anna Toman. To their credit, the Nailers were putting the Bees under immense pressure and after 29 minutes their efforts were rewarded when leading scorer Charlotte Hobbs deflected a Kathryn Lane centre to beat Hunter at her near post. Belper will argue that the turning point of the game came on the stroke of half time when the umpires controversially ruled that the home side had been guilty of time wasting in preparing for a penalty corner and blew for half time. The decision was greeted by a chorus of boos from the home supporters and by the Belper coach and players remonstrating with the officials.

The half time break had done little to take the heat out of the situation and the second half continued in the same vein – with Belper supporters criticising the officials and the Beeston players having to survive a physical onslaught from a home side drilled to clear the ball from their back line at every opportunity with as much power as they could muster. Beeston withstood the barrage, putting their bodies on the line time after time and will have the bruises to prove it! Thirty five minutes of tension followed with both sides squandering chances, but as the final whistle blew it was the Beeston fans who celebrated, recognising that their team had taken a vital step to securing its National League safety.

On Sunday Beeston entertain high flying Sunderland – pushback at Highfields is at 12.00.

Squad – Hunter (N), Sharpe, Wraith, Atkins, Pipe, Hunter (J), Robinson, Baker, Tuplin, Eaton, Bailey, Hopkisson, Siebert, Leiper, Smith, Bamford,

Graham Griffiths — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 15:18:41 +0000

Bees fly into Midlands Premier League

Beeston Ladies 2ndXI confirmed their promotion to Midlands Premier League with a comfortable win over bottom placed Hampton-In-Arden on Saturday. Beeston who have had a fantastic season losing just two matches on their way to second place in the league beat the West Midlands side 5-1 to secure their place in the highest tier of Midlands hockey for next season.

The game was not totally plain sailing however, as it was the home side who took a surprise lead after they had absorbed the early Beeston pressure. With Beeston becoming increasingly nervous as the half time whistle closed in, Chelsey Toms cooled a few nerves with a calm and accurate finish at the back post following a Beeston penalty corner.

With the scores level at half time, Beeston realised their hard work during the season might be wasted so they doubled their efforts and made a sensational start to the second half. After some impressive work from the mercurial Emily Smith, Beeston earned another penalty corner, and this time is was Nic Just who poked home from a Smith shot to give the Bees the lead for the first time. From their they didn’t look back as Smith added one of her own, before Heather Morris increased the lead to 4-1 with a thumping strike between the keepers legs.

As the match wore on Hampton became increasingly tired, and Beeston continued to pressurise and with five minutes to go, Just wrapped up the scoring with her second of the match to cap a fine second half display by the Nottingham side.

The final whistle brought jubilation for the Beeston players who have played some exceptional hockey this season and justly deserve their place at the top table of Midlands hockey.

Beeston: McLean, Goss, Corcoran, Musson, Dawson, Haynes, Morris, Johnson (c), Toms, Just, Kinder, Cary, Lee, Smith, Aspinall.

Graham Griffiths — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 15:20:20 +0000

READING 2-1 BEESTON

With East Grinstead, Beeston and Surbiton now qualified for the Championship play-offs, Reading needed a win to join the trio. Jonty Clarke’s 41stminute strike for Reading was immediately cancelled out when Sam Ward, in the same minute, netted for Beeston.

Andy Watts, scoring his 100thNational League goal, grabbed the winner for the home side to confirm Reading’s place in the EHL Championships in fourth place. They will host the fifth placed team on 2 April.

Beeston will play Surbiton on Saturday 2 April or Sunday 3 April in the EHL Championships although results from this weekend will determine who hosts the fixture.

Graham Griffiths — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 15:22:28 +0000

HAMPSTEAD 2 - 5 BEESTON

The Bees travelled across to London on Sunday after releasing 6 of their Great Britain internationals and GB Super League training group. Here they linked up with fresh troops dispatched from Nottingham early on Sunday morning. Hampstead opted to play their 8 GB Super League players who had trained at Slough earlier in the morning. As the status of the cup, one of the great domestic competitions, is reduced by England Hockey, the crowd that turned up at Paddington seemed to ignore this and were to witness a cup encounter of great intrigue. Martin Jones put Beeston in front after 34 seconds following a good run down the right by Tim Whiteman. Hampstead equalised in the 9th minute through Naylor and took the lead with their first penalty corner through Ian Roberts. Martin Scanlon equalised a minute later to leave the score level at the half-time point.

The second half belonged to Beeston. The depth of their extended squad allowed the fresh legs to keep the tempo high whilst the more experienced players probed at the heart of the Hampstead defence. James McBlane gave Beeston the lead with a 41st minute penalty corner strike. Martin Jones was fouled as he weaved and scored in the 49thminute. His strike was over-ruled by a quick whistle but Andrew Monte increased the lead from the resulting penalty stroke. Jones finished off the result in the 65th minute with a sensational goal started by Jon Peckett on the right and the Bees flew into another Final.

Beeston, the cup holders, play in their 4thconsecutive Cup final. They meet Doncaster in the Final on May 14th 5.30pm at Cannock H.C.

Beeston stalwart defender, Mark Wadsley, commented. “I thought we could have taken at least a point on Saturday but the semi-final win makes up for this disappointment. I came to Beeston to win trophies and the EH Cup has been one of our objectives this season. We can now switch off our Cup ambitions as we focus on the Championship play-offs and the Euro Hockey League in April. There is much to play for as we reach the cutting edge of the season.”

Beeston hope to finish up as Premier League runners up. On Sunday they meet 3rd placed Surbiton in London. The final match of the league takes place at Sugden Road, Surbiton. (2.00pm)

Natalie Hardwicke — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 19:05:46 +0000

Congratulations to the Ladies 4th Team for winning the Notts Division 1 League and gaining promotion to join the 3rd team the Notts Premier League next season.

With a good mix of young and experience and great leadership they have had a very successful season and fully deserve to win the league. Well done!

Natalie Hardwicke — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 19:15:43 +0100

With goals from Megan Morgan and Claire Musson (2) the ladies 3rd Team beat Notth Notts 2nd team 3-1 to be crowned Nottinghamshire Cup Winners 2011. Well done girls!!

Graham Griffiths — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 16:57:43 +0100

With East Grinstead, Beeston and Surbiton qualified for the Championship play-offs, the final match of the league season had no real consequence, unless Surbiton could win by 6 clear goals.

Surbiton took the points with four goals from Matt Daly and a brace from Tim Pinnock. Beeston struck on four occasions, through Martin Scanlon, Matt Taylor, Sam Ward and Chris Gregg, to hold the goal difference and ensure they had home advantage in this week’s Championship play offs.

Beeston now play Surbiton on Sunday April 3rd(2.00pm) at Highfields in the 2nd/ 3rdplace play off. A win would see them back in the Euro Hockey League next season.

Beeston manager, Graham Griffiths commented, “Surbiton played some attractive attacking hockey today but we were in control of the scoreline and now have home advantage in the big game next Sunday. Some of the lads were disappointed that we lost but they need to take a reality check. We are representing England in the Euro hockey League in the Netherlands at Easter. We got to the National Indoor Final at Wembley. We are in the Cup Final in May. We have just finished runners up in the Premier Division which is the highest finish for the club in 104 years of its history. We are still in the race for the domestic championship and a home win against Surbiton would secure a European spot for next season.

The Championship play-offs suit our mentality. We understand the pressures of this type of challenge. Four consecutive Cup Finals is testament to this. This is the perfect match to sharpen us up for the EHL in Holland but it’s also a match that we need to win. It’s a real bonus that we are playing in Nottingham in front of our own supporters and on our pitch.”

Beeston Play Surbiton on Sunday April 3rd (2.00pm) in the Championship Tourament.

Cellan Griffiths — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 21:30:31 +0100

BEESTON JUNIORS HAVE A BUSY END TO THE SEASON

The next fortnight sees a remarkable end of the season for the Junior Bees.

Following their success at the County Mini Hockey Championships when they won all 4 titles for the first time in the club’s history, the U12 Boys and Girls and the U10 Boys and Girls head off for Cannock this Sunday April 3rd to compete in the Midlands Mini Hockey Championships. They have a hard act to follow, Beeston were the 2010 U12 Girls, U10 Girls and U10 Boys Midlands Champions!

The following weekend on Sunday April 10th the U14 Boys are in Cambridge to play in the East Regional Championships Finals whilst the U14 Girls will play in the North Regional Championship Finals at Highfields. If you are confused by the regions then ask England Hockey for an explanation! Beeston U14 Girls were the 2010 Champions of the North.

The same weekend on Friday April 8th the Boys U16s and U18s will board a coach to Canterbury and the National Finals weekend. Beeston are the current Boys U16 National Champions and the U18s were last season’s National Runners Up. The U16s will play Ben Rhydding, Wycombe and Canterbury; the U18s will play Telford&Wrekin, Bromley&Beckenham and Canterbury in the Round Robin competition.

The club are justly proud of the juniors and we wish them all good luck in their various finals.

Graham Griffiths — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 14:07:43 +0100

New Beeston Supporters scarves are now on sale at £10. Limited edition.

Ideal for :-

Mothers Day present

Midlands Challenge Final

Bees v Surbiton Play Off

HA Cup Final

2nd Team Cup Final

U18 / U18 National Finals @ Canterbury HC

On sale at the Stick and Pitcher or Beehive Shop.

FIRST COME / FIRST SERVED

Graham Griffiths — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 14:44:32 +0100

Annual Club Dinner and Awards Night

Date: Saturday 7th May 2011
Venue: Masonic Hall, Goldsmith Street, Nottingham.
Time: 7:30pm
Tickets: ONLY £30.00!!!

Come along for the event of the year. 3 course meal, club awards & disco until late.

Dress code: Smart (Black tie optional)

Tickets available from Ryan Dawson or
Cat Ashton or
via bacs (account number 6505961 sort code 54-21-07 PLEASE MAKE YOUR REFERENCE 'Your Name DINNER' IF YOU PAY BY BACS)

DEADLINE FOR TICKET SALES: 18TH APRIL 2011.

Graham Griffiths — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 20:21:34 +0100

Sunday at 2pm the Mens 1st team take on Surbiton in the EHL Playoffs. A win will guarantee the club a place in the prestigious European Hockey League for a third consecutive season as well as a place in the playoff final where they have the chance to play for the league title.

Surbiton are bringing a number of supporters up with them so would be great if we could get as many people down to Highfields as possible to ensure we make the most of our home advantage!

Your support always make a difference to the side, so please make the effort to get down on Sunday to help be the side's 12th man and hopefully cheer them on into Europe!

Graham Griffiths — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:24:07 +0100

12.00 3/4th final. Cannock Stags v Birmingham University Lions

2.00pm FINAL Beeston Swarm v Loughborough Mighty.

Additional extra

4.30pm on sand Beeston U18 v Burton 1

Graham Griffiths — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 20:05:07 +0100

BEESTON 2-1 SURBITON

BEESTON STORM INTO EUROPE

The Championship semi-final between Beeston and Surbiton was a tense affair as the prize for the winner was a direct route into the Euro hockey League next season.

Surbiton started strongly with high energy from their inventive forwards. The London side took the lead through Matt Daly, in the 18th minute from a superb penalty corner, rifled high into the Beeston goal. Nick Cooper had a chance as half time approached but his shot was well saved by George Pinner in the Beeston goal. Surbiton went in at the break looking strong and well deserved leaders.

The Beeston followers are a passionate crowd and are well used to watching cup hockey. Whatever happens in the Beeston changing room at half-time will probably remain a mystery but the side that re-emerged after the break was fired up and totally committed to the job in hand. Great Britain international, Adam Dixon, led the charge and equalised in the 39th minute with a powerful drag flick from Beeston’s third penalty corner. Sam Ward went close in the 43rd minute but the break came in the 56th minute when Surbiton’s Will Fulker was dispatched on a yellow card. The resulting penalty corner hit a foot on the line and Australian, Andrew Monte, put the Bees ahead from the penalty spot.

Beeston played out the final ten minutes with 10 men on the pitch as defenders; Monte and James McBlane were both shown yellow cards. But the Bees drove on, finished the match strongly and were worthy winners. Beeston’s tactics designed by Head Coach, Martin Jones and executed by assistant coach, Steve Musson took the Bees to another Championship Final.

Great Britain defender, Ali Wilson, commented, “The second-half performance was magnificent, the back four only gave away one penalty corner and the midfield worked incredibly hard. We just need to tighten up our discipline, playing with 10 men is not an option against the England Champions on Saturday.”

For the third successive season, Beeston go on to represent England in Europe next season. On Saturday April 9th they face East Grinstead in the Championship Final 4.00pm at Cannock H.C.

Cellan Griffiths — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 22:29:54 +0100

Beeston Juniors Head For Canterbury Hoping for National success

This weekend is a momentous one in the history of Beeston Hockey Club. Having qualified for Europe for a third consecutive year the Beeston Men’s first team play in the Championship Final on Saturday. On Sunday the 2nd team (The Swarm) play in the 2nd Team Cup Final against Southgate.

Meanwhile the U14 Boys and Girls play in their Regional Finals. The Under 18 Boys and Under 16 Boys head off for Canterbury. The teams will do exceptionally well to better the two teams from last year who finished National Runners Up and Champions respectively. Both teams have a majority of players who did not play last year so both teams are motivated to succeed.

Beeston Chairman Martin Keeling commented “its been a huge undertaking organisationally. Playing at Canterbury is always a pleasure, once you get there, Canterbury HC are brilliant hosts. However, because of its geographical position we will be away 2 nights, leaving on Friday afternoon and returning on Sunday night hopefully with some silverware again”

Beeston Under16 Captain Chris Proctor says “the 16’s are really looking forward to the weekend. The feeling of winning the Nationals last year was fantastic and I would love to lead the club to success again this year”.

Meanwhile the U18 Captain Matt Parker is out to prove the England U18 selectors wrong this weekend and if he replicates his performances throughout the season for Beeston he will surely do this, it could be a great weekend for the family as brother Charlie plays for the U16’s.

Finally, Beeston Juniors are planning a further trip to the National Finals in May as both the U12 Boys and Girls qualified for their National Finals last weekend. This means that Beeston have qualified for 8 of the 10 Club National Finals this year, a remarkable achievement and a testimony to the coaches and academy sessions at the club which now run at 3 different age groups.

Come on you BEES.

Graham Griffiths — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 20:33:03 +0100

Click this link for BBC clip

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/hockey/13001287.stm

Graham Griffiths — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 20:13:24 +0100

Two goals from Stephen Lawrence and Ben Arnold helped the Bees win the Championship Final held at Cannock today.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/hockey/13033475.stm

Graham Griffiths — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 23:41:03 +0100

Beeston secured the Premier League Title on Saturday

On Sunday a David Griffiths hat-trick saw the 2nd X1 win the England Hockey 2nd Team Cup final. Half-time Southgate 2-0 Beeston

Result - Southgate 2-3 Beeston. Beeston lifted the cup in the 85th minute with the last strike in the final minute of golden goal extra time.

The U18's won the National Title at Canterbury.

The U16's won the National Title at Canterbury. More to follow.

4 National titles in a superb weekend of hockey.

REMARKABLE !!!!!

Graham Griffiths — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 21:37:11 +0100

JUNIOR BEES TAKE 2 TITLES

Beeston Boys U18s and U16s set off on Friday for the Junior Club Cup Finals weekend hosted at Canterbury HC. This is the Round Robin Finale for the last 4 teams in all 4 Junior Cups and is the highlight of the Junior Club calendar.

With matches slightly curtailed to 25 minutes each way it is important to start quickly and the Beeston U16s certainly did that! They were 4-0 up at halftime against a bemused Ben Rhydding team. The whole squad had pitch time and when the final whistle went Beeston had scored 6 goals from 5 different scorers Charlie Dolan, Tim Mayfield, Chris Proctor (2), Derryl Rafter and Charlie Parker and conceded only 1.

The U18s took longer to settle in their first match against a very good Bromley and Beckenham team and found themselves 2-0 down at the interval. Beeston picked up the pace in the second half after an early goal by Sam Perrin but were unable to draw level so lost 2-1. Not exactly the start they had hoped for but Captain Matt Parker, an experienced player at this event, kept his team’s morale up knowing how close the U18 event can be.

In their 2nd match Beeston U16s played the hosts Canterbury who had also won their first match convincingly. The match was a tense affair with Canterbury having most of the chances in the 1st half but the defence of Luke Cosford, Will Taylor, Aaron Hibell, Kartar Soar and goalkeeper Sam Lloyd weathered the storm. With 10 minutes to go Derryl Rafter broke the deadlock for Beeston and Captain Chris Proctor struck soon after to give Beeston a 2-0 victory. The teams then made their way back to the hotel to prepare for the second days play!

Beeston U18s had an early start on Sunday, a difficult match against hosts Canterbury. The match started well with an early goal scored by Matt Parker

But the Bees needed England U18 Goal keeper David Overton to be on top form to withstand the pressure from Canterbury. Beeston hit the post from a penalty stroke in the second half but the score remained 1-0, the Bees were back in contention!

The U16s watched hosts Canterbury demolish Ben Rhydding 7-1 before they walked out on the pitch next to the Canterbury clubhouse for their last match against Wycombe. The Bees needed a draw to become national Champions but Wycombe encouraged by the large Canterbury crowd were determined to salvage some pride after 2 defeats. Beeston U16s remained calm and played patient passing hockey taking the lead through a Josh Wainwright goal after 20 minutes having seen Wycombe miss from the penalty spot. Wycombe equalized early in the second half and the U16s were kept calm by Sam Lloyd who pulled off an amazing save from a second Wycombe penalty and took the lead again when Captain Chris proctor scored from a penalty corner. The whole team pulled together by those on the pitch working selflessly and those on the bench shouting encouragement. When the final whistle blew the whole team converged in celebration Beeston Boys U16s played 3 won 3 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS 2011, retaining the National title they won last year

As the U16s received their medals and the trophy the U18s started their final match against Telford and Wrekin. Mindful that the only way they could win the title would be on goal difference the team ran themselves into the ground scoring 7 goals and conceding only 1 with hat tricks from Sam Perrin and Matt Parker with Tom Groombridge scoring the odd goal. This was a whole team effort with everyone working together to score as many goals as possible it was now a question of watching the last match between hosts Canterbury and local rivals Bromley and Beckenham. Beeston teams, parents and coaches did the maths! A draw or B&B win gave them the title; a Canterbury win by more than 3 goals gave them the title; a narrow Canterbury win meant the title went to the Bees! The match started well for the Bees with Canterbury romping to a 3-0 lead and although further goals were scored by each team Canterbury never extended their lead and Bromley and Beckenham never drew level. The Bees counted down the clock with the score at 5-4 to Canterbury and so when the whistle blew Beeston Boys U18s were NATIONAL CHAMPIONS 2011!

A very happy coachful of boys returned to Beeston late on Sunday evening!

Teams:

Beeston U16s Sam Lloyd, Will Taylor, Chris Proctor(Capt.), Luke Cosford, Kartar Soar, Aaron Hibell, Alex Smith, Charlie Parker, Derryl Rafter, Josh Wainwright, Charlie Dolan, Henry Ricketts, Tom Mayfield, George Edwards, Alex Butler and James Shires. Manager=Martin Keeling, Coach=Ryan Dawson, Physio= Ellie Ricketts.

Beeston U18s David Overton, Tom Groombridge, Myles Rawlings, Jack Simkins, Richard Cartwright, Greg Nolan, Matt Parker(Capt.), Matt Shuttleworth, Ben Morris, Marcus Hooper, Charlie Willars, Leo Watton, George Osborne, Sam Perrin, Rory Macildowie, Sam Falkingham and Joe Egglenton. Manager= Tony Perrin, Coach= Clive Morris, Physio= Ellie Ricketts.

Graham Griffiths — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 21:42:20 +0100

SECOND X1 CUP FINAL

Southgate (1) 2 - 3 (0) Beeston

With some Beeston supporters, understandably, nursing sore heads from the celebrations of their first team victory yesterday, the atmosphere for this game reverberated around the ground. It was a fairly even encounter for the first twenty minutes. Beeston were awarded a penalty corner which struck a defender in the body on the line, Beeston fans rejoiced at the penalty stroke that was awarded. However, rejoice turned to consternation when the stroke was put straight at Andrew Thomas. To add to Beeston’s woes, an unconverted corner for Beeston shortly before the half summed up their luck and the half drew to a close with Southgate maintaining a one goal advantage.

Southgate increased their lead to two at the beginning of the second half through Ben Wells, but no sooner did it look an uphill struggle for the Bees, they were back in it by scoring two quick fire goals through David Griffiths. The goals came within a minute of each other to restore parity in the game.

From that point on both sides probed their opposition’s defence without any great penetration and with five minutes remaining the game looked destined for extra time. Indeed, the game finished level after seventy minutes and extra time was called into action. Both sides went agonizingly close during the extra time period with Southgate clearing on the line and Beeston’s Tom Skinner coming to his side’s rescue on more than one occasion. Then, as the seconds ticked down, Beeston were awarded a penalty corner. The final whistle blew and the tension mounted with penalty strokes looming as confusion mounted over a substitution.

With the final play of extra time, James McBlane guided his pass onto Griffiths’s stick and he deflected the ball past the Southgate defence, for his hat-trick and Beeston’s third, to send their fans into raptures for the club’s second title victory in two days at Cannock.

Coach, Steve Musson and defender, James McBlane collected their second gold medal of the weekend

Graham Griffiths — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 21:51:43 +0100

http://www.englandhockey.co.uk/news.asp?itemid=9904&itemTitle=Watch+highlights+of+this+weekend%27s+championships&section=22&sectionTitle=News

Graham Griffiths — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 14:33:26 +0100

See link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAW4mold1AY

Always back the horse with the Welsh Jockey !!!!!!!

David Griffiths — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 19:14:25 +0100

Beeston controlled an early game this morning against Russian champions Dynamo Kazan today. After a nervous first half the Bees took the lead through energetic international Ben Arnold who found the net mid way in to the second half. The Bees extended their lead through Sam Ward minutes later who thrummed the ball under the Russian goalkeeper at a penalty corner. The Bees play Dutch giants HGC in the Euro Hockey League 1/4 final this Sunday at 1:30pm UK time. The Beeston fans who didn't make the journey out to Holland this weekend can watch the game at www.ehlhockey.tv

Graham Griffiths — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 20:41:46 +0100

Beeston 2 – 0 Dynamo Kazan (Russia)

Beeston progressed through to Round 3 of the EuroHockey League in Bloemendaal with a workmanlike, if rather dull, match against Dinamo Kazan of Russia.
Although they had the lion's share of possession in the first half, some effective defending by the Russians stopped Beeston having a genuine scoring chance. So, it was with a sigh of relief that Beeston's efforts finally paid off when a penalty corner opportunity was converted by Ben Arnold 10 minutes into the second half. Sam Ward followed up with a second from another penalty corner; 11 minutes later to give Beeston a 2-0 win.

Beeston 3 – 4 HGC (Holland)

In Bloemendaal, Beestonhad twice battled back from a goal behind to twice pull level against HGC before the Dutch club put themselves 3-2 and then 4-2 ahead, only for Beeston to set up a thrilling grandstand finish. Trailing 4-2 despite Andrew Monte’s penalty corner double, England and Great Britain international Ali Wilson put the finishing touch on a penalty corner from close range to make it 3-2 with six minutes remaining. As brave efforts go, it was as brave any effort as you would see on any hockey pitch near you. Beeston took on the Dutch giants, HGC, and came away with a lot of pride.

Beeston put in a great effort in the opening minutes, to the point where HGC’s Canadian captain, Rob Short, could be heard loudly berating his defence. Indeed, it was slightly against the run of play that Rodrigo Vila opened HGC’s account after 18 minutes. It was a lead they held for three minutes. Beeston’s dependable penalty corner striker, Andrew Monte, worked his magic and the side’s were on even terms.

HGC seemed to settle down as the first half ticked away and Seve Van Ass put them into a 2-1 lead just before the half-time hooter. But Beeston were still playing on equal terms, as was evidenced by Monte’s second goal from a penalty corner, 11 minutes into the half. From 2-2 HGC managed to race ahead with further goals from Timmo Kranstauber and Connor Grimes. In the last ten minutes Beeston put in a superhuman effort to be rewarded with a late penalty corner goal from Alastair Wilson. Then, with eight seconds left on the clock, a penetration into the HGC circle resulted in an appeal to the video umpire. The appeal resulted in a penalty corner. Unfortunately, the ball was mis-trapped as it came to the top of the D and the corner was over in a flash.

With fewer than ten seconds left on the clock, Beeston were awarded a penalty corner by the video umpire Andy Mair following confusion inside the HGC circle but the corner was miss-trapped at the top of the circle and the newly crowned domestic champions saw their 2011 European campaign end.

Final score 4-3 to HGC. They now go through to the semi finals on 11 June at a location to be announced.

Beeston, the England Champions, must now prepare for the England Hockey Cup final on Saturday May 14th when they meet Doncaster at Cannock HC. A win would give the Bees the Domestic Double.

David Griffiths — Thu, 12 May 2011 12:08:28 +0100

This years 38th annual Beeston Sixes hockey tournament will be held from Friday 1st July - Sunday 3rd July 2011. Hockey will be on the Saturday and Sunday, and the entertainment kicking off the Friday night before.

Tournament entry this year is £265 per team of ten which includes camping.

LADIES TOURNAMENT IS NOW FULL. 4 SPACES LEFT IN MEN'S TOURNAMENT. HURRY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT!

Download an entry form here - Sixes Entry Form

Graham Griffiths — Fri, 13 May 2011 18:21:32 +0100

Beeston, National League Champions and Cup Holders, play Doncaster on Saturday 14th May at Cannock HC. The match starts at 5.30pm

BEE THERE

Graham Griffiths — Sat, 14 May 2011 12:11:16 +0100

Bees aim to make yet more history by completing domestic double

THE trophy cabinet at Beeston Hockey Club in Highfields is conspicuously missing a significant piece of silverware today – but the manager of the men's team, Graham Griffiths, hopes it is only temporary.

The Bees will defend the National Cup against Doncaster and Griffiths has sent the prestigious prize to be cleaned and repaired before today's final in Cannock.

"We got a bit over-excited when we won it last year, so it needs a few dents fixing," smiled Griffiths.

"We have a good record in the Cup in the last few years and the plan is to put it back in our trophy cabinet tonight, without a scratch on it."

Beeston, who have already made history this season by winning the national Premier Division title for the first time in their 105-year history and reaching the last-eight in the Euro Hockey League, have won the Cup twice in the past three years, in 2008 and 2010, and were defeated finalists in 2009.

They are overwhelming favourites to beat Doncaster, who play in the Conference North and are playing in the Cup final for the first time, and Griffiths senses an extraordinary double.

But he refuses to underestimate the Bees' opponents, who famously beat Premier Division Cannock in their semi-final.

He said: "It is a massive day for us because we have the chance to complete the double which is unheard of at our end of the world.

"I think we can do it, even though Doncaster will be difficult opponents.

"It is the first time in years we are the favourites rather than the underdogs, which will be a strange feeling.

"It makes no difference, though. We have a lot of respect for Doncaster.

"To sit in the clubhouse in Beeston and hear people talking about the possibility of the club doing the double is unbelievable, it really is, because we usually sit there trying to work out how we are going to pay to get to an away game!

"It would be an amazing achievement if we do it."

Beeston will notably be missing two of their key players, midfielders Adam Dixon and Alastair Wilson.

They are both currently representing Great Britain in an international tournament, the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, in Malaysia.

Two more influential players, forwards Sam Ward and Matt Taylor, are also struggling with injuries.

Their fitness will be assessed before the final gets underway at 5.30pm in Cannock.

"Adam and Alastair are two tremendous players and Sam and Matt are both key to us too," added Griffiths.

"But we have a good extended squad who are almost all internationals and our confidence is high after winning the league.

"It presents an opportunity to one or two of our other players and England schoolboy Chris Proctor could make his debut now.

"He has got a massive future ahead of him and if he gets his chance in the final, I expect him to take it.

"Whoever plays, we will be ready for it and determined to win."

Graham Griffiths — Sat, 14 May 2011 22:10:52 +0100

The Cup Final was played on a damp, dismal day in Staffordshire, with Doncaster taking on EHL Premier Division Champions, Beeston. Doncaster brought strong and vocal Yorkshire support to spur their side on, but the first half saw plenty of Beeston pressure. Andrew Monte scored the first of his two goals in the 8th minute from a penalty corner strike and Doncaster had to be thankful for Ashley Watson’s incredible first half display between the sticks which thwarted Monte on three further occasions. The half ended with a goal separating the sides. Doncaster must have had much to say during the half emerging, as they did, late from their changing rooms.

The second half saw Monte grab his second just two minutes in, the penalty corner specialist dispatching another of his trademark goals. The Yorkshiemen pulled one back two minutes later when Joe Morrison deflected home Doncaster’s first penalty corner of the game and the crowd sensed an exciting second half emerging.

It was Beeston that struck again, this time fine work from Martin Jones saw Chris Gregg claim a touch on the goal line to increase their advantage to two. Ben Arnold added a fourth from a penalty corner in the 57th minute, but Doncaster were not done yet pulling a goal back inside two minutes through a Jonathan Redfern, penalty corner .

Beeston, however, put the game to bed with two goals from Martin Jones and Ben Arnold, in the final ten minutes to run out 6-2 winners and claim a famous League and Cup double for the Nottinghamshire side.

Captain, Stephen Lawrence, commented, “The cup has become a difficult trophy to retain because there are so many obstacles to circumnavigate. As the competition is usually scheduled with England performance sessions or Great Britain Super League events we have had to use a whole host of players to tip toe across the minefield. We had Adam Dixon and Alisatair Wilson missing for the final as they are over in Malaysia with Great Britain. It therefore followed that once again we will re-jig the midfield. It was great to see England schoolboy international, Chris Proctor, making his debut in a Cup Final. There aren’t many clubs who would use a National Final to develop a youngster. We are now the England League Champions and the Cup Winners. I think you class that as a successful season.”

http://www.englandhockey.co.uk/news.asp?itemid=10078&itemTitle=Watch+Highlights+of+the+EHB+Cup+Finals&section=22&sectionTitle=News

Graham Griffiths — Mon, 16 May 2011 13:47:03 +0100

Irishman, David Ames was announced as the Player of the Season at the Beeston Ball in Nottingham.

160 club members attended the event. Coach, Martin Jones, congratulated Ames, "It is a great honour to win this award as it is voted on by all the members of the squad. David has been tremendous throughout the season and is a worthy winner."

David Griffiths — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 13:10:27 +0100

Euro Hockey League Media Release: 19 August 2011 (Embargoed until 1300hrs CET.)

HTC Uhlenhorst & KHC Dragons to host EHL Round 1 events

The Euro Hockey League and the European Hockey Federation are delighted to announce the draw and venues for Rounds 1.1 and 1.2 of the forthcoming 2011-2012 season. German newcomers HTC Uhlenhorst Mülheim and Belgian champions KHC Dragons will host their first ever Euro Hockey League tournaments when the hugely successful and pioneering club competition enters its fifth season later this year.

The Round 1 tournaments will take place over two weekends in October. Round 1.1 Mülheim will begin on Friday 7th October and finish on Sunday 9th October 2011. Round 1.2 Brasschaat will take place two weeks later, beginning on Friday 21st October and finishing on Sunday 23rd October 2011. Each event will feature 12 of Europe’s finest club teams fighting it out in a bid to reach Easter’s stunning KO16 tournament, which will take place in The Netherlands.

“We are absolutely thrilled that HTC Uhlenhorst Mülheim and KHC Dragons will host the first rounds of the Euro Hockey League”, said EHL Chairman of the Board Jons Hensel. “It is fantastic that HTC Uhlenhorst will make their first Euro Hockey League appearances in front of their home fans, and we are confident that the club will make a superb job of hosting the tournament. KHC Dragons will also be magnificent hosts, and their passionate supporters will no doubt ensure that there is a wonderful atmosphere at the event.”

HTC Uhlenhorst – situated in the city of Mülheim an der Ruhr in the North Rhine-Westphalia area of Germany – will be the location of the matches that take place in Pools B, C, G and H. The host club, who finished second in Germany’s Bundesliga last season, will compete in Pool B where they will face Spanish giants Atlétic Terrassa and AHTC Wien of Austria. Pool C sees English champions Beeston pitted against Spain’s RC de Polo de Barcelona and Poland’s KS Pomorzanin Toruń. Torun’s compatriots WKS Grunwald Poznan (POL) will do battle with Ashley Jackson’s East Grinstead (ENG) and Dinamo Elektrostal (RUS) in Pool G, while Dinamo Kazan (RUS) and Olimpia Kolos Sekvoia (UKR) will aim to overcome Teun de Nooijer’s HC Bloemendaal – the 2009 EHL champions – in Pool H.

Pools A, D, E and F will be played at the home ground of KHC Dragons, located in north-east Antwerp in the historic municipality of Brasschaat. Dutch champions Amsterdam H&BC make a return to the competition after a one-season absence in Pool A, where they will be in competition with 2011 EHL Bronze medallists Reading HC (ENG) and debutants Cookstown (IRL). Pool D features three very strong sides, with newly crowned champions of Germany Der Club an der Alster facing 2011 EHL finalists Club de Campo de Madrid (ESP) and Racing Club Bruxelles (BEL). Host club and Belgian champions KHC Dragons compete in Pool E, where their many fans will aim to cheer them on to success against H.C. Rotterdam (NED) and HC Rotweiss Wettingen (SUI), while double EHL champions UHC Hamburg (GER) take on Banbridge HC and CA Montrouge, the champions of Ireland and France respectively.

More information about the Round 1 events such as ticketing details will be revealed in the coming weeks on www.ehlhockey.tv .

Euro Hockey League 2011/12 - Round 1 Draw

Round: 1.1
Date: 7-9 October 2011
Venue: HTC Uhlenhorst, Mülheim (GER)

	Pool B		Pool C		Pool G		Pool H
Atlètic Terrassa HC (ESP)		Beeston HC (ENG)		WKS Grunwald Poznań (POL)		Dinamo Kazan (RUS)
HTC Uhlenhorst Mülheim (GER)		RC de Polo de Barcelona (ESP)		East Grinstead HC (ENG)		HC Bloemendaal (NED)
AHTC Wien (AUT)		KS Pomorzanin Toruń (POL)		Dinamo Elektrostal (RUS)		Olympia Kolos Sekvoia (UKR)

Round: 1.2
Date: 21-23 October 2011
Venue: KHC Dragons, Antwerp (BEL)

	Pool A		Pool D		Pool E		Pool F
Amsterdam H&BC (NED)		Der Club an der Alster (GER)		KHC Dragons (BEL)		Banbridge HC (IRL)
Reading HC (ENG)		Club de Campo de Madrid (ESP)		HC Rotterdam (NED)		UHC Hamburg (GER)
Cookstown HC (IRL)		RC Bruxelles (BEL)		HC Rotweiss Wettingen (SUI)		CA Montrouge (FRA)

Round 1

The 24 clubs will play in 8 pools of 3, at 2 venues (4 separate pools in each venue). Over 3 days each club will play the other two, once. The clubs finishing first and second in each pool will progress to Round 2 (KO16). The club finishing third in each pool will be eliminated from the competition.

Jennie Kinder — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 08:40:28 +0100

The first social of the season will be on Saturday 8th October, at Highfields Sports Club. There will be a live covers band, along with a disco. Tickets are £5 and are available from behind the bar or captains. Juniors, friends and family are welcome. Please support your club! For more details contact jennie_kinder@yahoo.co.uk

David Griffiths — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 08:40:16 +0100

Highfields Bonus Ball for 2011/12 is here!

Entry is £1 a week and if your number comes up as the bonus ball on the National Lottery Saturday draw then winnings are split 50/50 between yourself and the sinking fund for the new pitch.

To enter please see David Griffiths or Andy Smith by Saturday 24th September 2011. The first draw will be 1st October 2011.

Payment can be made in a minimum of £10 blocks or all in one go (until October 2012 ie. £52.00). If you miss any week your name will be excluded from the draw.

There are only 49 numbers so you have to be in it to win it!

Get yours quickly.

Graham Griffiths — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 20:50:46 +0100

BEESTON 4 - 1 SURBITON

Beeston, the England Champions, began the new league season with a convincing performance that put them on top of the Premier League table. Beeston’s new squad includes 7 new additions.

Tom Pinnegar and Stuart Pilgrim arrive from Cannock, Carl Smith is back after a season in Spain, Germany U21 Paddy Schmidt, Belgium international, Jonathan Beckers and Scotland international, Gordon McIntyre complete a very attacking line-up.

Returning from England duties in the European Championships are Alastair Wilson and Adam Dixon and Irish international, David Ames.

Dixon, has taken over the captaincy this season, and he put the Bees ahead after 2 minutes. with a low penalty corner flick. Surbiton might have equalised in the 11th minute but their attempt was ruled out by umpire, Kennedy, as he blew for a penalty corner. The match was a clever game of chess but neither side could grasp the upper hand and the result was far from settled as half-time approached.

The second-half was a wonderful display of hockey played out by two of the best sides in England. The deadlock was broken in the 42nd minute when Martin Jones and Stuart Pilgrim attacked down the right wing channel and David Ames sailed into the Surbiton circle to smash home Beeston’s second goal.

The third goal was sheer brilliance, Wilson weaved through the Surbiton defence and his clever pass found Carl Smith who unleashed a thunderbolt, reverse shot, into the top corner.

The Londoners pulled back a goal in the 61st minute through Great Britain striker, James Tindall. The Bees were agitated by the decision to give the goal. Beeston’s, Martin Jones then talked himself into a yellow card suspension and Surbiton sensed a chance. The 10 Beeston men held firm and Surbiton were put to the sword in the 69th minute when Beckers drove forward from the half-way line to find Smith on his left in the circle. Smith connected well and completed a brace helping Beeston to top spot in the premiership.

Beeston captain, Adam Dixon, summed up the victory,” There is little doubt we have moved on from last season, the strength in depth is awesome, I think the spectators realised they were watching the start of something very special today.”

Beeston travel to Reading, next Sunday. With both sides playing in Round 1 of the Euro Hockey League in October, this will be a chance to see how their preparations are progressing. The match is a 2.30pm start at Sonning.

Graham Griffiths — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 21:10:54 +0100

Beeston struggled to get into the match as Reading looked sharp and motivated and it was hardly a surprise when they took the lead in the 22nd minute through Andrew Watts. Another defensive error saw Reading increase their lead a minute later through Jonty Clarke.

Beeston pulled one back in the 26th minute from a penalty corner scored by Great Britain international, Adam Dixon.

The second half saw an improvement in the Beeston side that created a few chances but never looked like finishing them off. The Bees changed to a back three in the final five minutes as they chased a result. This move lead to three penalty corner awards but all were squandered and Reading moved up the table having dropped three points at Exeter last weekend.

Both sides will have to sharpen up their routines before they represent England in the coming European Hockey League.

Man of the Match, Great Britain international, Alastair Wilson commented,” The lads were disappointed with their individual performances and we looked sluggish in the first-half. We now need to take all three points in London, next Sunday.”

Beeston travel to Hampstead, next Sunday.. The match is a 2.00pm start at Paddington.

James Hopkisson — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 17:38:38 +0100

Beeston Ladies 1st XI maintained their unbeaten record in this year’s EHL league with a convincing 4-1 win at Highfields on Saturday over Brooklands Poynton. Brooklands who were relegated from the National Premier League last year were expected to be stiff opposition. Beeston were not overawed and in Charlotte Stapenhorst a German U16 international who has started this year in the sixth form at Repton School have a gem of a player. Stapenhorst showed clinical finishing and should have had a hatful of goals as opportunities were plentiful in both halves.

The Beeston side came out all guns blazing and the first 20 minutes were a one sided affair. Stapenhorst’s first goal came after two minutes. Beeston won their second penalty corner and despite a miss trap, which was rescued by McComb a clinical strike beat Michelle Thomas in the Brookland’s goal.

Continued pressure from Katherine Baker in the midfield led to the second goal 5 minutes later, the Brooklands’ centre back was dispossessed and a neat pass left Stapenhorst a one on one with the keeper, her blistering shot finding the target once more. The Brooklands defence were having difficulty with the running of Hunter, Ward and Stapenhorst, a number of chances came and went with the Brooklands keeper producing some fine reflex saves to deny Hunter and Webb.

Beeston’s third came after 17 minutes when Stapenhorst was given space to run at the defence slipping to the back post where Ciara Bamford unmarked guided the ball in to the net with the keeper stranded. Beeston maintained a high tempo to their play in both defence and attack and using the self pass created a number of short corners due to Brooklands defence being slow to retreat 5 meters. The few occasions Brooklands attacked from deep the Beeston defence mopped up and transferred the ball away from danger. Hollie Webb on her Beeston debut marshalled her defensive unit and made sure ball pace and the transfer around the back four kept Brooklands forwards on the chase. Maddy Sharpe had another solid game looking mature beyond her years.

The second half saw Brooklands come out invigorated and intent on making life difficult for the Beeston defence. The game flowed both ways with Brooklands mounting more attacks keeping Lucy Dawkins in the Beeston goal busy. A further flowing move resulted in a Stapenhorst shot hitting the cross bar. The mid part of the second half saw Brooklands looking potent and Beeston absorbed attack after attack. Brooklands first penalty corner came 18 minutes into the second half, the Beeston defence held strong with Byas clearing of the line. Brooklands went onto win 5 penalty corners in three minutes, eventually mounting pressure saw Dawkins beaten in a scramble within the D.

The final Stapenhorst goal followed another Beeston short corner for a well deserved hat trick. The final 10 minutes was end to end with space opening up and tired legs causing some defensive errors, which could have meant further goals at both ends. With the final whistle Beeston were elated at a job well done. Coach Matt Taylor still sees much room for improvement from a talented squad. Another level will be needed for next Sunday’s top of the table clash away at free scoring Durham University who have scored 14 goals without reply. The game starts 13.30 on Sunday 3rd October at Maiden Castle.

Cellan Griffiths — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 22:42:55 +0100

Follow the Bees

FRIDAY OCTOBER 7th v KS Pomorzanin (Poland) 12.00

SUNDAY OCTOBER 9th v RC de Polo de BARCELONA (Spain) 12.00

Graham Griffiths — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 12:33:00 +0100

HAMPSTEAD 3 – 2 BEESTON

Beeston took an early lead in Paddington when Martin Scanlon fired home a reverse shot in the 10th minute. But the Londoners equalised eight minutes late when a right wing cross found Tom Kavanagh completely unmarked in the Beeston circle. The first half remained equal although Jonathan Beckers miss a good opportunity to put Beeston ahead.

Hampstead powered into a deserved lead in the 52nd minute when former Beeston striker, Sam Dixon found the Beeston defence flat footed and he drove the ball home.

Adam Dixon equalised in the 56th minute from Beeston’s second penalty corner but Hampstead pounced on another Beeston defensive error to allow Will Naylor to give Hampstead three vital home points.

Coach, Steve Musson summed up the loss, “The Hampstead game wasn’t the best preparation for our European campaign which starts on Friday in Germany but it might prove to be the wake–up call we needed. We need to focus on the clinical areas of the game; our finishing, our out-letting from defence and our concentration at the back. There is a lot of hard graft to be done in training this week”

Beeston now travel to Mulheim in Northern Germany where they play KS Pomorzanin (Poland) Friday 12.00 and RC de Polo de Barcelona on Sunday 9th Octoner (Spain) 12.00

The squad of 18 is as follows:- George Pinner, Tom Pinnegar, Mark Wadsley, Tim Whiteman, David Ames. Carl Smith, Martin Jones, Martin Scanlon, James McBlane, Stuart Pilgrim, Matt Taylor, Adam Dixon, Patrick Schmidt, Stephen Lawrence, Alastair Wilson, Gordon McIntyre, Ollie Willars, Jonathan Beckers, Manager:- Graham Griffiths.

James Hopkisson — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 21:26:47 +0100

DURHAM 3- BEESTON 3

Beeston Ladies made the long trip to high scoring Durham University this weekend. While the majority of the country was basking in sun, drizzle was the order of the day in Durham. Both sides were unbeaten going into the game, the students holding the upper hand having scored fourteen without reply. Beeston were without the high scoring German teenager Stapenhorst who was back in Germany representing her regional side. Strength in depth meant Coach Taylor had a number of alternatives upfront.

Beeston were immediately put under pressure and conceded a goal within two minutes, Dawkins looking unsighted on Moore’s shot from top of the D. The Students settled into a high tempo rhythm, giving the Bees little time on the ball and denying the midfield possession. The first ten minutes were all Durham.

After weathering the storm Beeston started to look more composed and were competing for every ball, often getting in front of the students in the 50:50s and matched the students for pace. However the second Durham goal came after more pressure in the 33rd minute, with the Bees conceding a short corner. The straight strike was clinically dispatched by Boddy.

Beeston rallied from the restart and on the stroke of the half time whistle Kim Leiper showed some great skill and was rewarded with a short corner. On the second attempt a well worked short corner routine saw Nikki Ward deflect the ball over the stranded keeper.

Taylor’s half time team talk obviously did the job and within minutes of the restart, central defender Hollie Webb found some space at the top of the D and released a vicious reverse stick shot beating the Durham University keeper levelling the scores. At this stage Beeston found another gear and mounted a number of attacks through Hunter, Wraith, Watton and Byas. Sustained pressure led to a number of Beeston short corners which were kept out by the University defence.

The University looked potent on the break with pace and skill, taking the lead in the 40th minute when Moore scored her second with a well worked goal in open play. This only spurred Beeston on and after some hard running from Hopkisson up the left, a reverse stick cross led to a disputed short corner. After the umpires had conferred the Beeston penalty corner stood. The corner routine led to a deflection off a University stick and the goal was claimed by Byas, to level the scores.

The last ten minutes were end to end, with both sides generating chances, Beeston almost sneaking a winner at a short corner with Ward almost deflecting in at the far post. The last minute of the game saw a storming run by Durham striker Davies cut short by a last ditch tackle by Hopkisson who sustained a deep cut to the eye as a reward. The final whistle saw the honours shared and the Bees unlucky not to have had all three points. The game was a great advert for fast paced women’s hockey to which both sides contributed equally.

Beeston welcome Springfield’s UCLAN to Highfields, on Saturday the 8th October starting at 12.00.

David Griffiths — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 08:35:40 +0100

Join us at Beeston Hockey Club on Sunday 6th November for our Bonfire and Fireworks extravaganza!!!!!

Date:- 6 November 2011 (Sunday)

Time:- Gates open at 7pm

Venue:- Highfields Sports Club

Bonfire night and fireworks display. This year we have a bouncy castle, candy floss stall, popcorn stall, roast pork rolls, mulled wine, plus The Stick & Pitcher bar open until 11pm.

Entry is £5 adults and £3 Children Under 16. Advance tickets available at the Stick & Pitcher bar from Wednesday 12th October. Car Parking on 1st come 1st served basis.

Anyone wishing to volunteer to help please contact David Griffiths on 07980927258 or email david@highfields.org.uk

We look forward to seeing you there!!!

James Hopkisson — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 17:13:41 +0100

Beeston ladies moved to the top of the Investec Women’s Conference North after this Saturday’s game versus Springfield’s UCLAN . The seven-nil score line really did not reflect the total dominance of the Beeston side. The Ladies will rue a hatful of missed chances that went begging in the first half, but a more clinical performance in the second, showed that this side have the ability to score goals. Keith Taylor deputising in the absence of son Matt who was in Europe with the Beeston Men’s first team, asked the ladies to play with the same high level of intensity shown against Durham in the previous week. Springfield’s were not allowed to settle and were pressurise as a group up front when not in possession from the start.

The first ten minutes were constant Beeston pressure; Wraith having a number of storming runs which led to two short corners that produced good reflex saves from Gamble the Springfield’s keeper. Baker continued where she left off in the Durham game commanding the midfield and linking well with Watton and Hunter. The first goal came after 15 minutes after Byas pushed high and fed the ball through to Eaton who claimed the first of her brace with a clinical strike. The rotation of forwards meant that fresh legs kept the Springfield’s side camped deep in their own half. Clara Bamford worked hard, pressurising mistakes leading to a number of turnovers. After 24 minutes, Stapenhorst found herself in space and was cynically fouled leading to the award of a penalty stroke. Stapenhorst sadly did not take advantage and did not really test the keeper. Thankfully it was not long until the young German was able to redeem herself in a move involving most of the team and finished by Wraith for the first of her pair.

The second half saw a number of rotations both in defence and attack. The first four minutes saw the flood gates open, with three goals in rapid succession. Hollie Webb showed great vision and opening up spaces in a packed Springfield’s defence and was able to pick out Hunter for her first goal in open play. Two minutes later the tenacious Wraith scored her second after a scramble in the D, and Hunter scored her second after a short corner. Wraith, Ward and Hunter forced a number of quality saves from Gamble and it was not until mid way through the second half that Dawkins in the Beeston Goal was tested on the break. Eaton weighed in with her second goal after a short corner won by Wraith. The Springfield’s side continued to battle, and it was not until late in the game that Stapenhorst got in on the act with a straight strike at a short corner four minutes from time.

There were a lot of positives to take from the game, not least the number scored and mix of scorers. However the number of opportunities wasted needs to be looked at in training before next weekend’s tough encounter with Wakefield at College Grove on Saturday 15th October at 12.00.

David Griffiths — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 19:14:54 +0100

BEESTON HC V LOUGHBOROUGH STUDENTS

FRIDAY 14th OCTOBER 2011

PUSH BACK 7:30pm

Friday night spectator food–

Locally sourced hot roast pork rolls and apple sauce

Soup and a bread roll

available in the cafeteria from 6:30pm –8:15pm

Friday night Special drinks offers-

VK Bottles - £1.00

Carlsberg and Harvest Pale - £2.50 / Pint

Hot drinks – 50p

Available in bar from 5pm-10:30pm

Graham Griffiths — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 22:08:55 +0100

BEESTON 5 – 0 KS Pomorzanin Torun (Poland)

In the second match of the day, English champions Beeston made their Euro hockey League title ambitions clear with a crushing 5-0 win over KS Pomorzanin Torun of Poland. Great Britain international Adam Dixon was the star of the show, playing a central role in the success as well as getting on the score-sheet.

The result put Beeston firmly in control of their own future, needing just one point from Sunday’s meeting with RC de Polo de Barcelona to assure their place in the Knock-Out phase of the competition. A win, draw or even a narrow defeat against Polo should be enough for the Nottingham based side to reach Easter’s KO16 tournament.

Graham Griffiths — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 22:10:28 +0100

Beeston looked magnificent against the highly fancied Spanish from RC Polo de Barcelona, last season’s finalists. Beeston knocked two in in the first five minutes, although the first of the two was disallowed on video appeal. The successful goal was by David Ames, who fired in a fierce reverse side shot.

Barcelona are highly competitive and fight for everything, so it was no surprise that they equalised just before the break. In fact goal number three was also credited to Polo, only it was their misfortune that it was off the stick of Alex Carles and into the back of their own goal.

At 2-1 up, Beeston were put under enormous pressure, but kept their heads with some super defending and an excellent display of goalkeeping by George Pinner. With 11 minutes left, a sublime deflection off a long pass got Jonathan Beckers name on the score sheet and gave Beeston a thoroughly deserved 3-1 win.

With Beeston heading their pool, this impacts on the seeding when it comes to Round 2.

Beeston Captain, Adam Dixon, commented “What a brilliant few days of club international hockey. Everything came together and the squad were magnificent. All 18 players made an impact and thoroughly deserved to move the club into the KO 16 stage next Easter. We now need to get back to England and transfer this energy into our own domestic competition.”
Beeston have 2 home matches this coming weekend. On Friday night they meet Loughborough Students (7.30pm) and on Sunday they play Exeter (2.00pm)

Graham Griffiths — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 16:09:01 +0100

Mike Whichello BSc (Hons)
Physiotherapist to Beeston Mens First XI

Now providing a Physiotherapy and sports injury clinic at Highfields Sports Club

Appointments available on Tuesday and Thursday evenings
Assessment and Treatment £25 per session

Contact directly for more information:

Tel: 07809129240
Email: Whichelloma@hotmail.co.uk

Graham Griffiths — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 20:15:22 +0100

BEESTON 1 – 0 LOUGHBOROUGH STUDENTS

History was in the making as both sides agreed to play on a Friday night and Fire Cracker Friday was unleashed to the hockey fraternity.

The event was a massive success. Beeston ran out of car parking, programmes and food, as the hordes arrived in droves. The biggest crowd at Highfields since the inaugural match v Indian Gymkhana in 1992, witnessed a match played at breath-taking speed, with Beeston taking the first half and Loughborough shaving the second. Their limp forward line, however, failed to break through.

The three points were grabbed by the Bees in the 12th minute when German, Paddy Schmidt, ghosted through the student defence and his fierce shot ricocheted off both posts, leaving Ali McGregor in the Loughborough goal mesmerised.

With Beeston’s Great Britain stars side-lined, Matt Taylor took over the captaincy and commented after the win, “Local derby matches are always close run affairs. We are obviously delighted to have taken all the points in front of such a huge crowd.”

Report and pictures at www.regionalmag.com

Graham Griffiths — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 14:26:50 +0100

Beeston moved up into third place in the Premiership with a clinical performance against Exeter. The Bees took the lead in the 20 minute through a penalty corner neatly executed by Great Britain international, Adam Dixon. Four minutes later, Matt Taylor broke down the right and his cross found Martin Scanlon who put the Bees further ahead. The result was probably sealed five minutes from half-time when Dixon slipped Beeston’s fourth penalty to an out-stretched David Ames who put Beeston three ahead.

Beeston increased the lead in the 41st minute when Jonathan Beckers broke down the right and his pass found Scotland international, Gordon McIntyre who finished off the move. The final goal was converted from Beeston’s only penalty corner of the second-half and this time Dixon fired high into the roof of the Exeter goal.

Coach, Martin Jones was delighted with the win. “It has been a tough 2 weeks for us but we came away with 4 wins, two in Europe and two in our domestic league. We now have an intriguing encounter against league leaders, Cannock, at Highfields next Sunday and we will be looking to close the gap on them.”

Beeston play Cannock on Sunday 23rd October, 2.00pm at Highfields Sports Club, Nottingham.

James Hopkisson — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 22:33:58 +0100

Beeston travelled to Wakefield riding high at the top of the Investec Women’s Hockey League North but were undone by a late pair of goals when three points seemed in the bag. The game started in glorious sunshine which made visibility difficult and the Wakefield pitch seemed much slower than the fast paced Highfield’s turf.

Wakefield started much the stronger and Beeston were forced on the defensive right from the start conceding their first short corner just less than three minutes into the game. The Beeston defence were rattled by an effective Wakefield deep press. A lapse in concentration led to the first Wakefield goal on seven minutes as Cat Horn found space in the D to beat keeper Dawkins.

After a midfield rearrangement Beeston started to pressurise the Wakefield defence and after 15 minutes the Beeston side settled into the sort of passing hockey that has brought results. The first half ended 1-0 and Coach Taylor obviously used the break to focus his team’s thoughts. The second half saw Beeston come out fighting and the first four minutes saw Becky Eaton level the scores and then Nikki Ward pushing the Beeston Ladies into the lead from goals in open play.

The second Wakefield goal came from poor marking when Heather Stafford was able to turn and hit home a reverse stick lob, and Dawkins will have been disappointed to see the ball loop into the goal. In the 54thminute the hard working Wraith having been pole axed by the Wakefield defence, found herself in space and pushed the Beeston noses out front.

It was at this stage Beeston should have taken control of the game and not tried to force the pace. Wakefield looked good on the break. More maturity in possession could have meant three points. Some rash decision making led to the ball being turned over too much in both the defence and midfield. With turnovers came fatigue, and a depleted squad looked vulnerable. So it turned out: Gwen Smith levelled the scores in the 67thminute and Cat Horn added the “coup de grace” a minute later. Beeston really deserved at least a point but will rue missed opportunities at the set piece and a lack of concentration when fatigue was setting in.

The next two games will need to see much tighter and more disciplined performances, if this team is to compete and be in the hunt for a play-off place at the end of the season. Certainly the Wakefield and Durham games, in the first half of the season have shown that Beeston have come a long way since last year and that as the season progresses they could be in the hunt.

Beeston take on Liverpool, promoted last season back into the EHL on Saturday the 22ndof October at 12 o’clock at Highfields. The next day they meet early season Premier League leaders Olton in the Investec Cup, this will again start at 12 o’clock acting as a curtain raiser before the Beeston Men take on Cannock in the EHL.

James Hopkisson — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 09:56:02 +0100

This weekend is full of excitement as both the Mens and Womens sides take to the pitch at home. On Saturday the Ladies entertain Liverpool at 12 o'clock in the Investec Womens League. On Sunday after the Beeston Colts session, the Ladies take on high flying Olton from Womens Premier League again at 12 o'clock in the EH cup as a curtain raiser to the Men's League clash with early league leaders Cannock which starts at 2 pm. Bee there for the Bees.....

James Hopkisson — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 11:53:40 +0100

This weeks issue (released on line every wednesday) at www.regionalmag.com has report and images of the Bees vs Loughborough Students and the Ladies game vs Wakefield.

Graham Griffiths — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 20:08:14 +0100

BEESTON 3 – 1 CANNOCK

Beeston pulled themselves to within a point of League leader, East Grinstead, with a convincing win over second placed, Cannock.

The first half was dominated by an impressive goalkeeping display by Great Britain keeper, James Fair. Beeston had four penalty strikes and contained Cannock to none. The young Cannock side were workman-like and structured, but never looked capable of running away with the points. A half- chance fell to Mark Wadsley in the 21st minute, but a goal-less first half probably summed up the game at this point.

Beeston awoke from their slumber in the second-half. The Bees took the lead two minutes after the break when former Cannock striker, Stuart Pilgrim, connected with an Adam Dixon right wing cross. Three minutes later Dixon and Pilgrim linked together and Ireland international, David Ames, swept Beeston into a 2-0 lead.

Cannock pulled one back in the 48th minute through the busy Nick Bandurak who followed up a shot that bounced back to him from a friendly goal-post.

The Bees finally put the result to bed when Adam Dixon’s goal bound penalty corner hit a defender and the Bees were awarded a penalty stroke in the 51st minute. Up stepped Paddy Schmidt and with typical German efficiency, he scored from the spot to give the Bees a well-deserved home victory.

Great Britain defender, Alastair Wilson, who was a class act throughout the match, summed up the win. “It was a typical Midland derby match, but we felt we were always in control of our destiny. The win closes the points gap at the top and has us breathing down the neck of East Grinstead.”

Beeston starts its defence of the England Hockey Cup next Sunday. The holders have been drawn away in Round 2, against Midlands Premier opposition, Rugby and East Warwick. The tie takes place on Sunday 30th October, 2.00pm at Rugby School.

James Hopkisson — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 21:04:43 +0100

Beeston struggle but take the points against Liverpool

This Saturday saw Beeston entertain Liverpool Sefton at Highfields in the Investec Women’s League. After dropping three points in Wakefield, after conceding two late goals the ladies knew that a more clinical and tighter performance was required to make sure that they continue to challenge the league leaders. Unfortunately the Beeston performance was not one that will live long in the memory, save for the fact that during the game 22 short corners were won and that it took a last gasp goal from Hunter to take the all the points in the dying minutes.

Beeston went down in the after Hollie Webb was serving a two minute green card suspension for a mistimed stick tackle. The subsequent short corner demonstrated a slick Liverpool routine that ramped the ball over the prone Dawkins. This spurred Beeston on and after some hard running by Leiper, she was rewarded with a cracking goal in open play into the roof of the net. Caroline Evans in the Liverpool goal was then forced into a number of excellent saves from Ward and Leiper.

Immediately after half time Beeston concentration went walk about as a number of cheap turnovers saw them go 3-1 down in the first three minutes! The ball was too easily given away out of defence when possession was the key. A similar pattern to the Wakefield game was emerging. Thankfully for the Beeston supporters the team settled and Watton started a move from the Beeston midfield on a welcome turnover linking well with Wraith who calmly drew the keeper to allow Ward a close range tap in. The scores were levelled after midway through the second half, a short corner was awarded after Wraith was fouled after a storming run through the middle.

The last five minutes saw Beeston ramp up the pressure and go for a winner. Beeston were awarded their 22ndshort corner and finally Hunter secured the points with a move that saw the ball deflected past the stranded keeper. It was with a huge sense of relief that the final whistle was blown. The three points were hard earned, and a below par performance will concentrate the player’s minds for the weeks to come.

Next weekend sees the Futures Cup for U16 and U18 regional representative sides, which means no games and a break in the league programme. The next Investec League game is on the 5thNovember at Doncaster.

Beeston hearts broken by golden goal in Investec Cup

Sunday saw Beeston Ladies entertain Premier League high fliers Olton and West Warwicks in the Investec England Hockey Cup. Olton, sitting second in the Premier league, were going to provide a stern test. Captain Pipe arrived following a short sleep after a night on call to lead a side without with 5 regular players due to U18 representative commitments. After Saturday’s lack lustre performance, a number of players were out to show their worth and show that Beeston can mix it with Premier League opposition.

Beeston started much the brighter and it seemed that the Saturday demons were well and truly exorcised. In the first five minutes the ladies pressurised the Olton defence and brought out some fine saves from Jenny Mashford, both Hunter and Wraith troubling the slower Olton defenders. It was not until the 9thminute that Dawkins was forced into action. Coach Taylor started to rotate his forwards and introduced Letty stepping up as cover from the second team for her first team debut. Both Letty and Just were brimming with confidence. It was Letty who forced a second short corner after being cynically fouled, which led to the first Olton green card.

Olton were happy to sit deep and one stage all eleven Olton players were camped deep behind the ball in their own half. Olton finally broke and were awarded their first penalty corner after 23 minutes. This was defended well and play flowed, in the 29thminute Beeston mounted a flowing move that ended with Becky Eaton tapping in past the floundering keeper. Much to the dismay of the crowd and the bench, the goal was controversially disallowed for apparent use of the back of the stick. Beeston were not deterred and produced some crisp passing movements, retained possession and kept the ball moving at speed.

The second half showed no repeat of Saturdays melt down, instead further pressure from Wraith and Watton opened up the Olton defence allowing Hunter to bravely scramble the ball into the net for a 1-0 lead. Hollie Webb continued to direct her defence and allow both Pipe and Hopkisson were able to push forward creating an extra player in the midfield. Both McComb and Tuplin made some telling interceptions within a crowded midfield and frustrated the Olton centre half who was directing most of the Olton play.

Beeston were kept out by some fine goal keeping by Mashford, the pick being a save from a powerful reverse stick Watton strike. Beeston were intent on pushing Olton back into their own half, however a cheap turn over and some lax marking allowed Emma McCabe space in the D and she coolly slipped the ball past Dawkins in the 60thminute. The last ten minutes were end to end , Beeston pushed hard for a winner and won a penalty corner on the final whistle. Sadly olton held out and cleared the ball, to force extra time and the chance of golden goals.

The first period of extra time saw Olton pushing hard for their winner, Olton’s centre half was not closed down quickly enough and tired legs led to a misplaced foot in the Beeston D. From the ensuing short corner a well worked corner routine saw the ball deflected over the prone Dawkins to give Olton victory and send Beeston out of the cup.

The loss to a Premier League side after playing so well was disappointing, but it showed that Beeston when they play a fast, precise, accurate passing game are a match for any opposition. If they can build on this performance over the next two weeks in training further league wins will come their way. The side need to believe they have the potential to challenge for the league and a place in the play offs. There is strength in depth across the first and second team squads and this means competition for places will keen over the coming weeks.

James Hopkisson — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 15:30:42 +0100

This week sees the Futures Cup being played for the fourth year at Cannock Hockey Club. The Futures Cup is part of the Single System and is played over 4 days with four regional sides playing each other at U16 and U18 age groups. For updates go to: http://www.englandhockey.co.uk//page.asp?section=989&sectionTitle=2011+Futures+Cup

Beeston has a total of 16 players in the squads, and one coach, Clive Morris who is looking after the Mercia Lynx U16 boys squad. Best of luck to all from the club.

Mercia Lynx U16 Girls: Emily Thomas, Naomi Cotterill, Naomi Smith and Orla Bamford

Mercia Lynx U18 Girls: Meg Byas, Maddie Sharpe, Kim Leiper, Martha Baker and Ciara Bamford

Mercia Lynx U16 Boys: Monty Jefferson, Aaron Hibbell, and Harry Litt

Mercia Lynx U18 Boys: Chris Proctor

Pennine Pumas U18 Boys: Myles Rawlings and Sam Falkingham.

Wessex Leopards U18 Boys: Tom Groombridge

Graham Griffiths — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 23:41:04 +0000

RUGBY 3 - 4 BEESTON

Cup Holders, Beeston, started the new cup campaign with a dismal display at Rugby School. The opening hour saw Beeston on top but failing to turn the screw on their Midlands Premier opponents. The final ten minutes was a hopeless mess which nearly saw Beeston dumped out of the competition as Rugby launched an onslaught spurred on by the East Warwick crowd.

Beeston took the lead in the 12th minute through Carl Smith and moved into a comfortable lead in the 32nd minute when Stuart Pilgrim raced from the half-way line to fire his shot high into the Rugby net.

James McBlane put the Bees further ahead early in the second half with a low penalty corner flick. Rugby pounced on a defensive error to pull one back with ten minutes to go. Jonathan Beckers was dispatched on a yellow card and Beeston suddenly lost composure and limped towards the final whistle.

With the Bees self-destruct button firmly pressed, Rugby pounced on two more defensive mistakes to pull the score line back to 3-4 with three minutes left on the clock. The Bees held firm but will probably ponder on the inability of their forwards to seal the win in a more professional manner.

Manager, Graham Griffiths, commented, “Rugby were so close to pulling off a great victory, and you have to admire them for their spirit and application. This was a poor Beeston performance but we are in the mix for tomorrow’s draw. That’s cup hockey!”

James Hopkisson — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 13:58:07 +0000

Beeston Hockey Club is looking to help Highfields in its attempt to raise sufficient funds for the resurfacing of the waterbased pitch. The last two seasons have seen a significant deterioration in the playing surface, such that the underlay is begining to break up.

We can all help by buying a small piece of the pitch. At the top of the stairs is a grid, take the time to read the proposals and hopefully make the decision to part with some cash to invest in the Club's and Highfields' future.

Without a water based pitch top class hockey will have to find a new home. We all have the responsibility to make sure the Club and Highfields keeps up its great reputation as the number one venue for Hockey in the Midlands.

Graham Griffiths — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 22:11:51 +0000

James Hopkisson — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 22:23:36 +0000

The Men and Ladies return to England Hockey league action this weekend. On saturday the Ladies travel to Doncaster trying to maintain their position in the top half of the league. The game starts at midday at Doncaster Town Sports Club. The following day the men make the trip to Southgate for a 2 pm start hoping to maintain the run of form that has kept them in touch with the league leaders.

Sunday also sees the second round of the U18 boys and girls EH Cups. The U18 boys are away against Northampton Saints, at Moulton College starting at 2pm. The U18 girls travel to local East Midlands rivals Belper for what undoubtedly will be a tight game starting at 12.15 at Belper Meadows Sports Ground.

Hopefully this weekends finale will be the Highfield's Bonfire Night and Fireworks, don't forget to purchase your tickets from behind the bar or on the gate.

James Hopkisson — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 17:49:49 +0000

The Mens and Ladies first teams both won this wekend at Southgate (3-0) and Doncaster (3-1)respectively. The U18 Boys and Girls were also sucessful beating Northampton Saints 9-0 and Belper 3-1....Reports soon

Graham Griffiths — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 17:36:06 +0000

SOUTHGATE 0 - 3 BEESTON

Beeston remain a point behind League leader, East Grinstead, with a convincing, professional win over Southgate.

Beeston took the lead in the 15th minute when Martin Jones pounced on a defensive mistake and fired the ball into the roof on the Londoners net.

The Bees increased the lead in true Roy of the Rovers fashion. England schoolboy international, Chris Proctor, was introduced into the game in the 26th minute and the young substitute finished of a skilful run by Stewart Pilgrim to score his first National goal, with his first touch of the ball.

Beeston killed off the result with their second penalty corner four minutes into the second half. The ball was worked to Carl Smith on the left of the circle and he crashed home a reverse side hit.

Beeston should really have increased their lead as they squandered their remaining six penalty corners but the feature of their win was a strong defensive display lead by George Pinner in the Beeston goal. The back four are now a strong unit that give away few chances and allow the Bees a springboard for attacking hockey.

Beeston now face the biggest challenge of their busy season when they travel to League leaders, East Grinstead on Sunday, November 13th (2.00pm)

Graham Griffiths — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 17:38:38 +0000

Beeston are celebrating the success of their trio of players who have been included in the Great Britain team competing in the Champions trophy in New Zealand later this month. The Great Britain squad includes, George Pinner, Adam Dixon and Alastair Wilson.

Beeston Manager, Graham Griffiths, commented, “We are all delighted for the 3 lads. They have all worked exceptionally hard over the last few seasons and now are seeing the rewards for their efforts. The club will be following their progress closely as we move towards London 2012.”

James Hopkisson — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 21:39:01 +0000

Beeston Ladies resumed their Investec Conference North campaign with an away trip to Doncaster this weekend looking to consolidate their position in the league in the run up to Christmas. Coach Matt Taylor was looking for a significant improvement in performance after the narrow win over Liverpool Sefton and the aim of three points on the road was a must.

Beeston could not have got off to a poorer start within two minutes the Ladies conceded a goal with what could only be classed as a gift. The ball was turned over too easily out of defence which immediately put Beeston on the back foot. The ball was moved into the D and with a lack of communication, Doncaster were able to slip the ball easily past Dawkins from close range. Unfortunately the first ten minutes followed a similar pattern with easy turnovers putting the Bees under pressure. Beeston’s performance at this stage matched the weather damp and uninspiring. As the drizzle worsened Beeston picked up the ante and began to make the ball work and move past the opposition. After 10 minutes centre forward Stapenhorst was injured after a brave but foolish tackle and took no further part in the game. However with time a bit more fluidity and composure ensued and a number of circle penetrations were achieved but ultimately faltered.

Doncaster made sure that they were causing the Beeston midfield problems with a physical and muscular presence. The ball did find the back of the Doncaster net but was disallowed after a foot deflection that was picked up by the official. Beeston were awarded a penalty corner in the 22ndminute following a rash challenge on Wraith, after a quick build up from the back after the ball was turned over. The half time whistle came with Beeston looking more secure and confident on the ball but with a lot to do in the last third of the pitch.

Whatever was said by Taylor to the Ladies at half time stung them into action. After a minute from the restart some hard running by Ward allowed a shot on the Doncaster goal that took a cruel deflection to leave Alex Moon in the Doncaster Goal stranded. Further Beeston pressure saw Jo Hunter in space and a kind use of the advantage by Umpire James allowed to drive into the D. A stick tackle resulted and Firth was green carded, setting up a Beeston Short Corner. The short corner was dispatched clinically by Eaton into the bottom left corner with the keeper frozen.

Beeston have on occasion an ability to make life very hard for themselves, and at this stage should have been consolidating their advantage, maintaining possession using the ball to work the opposition. Too many times the ball was lost in contact and cheap turnovers ensued. This meant the defence were often stretched and Doncaster’s physical edge allowed them to get to the 50:50 balls. Beeston were cut open in the last ten minutes from a turnover at a short corner with Doncaster nailing an 80 metre pass out of defence to an unmarked forward. The retreating Pipe collided with the attacker and gave away a short corner, this was upgraded to a penalty stroke after the umpires conferred. Dawkins subsequent save down to her right spared Beeston’s blushes and from the restart Beeston did as ordered keeping possession and working the now tired Doncaster players with quick ball movement. The final goal by Wraith epitomised this approach to simple hockey the ball was worked through a number of players at speed, and the spaces opened up. Wraith was on hand to take her deserved chance.

This Beeston ladies side need to start believing in themselves and put into place the drills from the training pitch. When on song the Ladies can play a fast open attacking game, but too often they lack concentration and focus. On too many occasions they have had to come from an early goal down. This week there is more to work on, but a side winning when they playing badly means that when things click we should be in store for some exciting hockey.

The next Investec League game is against Loughborough Students at Highfield’s pushback at 12.00.

David Griffiths — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 08:43:34 +0000

Look out for the spectator hut at the next Beeston 1st X1 men's home match v Bowdon! The hut, run by Nottingham Events Company, made it's 1st outing at Bonfire Night and was overwhelmed with the masses that decended on Highfields!

The club are looking at ways to enhance the spectator experience and think the hut will add a new dimension for the 1st X1 men's spectators.

What would you like to be available at the hut? We want to hear from you. Contact David Griffiths at david@highfields.org.uk with your ideas.

James Hopkisson — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 16:36:42 +0000

Beeston knew that this Saturday’s game with Loughborough Students would be one of the season’s tougher encounters in the Investec Women’s League. The students sitting third behind Beeston have a depth of talent with both full and U21 internationals. Beeston were without a number of the squad due to school commitments and injury.

The game started at great pace and Loughborough came out of the blocks with intent and with GB international Unsworth looking dangerous creating space, but the Beeston defence were equal to the threat and absorbed a number of attacks. Beeston not to be out done were dangerous on the counter-attack. Katherine Baker was quick to turn the ball over and released Hannah Wraith in the 9thminute and earned Beeston’s first short corner. A slick routine provided Nikki Ward with her seventh goal of the season with a neat deflection over the keeper.

Loughborough were a constant threat and Dawkins continued her excellent run of form with some full length saves. Beeston had a lot of the play and continued to pressurise the Loughborough end with Helen Fag in goal being kept busy. Beeston went close at a further short corner with Hannah Wraith not quite able to turn the ball in at the far corner.

The games first moment of controversy then unravelled. Loughborough launched a counter attack from the dead ball after a short corner. The defender kept her mask on and drove the ball forward, a number of players and the bench appealed to the umpire but to no avail Beeston were caught on the hop and Holly Brown, was able to slot the ball past Dawkins.

This pushed Beeston into another gear. A flowing move involving the industrious Watton and Hunter who were making life difficult for the Loughborough defence finished with Wraith tapping in. Beeston went into the half time break still smarting from the inconsistent umpiring but at least a goal up.

The second half started with both sides playing some expansive hockey. Loughborough once again started well and were able to launch a number of attacks from long aerial passes from deep in their own half. Lucy Dawkins doing well to keep the students at bay with some fine saves. Six minutes into the second half Jo Hunter was shown a green card for a clumsy challenge.

Just as Hunter returned Loughborough launched another attack and a goal mouth scramble led to the games second controversial moment with the award of a penalty stroke. In the past Beeston have often not queried decisions they felt unjust, not this time, however the same umpire was adamant the ball had not touched a Loughborough player before cannoning into a Beeston player on the line. It appeared the umpire was again not going to discuss things with his colleague, as he failed to do in the first half. The penalty stroke stood and Dawkins was unable to prevent the goal despite diving the right way.

The second half then became a tight contest with both sides looking to take the three points. Chances fell to Unsworth but thankfully her shots were wide. To their immense credit the Beeston ladies continued to push forward, Hollie Webb driving some telling passes forward and maintaining an excellent work rate and the forwards won a number of short corners. In the last 5 minutes the Students were reduced to nine players as two yellows were brandished. Unfortunately Beeston were not able to take full advantage and the game ended with honours shared.

Beeston are away to Northampton Saints who sit rooted to the bottom of the Investec league the game starts at 12.00 at away at Moulton College

Graham Griffiths — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 16:53:28 +0000

EAST GRINSTEAD 3 - 2 BEESTON

East Grinstead avenged their EHL Championships Final defeat to Beeston last season with a 3-2 victory on Sunday in EHL Premier Division. Dave De Prez broke the deadlock in the 27th minute for East Grinstead to lead at half time. Patrick Schmidt and Adam Dixon scored within three minutes of each other to overturn East Grinstead’s lead for Beeston, but, with nine minutes remaining Ashley Jackson netted his first of two from open play to restore parity. With the game entering the final minute, Jackson pulled out an unstoppable penalty corner flick high into the top right corner of the goal, gaining revenge for his side, the three points, and opening up a lead at the top of the division. Beeston stay third in the Division a point behind second placed, Cannock.

Captain, Adam Dixon, summed up the disappointment, “We felt we deserved to come away with a point but Great Britain flicker, Jackson, turned the result in the dying moments of the game. It was a well fought battle with the top two sides in the country entertaining the Sussex crowd with some quality hockey.”

Beeston now lose Dixon, George Pinner and Alastair Wilson to Great Britain, as they prepare for the Champions Trophy in New Zealand with a build-up in Belgium.

Beeston now face another difficult double-header. On Saturday the meet Bowdon at Highfields Hockey Centre (2.00pm) then they travel South once again, this time to meet Fareham in the last 16 of the cup, (1.00pm) at Henry Cort College.

David Griffiths — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:42:02 +0000

Why not print one off and put them up in your school or workplace?

Super Sunday

James Hopkisson — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 18:40:54 +0000

Beeston travelled south in the fog to Northampton with the aim of taking 3 points and improving their goal difference in what is set to be a very tight league. Beeston have started to put together fast paced hockey in fits and starts, but the aim has to be to compete at a high intensity for 70 minutes. Against bottom of the league Northampton, Beeston Ladies played beautiful hockey and were ruthless in their finishing.

Beeston have a habit of starting slowly, but on a cold foggy day they were red hot out of the blocks with Ellie Watton, starting and finishing a move that left Northampton frozen, throughout the 70 minutes her work rate was immense and a second goal deep in the second half was testament to this. Beeston will be happy with the number of short corners won, and the conversion rate. The routines that saw the Bees netting five with Nikki Ward, Hannah Wraith and Jo Hunter all on the score sheet which must please Coach Matt Taylor.

Beeston kept running at the Northampton defence who much to their credit never gave up despite having to cope with the pace and skill of the Beeston forwards. Having a full squad allowed Taylor to keep rotating his forward line, Kim Leiper returning from an England U18 training camp, Jo Hunter, Nikki Ward and Becky Eaton all stretched the defence to the limit. In defence tight marking and an eagerness to get in front of the Northampton forwards meant that Lucy Dawkins was rarely tested.

All of the Beeston substitutes had plenty of pitch time in preparation for an away trip to fourth placed Brooklands Poynton next Saturday which will be another hard test, but one that this team have the potential to pass with flying colours.

P.S.

Mention has to go to the fancy dress pink Onesie worn by Jo Hunter post match, apparently this was not for charity!

Graham Griffiths — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 21:16:18 +0000

BEESTON 4-1 BOWDON

With Great Britain heading for the Champions Trophy in New Zealand, today was the start of life without the Great Britain internationals. Beeston have three key players in this group, George Pinner, Adam Dixon and Alastair Wilson. The Premiership match against Bowdon was seen as a test of the ability of the squad and Beeston passed the test with flying colours.

The Cheshire side took the league in the 5th minute through Nigel Croke but the Bees then stepped up their performance and the doors were closed. Tom Pinnegar made his debut in goal but the Beeston defence never gave away a penalty corner all game and Pinnegar had a relatively easy start to life in the Premiership.

The Bees drove on. Paddy Schmidt equalised with a penalty corner flick in the 9th minute. Stuart Pilgrim darted through the Bowdon defence and slipped the Ball to Carl Smith who put the Bees ahead in the 12th minute. Schmidt extended the lead, close to the break, when he hurtled the ball home from Beeston’s second penalty corner. The result was finally secured in the 40th minute when Ireland international, David Ames pounced on a defensive mistake and executed a goal of high quality.

The win moves Beeston into second spot in the Premiership. Man of the match, Ames, summed up the result, “We totally dominated the game and some of our passing moves were outstanding. The Back 4 were so dominant, and this gives the side such confidence.”

Graham Griffiths — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 21:17:47 +0000

FAREHAM 1 - 6 BEESTON (England Hockey CUP ROUND 3)

The Cup Holders, Beeston, travelled South on Sunday with a much altered squad that included goalkeeper, Peter Hextall, and Repton schoolboy, Tom Groombridge, both making their First team debuts. Former, Havant striker, Steve Batten, was also brought in for his first game this season.

The Bees took an early lead through Martin Jones but Fareham soon equalised with Craig Peel flicking home their second penalty corner. The Bees rallied and Paddy Schmidt fired home their first penalty corner. Beeston extended the lead in the 24th minute when Belgium international, Jonathan Beckers, smashed home a shot from the top of the circle past Fareham’s experienced goalkeeper, George Harris. Harris kept Fareham in the game on numerous occasions, especially in the second-half.

Beeston moved further ahead in the second-half through Schmidt from the penalty spot in the 56th minute. Martin Jones scored his second three minutes later, and Scotland international, Gordon McIntyre made it six, in the 67th minute.

Beeston acting captain, Tim Whiteman commented. “Obviously it has been a successful weekend. We are closing on League Leaders, East Grinstead and we are in the draw for the last 8 of the Cup. We are also training hard for the indoor season which starts in December.”

Beeston now meet, Surbiton in the Premier League on Sunday 27th November, in London, at Sugden Road (2.00pm)

Graham Griffiths — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 20:51:55 +0000

http://www.fih.ch/en/news-3421-pinner-ready-to-face-the-world-s-best

James Hopkisson — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 21:24:38 +0000

This Saturday Beeston Ladies headed north to Manchester knowing that a clinical performance was required against a Brooklands side that had taken nineteen points from their last seven games. It was a nervous but “quietly” confident side that arrived ready to do battle. This season Beeston have been buoyed by the classic lyrics of the sensation that is: One Direction. They went through their pre-match rituals and warm up with a smile.

Brooklands came out of the blocks at pace and within the first two minutes Dawkins in the Beeston goal was called into action. The pattern of the game was to be set, Brooklands always looked troublesome on the break and it was with this in mind that the back three sat deep allowing Hollie Webb to boss things in the middle third of the pitch. Beeston opened their account on ten minutes when the industrious Wraith found space in the D and connected with Nikki Ward at the back post, lethal from three feet! Four minutes later Ward’s second goal followed. Ellie Watton “nutmegged” her opposite number, fed on to Ward again for a tap in at the back post.

Brooklands were not going down without a fight and always looked dangerous putting pressure on the Beeston midfield and stretching the defence. The back three of Pipe, Hopkisson and McComb snuffed out a lot of the Brooklands forays, and midway through the first half Dawkins pulled of what had to be the save of the day at full stretch to her right. It would take something special to see Beeston conceding the lead. The half time whistle came with Beeston looking very dominant having played high intensity hockey for the majority of the half.

The second half saw Brooklands pushing to get onto the score sheet, not giving an inch. Some clumsy tackling saw Becky Eaton green carded, but again Beeston only looked like conceding from the break. After a turnover Brooklands got their reward in the 57thminute when Rachkuba beat Dawkins. This set up an amazing last quarter. Beeston found another gear just five minutes later Ellie Watton scored from open play after linking well with the dynamic Hunter. Nikki Ward completed her well deserved hat-trick in the 65thminute. Beeston were not finished and wanted more launching another attack that resulted in Katherine Baker scoring from a short corner getting in front of the Brooklands’ defence having injected the ball.

All in all Beeston ladies have come a long way in the first half of the season. Going into the Christmas break top of the league shows that the hard work on the training pitch has paid dividends. More importantly the team spirit within the squad is infectious, more hard work in the next two months will mean Beeston should be targeting the play offs at the end of the season.

One has to end with a quote from the “inspirational” One Direction: “You’re insecure, don’t know what for, you’re turning heads when you walk through the door.....” thankfully head turning was not down to the appearance of Jo Hunter’s pink “ Onesie” this week, but for their quality hockey. Long may it continue.

The next league game is at home against the University of Durham on the Saturday 5th February 2012.

Graham Griffiths — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 19:58:16 +0000

SURBITON 5 – 4 BEESTON

Despite dropping points, East Grinstead maintained their four point lead at the top thanks to results going their way on Sunday largely due to Beeston’s loss at Surbiton. Tim Pinnock’s 69th minute strike secured his hat-trick and a narrow last gasp victory. Surbiton, by the 56th minute had raced into a shock 4-0 lead over the team placed in second going into the game. It wasn’t until two minutes later that Beeston sprang into action with Patrick Schmidt grabbing two goals in three minutes. On the rocks, Surbiton conceded again when Carl Smith struck followed two minutes later by Tim Whiteman’s equaliser to provide a dramatic comeback and just five minutes remaining. The comeback, however late, was scuppered by Pinnock’s hat-trick from Surbiton’s only penalty corner of the half, allowing Surbiton to close the gap on their opponents to a point.

Beeston dropped to third as a result of their loss and the result at Chase Park, where Cannock beat Hampstead & Westminster.

Beeston will probably count themselves unlucky having scored four times and being awarded 9 penalty corners to the Londoners 3. Surbiton will probably celebrate the three points knowing how well they played despite missing their Great Britain players.

Beeston acting captain, Tim Whiteman commented, “We are terribly disappointed that we missed a great opportunity to close the gap at the top of the Premier league. We now need to get back on track in our final game before Christmas. We are all looking forward to a great game against fellow Euro Hockey rivals, Reading at Highfields, on Sunday.

Beeston meet Reading on Sunday December 4th at 2.00pm. Beeston are using the match as a fund-raiser to help generate monies towards a new water based hockey surface.

Andy Smith — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 16:40:37 +0000

A reminder that this Sunday is "Super Sunday". Beeston Mens 1st XI are playing Reading in the final fixture before Christmas, push back 2pm. With Reading just 1 point behind Beeston it promises to be a great game.

The water based pitch is approaching the end of its life and will cost at least £240,000 to replace. An appeal fund has been started which has a balance of just over £2,000

Admission on "Super Sunday" is £5 with all monies raised going into the appeal fund.
For this you get a admission to the game, a black and yellow pitch fund wrist band, a hot drink and a programme. The new Spectator hut will again before during and after the game providing hot and cold drinks as well as pie and mushy peas.

Lets see a huge crowd and wear your yellow Beeston tracksuit top to support your First team(if you don't have one yet then wear a yellow top and there are plenty in stock in the shop which will be open Saturday 1.00pm-4.00pm and 9.00am-11.30am this Sunday)

Graham Griffiths — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 21:39:07 +0000

BEESTON WIN TEAM OF THE YEAR AWARD AT THE CITY OF NOTTINGHAM SPORTS AWARDS 2011.

THE UNDER 16 SIDE MADE IT A DOUBLE AS THEY RECEIVED JUNIOR TEAM OF THE YEAR.

Graham Griffiths — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:28:14 +0000

BEESTON 1 – 3 READING

Reading moved up into third at the expense of their defeated opponents Beeston.

Andy Watts, Jonny Codling and Nick Catlin struck second half goals to overcome a first half goal deficit to record their third two goal margin victory of the season. On a weekend of doubles, this fixture ran to form with Reading’s second win over a Beeston side that suffered their third defeat in four games. Despite boasting the second highest goal tally in the division, Beeston – last season’s champions – dropped to fourth position having lost their fifth game of the season; they also fell eight points behind leaders East Grinstead.

The match started with Beeston taking the lead when Matt Taylor finished from close range in the fifteenth minute. The Bees will rue the chances they squandered in the first half as the second half was to become a different match.

The Bees lost Mark Wadsley, on a yellow card, in the 40th minute, and this signalled Beeston’s collapse. Andrew Watts quickly equalised. Unmarked, he had time to receive; turn, and shoot passed Peter Hextall, making his National League debut in the Beeston goal. John Codling quickly pounced on Beeston’s generosity to put Reading ahead and with eight minutes left on the clock, Reading swept down the pitch and Nick Catlin finished off the easiest of chances, Beeston were well beaten by a well organised unit. With three minutes to go, Tim Whiteman concluded Beeston’s poor performance when he headed to the technical area on a yellow card for dissent.

Beeston will have to re-focus their aims for the second half of the season. The automatic place into the Euro hockey League is now out of sight. The aim must be to finish high enough to enter the top play off slots, a route that still offers two European places.

The Bees now begin their National League Indoor Premiership campaign. The weekend starts at Loughborough University on Saturday with games against Bowdon (10.30am) and Reading (2.30pm). On Sunday the Bees play, East Grinstead (1.00pm) and Old Loughtonians (5.00pm).

The Maxifuel Super Sixes Championship runs over 2 weekends with the top 4 teams playing off at Wembley Arena at the end of January.

Indoor manager, Paul Willars commented, “The lads have been training well in preparation for the indoor season. We are all looking forward to playing at Loughborough as essentially it is a home venue. With Loughborough being relegated last season, we are now flying the flag for the Midlands.”

Graham Griffiths — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:32:20 +0000

Beeston won the Team of the Year Award at the Broxtowe Sports Awards.

Last week they were honoured by Nottingham City Council at their Sports Awards ceremony.

Chairman, Martin Keeling said, "It is a great honour for the players and the club."

Graham Griffiths — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 14:17:24 +0000

The programme sales from the Beeston v Reading Super Sunday match have been donated to Highfields Sports Club as the club begins to raise money for the replacement of the waterbase pitch.

£1857 was donated on the day. Highfields would like to thank the Beeston First Team, the Beeston and Reading supporters for their support.

Andy Smith — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 09:14:05 +0000

After 2 days of bag packing at Tesco in Beeston a fantastic £1558.81 has been raised towards the pitch replacement fund.Well done to all who gave up their time to help with this effort. There will be more fundraising activities to follow in the New Year so watch this space.

On behalf of the committee I would like to wish all Members, Players, Coaches, Umpires, Parents and Supporters of the Club a Merry Christmas and a fit, healthy and successful 2012.

Andy Smith (Sec)

James Hopkisson — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 15:52:28 +0000

Beeston went into the second weekend of the Maxifuel Super Sixes knowing it was all to play for

With games still to play Beeston sit third with guaranteed qualification. Wins against Sevenoaks, Canterbury and Harleston Magpies saw them through, despite loosing to Surbiton in their final game.

Tickets to the Finals can be obtained via the England Hockey website. Just click on Dixie's face to be directed to the booking page.

Graham Griffiths — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 19:31:21 +0000

Beeston completed a successful final weekend in the Maxifuel Super Sixes League with the 3 wins they needed to return to Wembley Arena for the Finals on Sunday January 29th. The Bees beat Sevenoaks 8-0, Harleston Magpies 9-1 and secured their place at Wembley with a superb win over Canterbury 6-3

Beeston strengthened their squad for the final weekend of indoor league hockey with the addition Great Britain internationals, George Pinner, Alastair Wilson, Ben Hawes and Adam Dixon.

With the line up for the 2012 Maxifuel Super Sixes Finals complete, three of 2011's finalists will return to Wembley Arena on Sunday 29 January. East Grinstead, Beeston and Reading all return to the 7000 capacity arena while Bowdon's men join their women at Wembley for the first time.

Tickets for Wembley Arena, can be purchased on 0844 815 0815 or www.ticketmaster.co.uk

East Grinstead play Reading at 12.00

Beeston play Bowdon at 1.35

The Women’s Final takes place at 3.20

The Men’s final starts at 4.50pm

James Hopkisson — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 17:23:29 +0000

George Pinner and Adam Dixon have been selected for the England men’s indoor squad to compete at the EuroHockey Indoor Nations Championships in Leipzig from 13-15 January. Representing, Austria is Patrick Schmidt.

Hollie Webb has been selected for the England women’s indoor squad to compete at the EuroHockey Indoor Nations Championship II in Slagelse, Denmark, from 20-22 January.

http://englandhockey.co.uk/news.

Graham Griffiths — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 22:19:34 +0000

The entrance gates to Beeston Hockey Club in Nottingham had been in a state of disrepair for 15 years with chances of improvement looking unlikely. With help from the Community Payback scheme however, the gates are now fixed and fully functioning and are just one of a number of enhancements to the well-used facility.

Teams of offenders work at the sports club on a regular basis carrying out a variety of jobs including hedge cutting, litter picking, and painting and decorating. They have even returned on a voluntary basis to act as safety marshals at a club firework display.

Graham Griffiths, General Manager at Highfields Sports Club, of which Beeston Hockey Club is a part, says it is one of the best and most worthwhile projects he’s seen in forty years!

“The Community Payback teams have been so good. They value and take ownership of the work they are given and also show a lot of respect for their supervisor.

“We thoroughly enjoy working with Probation, everyone has joined together to get jobs done and it’s worked really well. I think it’s great for the people on the Payback scheme to be able to see a project through from start to finish – it gives a boost to their self-esteem.”

Mark Taylor, Nottinghamshire Probation Trust's Local delivery Unit Director with responsibility for Community Payback said: "We've developed a really positive working relationship with Highfields Sports Club and are very pleased to be able to help. The free labour resource offered by Community Payback has allowed work which may not have been done to progress and be completed to a high standard. Our ongoing maintenance work here is very visible and makes a big difference to people using the sports facilities."

David Griffiths — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:15:40 +0000

Curry and Quiz night - Friday 2nd March

Curry and quiz night at Highfields in the bar on Friday 2nd March 2012. 7:30pm start.

Entry £5 per team and maximum of 6 per team.

The curry is being provided by Shazia Kasuji (a Beeston Colt parent). Shazia has kindly offered to cook a curry and she wishes that all the proceeds from the sale go to the "Pitch Replacement Fund"

To book your team and table at the quiz please contact Andy Smith or David Griffiths.

Spaces are limited so please book now to avoid disappointment. In order to cater for numbers there will be no entry on the night.

James Hopkisson — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:45:23 +0000

A hectic weekend for the Juniors saw four teams head to three different venues to compete in the Indoor National finals. Beeston were the only club to acheive this feat. Two days of indoor competition saw the U18 girls crowned National Champions at Eastleigh, after an exciting final against regular outdoor opponents Wakefield. The other sides met stiff opposition and fell at the group stages.

The club are grateful to all the coaches, managers and parents who helped support the juniors over the weekend.

Simon Mason (EH Hockey President) paid tribute to Beeston Hockey Club prior to presenting the girls with their winners medals, praising the club for its long standing commitment to supporting junior hockey and the sucess the club has had both with the junior and senior teams this season and previously.

Graham Griffiths — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:15:55 +0000

Men's 2012 Super Sixes Final Result.

The crowd were in full voice as Beeston’s Adam Dixon got things under way in the 2012 final. Neither team allowed the other to settle early on; Richard Potton had the first save to make but it was a straight forward ask. Davenport had been in fine scoring form in the semi-final and after some skilful work by German Paddy Schmdit, Davenport fired home a powerful shot to give Beeston a welcome lead.

Glenn Kirkham won a penalty corner for East Grinstead in the fifth minute but Ben Hawes was quickly out to snaffle an Ashley Jackson shot. Chances were coming thick and fast as opportunities went begging at both ends, Glenn Kirkham making a last ditch clearance for the defending champions. A cleverly worked opportunity from Jackson saw the ball come back off the upright from a reverse shot.

In the ninth minute David De Prez got on the end of a Barry Middleton deflection to bring things back on level terms. Another stunning finish by De Prez put his side ahead after a lethal pass put of defence from Mike Holland. A third goal for East Grinstead came courtesy of Daniel Koschyk who dinked his way through the opposition for a great solo effort. Middleton intercepted a pass on half way to lay off to De Prez, who enjoyed his second of the match. There was no time for celebration as Beeston were quickly awarded a penalty corner which was put away by Paddy Schmidt – four goals in five minutes. Jackson rifled a penalty corner into the roof of the net to leave the score 5-2 before Tim Davenport was setup by Ben Hawes to keep Bees in contention with four minutes still to play. Scott Ashdown replied within a minute after playing a tidy one-two with De Prez.

Ashley Jackson had the first EG chance of the half but his shot travelled just wide. Tim Davenport responded well for Beeston, coming even closer as his effort slammed off the post. Iain Lewers made a couple of important interceptions for East Grinstead within seconds of each other while Jackson found the best way to relieve the pressure was to score at the other end. A powerful shot from an impossible angle took Beeston by surprise since he was practically hugging the backline. Pinner was alert to a reverse effort by Kirkham and again from De Prez who tried his luck when he really had no right. Adam Harper collected a green card for a stick tackle nine minutes in as EG conceded a penalty corner. Schmidt banged the opportunity off the post. A flowing counter attack from EG gave David De Prez his hat-trick and an 8-3 lead for EG. Beeston called a time out with seven minutes remaining and replaced their keeper with James McBlane as a kicking back as they continued to press forward. East Grinstead got bodies behind the ball to restrain their opponents but some determined play by Jackson on the left flank set-up a penalty corner which the Beeston defence smothered, much to the delight of the crowd. A close effort by Stephen Woods almost saw his deflection nip in at the far post for Beeston, but soon afterwards Adam Dixon fed Woods on his reverse side giving Beeston the last opportunity. As the clock ticked down East Grinstead supporters showed their delight as their team closed out an 8-5 victory to retain the Maxifuel Super Sixes Finals title. And as the presentations were made they had even more to celebrate as Ashley Jackson was named man of the match.

David Griffiths — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:19:04 +0000

Beeston Hockey Club invites you to the 39th Beeston Sixes: 13 – 15 July 2012

Each year teams from all over the country take part in this fantastic weekend of hockey, socialising and sun. The tournament offers a high standard of play along with camping, catering and entertainment all on site.

Matches are played on a state-of-the-art water-based Astroturf, and our NEW sand-dressed surface! This year’s tournament will have both a Men’s & Women’s Competition and each team is guaranteed five qualifying matches on Saturday; and at least a further three on the Sunday.

Tournament facilities include:

On-site camping
Cafeteria and NEW ‘Food Hut’
Two bars (with late license)
BBQ
Evening entertainment with *** All Inclusive Drinks***
Disco & live entertainment
The Beehive Hockey Shop

*** £265 entry fee includes tournament entry and camping ***

NEW - £100 BOND - At the request of several teams we are introducing a £100 bond, in the form of a cheque, which will be returned after your last game. This is to prevent teams leaving early and not fulfilling their fixtures. If you fail to honour your fixtures the cheque will be cashed.

Wristbands for evening entertainment and all inclusive drinks (7pm – 2am on selected beers, cider, alcopops and soft drinks) will be on sale throughout the weekend at just £45 per person covering both Friday and Saturday evenings.

Access to the evening venue is strictly over 18s.

Daytime drinks sales and all food will be cash sales.

Sixes Entry Form

James Hopkisson — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:11:55 +0000

Congratulations to all the Bees who have recently been selected for their National Age Group squads after Futures Cup, Hipac and assessments over the last few months:

U18 boys: Chris Proctor & Dan Darby

U18 girls: Kim Leiper & Maddie Sharpe

U16 boys: Monty Jefferson & Aaron Hibell

U16 girls: Erica Sanders

U15 girls: Livvie Hopkisson

Congratulations also go to Martha Baker who was awarded the Hockey Writers Club Junior Award sponsored by Higgins Group PLC

http://www.hockeywritersclub.com/story/higgins-group-plc-winners

Graham Griffiths — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 12:35:07 +0000

Beeston v Cannock Cup 1/4 Final is re-arranged for Friday February 17th 7.00pm start .

Clubhouse open at 4.00pm

This is your chance to see Beeston actually play at home in the Cup.

James Hopkisson — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 17:34:09 +0000

Beeston resumed their Investec EHL North campaign today in Preston against Springfields. All eyes were on the weather with so many games falling foul to the snow and ice. It has been a difficult January and February with little time training due to the inclement weather exams and indoor season making demands on players. Fortunately a useful run out against Cannock with a 5-0 win meant some outdoor work had been done. Beeston knew they had to set out their stall and get back to winning ways which they certainly did. The half time score of 4-0 needed to be added to so as to increase the all important goal difference. With constant pressure the score ended with further 7 being scored in the second half. Nicki Ward increased her seasons goal tally with a hatrick and Kim Leiper weighed in with four, two in each half. Hockey hopefully will return to Highfields next week with Wakefield on Saturday the 18th at 12.00 and the rearranged game against Durham University at 2.00 on Sunday the 19th. The Bees know that next weekend will be an important one if the play offs are to become a reality.

Graham Griffiths — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 20:34:40 +0000

EXETER UNIVERSITY 1 - 3 BEESTON

Beeston restarted the second half of the season with the long haul to the South-West. The frozen pitches of Nottingham have hindered Beeston’s preparations in recent weeks so it proved a pleasant change to travel to the South West where temperatures had been more sympathetic.

The Bees started slowly as they got used to life without their 4 senior internationals. National league debuts were handed out to goalkeeper, Ashley Watson; a Christmas signing from Doncaster, and Richard Lawrence who has worked his way through the Beeston junior system.

Beeston started slowly but looked rusty and Exeter took the lead in the 18th minute with a penalty corner flick from Tom Carson. This seemed to wake up the Bees from the mid-season slumber and they drew level in the 27th minute when German, Paddy Schmidt struck with a penalty stroke. Schmidt smashed Beeston into the lead two minutes later with a well taken penalty corner flick.

Beeston began to look more composed and eventually moved into a 3-1 lead when Richard Lawrence fired home from a penalty corner in the 44th minute.

Exeter had a chance to pull one back in the 63rd minute but Joe Sterlini’s penalty stroke was brilliantly saved by Ashley Watson in the Beeston goal. Beeston captain, Tim Whiteman, thought he had finished off the Devonians late in the game but his 69th minute strike was cancelled out by a quick whistle and the Bees were awarded a penalty corner instead.

Beeston coach, Martin Jones commented, “I was pleased with the two lads making their debuts against Exeter; Richard bagged a goal and Ashley produced a string of quality saves. We need to tidy up a few areas in our defensive unit and we will obviously work on this, next week, as the weather improves. The squad are looking forward to the double-header at the weekend; we have a lot to play for.”

Beeston move into third spot in the Premier Division and are now only 5 points behind the leaders.

Beeston now face an interesting double header. On Friday (17th) they meet Cannock in the re-scheduled England Hockey quarter Final (7.00pm at Highfields). Then on Sunday (19th) they travel to Cheshire to meet Bowdon (2.15pm) in the next Premiership league game.

David Griffiths — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:55:45 +0000

After the success of last years men’s summer leagues we are hoping to increase the number of participating teams in this special sporting year celebrating London 2012. The 6 aside league will feature 1 pool of 12 teams playing on a Tuesday from 7:30pm-9:30pm.

Each team will play each other in a league format and will conclude

on Tuesday 3rd July 2012.

Every team will play 2 x 30 minute matches each week and

matches will be played on our state-of-the-art Water-based

or our brand NEW sand-dressed pitch!!! There will be

1 match for each team on the final night followed by an Olympic

themed quizat 9pm in the bar.

League facilities include:

Stick & Pitcher bar with pool table!
Food available all night
The Beehive Hockey Shop opened on prior request
Tournament winners receive a gallon of beer and £100 cheque payable to the winning club.

***Please note teams must provide their own umpires for matches

and supply their own first aid kit and first aider.***

Score cards to be collected from the bar and returned with your scores completed.

DOWNLOAD ENTRY FORM HERE...

Men's Summer League

David Griffiths — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 09:49:26 +0000

After years of away matches Beeston 1st X1 finally have drawn a home fixture!

TONIGHT!!! - Beeston v Cannock HC at 7pm at Highfields

Come down and support the Men's 1s X1 in what promises to bee a thriller!

The spectator hut will be serving hot pies, mushy peas, soft and hot drinks from 6:15pm.

The Stick & Pitcher will be open serving soft drinks and snacks, beers, lagers, wines and spirits!!!

YOU BEES!!!!!!

Graham Griffiths — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 11:42:50 +0000

It was third time lucky for Beeston as they eventually got the cup semi-final under way; the match had already fallen foul of the snow on two occasions. Both sides opted for a Friday night match, possibly the first time an England Hockey Cup tie had been played at night. A large crowd assembled proving the popularity of evening matches.

Cup holders, Beeston moved into the semi-final of the England Hockey Cup with a dazzling display of first-half attacking hockey. The Bees stormed into the lead in the 8th minute as Martin Jones broke down the right, and his precision pass found Martin Scanlon, who fired the Bees into an early lead. Scanlon increased the lead in the 25th minute with a bruising shot from the right of the circle. Beeston looked inventive and exciting as they took the game to Cannock. The Bees were awarded their first penalty corner in the 28th minute and Ollie Willars moved the ball to Gordon McIntyre who clinically gave the home side a 3-0 half time lead.

Cannock, who are currently second in the Premier league pulled one back a minute after the break through Nick Bandurak. Game on. Bandurak pounce on a defensive error and Cannock saw a glimmer of success. The second half was a fairly open affair with both sides creating chances but managing to squander them. The Bees limited Cannock to one penalty corner award in the match but Cannock eventually scored their second in the 67th minute through Will Fleet. It was all a little too late as Beeston marched into the semi-finals.

Beeston now meet Brooklands in the semi-final which takes place a Highfields on March 18th. (2.00pm)

James Hopkisson — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 20:43:39 +0000

Beeston knew that this weekend’s tough double header would be the make or break for their season if they are to make the play offs. Wakefield and Durham are two sides that have managed to take points off the Bees this season in the Investec Conference North when they have been on the road.

First up was Wakefield who are always combative and are trying to pull themselves up the table. The Bees with worked very hard from the off. After 3 minutes Hollie Webb found the Investec League’s top scorer Nikki Ward with a pinpoint cross. Ward again proved what an effective finisher she is from 3 feet! After 8 minutes Dawkins, in the Beeston goal was called into action making the save of the day to deny Kilner’s powerful undercut shot. This gave the Bees a huge confidence boost. The game was end to end with Beeston at times guilty of the easy turn over.

The second half after a Taylor team talk resulted in a destructive 10 minute period where Wakefield were run ragged. First up Ellie Watton scored after a great recovery from Hollie Webb, the goal of the day was scored by Stapenhorst four minutes later after some great individual skill, sending the ball high into the net with Wells in the Wakefield goal left shell shocked. The hard working Wraith finished the scoring adding to her tally on 47 minutes. Wakefield continued to threaten the Beeston goal but were shut out by the back four and Dawkins had a final 10 minutes where she was called on a number of times to keep a well deserved clean sheet.

Sunday saw Durham arrived at 11.00 for a 2.00pm start as their Men’s team were playing at local rivals Belper, so they had plenty of time to get the journey down the M1 out of their system. Beeston knew that the Durham side, full of England U21 internationals had the potential to cause problems. Durham came out of the blocks fast and hard.

Durham have a habit of scoring from penalty corners and the Bees conceded the first after 3 minutes. Dawkins however was not going to let Durham’s Boddy continue her run of form and pulled off a remarkable double save, one that keepers from higher divisions would be proud of. After 12 minutes Dawkins was called into action again to deny the Durham short corner team with a save and clearance.

Beeston had their chances at the other end on the break with Tebbs in the Durham goal making a great save from a Wraith shot. Dawkins continued to marshal her defence and lead by example deny the Durham attack. A period of Beeston dominance saw Durham’s Hawkins yellow carded and Beeston awarded a short corner. The initial corner was well saved as Durham’s defence held strong, but the award of a second short corner saw Kim Leiper get on the score sheet with a well worked deflection.

Half time saw the match evenly poised with Durham playing very high and sending long balls out of defence. The Beeston back four again cut out a lot by stepping up as Coach Taylor had demanded pre match. This was always going to be a close game and a period of Durham pressure resulted in Durham equalising through Seaborn on 47 minutes and taking the lead when Lane capitalised on a Beeston error that opened the defence up.

Beeston were not going down without a fight and the last ten minutes saw some composed defending and aggressive attacking with Hunter causing problems for the Durham defence. It was at this time that the game became disjointed with frustrations running high with players, both sets of spectators and the benches puzzled by some of the umpiring decisions. Beeston surged forward through Hunter and were duly awarded another penalty corner. This year the conversion rate from corners has dramatically increased and Hunter made sure deflecting in the equaliser with a minute left to play.

Beeston deserved their point for a solid fight back; Durham will be disappointed not to have got more from the game. If the Ladies had been offered 4 points out of six at the beginning of the weekend, with two of their hardest games back to back, it would have been taken.

Beeston unbeaten in the last eight games, extend their lead to 4 points at top of Investec Women's Conference North next up are Liverpool Sefton away at 12.30 on the Saturday the 25th of February and the Ladies next home game vs. Doncaster at Highfields on Saturday the 3rdof March at 12.00.

Andy Smith — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 14:34:08 +0000

On behalf of the England Hockey Board (EHB), I am now delighted to inform you that we have a fantastic offer exclusively for the hockey family in Great Britain, regarding the VISA International Invitational Hockey Tournament.

VISA INTERNATIONAL INVITATIONAL HOCKEY TOURNAMENT, A LONDON TEST EVENT

- The Visa International Invitational TEST EVENT – MAY 2 – 6. EHB has successfully negotiated with the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games Limited (LOCOG) to provide the hockey family with an advance purchase opportunity for tickets for the Visa International Invitational Hockey Tournament at Olympic Park from 2 – 6 May 2012. This will be the first opportunity to access the Riverbank Arena, the home of Hockey in the Olympic Park, and the event is sure to be a fantastic spectacle with some of the top teams in the world competing. Great Britain men or women will be competing in every session of the test event so you are guaranteed to see our home team in action. Detailed pricing information will be released on 27 February 2012. Tickets will be priced up to £15 for adults and up to £10 for concessions. For the full event schedule see attached.

This is an exclusive benefit offered by EHB in recognition of the hard work and support you and / or your club / organisation have put into hockey and as such you have the opportunity to purchase tickets in advance of the general public. For clubs and members that want to book in groups of ten or more you will have an even better opportunity as there is an advance group bookings window. Please read the booking arrangements carefully and note the advance booking dates which are only available to members of the hockey family.

BOOKING DETAILS

All advance bookings for the test event will require a special promotional code and must be made in the date window below via Ticketmaster on a first-come, first-served basis. Group bookings of 10 or more must be registered with EHB by Tuesday 28th February at 4pm 2012 to receive the group promotional code (this is to ensure that groups are for bonafide members and not ticket touts). Non group bookings should use the code detailed below. As a proud partner of London 2012, Visa (debit, credit, prepaid) is the only card accepted for ticket sales for this London Prepares series event.

28 February 4pm

The Hockey Family group bookings registration with EHB deadline (for bookings of 10 or more tickets).

This registration will provide you with the group promotions code required for Ticketmaster. Please note that registration with EHB does not guarantee you tickets at this stage and tickets will only be confirmed when you have made a telephone booking with Ticketmaster (see below). Please register your group by emailing the full name of the contact, the name of the group booking i.e. Club name and the estimated number of tickets you are likely to book to groupregistrations@GBhockey.org. Your registration will be confirmed within 7 days. The group bookings telephone number and special promotions code will be issued by 29th February 2012.

From 1 March 10am (first come, first served)

The Hockey Family group bookings open (for bookings of 10 or more tickets)

All Hockey Family group bookings need to be made by telephone using the group promotional code provided by EHB when you registered (telephone number for group bookings and code will be provided by 29th February 2012). Bookings will need to be paid for in full by Visa card at the time of booking or can be invoiced by Ticketmaster and paid for by cheque.

6 March 10am – 15 March 10am (first come, first served)

The Hockey Family non group (between 1 and 9 tickets) bookings open

All Hockey Family non group bookings should be made online at www.ticketmaster.co.uk/londonpreparesseries. Bookings will need to be paid for in full by Visa card at the time of booking. The special promotional code for these bookings is HOCKEYPREPARES (please note this is full caps and no gaps and should be entered on the booking form under the section “GB Hockey adult presale” or “GB Hockey concession presale”).

INVESTEC LONDON CUP – JUNE 5 – 10. EHB is hosting the final international hockey tournament, before the London Olympic Games, in Chiswick, London. This will be the first opportunity to see the selected Great Britain Women’s squad for the Olympic Games in action on home turf, just weeks before they compete for Olympic glory. GB Women will take on some of the very best teams in the world including the Olympic Champions from the last three Olympics i.e. Holland 2008, Germany 2004 and Australia 2000 as well as South Africa and Ireland, this is an opportunity not to be missed. Tickets go on sale on Tuesday 21st February from www.ticketzone.co.uk

We are delighted to have made this offer available to you and we now have a request in return and that is if you are coming to the Visa International Invitational TEST EVENT, Investec London Cup or the Olympic Games and are supporting Great Britain we would like you to wear a RED top! It will be fantastic for our Olympians to look out to a home crowd that is supporting them. Any RED top will be appreciated but if you want to really feel part of the team you can purchase GB replica shirts and apparel from our online shop www.englandhockey.co.uk/store

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sally Munday

Chief Executive England Hockey Board

Chief Operating Officer GB Hockey

Doncaster

Beeston

Joe Morrison 39, PC

Andrew Monte 8, 37, PC, PC

Jonathan Redfern 59, PC

Chris Gregg 46, F

Ben Arnold 57, PC, 70 F

Martin Jones 64, F

Cup Winners - BEESTON

Graham Griffiths — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:57:37 +0000

Beeston looked sharp in the opening phases of the match but slowly fell away letting Bowdon into a match that they probably could have shaved. The Bees took the lead in the 14th minute as Gordon McIntyre followed up Beeston’s second penalty corner. As various substitutions were made the Bees seemed to lose their structureand Bowdon realised that a win was on the cards. The Cheshire men finally equalised in the 29th minute as Phil Dutoy scrambled the ball home, at the end of a first-half littered with turnovers and errors.

Beeston moved back into the lead when Stuart Pilgrim fired in a right wing cross which connected with Chris Gregg’s stick and flew into the net. Bowdon quickly equalised as Dutoy grabbed his second from a Simon Egerton pass in the 45th minute.

Bowdon moved into the lead in the last three minutes, with a fast counter attack expertly finished by Egerton. Bowdon celebrated a great move and what looked like maximum points. Beeston got on with the job, raced down the pitch from the restart and Tim Whiteman saved the Beeston blushes and the Bees eventually took a valuable away point. Beeston play Southgate (2.00pm) on Sunday 26th February at Highfields Sports Club.

Beeston now face two home matches from which they must take maximum points as the season moves into the cutting edge for Play-off slots.