Welcome to Bridgwater Hockey Club

Our victorious mixed team, that beat Penzance 7-1 on Sunday 20th January to move to the next round of the England Mixed Hockey Cup

Back Row: L to R - Lee Chorley, Will Pope, Sapphy Reed-Yang, Charlotte East, Becca Tasker, Sue Chaplin, Paul Tilley, Tom Stacey

Front Row: L to R - Lucy Burridge, Rob Morrish, Brandon Durkin, Lewis Coad, Duncan Morrish

Saturday 19 January 2019

19th January Bridgwater Mens 1st 2 - 2 Firebrands B

The mens 1s title bid took a small hit this week, as they dropped points away to Firebrands. With only eleven, Bridgwater were on the back foot early on and had to withstand wave after wave of attack; holding steady and not conceding. In a rare break, the three forwards, Jordan Rawles, Will Pope and Todd Barrett each had their part to play in a great move that led to Barrett putting his side a goal up. Meanwhile, Rob Morrish had made a stunning goalline save with his face and lost a tooth and a fair bit of blood for the cause! Bridgwater had their foothold into the game and stepped up after their goal - and could count themselves unlucky to concede a scrappy goal themselves, going into half time level.

The second half started in much the same vain as the first - Firebrands dictating the play, but not breaking through the Bridgwater defence. It was Bridgwater who would go ahead after a short corner move found its way to the bloodied Rob Morrish, who buried his first league goal in nearly three years! When it looked like they would hold out for a gritty victory, Firebrands struck home a weak goal with only five minutes to go - the weary legs telling in the dying embers of the game.

Player of the match went to defender Lee Chorley for a solid display and reading of the game at the back.

19th January Bridgwater A 4 - 3 Old Bristolians A

Bridgwater 2s hosted Old Bristolians for the second time but this was the higher of the teams. Knowing it was going to be a tough game against the team who were third in the league, this showed in the first ten minutes with Old Bristolians pressing high with tempo. Bridgwater were struggling to clear the ball and get it out of their half, with some sloppy passes and loose control turning the ball over and having to absorb lots of pressure. But after a string of last ditch tackles and good saves from goalkeeper Dom Rauch, and a number of short corners defended, Old Bristolians made a break through after a shot that was deflected in at the back post. Bridgwater had to work hard to get back into the game and also try and retain the ball to put pressure back on to Old Bristolians. But Bridgwater still struggled and after a ball was crashed into the D it was deflected by the Old Bristolians striker past Rauch. Bridgwater went into the break only two down.

Bridgwater knew they had improve to stand a chance of scoring a goal and not letting the game slip away, knowing they had to score first to stand a chance, Bridgwater started the second half by putting the pressure back onto Old Bristolians forcing them into mistakes. This pressure worked as a quick breakaway saw a cross from Tom Lott converted by Harry Rose who swept the ball into the net. With the extra confidence from getting the first goal Bridgwater pressed high and managed to grab a second from Joe Syvret - his initial strike was stopped, but after a bit of a scramble he dragged the ball back to flick the ball over the prone keeper. Now with the scores level the next goal would be key, and with the good play from Bridgwater continuing the next goal came from another breakaway which again saw Harry Rose sweep the ball into the net after running half of the pitch to create the opportunity.

With Old Bristolians heads still down Bridgwater managed to score a fourth - this time it came from a run from Lott. Lott’s shot was saved and the deflection fell kindly to Joe Syvret to complete his brace. After a great comeback with a two goal cushion Bridgwater had to try to control the game to wind down the clock. But after a few near misses Old Bristolians managed to score from a short corner, which was initially saved but then calmly finished. This was only to be a consultation goal which left Bridgwater winners after a great second half comeback. It was a great performance by all players especially from the midfield who ran tirelessly throughout the game. Man of the Match went to Dom Rauch in goal for keeping Bridgwater in the game in the first half and in a close second was Dom Court for his efforts in the midfield.

19thJanuary Bridgwater B 3 - 1 Mendip A

The mens 3s returned to winning ways with a vital 3-1 win against Mendip - and with league leaders South Gloucester only managing a draw, moved to within two points of the top. The game subbed and flowed, with both sides trying to dominate and neither quite imparting themselves enough to do so. It was the away side who would go one up, perhaps slightly against the run of play, and this kickstarted the 3s positive response. It would be a tale of two Phil Morrish penalty flicks that would put Bridgwater into the lead. The first was flicked hard under the keeper’s right arm, and the second craftily slipped into the bottom left hand corner - his first and second goals of the season giving his side the lead. Having grabbed the lead, the 3s seemed a lot more settled and despite a solid Mendip fightback, it was Simon Burland’s goal that settled the win.

Player of the match went to midfielder Jim Smith for a tireless display in the centre of the park.

19thJanuary Teign A 8 - 0 Bridgwater C

The mens 4s found selection a tricky this week, and having to rely on a large contingent of the 5th team can be proud of their effort despite the scoreline. Coming up against a very strong opposition at home never comes easy, and the gulf in ability sadly showed; but to each player's credit, no one shied away and each player gave their full effort until the final whistle.

Player of the match was tight between two players - and despite a typically strong performance from Toby Knight, it was the even younger Bertie Kelly who got the award.

19thJanuary Bridgwater Ladies 1 v 5 Firebrands 3rd

The ladies 1s unfortunately were on the wrong side of rough scoreline. Bridgwater were the first to score from an excellent ball into the D from Heidi Martin, enabling Sapphy Reed-Yang to slot the ball into the corner giving Bridgwater the lead for the first 20 minutes. Both sides had some excellent chances and the game was incredibly even, but Firebrands responded well to conceding and managed to get the goals they needed from some well worked short corner routines. Player of the match was split between goal scorer Sapphy Reed-Yang and defender Donna Cooper who had an exceptional and strong game. Bridgwater face Civil Service next week at home, and look forward to bouncing back to winning ways!

19thJanuary Sidmouth and Ottery 2nd 9 v 0 Bridgwater Ladies 2nd

The Ladies 2s travelled to Sidmouth & Ottery this week in a 2nd vs 3rd place match. It was Sidmouth that started the game stronger, forcing Bridgwater back into their own half and they scored two early goals. Bridgwater let their heads go down for a while after this. There was a wave of attacks from Sidmouth who passed the ball around excellently. Bridgwater couldn't find a way past the Sidmouth midfield and struggled to get the ball up the pitch. Sidmouth went on to score another four goals in the first half. With some slight changes in position Bridgwater went into the second half wanting more possession. They played better from the push back and were able to attack Sidmouth's D a few times during the half with some great passing between players. Sidmouth were quick on the counter attack and scored another three goals in the second half. A massive thank you to Sam Mirto who stepped in for only her second game in goal in which was a very tough match.

Player of the match went to Rachel Higgs.

Sunday 20 January 2019

England Hockey Cup - Mixed

20th January Bridgwater 7 - 1 Penzance

One of the biggest results of the weekend was saved for Sunday - with the Bridgwater mixed team showing their potential in a dominant victory over Penzance in the England Hockey Mixed Cup. The first half started brightly and it was Bridgwater who appeared the side on top - creating some good chances through Sapphy Reed-Yang and Lucy Burridge, but narrowly missing the goal and forcing saves from the keeper. The first goal came from captain Duncan Morrish, who after managing to break into the D, slotted the ball into the far corner. For all their hard work, the second goal didn’t quite come to fruition in the first half - and allowing a few attacks, Bridgwater went into half time holding on to their slender lead. In the second half, Bridgwater really turned on the style. Will Pope grabbed himself 2 goals in quick succession after some stunning moves including all forwards, and the score was soon 4-0 after Paul Tilley deftly deflected home from a Laura Coles cross. Not to be outdone, Pope went on to grab his second hat trick for the mixed side in as many games and Bridgwater were on their way at five up. Penzance deservedly grabbed one back from a strong penalty flick, but a reverse strike from Duncan Morrish put bridgwater further aead, with Charlotte East burying the seventh into the bottom corner.

Player of the match was a tight spectacle - but deservedly got awarded to Will Pope for an energetic display and solid hat trick.

Junior Section Update and Dates

Bridgwater Hockey Club 2018-19 Junior Update no.1
Available at junior training or via download from here and on our Facebook Group.
junior flyer 2018-19.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [353.9 KB]

News! West Masters Trials - Ladies
Start in October, November for all age groups. Details in the attachment below.
West Masters-2019-Trials.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [129.4 KB]

Please Complete and Return Your Membership Form!

It's that time of the season when we ask all players (Senior and Junior) to complete a Membership Form so that we can ensure we have all the correct contact and other details on file.

Membership Forms are available for download, and captains and other club officials should be able to provide paper copies as well. Please help us keep all your details up to date.

Training starts Tuesday 4th September!

Well, for Ladies and Mens teams anyway!

Ladies at 7:00pm and Men at 8:15pm. Let's have a great turn-out for the first week!

The Junior training will start on Tuesday 11th September at 6:00pm. We've delayed it by a week as not all the schools are back on the 4th September.

2018/19 Fixtures Summary

A summary of this season's fixtures now on the Fixtures Page. Some times (mostly for away games have not yet been completed. We'll update as soon as we know.

AGM Updates

There was a slightly disappointing attendance at the AGM with only 15 members attending.

Not the full minutes here, but some of the main points below:

Introduction

Alan Baldwin chaired, welcomed those attending, and confirmed that the meeting was quorate. Apologies had been received from 12 members.

Alan gave a short report of the season.

The season's award winners were summarised and confirmed and trophies will be engraved to be avaiable shortly.

Treasurer's Report

Copies of the accounts were circulated, and with some adjustments, the accounts showed an excess of income over expenditure of £2,781. It was noted that it had been a strong season for fundraising.

Given the current financial position of the club, the treasurer proposed that subscriptions, match fees, and travel expenses (fuel) would remain at the same level as this year, and this was agreed.

A specific reduction in subscriptions of 50% for goalkeeping members in recognition of the costs of providing goalkeeping equimnet was discussed, proposed and agreed.

Election of Officers

The following Officers were duly proposed, seconded and elected:

President - Sheila Burridge

Chairman - Alan Baldwin
Vice-Chairman - Sue Chaplin
Treasurer/MembershipSecretary - Rachel Higgs
Secretary - Bridget Hedaux
Club Captain - Dan Pigden
Men’s Fixture Secretary/League Liason - Rob Morrish
Ladies Fixture/Match Secretary - Julie Morrish
Umpires’ Secretary - Julie Morrish
General committee - Geoff Banham
Press and Communication Officer - Sapphy Reed-Yang/Alan Baldwin
Youth Representative - not elected (to be co-opted at the start of 2018/19 season)
Ladies 1st XI Captain - Lucy Burridge
Ladies 2nd XI Captain - Clare Wilson
Men’s 1st XI Captain - Duncan Morrish
Men’s 2nd XI Captain - Mike Morrish
Men’s 3rd XI Captain - Marcus Blyth
Men’s 4th XI Captain - Ian Stradling - co-opted Aug-18
Men’s 5th XI Captain - James Kettlewell

Vice-Presidents

All current Vice-Presidents were re-elected.

Any Other Business

Coaching

The committee to discuss the selection and appointment of coaches at the first committee meeting, to cover mens and ladies sections of the club.

New Membership

It was agreed that the a sub-committee should be set up to work to attract new members to the club - especialy in the 19-25 age group. This sub-committee to be set up at the first committee meeting.

First Aid

Sue Durkin offered to liaise with her employers to provide a lockable first aid cupboard for the 1610 pitchside. A meeting is to be convened with 1610 to follow up.

It was agreed that additional first aid training should take place for club members - both formal and informal to ensure adequate first aid coverage in the club.

Pitch Update

Bridget outlined that further work to complete and enhance the pitch refurbishment would take place in June.

Bridget to keep the committee and the club updated with further improvement plans and developments.

2017/18 Season Awards

The Bridgwater Hockey Club Awards Evening was held at the Admiral’s Landing in Bridgwater. After a carvery dinner, the awards were presented to the players’ players of the year by team, followed by a range of special awards. Trophies were presented by club president Sheila Burridge and chair Alan Baldwin.

Some of the award winners in the picture, with Tom Lott getting some assistance holding the trophies!

Mens 1st Player of the Year - Tom Lott
Mens 2nd Player of the Year - Harry Rose
Mens 3rd Player of the Year - Dom Rauch
Mens 4th Player of the Year - Alex Howe
Mens 5th Player of the Year - Toby Knight
Ladies 1st Player of the Year - Sapphy Reed-Yang
Ladies 2nd Player of the Year - Hilary McNeil
Top Goalscorer - Tom Lott
Best Youth Male - Mulberry Threlfall-Eyres
Best Youth Female - Willow Hobbs
Most Improved Male - Lewis Coad
Most Improved Female - Lauren Morrish
Best Trainer - Kashi Morrish
Fair Play Trophy Men - Kieran Wood
Fair Play Trophy Ladies - Hilary McNeil
Team of the Year - Mens 1st
Clunk - Brandon Durkin
Captain's Cup - Rob Morrish