Match Reports!

Saturday 10th March 2007

Long Buckby 2's 1 Leamington 3's 1

Long Buckby now approaching the end of there season with all match results important to there league position and Leamington were always going to make it difficult for the home side.

Buckby from there pushback, attacked well, but were closed down very quickly by a more experienced and senior Leamington side. Buckby made sure they kept the pressure on and despite plenty of play in and around the circle Buckby were denied any goals by some excellent defending from the Leamington keeper. With plenty of action from both teams neither were able to capatilise and at the half time whistle they remained in a stalemate 0-0 scoreline.

For both teams there was plenty to play for and it was going to be another half of action, Buckby certainly laid on the pressure and made some excellent attacking moves with Sara Barnes and Sophie Thompson linking well with Kit Seymour on the right wing, but despite the pressure they were constantly denied the opening goal. with it all still to play for it was a break away by Leamington which was totally against the run of play, who were able to put a ball from the backline in between the the goal post and the back of the young Buckby keepers pads, who was just not able to get herself in a position to block the bal.So leamington elated that they had scored and with only 8 mins left to play, the pressure was certainly on for Buckby to try and minimalise the damage by at least clawing back an equaliser, eventually Buckby got there wish and a pass in by Carrie Phelan to Sophie Thompson saw the ball land at top goalscorer Kit Seymour's feet who then made this goalscoring lark look easy. The final score finished 1-1 and a relieved Buckby were happy to salvage a point from a tough fixture all credit to leamington though they produced some excellent hockey at times.

Saturday 3rd March 2007

Sutton Coldfield 6's 0 Long Buckby 2's 3

Long Buckby 2's travelled to Sutton Coldfield and secured a clean victory against the hosts.Sutton started strongly and dominated the first ten minutes, keeping Buckby's defence very busy, but they battled well and eventually started to regain possession through the mid field, Sara Barnes and Sophie Thompson linked well together and started to distribute to the wingers, giving them some good attacking opportunities, Sutton now found themselves on the receiving end of pressure and just minutes from half time a right wing cross in from Millie Entwistle saw Sophie Thompson find the back of the net and open the scoring.

The second half started well for Buckby with them continuing to dominate the play. The midlfield working again very hard creating some great opportunites for the wingers, but it was centre forward Emily Phelan who was to pick up the 2nd goal, she neatly picked out the ball from a malee of sticks in front of the keeper and pushed it in behind. Buckby maintained the pressure and they continued to be dangerous around the goal, Millie Entwistle like in the first half was putting immense pressure on the sutton full back and it was her cross into the circle from the right wing that the third goal evovled this time Carrie Phelan was the awaiting forward. Buckby had several further opportunities and were unlucky not to have had at least another couple of goals, but they were happy at the final whistle to come away with a 3-0 win.

Saturday 3rd February 2007

Long Buckby 6 – Fat Cats 1

Despite an intermittent fixture list since the Christmas break due to winter weather Buckby put in a great team performance to emphatically beat their recent bogey team.

The first half started with wide open play but a well practiced penalty corner strike from Buckby was reverse flick converted by in form Paul Wales to start the scoring. Next up was Mike Grimsdale who added to the score sheet by a great solo run after a concerted Buckby build up.

Long Buckby 2's 5 Blossomfield 3's 0

With the previous weeks game conceded by the opposition, Buckby were keen to regain there match fitness with some important league games approaching.

Buckby from the whistle looked keen and eager for territory and a midfield battle ensued. Sara Barnes and Sophie Thompson linked well together for Buckby and were giving Blossomfield a hard time with there attacking runs and finally their hard work paid off when Kit Seymour found the back of the net when fed to her by these two inside forwards. Despite being a goal ahead it wasn't plain sailing for the Buckby defence and at times they were certainly put to the test and it was some excellent goalkeeping from chelsea Evans that made sure that early lead wasn't lost. One goal up Buckby were unlucky on several occasions not to have increased this lead and there patience paid off this time in a reversal of the first goal it was a cross in from Kit Seymour from the right wing across the goal mouth to an awaiting Sophie Thompson who without any hesitation drummed home the ball into the left corner of the goal with the Blossomfield keeper helpless to make the save. Leading into the last quarter of the 1st half saw Buckby again grab another well earned goal, Kit seymour taking the honours for the 2nd time. Buckby were pleased to have this cushion of a 3-0 lead going into the half time whistle.

Things were still fairly equal from the start of the new half, but it was Blossomfield who probably played their best minutes of the game and were every bit as capable of scoring. It wasn't to be, infact it ended up going the other way and it was Buckby's Sara Barnes who was deservedly rewarded with this goal. Just to finish the game off totally for Blossomfield, Kit Seymour sealed it with her 3rd and final goal and her hatrick of the match.

SATURDAY 20TH JANUARY 2007

Olton Ladies 4's 1 Long Buckby 2's 0

Long Buckby 2's were disappointed not to come away with a point from this weeks game after a plucky performance against Olton 4's.

The first half from the push back saw Buckby taking the game to Olton and despite several penalty corners and a lot of attacking runs and shots on goal Buckby were denied that opening goal by some excellent defence work from the Olton keeper and defenders. The first half ended 0-0 and the game still open to either teams for the taking.

The second half was more open between the two teams with attacking runs from both sides, both keepers seeing plenty of action the scoreline could have gone either way, Jude Eddon played an excellent role for Buckby marking Olton's centre forward out of the game, but it was a goal mouth battle that ended the stalemate when an Olton winger picked up a loose ball not cleared by the Buckby defence and chipped it in behind the young Buckby keeper Chelsea Evans who up to then had made some superb saves and really didn't stand any chance of reaching this ball. Despite some more attacking runs from Buckby they just couldn't find that equaliser. The final score 1-0 to Olton 4's.

Long Buckby Ladies 1's 3 V 2 Jaguar Ladies

Long Buckby ladies 1st team continued their recent good form with a hard fought 3-2 win over a determined Jaguar team. Right from the start Buckby showed their strength with a quick goal within the openings minutes following a Sue Robson shot that was only parried by the Jaguar keeper for Pamela Kerr to put into an empty net. Both teams then stepped up the pace in a wide open game resulting in several chances at both ends. A second goal followed with a fine individual run and shot from Sue Robson. But a two goal advantage was short lived as Jaguar grabbed a deserved goal just before half time from a deflected short corner, giving Buckby keeper Vicki Lyons no chance.

Saturday 25th November 2006

Edgbaston 4's  4 V 1 Long Buckby 2's

Long Buckby 2's put up a brave performance away to their nearest rivals Edgbaston 4ths in the League. It was always going to be a crunch match and Buckby young side just couldn't quite match the strength of this home side on this leg.

Edgbaston were very strong from the start and really took the game to Buckby, whose defence found themselves having to absorb a lot of pressure in the opening minutes of the game. Alison Horder worked incredibly hard at centre half for Buckby and backed up by Jude Eddon and Jenny Roberts in defence certainly helped to keep the home side from scoring, but it was inevitable that Edgbaston would break through with their continued attacking play and Buckby had to concede when crucial tackles were missed in defence which allowed them to get the shot on goal.  A goal down Buckby fought back hard and very nearly pulled back an equaliser from a penalty corner when a Carrie Phelan strike was just tipped of the back line by the Keepers foot.  The battle between the two top teams ensued and it was the home side who clinched another goal just before the half time whistle.

The second half started confidently for Edgbaston and with the 2 goal advantage they settled into a display of more attacking play, but Buckby weren't allowing them an easy run, Hattie Smith made some excellent tackles as right half and went on to produce some good runs with her link Sara Barnes and winger Sophie Thompson, but just found it difficult to put together the finishing touches in the circle.  Despite moments of good play from Buckby it was Edgbaston who were able to put together the moves and create the shooting opportunities and it didn't take them long to increase their lead yet again and they were to add yet another going into the last five minutes of the game, but there was a reward for Buckby right at the end when another attacking run by Hattie Smith, Sara Barnes and Sophie Thompson opened up the Edgbaston defence enough to enable Carrie Phelan the shot on goal and the Keepers desperate saving attempt saw it deflect into the goal off her foot.  Buckby will take away this first defeat and look forward to the return match, where they will hope to turn the result around.

Long Buckby Badgers 3 - 2 Northampton Saints Badgers

Long Buckby Badgers produced a hard working performance to come from 2 goals to win 3-2 against Saints. After a slow start to the game, Saints took advantage of some sloppy defending to open the scoring in what was the first opportunity for either side. Buckby started to create chances with Darren Mann hitting the post, and Matt Griffiths and Keith Hutchinson both testing the Saints goalkeeper. Saints doubled the score with a soft reverse stick shot. Despite the setback, Buckby continued to press looking for away back into the match but nothing would come. Buckby started the 2 nd half strongly and with Lee Fleming pulling the strings in midfield, and the defence on top, Buckby were dominating the game. They got back into the game when Darren Mann scored from an acute angle. Matt Griffiths was making some excellent runs from midfield and he got the equalizer with an assist from Keith Hutchinson. With only 5mins to go Buckby got the winner they deserved when Sam Evans was left unmarked at the far post to squeeze the ball between the keeper's legs.

Campion Mixed 0 V 8 Long Buckby Mixed

Following on the from the previous week's hard earned 3-3 draw, Long Buckby secured an excellent result against Campion on Saturday.  Initially, Long Buckby struggled to play any flowing hockey and, whilst having most of the possession, were wasteful in the final third.  Campion also had a number of break-away opportunities early on.  Half way through the first half some slick passing created Long Buckby's first clear opening which debutant and Player of the Match, Sara Barnes, converted by calmly slipped the ball under the Campion keeper.  Long Buckby went on to waste numerous chances before half-time. The second half started well with Kath Daniels and Tom Webb scoring from Andy Morgan assists.  This was followed by a another smart move with Barnes scoring her second from a Daniels assist.  Morgan then scored two in quick succession from further Daniels assists, before Mike Grimsdale scored with a good short-corner strike.  the scoring was rounded off by Paul Wales who slipped the ball in from 5 yards. A special mention must go to Garry Robson and Christine Bennion without whose selfless commitment to the team, the game wouldn't have been played at all.

Long Buckby 2's    1             Sutton 6's       0

Long Buckby 2's certainly put together another excellent team performance and came away deserved winners.

From the pushback Buckby worked well as a unit and some good attacking runs from right winger Sophie Thompson saw Sutton having to play a far more defensive game in the opening minutes.  Despite Buckby's attacking moves they weren't proving fruitful and credit had to be given to Sutton's defence who didn't allow the Buckby forwards anytime to have a shot on goal.  The first half concluded 0-0, with the game still wide open and 3 points for the taking.

The second half saw Sutton get more attacking moves, but they struggled to get past Jude Eddon and Jenny Roberts who both produced some excellent defensive work throughout the game and when Sutton did break the ranks young keeper Chelsea Evans took control and like the previous week made some crucial decisions to keep Buckby in the game.  It was certainly a game of end to end hockey with both midfields having to battle hard, Buckby's Centre half Kay Molloy distributed some lovely passes to inside forwards Sara Barnes and later on Sophie Windatt to which it went on to create the openings for Buckby's front running forwards and they were finally rewarded, Sophie Thompson putting the cross in from the right saw it deflected by the Sutton keeper onto Carrie Phelan's stick who in turn put it back across the goal mouth to the awaiting stick of Emily Phelan on the far post for that crucial winning goal. Buckby were pleased with their team performance and glad to claim the 3 points, but all credit to Sutton they certainly pushed Buckby all the way to the final whistle.

Berks & B.C HC 3 V 3 Long Buckby 2's

Long Buckby 2's certainly produced an excellent team performance against a more experienced Berkswell & Balsall Common 1st Team and were pleased to secure the 3-3 all draw.

B & BC were very dominant from the start and Long Buckby's more junior side found themselves having to fend off some strong forward attacks. Long Buckbys young keeper Chelsea Evans made some crucial saves and the defence worked very hard through the first 15 minutes and against the run of play it was a break by the Buckby forwards and a mistake by the B & BC Keeper saw Emily Phelan pick up a re-bound and put it in behind the keeper. The lead however didn't last for long and the home side were quick to reply with a well earnt equaliser, but Buckby were not finished and Kit Seymour secured a 2nd goal just before the half time whistle with a clinically struck short corner strike.

The second half started well for Buckby and they certainly put together some good attacking hockey this time is was B&B C who were on the back foot and spending rather more time in there defending half, Buckby were soon to be rewarded when Kit Seymour put a ball across the goal mouth and Emily Phelan made sure it was put away, but B & BC were not giving up and there strength and experience certainly showed through in the last 10 mins of the game when a succession of short corners eventually saw them claw back a 2nd goal. The visitors still had the extra goal advantage going into the last five minutes of the game and B & BC fought every minute of it with endless runs from their left winger, but it was in the last minute of play that their right winger inflicted the damage, when getting away from her marker she only had the keeper to beat and her experience showed as she played it around the keepers pads and into the goal to draw the teams level. With the score level at 3 all and literally only seconds on the clock, it left Buckby unable to make any reply back and they were relieved to hear the final whistle. It was a gutsy performance from a young Buckby side and the 9 young juniors who were apart of the team were all worthy of a Man of the Match award.

Long Buckby Mixed 2 V 1 Bugbrooke (28th October)

With Paul's words from the previous week still ringing in our ears, Long Buckby set off in search of another scalp.  The unfortunate tribe to cross our path were Bugbrooke who had never felt the pain of being defeated by Long Buckby and, whilst Buckby created a number of chances early in the first half, it appeared that Bugbrooke were going to maintain that record after an excellent short corner strike which went like a rocket (Stephenson's rocket) into the bottom right hand corner of the Long Buckby goal.  However, Long Buckby are made of sterner stuff (apparently) and, continuing on from the previous week, did not panic but kept creating chances with man of the Match, Tom 'Hilton' Webb, Sue Robson, Mike 'Grimo' Grimsdale and Andy 'enough of the inverted commas already' Morgan having opportunities to level the score.  The equalising goal finally came when Paul Wales finished off a well worked (if slight fluky) short corner routine, and it was no more than Buckby deserved. Buckby kept pressurizing and Andy Morgan finally converted a short corner shortly before the final whistle to secure another 3 points.  A special mention should also go to the defence, particularly Garry Robson, Vicki Soden and Lou Evans who successful stifled most of the opposition attacks.

BLOSSOMFIELD 3RDS 3 V 6 LONG BUCKBY LADIES 2NDS

Long Buckby 2 nd s put in another excellent and exciting team performance this week to gain their fifth win against a strong Blossomfield side.

Long Buckby started confidently and soon put the pressure on Blossomfield defenders, Kit Seymour and Emily Phelan both had early opportunities.  The first goal however came from open play Carrie Phelan unmarked ran the ball into the circle, unchallenged her early shot saw the keeper unable to reach the left post in time.  A goal up Buckby certainly didn't lack confidence and some creative play from Sophie Thompson at right inner saw her link the ball through to an awaiting Kit Seymour who deservedly put the ball in the back of the net.  In keeping the Blossomfield Team suppressed in their own half, Buckby didn't allow them to play the attacking game they were used to, though on the break they proved that they new exactly what to do with it. A ball hit into space behind the Buckby defence saw young keeper Chelsea Evans unsure whether to come out and attack the ball or let the attacker get the touch, the experienced attacker took full advantage of the young keeper's indecision and pulled a goal back for Blossomfield. Undeterred by the home team's goal, Buckby still seemed they were in control and it wasn't long before they pulled another goal back, Kit Seymour taking the honours again.  Blossomfield were still not finished as the closing minutes of the first half were drawing near, from a penalty corner they managed to steal back, albeit a rather scrappy goal to keep them in the game.

The second half saw Blossomfield starting with a renewed confidence and Buckby found themselves back peddling, but some good defensive work by Buckby, led by Jude Eddon and Robyn Hart saw their juniors Erin Meyler, Lucy Boston, Sophie Windatt and Hattie Smith putting in courageous performances.  Despite the pressure from Blossomfields midfield, Buckby always looked dangerous going forward and again almost a duplicate of the first goal, Carrie Phelan had time and space for the shot at the top of the circle this time though it was a deflection off an opponent that put the ball into the net with the keeper having no chance.  The experienced Blossomfield side were certainly not going to give up and they battled on and certainly on the break they were dangerous and when they wrong footed Jude Eddon, it left Chelsea Evans a difficult task to block the shot from the attacking winger. At 4-3 Buckby had to dig deep into their reserves and they were soon to be rewarded, Hattie Smith made some excellent tackles and runs up the right, linking well with Sara Barnes in midfield and further shooting opportunities started to arise and it was Emily Phelan who took the honours from a Kit Seymour strike she managed to get a stick on it and make sure it crossed the line.  Just minutes later with a late flourish a shot by Carrie Phelan saw right winger Sophie Thompson unlucky not to net the ball.  In the closing minutes of the game, both teams still battling it out with some frantic defensive work from both sides it was Buckby who were awarded a penalty corner, despite several in the match they hadn't been able to convert, but this was to prove the accept ion and Kit Seymour drilled home an excellent strike to conclude the win for Buckby.  Man of the Match for Buckby was awarded to Hattie Smith.

Long Buckby 2 - 1 Brixworth (21st October)

Following on from Buckby's excellent result the previous week at Mascot, the mixed team secured another fine result. Having already beaten Brixworth 5-0 on the opening day of the season, Buckby started the game in confident mood and created a number of chances.  Half way through the first period Andy Morgan scored a fine solo effort (although he scuffed the shot a bit which kind of took the shine off it - but a good goal nonetheless) and it looked like Brixworth were due another drubbing.  However, Brixworth are made of sterner stuff (apparently) and equalised either at the end of the first half or the start of the second half (I forget).  During the whole game Long Buckby's defence hardly got a touch, which is shame because if they had they might have prevented the goal!  The second half was one way traffic with Buckby creating numerous chances and missing a shed-load of short-corners before one was finally converted by Andy Morgan shortly before full-time. 

The game was filled with such passion, skill and belief that it prompted a mid-week outburst of emotion from Man of the Match, Paul 'Makelele' Wales (Man of the Match because he didn't let our defence get a touch - lean, mean, tackling machine)

JAGUAR LADIES 3RDS 1 V 11 LONG BUCKBY LADIES 2NDS

Buckby were away to Jaguar Ladies 3 rd Team for their 4 th league game of the season and certainly came away worthy Division Four leaders with Kit Seymour notching up another 7 goals to add to her previous 10 from the first 3 League matches.

The first half saw the visitors dominating the attack with Jaguar spending most of there time fending off the Buckby forwards, Cathy Hibberd on right wing made some excellent runs and crosses into the circle and it was Carrie Phelan who opened up the scoring with a reverse stick strike from the back line.  It was soon to be followed by Kit Seymours first from open play, but then it was Jaguars turn when they broke down their left side and managed to secure a goal back, but it was short lived when from the restart Harriett Allen linked with Kit Seymour who then took no time to put it straight into the back of the net.  Kit Seymour went on to score a further two goals before the half time whistle.

The second half was still dominated by the Buckby attack and it wasn't long before Kit Seymour claimed her fifth goal.  Kay Molloy controlled the midfield well for Buckby and was well supported by her young halves Sophie Windatt, Hattie Smith and Lucy Boston and it was another attacking move via the left saw Buckby awarded a penalty corner, a strike from Kit Seymour saw a deflection off a defenders stick straight into the top right corner leaving the keeper no chance. Buckby now six goals clear still kept up the pressure and finally Cathy Hibberd who had supplied some excellent balls into the circle  was rewarded when she picked up a rebound from a penalty corner and managed to push the ball in between the post and the keeper. Still not content two of the Buckby junior forwards were determined to get their names on the score sheet, Harriett Allen claimed the ninth with a cheeky reverse hit and Emily Phelan took the tenth when slipping the ball in on the left post behind the keeper, but it was Kit Seymour who had to put the finishing touch to this game with a superb strike from a penalty corner.  It was a polished performance from Buckby with some encouraging play from the youngsters, and despite Kit Seymours 7 goals, Captain Carrie Phelan awarded Sophie Windatt man of the match for her overall contribution to the game.  

WEBB SNARES THREE POINTS!!!

Mascot 2's 0 V 1 Long Buckby Mixed

Long Buckby Mixed XI bounced back well from losing against Northgate with a 1-0 away win against Mascot in the Northamptonshire Mixed Hockey Association League. Long Buckby started the brighter of the two sides, pinning the opposition in their own half without creating many clear-cut chances. As the first half continued the game opened up and Long Buckby converted a break-away opportunity mid-way through the first half with Thomas J Webb scoring his first of the season with an instinctive first
time finish from a Sue Robson cross.
The second half continued to be closely fought with both sides creating chances, Long Buckby spurning a number of penalty corners. Long Buckby were down to 10 players towards the latter stages due to a nasty injury to Jo Hutchins, but excellent work by Christine Bennion (player of the
match) and Garry Robson at the centre of defence, coupled with a number of fine reaction saves from Ben Hawkins secured the three points.

Long Buckby Ladies 2's 2 V 1 Olton 4's

Long Buckby's 2nd team worked extremely hard this week to keep up there winning ways with a 2-1 win over Olton ladies 4th team at home and to keep them at the top of Warwickshire Ladies Divison 4.

Buckby started with good possession and were soon creating opportunities for shots on goal, Kit Seymour coming close on several occasions along with Emily Phelan on the left wing.  Despite all the effort it was a week when it wasn't going to rain goals for the Buckby forwards and credit has to be given to some excellent defensive work by Olton and there keeper for making some impressive saves.  With over 15 min's played in the first half finally Buckby got their reward and it was Kit Seymour who secured a well timed strike in the circle from open play. From the restart, end to end hockey continued with both teams battling for control in the midfield and it was Buckby's defence who were suddenly put under pressure and Olton's forwards took full advantage when unchallenged in the circle a quick strike from their Centre Forward saw the Buckby's young Keeper Chelsea Evans unable to cover the whole of the goal. Going into half time one a piece the game was very much open for the taking.

The second half was also packed with loads of action and some excellent hockey from both sides and the battle of the midfields continued.  Buckby were lucky to be awarded more penalty corners in this half, but were just unlucky not to convert them.  Again the luck lay with the home side and it was Kit Seymour who was to claim her second goal of the match and putting Buckby back into the lead once more, but it was never going to be easy right up to the final whistle and with legs tiring Buckby's defence were certainly put through there paces and had to dig deep when Olton were awarded penalty corners in those last few minutes of the game, but they were unable to capitalise and there was a sigh of relief from the home side when the final whistle blew.  Buckby's captain Carrie Phelan was extremely pleased with the hard effort put in this week by all the players from the juniors through to the seniors it was an excellent team performance

Warwick 3's 2 V 8 Long Buckby Ladies 2's

Long Buckby Ladies 2nd Team were away to Warwick Ladies 3rd Team at Warwick and were keen to keep up their winning streak.

From the whistle it was Warwick who held possession in the midfield and were keen to link up with their forwards, but Buckby sat quietly and just dug deep and gained the ball back with some good tackles from the midfielders and it wasn't long before some excellent work up both wings saw Buckby awarded with a short corner, Kit Seymour took the honours with an excellent strike from an Emily Phelan push out. The pressure continued in Warwicks defensive half and it wasn't long before Carrie Phelan put a clean strike from the edge of circle between the keepers pads for the 2nd goal. With just a minute gone from the restart Warwick were back peddling again and it was Carrie Phelan who picked up a loose ball in the circle and another shot secured a 3rd goal. Despite all the pressure Warwick did not stop battling and they turned the tables when they caught the Buckby defence out with a ball crossed in front of goal was touched in by a free Warwick forward on the far post.  Buckby were certainly not finished for this half and they soon replied back with another goal from Kit Seymour just before the half time whistle.

The second half was just as busy as the first with Buckby still dominating the attack and not long into the game it was Kit Seymour who claimed her 3 rd goal of the match. Warwick never let their heads drop and they still made Buckby's midfield Hattie Smith, Amanda Becker and Sophie Windatt work very hard, but despite Warwicks efforts, Buckby's forwards got another break this time Emily Phelan managed to pop the ball across the goal line for Buckby's 6th. Warwick's enthusiasm was still not dampened by the scoreline and a break down their right saw them get the cross into the circle and finally rewarded with a 2nd goal. With both teams still battling on, Buckby still seemed to have energy left to score goals and Kit Seymour put away her 4th of the match and then Carrie Phelan finished the match with her hatrick to leave the final score of 8-2 to Buckby.

Northgate 3 V 0 Long Buckby Mixed

Long Buckby Mixed XI's good start to the season came to an abrupt halt with a 3-0 loss against Northgate in the Northamptonshire Mixed Hockey Association League. Long Buckby started very slowly and were one nil down early in the game.
Long Buckby struggled to retain the ball, despite the sterling efforts of Paul Wales at the centre of midfield, and were unsettled by
Northgate's pace on the break, which led to a second goal shortly before half time.The second half was more closely fought with Long Buckby restricting the opposition to fewer chances and creating a number of their own, with Kit Seymour, Andy Morgan and Tom Webb all spurning chances to get on the score-sheet. Northgate secured the win with a fine solo effort shortly before the final whistle.

Long Buckby Mixed 4 V 0 Amateurs

Long Buckby Mixed XI continued their good start to the season with a 4-0 win against Roade 'Amateurs' in the Northamptonshire Mixed Hockey Association League. Contrary to their reputation, Long Buckby started quickly and were soon one nil up after Kit Seymour forced the ball in after a goal-line scramble. Long Buckby continued to pressurize the away team's goal mouth and eventually added a second from Sue Robson, from an Andy Morgan assist. Early in the second half Sue Robson added a third with the help of a deflection after which Long Buckby's effort levels dropped and the away side had a period of possession. Some fine saves from Ben Hawkins, a number of vital 'last ditch' tackles from the central defensive pairing of Garry Robson and Vicki Soden and a missed
penalty flick ensured a clean sheet. The opposition's brief onslaught seemed to wake up Long Buckby who regained the upper hand with Andy Morgan scoring the fourth from a Sue Robson assist shortly before full-time. Long Buckby Hockey Club is sponsored by www.realityexpansionevents.com. If you are interest playing hockey, please contact Louise Evans at Louise.evans15@btinternet.com. Long Buckby Mixed's next fixture is at 10.30am this Saturday against Northgate at Moulton Leisure Centre.

Brixworth 0 v 5 Long Buckby Mixed

Long Buckby Mixed XI started their season with a convincing win against Brixworth in the Northamptonshire Mixed Hockey Association League. Under the guidance of club coach, Malcolm Griffiths, the team started well, controlling possession and looking strong in defence. Rebecca Izzard scored after 15 minutes with a smart finish from a Sue Robson assist. This was shortly followed by a deft reverse stick finish from Louise Evans, giving the visitors a 2-0 lead at half time. The second half continued in the same vein, with Robson adding a third with a solo effort and then rifling the fourth into the bottom corner following excellent work from Michael Grimsdale. The scoring was completed by the captain, Andy Morgan, following another Robson assist.

Long Buckby Hockey Club gets off to a winning start.

Following on from the clubs success at the Swinford Hockey Tournament, where the ladies team narrowly lost the final on penalty flicks, both Ladies teams came away with wins at the weekend.

Playing in their first pre-season friendly fixtures Long Buckby Ladies 1st team beat Lutterworth Ladies 1st team 2 – 1 and the 2nd team beat Kettering 3rds 6 – 0.

Long Buckby Ladies 1 st team went one goal down in the early stages of the game but then regrouped to control the remainder of the game. Buckby started the second half behind by a goal but fought back and scored 2 goals in the second half. The first goal came from Sue Robson with a spectacular strike from the top of the D. The 2nd came close to the end when Sara Barnes, on her debut for the first team, sneaked the ball past the keeper on the far post. Buckby held on to win the game.

Long Buckby ladies 2nd team made an impressive start to the new season in a friendly against Kettering 3rds.

From the opening whistle the Buckby side dominated the play which reflected with Kit Seymour hitting home a hatrick of goals in the first half.The second half saw Kettering fighting back but it was always there goalie and defence who were having to soak up the pressure from the Buckby forwards with some excellent runs Kit Seymour was able to put 2 further goals in the back of the net. It was Millie Entwistle who had had a superb game and deserved to pick up goal number six, a cross from the right saw Millie pick the ball up on the far post and nudge it in behind the keeper.

Training for seniors is on Thursdays at 7pm and for juniors on Sunday at 10am, both are at William Parker School . Anyone wanting to play is welcome to come along to training or call Amanda on 01788 891618