Season 2011-12

Captain: Liz Forbes

Match reports will be posted here.

Romsey Ladies 1s (3) vs Isle of Wight (1)

Scorers: Jenner, Edwards(2)

Romsey Ladies 1s ended the season in fine form with a well deserved victory away on the Isle of Wight.

In the heat of the midday sun, Romsey were fast out of the blocks, at attacked hard for the first few minutes penning the home side back. After initial pressure, Romsey couldn’t find the target, and the Islanders broke away and earned a short corner in their first attack of hte game. A well worked penalty corner lead to a goal and Romsey trailed after 5minutes.

Romsey were not to be discouraged, and soon found the equaliser from a superbe passage of play that was a joy to watch. Romsey passed the ball out from the back to Sophie Riley who distributed wide to Kate Moss who skillfully dribbled past a couple of defenders to get herself into the D. Moss delicately laid the ball off to Amy Edwards who sucked in defender and goalkeeper only to pass past them to the P spot where Erica Jenner was arriving to crack home the equaliser.

Romsey continued to attack from the right and the left and earnt themselves a few short corners. A well immprovsed short was spread wide to Emily Slade who slid the ball inot the danger area where Edwards was the first to pounce, slamming the ball past the keeper to gain the lead.

Half time saw a chance to cool off and take on much needed fluids.

Romsey started brightly in the second half. Riley and Moss interchanged passing up the pitch to work an opening, sliding the ball to Edwards again who hit hard and low to get her second goal and Romsey’s third.

Player of the match was shared between goalscorer Edwards, and defenders Sally Shrubb and Fran Savage.

Captain Liz Forbes was delighted to see her team win the final game of the season, and take her first ever win on the Isle of Wight. Romsey Ladies 1s finish the season 4th in Hampshire Div 2, just two points off 3rd place. Well done everyone, roll on next season!

Ladies 1s (4) vs Yateley (2)

Scorers: Slade (2), Edwards, Olingscleager

Romsey got into a strong start in their last home game of the season against Yately.

Within the first 10minutes, Romsey had several chances to open the scoring but failed to convert any chances.

But with some great play down the line, from AMy Welch, a pass was sent into the D and swept in by Player of the match, Emily Slade for her first goal of the season.

Yately quickly equalised, and it was 1-1 at half time.

Yateley were first off the blocks inthe second half and scored to make it 2-1.

Romsey were back into it quickly with great play down the wing, and cross in from Emily Bradshaw which Kate Olingschleager converted to make it 2-2.

Romsey kept the pressure and with a good hassle form Amy Edwards in the D, she popped the ball through the goalies legs and in the back on the goal for Romsey to take the lead.

A return to form was then confirmed with a great reverse stick goal from Emily Slade, takign the final score to 4-2.

Fareham (9) vs Ladies 1s (0)

Scorers – n/a

Romsey Ladies 1s had a disappointing day away to undefeated league leaders Fareham. Once again, Romsey could only muster the bear eleven to take the trip across to Fareham.

Romsey were prepared for a tough game, and were up against it right from the off as Fareham dominated the game. Romsey’s defensive unit was put to work against fast and creative attackers who had a number of chances early on. Romsey goalkeeper, Selena Cox made several impressive saves to keep the home team out, earning her player of the match. But, Fareham soon started the scoreline flowing, with Romsey struggling to resist the flowing attacks and pentrating shots.

Despite the scoreline, Romsey managed to get some attacks together and put Fareham under some pressure. First half runs, particularly from Erica Jenner and Kate Olingschleager pushed Romsey forward earning short corners. But Farehams defense were up to the task and defended well to keep the visitors out.

Fareham played a sensational game, their best of the season, and took a well deserved 3points. A result which sees them promoted as division 2 champions two games before the end of the season. Romsey, although wearey from the match, cannot be too disheartened, as they worked hard throughout and are looking to finish the season strongly, and retain 4th position.

Ladies 1s (0) vs Southampton Uni (2)

Scorers – n/a

Romsey Ladies 1s suffered in the sun as Southampton Uni took a step closer to securing promotion. Romsey knew they were in for a battle on Saturday, as they fielded a side which was down to the bare 11, wtih a couple of players feeling under the weather.

The game started at terrific pace, with both sides pressing high, trying to find the advantage early on. The visitors showed their skills and pace in the early stages, giving the Romsey defence plenty to think about. The Uni grabbed the initative after pressure from a short corner, gifted them a chance which was scrabbled in.

Romsey annoyed, but not deflated, worked hard to carve out an opening and create some presssure of their own. Intricate work from Romsey’s forward line of Amy Edwards and Kate Moss played several well timed balls through to the onrushing midfielders. One such pass, released Emily Bradshaw into the D, who got the shot off early, but unfortunately for Romsey, put it wide of the post.

Romsey continued to push forward looking for a way in, but were punished a few minutes later when Southampton Uni made a tackle deep in their own 23 and made a quick and decisive break resulting in their second goal.

Romsey kept battleing and knew they had to get on the attack. The defensive line spurred the team forward, transitioning the ball into attack via the wings. Erica Jenner was finding plenty of space on the right, supported by player of the match, Fran Savage. On the left, Captain Liz Forbes provided support to Emily Slade who fought for every ball down the left causing the students grief.

Romsey were soon rewarded for their efforts with a couple of short corners. Romsey tested the keeper, first, with a powerful strike from Lou Viney which was blocked and scrabbled away by the defence. The second, by a well executed dragflick, fired in from Jenner. The keeper was up to the task getting a hand to the shot. The resulting save was pounced on by Bradshaw, who shot to the right of the keeper, but thwarted by the Uni defender on the post.

Half time provided a welcome rest for both teams to catch breath after a frantic first half in the sun shine.

The game remained fairly level in the 2nd half. Both teams continued to look menacing in attack, and solid in defence. Romsey found some joy up the right with Savage pushing forward and Sophie Riley steaming through the Uni wingers, but Romsey couldn’t find that final decisive shot.

Jenner’s pass through to Edwards provided one of the better chances for the home side. With Edwards eluding her marker, but the shot was saved by the in-form keeper.

Late into the game, Selena Cox made a fantastic save, getting down early to block the shot and remaining composed enough to block the rebound.

The game finished 2-0 to the Uni, with Romsey feeling that despite the result, the work rate and performance was much improved from previous weeks. Captain Forbes was pleased at Romsey’s attacking play and how many chances the team was creating – the challenge for next week is to finish off these chances.

Ladies 1s (2) vs Petersfield (0)

Scorers: Edwards, Olingschleager

After several weeks of frosty weather, Romsey Ladies 1s finally returned to action with a long trek away to Petersfield. Romsey were keen to pull themselves out of a recent dip in form.

Romsey pressured from the off, with the 1st 10mins, the ball remained firmly in and around the Petersfield D. Romsey developed several chances that pinned back the home team defence, but could not penetrate past the keeper.

Romsey continued to build up the attacks, with play from both wings and through player of the match Erica Jenner, who took the fight to Petersfield making surging runs into the D. Several short corners were awarded, with Romsey trying out their many routines, but each time, the defence managed to get a block. A well struck shot from Lou Viney seered towards the bottom left corner, only to be denied by the toe of the on-form Petersfield goalkeeper.

Shots from Becky Hutchins and Kate Olingschleager made the keeper work, but couldn’t find a way in. Forwards Amy Edwards and Kate Moss worked tirelessly in the D to create an opening, but were denied every time.

With the game level at half time, Romsey were wondering what more they could do to grab the goal they clearly deserved. But the visitors didn’t panic, and continued to attack with great support from the wings.

To their credit, Petersfield continued to work hard, and made a couple of attacks of their own. Romsey’s defence held firm and a quick well aimed pass released the lurking Edwards on the half way line. She skillfully beat her defender and played a perfectly weighted ball across to the top of the D where Hutchins had out-sprinted the last defender to latch on to the cross. She took on the keeper, shooting to corner, but the Petersfield keeper was having a stormer, and managed to get a pad on the ball to deny the goal.

Romsey showed a fantastic display of commitment, working extreemly hard to find the opening. A shot from the right flew across, narrowly missing the end of Emily Slade’s stick, as she flung herself, diving to grab that elusive touch to put the ball in the net.

Finally, half way through the 2nd half, the deadlock was broken. A Romsey attack from Slade on the left, had caused havoc as Emily Bradshaw went to pick up a loose ball in the D , only to be thrown off her feet by some desperate defending. The resulting short corner routine slid a ball to Edwards on the P spot, who, despite being off balence, managed to divert the ball into the goal putting Romsey in front.

Romsey were keen to show they weren’t finished, and kept up the work rate. The 2nd goal came from the left hand side. Slade finding Bradshaw who interchanged passes with Moss, before passing across the goal. The ever present Olingschleager pounced getting the final touch to put hte ball throuhg the keepers feet to double the lead.

After weeks of no games, Romsey were pleased with the result, and look to build on this team spirit in next weeks clash against Southampton Uni at home.

Gosport (2) vs Romsey Ladies 1s (0)

Scorers: n/a

With pitches frozen in many areas, Romsey Ladies 1s travelled to Gosport braving sub-zero temperatures.

After a recent series of lackluster performances, Romsey produced some slick passing and looked an improved side in the early stages of the game. Good attacking play resulting in several goalmouth scrambles, dealt with by skillful goalkeeping from Gosport to prevent the visitors from taking the lead.

Goaless at half time, Romsey continued to fight well, but it was Gosport who took the lead with a well worked attack down the center.

Throwing themselves forward to find the equaliser, Romsey left themselves open to breaks and Gosport sealed victory despite an improved performance from the visitors.

Romsey 1s (0) vs Eastleigh (3)

Scorers: n/a

Romsey ladies 1s were looking for a better start at home to Eastleigh, after their previous weeks encounter that only acrewed a single point. Romsey came out fighting, applying pressure from the off, but it was Eastleigh who seized the momentum, taking the lead early on from a short corner.

Romsey worked hard and were awarded a short corner after some lovely play from Kate Moss in the middle. Eastleigh held firm and threw everything they had at the Romsey defence. Romsey’s back line held strong for a while, but eventually surcommed to the pressure with Eastliegh flicking the ball into the goal.

From the start of the second half Romsey dominated possession with Player of the Match, Kate Olingschleager and Emily Slade linking the ball well on the left hand side. Becky Hutchins provided support from the middle, distributing out wide to Amy Welch whose excellent runs dominated the right side of the pitch.

Despite the pressure Romsey put on Easleighs back line, spear headed by Amy Edwards, Romsey could not break through. Eventually, Eastleigh made a break leading to their third goal.

Despite the score, Romsey never gave up with excellent coaching from captain Liz Forbes at the back and Sally Shrubb gave 100% at the back passing it nicely to Sophie Riley who played brilliantly.

Romsey must look to improve if they wish to reclaim 2nd spot in the league.

Havent 3s (1) vs Romsey 1s (1)

Scorers: Riley

Match report to follow.

Romsey Ladies 1s (2) vs City of Portsmouth (1)

Scorers: Riley, Bradshaw

Romsey Ladies 1s returned from the Christmas break in fine form, grabbing 3 points in a tough opening fixture of 2012 against City of Portsmouth. Cold and frosty conditions lead to a short delay whilst the teams inspected the pitch, but the delay only went to enhance the ensueing battle.

Both teams shrugged off the frost and came out hard. Romsey had the upper hand in the opening 10mins as they piled pressure on the visitors defence, leaving City of Portsmouth with only glimpses of the Romsey D.

Romsey put together some excellent passages of play where the attack was built up out of accurate passing and fluid movement amongst the forwards. Kate Olingschlaeger’s swift runs up the left wing caused havoc in the Portsmouth defence, along with Emily Bradshaw’s forays into the D. The Portsmouth keeper made a several saves to keep Romsey from taking the opening they deserved.

A defensive error from the home side saw City of Portsmouth take the lead against the run of play. Romsey were quick to react, and equalised after further pressure in the Portsmouth defence lead to the award of a short corner. Sophie Riley stepped up and hit a straight strike which blasted through the keepers pads and into the goal.

Half time, the game was in the balance, as the pitch was warming up, so was the intensity.

Portsmouth started the second half with a higher line, pressing the Romsey defence. Romsey’s defence worked hard, with Riley and player of the match Sally Shrubb, soaking up the Portsmouth pressure in the middle, with confident, controlled play from Emily Slade and Liz Forbes on the wings to turn defence into attack.

Romsey continued to pass the ball around the back, utilising the speed of Amy Welch up the right wing who’s pace got her past the defence to slip the ball into the D. The rebound dropped kindly to Amy Edwards who’s shot went over the logged keeper, but agonisingly wide of the post. Not to be disheartned Romsey continued to turn defence into attack with support from midfielders Becky Hutchins and Erica Jenner.

Romsey took the lead with ten minutes to go following a quick turn around from the midfield to release forward Amy Edwards. Edwards received the ball at pace and beat her defender only to be tripped 25-yards from goal. The resulting free hit was taken by Riley, who’s quick dribbling found a route into the D. Riley sent a pinpoint accurate pass to the back post where Bradshaw was arriving to put Romsey into a well deserved lead.

Romsey went close to making it three as forward Verity Charlton was cruelly denied as her shot curled into the post and cleared to safety by the Portsmouth defence.

Captain Liz Forbes was delighted at the work rate and belief that her team showed. It was an excellent start to 2012, and ensures Romsey 1s take 2nd place in Hampshire Div 2.

RHC Christmas Game 2011

Snowmen 4 vs Reindeers 2

Christmas cheer was in the air on Saturday, as the men and women of Romsey Hockey Club got into the Christmas spirit with their annual fancy dress intra-club hockey match. This year saw the Snowmen take on the Reindeers.

Both teams took a while to get going. The Snowmen, whilst enjoying the frosty morning, struggled to play under the bulk of hats, scarf’s and carrot noses while the Reindeer’s were hampered with a variety of fur and antler problems in the windy conditions!

Eventually the deadlock was broken by the Reindeers, who were quick to break in numbers and infiltrate the Snowmen’s melting defenc before The Snowmen grabbed an equaliser just before half time.

The second half got under-way with the Snowmen attempting to confuse the Reindeers, with Snowman midfield duo Will Archibald and Joe Welch, launching several aerial balls deep into the Reindeer’s back line. One such ball provided Guy Taylor a tidy route to goal.

The Reindeer retaliated with some piercing attacks instigated and finished by James-One-Antler-Boggis while Amy Welch and Monty Roberts caused yet more havock at the back for the Snowmen, allowing the Reindeer’s to prance their way into the lead.

Further Snowmen goals came from Matt Clark, and Ella Palmer who both finished with finesse that was only bettered by their cartwheeling goal celebrations!

Penne Edwards, despite starting the day as the Snowman with the longest carrot nose, put aside her Frosty the Snowman hat, and umpired the game magnificently,

Costumes of the match go to Jane Wheeler, for her fabulous Reindeer costume, fluffy belly and shiny red nose. And on the Snowmans’s team, Ella Palmer lead the way with her snowman costume, delicately finished off by her button nose!

Christmas Game 2011