Romsey Hockey Club

Ladies 2s (1) vs Portsmouth & Southsea (0)

Scorer: A Welch

Romsey Ladies 2nds snatched a great victory against high flying Portsmouth and Southsea, despite a 13 points advantage in the league.

Romsey started keenly from the off, keeping the away team at arms length with swift play around the back. Just minutes into the game Romsey pressed into the D forcing errors from the Portsmouth and Southsea defence to win an early corner. Verity Charlton and Charlotte Jewson pounced to test the keeper but both were unlucky not to score with one shot saved on the line and the other deflected wide.

The tactic of switching play across the pitch worked in Romsey’s favour, squeezing Portsmouth’s key play makers out of the game and gifting Player of the Match Amy Welch enough space to enjoy a string of mazy runs ultimately firing a shot on goal and catching a great deflection to beat the diving Goalkeeper.

The 2nd half saw Portsmouth press in search of an equaliser but Romsey were in no mood to concede and the defence and midfield zoned well allowing the visitors little room and very few chances. No fouls in the last 25yards was the message from Captain Maree Welch as Portsmouth had ferocious Penalty Corner routines!

Romsey GK Zoe Rogers controlled her defence well, with Penne Edwards sharp as sweeper and Maree Welch quick to close down any threatening through balls. Even full-back Sarah Patterson nearly scored as she battered the Goalkeeper at close range.

A scintillating team performance to take all 3 points – a result which sees Romsey consolidate their mid table position in Hampshire Div 3.

Waterside (2) vs Ladies 2s (3)

Scorers: Ford, Charlton (2)

In the first of two games scheduled for Romsey Ladies 2s this weekend, Romsey grabbed a win away against Waterside.

Romsey took the points, but were pushed hard all the way. The home side took the initiative from the off, and Romsey found themselves a goal behind within the first 5mins of the match.

Romsey fought back and just brefore half time pulled one back. Charlotte Jewson picked up the ball on the right wing, from a pinpoint ball from sweeper Penne Edwards. Jewson’s pace troubled the Waterside defence, as she went on penitrating run down the wing, putting in a perfect cross for the ever ready Helen Ford smashed the ball past the keeper.

In the second half, Romsey’ s pressure held with a delightful ball in from Anne Harding which was deftly swept into the back of the home teams net by Verity Charlton.

Waterside were not detered and came back at Romsey, pulling back an equaliser and reminding Romsey that they had a game on their hands.

A quick ball from Harding out of her own D, released Jewson up the wing who ran past two defenders before putting in another pin point pass through to Charlton who controlled it and from a tight angle, fired it past the Waterside keeper to grab the winner.

Romsey’s captain Maree Welch was delighted at her team who worked hard all match and fought to the end to grab the 3 points.

Ladies 2s (1) vs Hamble (2)

Scorers: Ford

Romsey ladies 2s turned out to play their old rivals Hamble in a rearranged half term game. Both teams went into the game level pegging on points, sitting mid-table in Hampshire Division 3. Both sides knew they were in for a tough game if they were to come away with three points.

Initially, Romsey looked to have the upper hand, pinning Hamble into their own half early on. But as Romsey failed to take any convincing shots on goal, so their self believe waned and Hamble looked the more determined side.

Despite Romsey’s slick moves, particularly across the back line and feeding up the wings, it was Hamble who had the edge on pace. And so the visiting side’s confidence paid off when they took the lead minutes before half time when their striker found some space in Romsey’s D.

Just 5 minutes into second half, Hamble’s key centre player forced two Romsey saves on the line from veteran keeper Liz Murry, before the ball finally rolled into the goal.

Despite being level on paper, a slightly lack-lustre Romsey soon found themselves 2 – 0 down.

With pride at stake tempers flared and both sides were given an umpire’s warning with Hamble later receiving a green card. It was the impetus Romsey needed to up their pace and finally take the game to Hamble.

A faster, stronger Romsey squad raised their game and drove through Hamble defence forcing a string of saves but only one strike had the necessary conviction, with Helen Ford hammering home a rebound.

Unfortunatly for Romsey, it was too little too late and so all the points went to the visitors.

Winchester 2s (2) vs Romsey 2s (2)

Scorers: Palframan, Charlton

Mid-table Romsey Ladies 2nd XI were braced for a tough match when they met league leaders Winchester at the weekend.

Against the odds Romsey took immediate control of the game with midfielders, Karen Robinson, Tracy Nicoll, Rosie Bishop & Jane Wheeler playing some great possession hockey and threading through a string of perfectly weighted passes.

Despite the absence of their two most experienced strikers, Romsey launched several piercing attacks which saw some outstanding play by Verity Charlton and Emma Palframan winning some early short corners. Their constant pressure and determination eventually forced defensive mistakes from Winchester, with Palframan first to capitalise for Romsey making a great run and unleashing a great shot on goal which, despite a Winchester deflection, still found the back of the net.


With growing confidence Romsey played some of their best hockey of the season, seemingly unable to put a foot wrong. Winchester made several substitutes in a bid to redress the balance and were eventually rewarded with an equaliser when a quick break left Romsey sweeper Penne Edwards and GK Zoe Rogers considerably outnumbered in the D.


Against the run of play and just minutes into the second half Winchester went ahead after a short corner routine caught a lucky deflection.

With a loud and enthusiastic home crowd cheering on Winchester the game turned more physical with several tussles. But Romsey retained their composure, swiftly switching play and confidently feeding the ball round the back via captain Maree Welsh, Sally Shrubb, Edwards and Bethan Knights.

It was play from the back which again released Charlton down the left for a shot on goal from a tight angle which snuck past the GK. With Winchester becoming more frustrated a high ball was smashed into Romsey’s D connecting with one of Winchester’s own players, resulting in their player retiring early with an injury.

Despite last ditch attacks from Charlotte Jewson and Caitlin Hogan-Lloyd the score remained drawn at two all – a fair result from a very hard fought game.

Romsey 2s (5) vs Trojans 3s (0)

Scorers: Edwards, Ford (2), Wyant, Charlton

Romsey 2 XI gained their first 3 points of 2012 with a fine win against Trojans 3s.

Romsey started the game sprightly and created some great goal scoring opportunities, but credit to Trojans who worked tirelessly to keep the ball out of the net. Cracking shots were whistling past the goalposts, off the goalkeeper and away much to Romsey’s frustration.

Five minutes into the 2nd half Penne Edwards steadied the nerves with a fiercesome strike at a Penalty Corner which hit the backboard to start the goal frenzy.

Helen Ford then got her aim and concentration set to score two intelligent goals before leaving the fray.

Romsey were dominant by this stage and further goals followed from Steph Wyant and Verity Charlton.

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

Scorers: n/a

Romsey ladies 2s lost 1-0 in a close fought encounter with high flying Alton on Saturday.

Romsey started brightly and made a number of foraging runs into their opponents circle forcing the Alton Goalkeeper to be alert in keeping out shots from Rosie Bishop, Caitlin Hogan-Lloyd, and Ella Palmer.

When Alton broke the defence worked tirelessly to close down and tackle fiercely, with midfield players Tracy Nicoll and Karen Robinson opening up attacks.

Player of the Match, Jane Wheeler, worked tirelessly along the right flank creating further chances for Romsey.

With 1 minute to halftime, a defensive lapse saw Alton take the lead against the run of play.

The 2nd half saw Alton pressurise the defence but Penne Edwards swept up along the back line to frustrate the Alton forwards.

Romsey continued to work hard and made the Alton keeper keep warm! but her kickouts could not be converted despite Romsey’s best efforts. Romsey kept going to the end, but could not quite find the touch needed to equalise.

Young players Caitlin Hogan-Lloyd and Rosie Bishop had outstanding games for the 2nd team.

Captain Maree Welch was delighted with the overall start to the season , believing her team can only get better!

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

Ladies 2s (2) vs Aldershot & Farnham (0)

Scorers: Ford (2)

Romsey played out of their skins on Saturday to earn a 2-0 victory against Aldershot and Farnham after a worrying slump in form.

Romsey got off brightly and several slick passing moves saw them create a number of close chances with Becky Hutchins and Steph Wyant combining well on the left flank.

Aldershot then pressed back and put the Romsey defence on the backfoot, but saw Fran Savage in outstanding form at Centre Back making crucial interceptions and tackles to break up the oppositions attacks with Penne Edwards moppng any loose balls as sweeper.

Romseys next attack saw a short corner quickly taken by Rosie Bishop, with Karen Robinson’s reverse pass picking out the run of Helen Ford who cooly slotted it past the goalkeeper with a reverse stick shot.

A goal up Romsey were in no mood to concede and defended in numbers.

The 2nd half saw the visitors press on in search of an equaliser but Romsey frustrated Aldershot getting to the 50/50 ball first and opening up counterattacks with quick passes. Jane Wheeler’s mazy run through the middle with an inch perfect pass to Ford saw her grab her second goal, crashing the ball into the backboard to seal the victory.

Maree Welch and Bethan Knights worked tirelessly tackling and changing defence into attack.

Overall Captain Maree Welch said she was delighted with the great team response and determination to win the match. Training on Thursdays has certainly boosted the teams performance.

Portsmouth & Southsea (3) vs Romsey Ladies 2s (0)

Scorers: n/a

Romsey played a good match against Portsmouth & Southsea on Saturday dominating large parts of the game, yet lost 3-0!

Romsey opened brightly and showed some excellent passing moves resulting in several shots from Verity Charlton, Ella Palmer and Helen Ford being well saved by the Goalkeeper.

A quick break from Portsmouth saw them dispatch a good strike from a Penalty Corner to take the lead.

Romsey kept pressing but with several corners gained could not find the all important equaliser. Rosie Bishop was inspirational in midfield with her incisive passing working well with the pace of Caitlin Hogan-Lloyd, who was making her debut for the 2nd team.

The 2nd half saw further pressure and attacks from Romsey but a number of Penalty Corners saw the Goalkeeper making saves to keep Portsmouth’s lead intact.

With 5minutes remaining Romsey conceded 2 Penalty Corners which were buried by the Portsmouth forwards.

Captain Maree Welch complimented the team on their excellent efforts, but agreed that defensively and in attack on Penalty Corners, we need to do better!

Ladies 2s (3) vs Waterside (5)

Scorers: Charlton (2), Bishop

Romsey scored 3 goals but still ended up on the losing side on Saturday against Waterside Ladies!

Romsey started brightly and passed the ball around well in the opening 10 minutes creating several chances one of which was converted by Verity Charlton from close range.

Waterside then pressed hard and took a 2 goal advantage before Charlton again found the backboard following a delightful throughball from Jane Wheeler.

The 2nd half saw the Romsey defence under considerable pressure with Goalkeeper Zoe Rogers making a number of good saves before Romsey conceded 2 further goals. Romsey then pressed hard in search of an equaliser and peppered the visitors goal only to see the Goalkeeper in excellent form.

Waterside broke quickly to score a 5th and seal the victory, but Romsey showed great spirit to score again through Rosie Bishop with 2 minutes remaining.

Captain Maree Welch commented on the great sideline support for her team which helped to keep the team buoyant throughout the match.

Haslemere (1) vs Ladies 2s (0)

Scorers: n/a

Romsey lost 1-0 in a closely fought match on Saturday against Haslemere.

Romsey were slow to start and were under considerable pressure in the opening 15 minutes. Haslemere then pounced on a partially cleared short corner to squeeze the ball past Erica Jenner in Goal

The 2nd half saw Romsey perform much better and create several chances which whistled past the post or were saved by the Goalkeeper. Haslemere also forged a number of chances which were well saved.

Despite the fightback Romsey were unable to find an equaliser, which on the balance of play they probably deserved.

Fleet & Ewshot (1) vs Romsey 2s (1)

Scorer: Charlton

Romsey Ladies 2s gained a creditable draw against Fleet on Saturday in the first league game back after a 2 week break.

Romsey were slow off the blocks as the game started and several close chances were created by Fleet in the opening 10minutes. Goalkeeper, Selina Cox, was in good form and made a number of fine saves.

Romsey then started to knock the ball around well, with the play culminating with a slightly mishit shot from Verity Charlton, that dribbled over the line to give Romsey the lead at halftime.

The 2nd half saw Fleet press high up the pitch in search of an equaliser, with several close shots on Cox’s goal. Romsey were quick to counterbreak but could not quite find the killer touch to seal the game. Fleet broke back with 10minutes remaining to get a slickly finished goal.

With chances begging at either end, the final whistle saw the points shared. Captain Maree Welch felt the team lacked a little sharpness during the match, and with several players playing out of position, the teamplay looked disjointed at times. Overall she was pleased with a draw which sees the ladies 2s remain unbeaten away from home.

Ladies 2s (0) vs Havant 4s (0)

Scorers: -

Romsey ladies 2s took on Havant 4s in a half-term friendly in windy Portsmouth.

The first half saw Romsey attacking hard and putting the home side under tremendous pressure. Romsey bombarded the right hand side with many attacks with Caitlin Hogan Lloyd and Sally Shrubb linking well to release Amy Welch and Helen Ford up the wing.

Romsey maintained possession in and around the Havant D with accurate and intelligent passing. Welch sliced through the defence on a number of occasions with her pace upsetting the Havant defence. Despite the pressure, there were few clear cut chances falling to Romsey. The best opportunity went to Rosie Bishop who’s well timed run put her in a fantastic position, but was denied by the agile Havant keeper.

The second half saw a new lease of life from Havant, as they threw caution the wind pushing more players forward. This tactic caused Romsey some problems, and many times the Romsey defence found themselves having to cover an extra player.

Romsey dealt with the pressure admirably, with credit to the hardworking midfield for tracking back, and the defence for making several important blocks and interceptions. Player of the match Hogan-Llyod flourished in the second half, getting back into defence to deal with the threat of swift Havant attacks, whilst also managing to drive forward to support the attacks.

The final result, a 0-0 draw. The game was fascinating to watch, and what it lacked in goals, it certainly made up for in smooth passing play in the attacking third.

Romsey 2s (1) - Winchester 2s (0)

Scorers:  Edwards

Romsey Ladies 2s ground out a well fought 1-0 victory over their opponents Winchester 2s on Saturday.

Both sides pressed hard in search of a goal but it was veteran Penne Edwards who opened the scoring after 20 minutes with a thunderbolt strike at a Penalty Corner.

When Winchester threatened they found the Goalkeeper Selena Cox, in formidable form with the Romsey defence and midfield working tirelessly to snuff out the dangers.

Romsey created a number of goalscoring opportunities but could not find the elusive 2nd goal to seal the game.

Captain Maree Welch stated how delighted she was with the teamwork and commitment from her players.

Click here to see a few match photos.

Trojans 3s (1) vs Romsey 2s (4)

Scorers – Ford (3), Palmer

Romsey cruised to a comfortable 4-1 victory over Trojans on Saturday thanks to a superb hatrick from Helen Ford and 1 from Ella Palmer.

Romsey quickly got into their stride and some slick interplay saw a beautiful through-pass buried by Helen Ford after only 7 minutes. With confidence high another slick passing move saw Ford dispatch a thunderbolt into the net.

Jane Wheeler was unlucky to see her cracking shot rebound off the goalpost to safety.
At the start of the 2nd half, Romsey were tested by Trojans who pushed up to pressurise their visitors but a quick counterbreak saw Ella Palmer race to make it 3.

A mix up in defence saw a Trojans attack gain a goal back, but Romsey bounced back to gain a 4th goal from Ford who was in unstoppable form.

Ladies 2s (0) vs Alton 2s (3)

Scorers: -

Romsey 2xi gave a spirited performance in blistering conditions on Saturday, but lost 3-0 to Alton.

Romsey started brightly and made some foraging runs into their opponents circle but found the Goalkeeper in excellent form. A defensive mixup at the back saw Alton take advantage of hesitation after the ball hit an Alton foot to see them take a 1-0 lead.

This inspired Alton who pressed hard in search of further goals. Liz Murray was in good form to beat out the shots raining in after a number of Penalty corners.

The 2nd half saw Alton increase their lead with some slick interplay, but credit to Romsey who stepped up the pace to hammer in some shots from Helen Ford, Ella Palmer and Karen Robinson but could not find the all elusive goal to drag themselves back into the game. A quick break saw Romsey concede a 3rd goal with minutes remaining.

Captain Maree Welch was full of praise for the effort the players put in on a day when sunbathing on the beach was a tempting alternative !

Waterside (2) vs Ladies 2s (2)

Scorers: Palmer, Jewson

In their last friendly before the League Season starts, Romsey enjoyed a competitive, fast paced game against Waterside Ladies in a 2-2 draw.

After some slick interplay, Jane Wheeler crossed to Helen Ford, who’s fierce shot rebounded off the goalkeepers pads and Ella Palmer slipped the ball in from close range. Romsey then found themselves under pressure with Player of the Match, Selena Cox in goal pulling off a number of excellent saves. Waterside scrambled the ball in from a partially cleared shot to level the score at halftime.

The 2nd half saw Romsey under pressure before Jane Wheeler crossed to Helen Ford whose accurate farpost cross was converted by Charlotte Jewson to take the lead. Waterside battled hard in search of an equaliser but were thwarted by some excellent tackling and chasing back. With minutes remaining Waterside gained their 2nd goal with a thunderous strike that just eluded Selenas dive!

Next week Romsey will meet Hamble in their first League Match in Division 3.

Ladies 2s (3) vs Southampton 4s/5s (0)

Scorers: Hogan-Lloyd, Crane, Towell

Romsey 2^nd XI got off to a flying start to their season with a 3-0 win over Southampton on Saturday.

This was their first friendly match and blooded  a number of young players who showed great potential. Much to the delight of team Captain Maree Welch, Romsey played some great hockey and quickly went into the lead courtesy of Caitlin Hogan-Lloyd. This was followed by a rocket shot from Ange Crane to see the hosts lead 2-0 at halftime.

On a hot day Romsey began to tire in the 2nd half but still managed to slot a 3rd goal in from the industrious Charlotte Towell on the wing. The defence and midfield battled hard to thwart breaks from Southampton and overall a very pleasing start to a season that will see Romsey competing in Division 3 of the Hants League.