Olney Ladies Hockey Club

Match Reports 2009 - 10 Season

6th March 2010 - Wildcatz 2 Olney 4

'Party Night'

Olney wanted to beat Wildcatz badly after two draws previously this season and they succeeded in their wishes - before celebrating in style at Jude and Carrina's 40th party!

Goals from Karen (3) and Georgi!

Full match report may follow

27th February 2010 - Olney Ladies 3 Kettering 1

'The Sorceress and the Apprentice'

Olney played hosts to bottom of the league Kettering this week but the O’s made hard work of seeing off the visiting team simply because they failed to gel together for more than moments throughout the match.

Kettering have failed to win a game all season and so the Olney girls were confident going into the game following the last, thrilling, match with Rothwell and Desborough. The layoff due to the icy weather and the fact that although Kettering had only scored five goals all season they can, and do, defend and build up play well only lacking a player to put the ball in the net for them, meant the O’s had to work hard for the three points.

Olney took the push back and broke away into the Kettering D, Kazza Murdoch looked like she was going to let fly but chose to pass across to Georgie Ward who was unable to convert the chance. Kazza received many words of ‘advice’ from the subs bench mainly begging Kazza to be greedier and shoot herself should she get another such chance.

Olney looked good when they used Carrina Pinney and Kazza on the left, Jood Tetlow and Katie ‘Peng’ Barber on the right but any ball played down the middle was easily intercepted by Kettering and driven straight back in towards Caff Woods in the Olney goal.

Di Graham had another brilliant first half at sweeper whilst Rachel Allcock at right and Harriet Ewing at Left back could not seem to get the ball out from under their feet all through the first period, again and again both players were penalised for the ball hitting their feet.

Instructions to use the wings were ringing in Ali Woodward’s ears as she received the ball with acres of space in mid filed, she dribbled forwards before unleashing a hard driven ball straight into the Kettering D, Mad dog Murdoch flew to meet the ball at the top of the D and made the crucial touch that sent the ball flying beyond the motionless Kettering keeper Claire.

One nil at half time then and Olney were looking far from convincing they simply could not string two passes together, even the team talk turned into a group discussion , five groups all discussing different topics. Captain Kazza was left with little option but to do what she does best and lead by example.

Early in the second half Di Graham bulldozered her way out off defence and passed the ball up to Kazza who made a chance so similar to the early unconverted move but this time Georgi Ward was not in the D. Kazza had the ball and four Kettering players for company. Jenny Harris screamed at Kazza to be greedy and Kazza obliged, calmly pushing the ball into the far corner to score a second, brilliant goal.

Although Olney failed to bond on the pitch not one player had a bad game, Wendy Haslam put in another solid performance in the middle of the pitch, Jood Tetlow ran her socks off and Peng popped up with some skilled up play init. Rachel Alcock and Harriet Ewing defended a little higher up the pitch in the second half and were more effective for it. Di Graham swept perfectly. Captain Kazza weaved her magic with two perfect goals and she played her part in setting up Georgi Ward for a tap in on the line. Kazza was denied her hat trick after umpire Andy Watson saw a push at the top of the D.

At the beginning of this season Olney were all but offering to pay Kettering keeper Claire to come to Olney and play for them so it was interesting to compare the two during the game. Of the two; Olney’s Caff Woods definitely had better positional play and this paid well as she saved a hard lifted shot by being placed perfectly, Caff ‘s kicking is getting stronger and she made two or three strong clearances during the game but by far her biggest attribute, over Kettering’s Claire, is Caff’s egg sandwich and cake making skills. To be fair to Claire I have never tasted her teas but we won’t ever need to now.

Claire your fired!

Caff your Hired!

13th February 2010 - Olney Ladies 4 Rothwell and Desborough 3

'Seventh Heaven'

Olney and Rothwell had shared the spoils this season both teams scoring seven against their opponents in the two earlier league matches. This final showdown lived up to all expectations and was a much closer affair with the seven goals shared and a nail biting finish for the O’s who won it by a whisker. Olney had one or two regular players out this week, losing Jane Dip to a migraine on the day was a blow so Jude Pemberton’s encouraging presence on the subs bench proved essential when ailing players had to take time out to rest and recover. Off the pitch Di and Jude’s vocal support helped heaps too.

Captain Kazza set up a well balanced team; at the back Rachel Alcock and Lindsey 'Bird' Bain were kept very busy all match, Avril ‘So Good’ Soman as cool a celery stick in the sweeping role, Avril seemed to have acres of room and ages to calmly carry the ball out of Olney’s D and recycle it to Ali, Carrina and Wendy in midfield. Jenny Harris had another run out up front and had a much better second half due mainly to the fact that the young handsome blonde Irish umpire was at the other end and she was evidently less distracted by Joyce.

Rothwell took a very early lead through an adept turn and shot from Sally, Caff Woods had no chance as the ball flew across her goal and in at the far post. The Olney girls did not seem to be overly worried by this early knock though and they began to play some swift linked passing hockey. Georgi Ward opened the scoring for the O’s after ten minutes and Rothwell’s lead was wiped out. Olney then took the lead themselves, through Mad dog Murdoch, Kazza kept her nerve as the Rothwell keeper charged towards her at the top of the D, Kazza pushed the ball under the keepers’ pads and, took a big hit herself, but the ball rolled straight into the middle of the goal.

Rothwell are a good team and have two or three very skilful players the key to stopping them scoring was always going to be stopping them getting into full flow, when Kath and Coe attacked together it can often be the player that gets tackled instead of the ball but the Olney players as one never stopped trying to tackle or intercept the ball as the Rothwell players drove forwards again and again. When the Olney D was breached the defenders held firm, Lindsay 'Bird' Bain kept Rothwell’s winger from causing too much damage by staying on her laces for most of the match, Rachel Alcock had a solid game at right back and Avril Soman was always on hand to provide an outlet to the midfielders. Olney enjoyed passing the ball around with confidence, Carrina Pinney linked up the play smoothly on the left whilst 'Wiley' Wendy Haslam ran the centre midfield, and Jenny Harris concentrated her efforts on pressurising the clearance ball from the Rothwell defenders.

Captain Kazza asked for more of the same in the second half and the O’s never let up, Georgi Ward put the O’s ahead by two goals after ten minutes of the second half, the gap was pinned straight back for the push back as Coe dribbled the ball up through the middle of the pitch creating an easy chance for her forwards to take.

Caff Woods has been playing regularly in goal for the O’s this season, she has been forced into the pads by a prevailing knee injury. Caff has proved to be quite a tidy little goal keeper and she seems to get better and better every week. Caff made two or three brave close blocks in the second half of the game and kicked the ball clear too. In the end Caff’s lack of height was her only undoing as Coe flicked the ball from a penalty corner over Caff and in under the cross bar, Dumps had no chance and crucially the scores were drawn with under ten minutes to play.

Rothwell’ s attempts to push up and score left acres of time and space for the Olney girls to work in. Ali Woodward cross was received by three eager Olney players at the goal mouth, Vanessa Wilson took the chance and scored the winner to cap off a very good match for herself and the Olney Ladies. There were still five minutes to play though and Kazza Murdoch ate up a few minutes laying on the pitch after a heavy fall, Jenny Harris* needed to be reminded that Olney were still in the lead before she calmed down so Wendy Haslam took charge of the free hit allowing the O’s to play keep ball ‘til the relieving final whistle ended a sparkling sporting encounter.

*Still pinching myself

Thanks to Wendy for the tea - especially the heart shaped cakes!.

6th February 2010 - Wellingborough IIs 2 Olney Ladies 2

'End to End'

Mrs Dip’s version of the Wellingborough game.

Olney were well prepared with 14 eager players and our fab Coach at the helm ready to make any adjustments and provide some reassuring words, like scoring in the first ten minutes. The game started and boy W’bro were on form, they passed the ball round and a few of us (well I puffed and panted to try and keep up with No.9) she told me she hadn’t played since before Christmas!! Hmm I thought, well you could slow down a bit. The defence cleared the ball and very soon they planted one in the back of Woodsy’s net. A few changes were made and Wiley Wendy, back on form after her injury break, she netted herself a fantastic goal.

Half time came and Pete decided it was time to change the O’s formation and set up 4, 4, 2, there were mutters from a few, but onwards Olney went to try and stop W’bro getting their own way, by this time they had injured a few of Olney’s crew, Di with a ball on her hand and Harriet with a whack on her foot, Carrina was muttering about her knocks, to name but a few. W’bro managed to sneak another goal in and then Katie was on a roll and in the D she passed to Kazza and that was Kazza’s moment to prove to Pete how it was done! A superb goal.

It is true to say that W’bro had so many chances to score, but Olney ground them down and Woodsy was not gonna let them past. Ali and Avril (now Mrs Sweep) were awesome and Rachel she was storming, the mid field worked hard together and Ness was a match for their fast little player, well done.

Result; 2 – 2

Man of the match; Olney played as a team and got a well deserved draw..’

23rd January 2010 - Daventry 5 Olney Ladies 2

'The A Team'

Run footage.... Helicopters landing.....van doors opening.... firing AK47’s emerging from the back

‘If you’ve got a problem if no one else can help and if you can find them ......maybe you can hire the A team....’

Captain Kazza would have given anything for a lean mean fighting machine to have burst onto the pitch to face Daventry for the first game of 2010. Unfortunately Olney fielded their very own A team to start this match:

Aching tummy bug recoveries....Jood Tetlow, Wendy Haslam, Jenny Harris.

Available but unfit Helena Schofield, Kazza Murdoch

‘Antique’ Jane Dip dragged out of retirement and worth her weight in gold.

Arrived in the nick of time Alison Woodward

Aching from skiing holiday Lindsey Bird Bain, Di Graham

ANothers - Caff and Vanessa

Olney started the match promisingly Wendy Haslam, Jood Tetlow and Helena Schofield linking together with some slick build up play they gave Daventry an early fright...Ali Woodward delivered the ball across the D and Olney’s centre forward Jenny Harris calmly fired the ball across the Daventry goal keeper and inside the goal post to open the scoring....In an interview after the match Jenny reported ‘ at that stage of the match I had very little left in ‘the tank’ I concentrated all my last energy and just swung with all I had left in my tired arms’ ...

About seven minutes played then and Olney’s opener seemed to shock, well to be honest it seemed to shock everyone; players, umpires and spectators. Olney took advantage of Daventry’s stupor and confidently pressed forward for a second goal, Vanessa Wilson made a couple of other chances but the Daventry defenders seemed to wake up and started to counter attack. Olney held the lead for fifteen minutes before Daventry evened the scoring Jane Dip slipped at a crucial moment and the ball was through to Daventry’s prolific goal scorer Angi Bartlett who scored. Daventry scored a second goal just minutes later with a brilliantly converted penalty corner.

Olney held onto the hope of equalising thanks mainly to some stalwart defending from Di Graham, Jane Dip and Lindsey Bird Bain at the back. Daventry then seemed to pounce on any mistakes Olney made in the midfield and Angi Bartlett fired home another goal before half time. Daventry’s fourth goal flew in near the post and the umpire had to be persuaded to award it by both sets of players.

Captain Kazza kept Olney’s spirit up with a cheerful and encouraging half time chat. Kazza asked for (and received) more of the same from Vanessa on the right wing and ran her socks off herself on the left. Helena, Jood Tetlow and Ali worked tirelessly in the second half but all the plaudits in the second half go to Caff ‘we have ourselves a proper goal keeper’ Woods, she almost made Angi Bartlett look average* at times and received praise from more of the Daventry players for doing so. Lindsey Bird Bain reached to intercept balls on the reverse stick side that she had no right too, Di Graham rarely put a stick wrong and player of the match for Olney this week Jane Dip who bossed the D in the second half.

Bartlet did score one in the second half and Olney broke away late on Kazza Murdoch tidied up and scored after Vanessa Wilson’s initial shot was brilliantly saved by the Daventry Keeper. Olney took some comfort in drawing the second half one goal each.

This was a well umpired, well contested match punctuated by incidents of good sportsmanship and good humour it really was a pleasure to be a part of it capped off with an excellent tea, thank you Daventry.

* If Only

5th December 2009 - Olney Ladies 1 WildCatz 1

'Catz use nine lives'

Olney played hosts to Wild Catz for the final league game of the year but they failed to take advantage of a weakened Catz side and in the end the points were shared.

It is often much harder to play against ten; however Olney were faced with the apparently impossible task of trying to defeat only nine Wild Catz players. For most of the first half Olney pressed forwards towards the Wild Catz goal but this lengthy period of sustained pressure played into the Catz hands keeping the play in the final third the Catz experienced players simply absorbed the pressure and cleared the ball when time and space allowed, crucially they were not made to run nor stretched at all.

The more the match went on the more Olney’s chances went un-converted the greater the Catz belief that they could hold out Olney and the Catz Keeper Laura had a brilliant game making countless saves and thwarting the Olney forwards again and again.

Olney’s Captain Kazza Murdoch, hot off the plane from India, had a trademark game, brave doesn’t cover Kazza’s performance she is fast earning herself a new nick name ‘Mad dog’ Murdoch put her body on the line time after time in an attempt to breach the Catz goal, she went agonisingly close in the first half but the ball smacked against the post and .....out!

Caff Woods made a very good save at the end of the first half she kept her legs closed and took the full force of a shot flashed from the penalty spot. Di Graham had a solid, if frustrated, game at sweeper and she had her patience tested as she stood and watched her fruitless forwards efforts turn to nothing time and time again.

Olney eventually opened the scoring in the second half Mad dog Murdoch kept her cool whilst having her feet taken from under her, she made sure she got a touch on the ball to send it into the Catz goal.

Olney never looked like they would capitalise on their opening goal though, all the huffing and puffing turned to nothing, the ball was given away too many times needlessly, and passes were timed badly and intercepted easily by the Catz players. This was a poor performance by Olney with a few flashes of promising play from Vanessa Wilson, Devon Byrne and Carrina Pinney.

Rachel Alcock put in another good performance at right back but frankly the Olney performance as a whole was more optimistic than convincing, the Catz kept believing they could and did score and went on to look the most likely to win the match forcing a couple of penalty corners at the death.

Two points lost for Olney and the Catz players deserved to be rightfully pleased with themselves player of the match this week goes to Laura in goal for the Wild Catz congratulations.

A performance to be forgotten for the O’s but we have a friendly match against Bedford to look forward to in a couple of weeks time; Di Graham and Jenny Harris are intent on showing the forwards how it should be done*.

*Olney defenders joking

27th November 2009 - Kettering IIs 0 Olney Ladies 3

'Cold enough for Penguins'

Olney played away to Kettering on a bone chilling morning the early start and freezing wind did not stop the O’s taking all three points away from the match though.

Kettering have not won a game this season yet but Olney were aware that this was not going to be easy win especially as many of their key players were missing from the action this week. Captain Kazza is away in India for work; her complaints that she is too hot were met with little sympathy from the squad that faced freezing winds on the hillside at Kettering. Alison Woodward was tucked up in the warm with a bunch of five year olds eating jelly and birthday cake hosting her daughter’s party whilst Jenny Harris had to drop out to umpire. There were rumours of Rachel Alcock having stayed tucked up warm in bed watching Saturday Kitchen and so Jood Pemberton was drafted in to the defence.

Jood played the entire match at the back and she looked comfortable rarely missing a tackle all game, Di Graham supported Jood well and she had a run out in the midfield forging forward and having a shot on goal in the first half. Carrina Pinney had a cracking game at left half she didn’t put a stick wrong all game capped off with a fine goal. Captain Kazza sent along Anna to replace her up front and the Olney players liked Anna’s style so much that they have made her captain for the rest of the season and given her Kazza’s shirt. So Kazza if you are reading this from your air conditioned hotel room in Bombay? You had better start sweating!

Georgi Ward captained the team and led by example, the bitter cold did little to cool Georgi’s fiery ambition she ran and ran and rallied her team throughout the game. Georgie opened the scoring after twenty minutes she drove the ball into the D played a neat 1-2 off a Kettering player’s foot before firing a lifted shot in past the keepers shoulder.

Caff Woods had very little to do in goal she made a confident clearance kick in the first half and then stood and watched or practised her strictly come dancing routine in a bid to stay warm. Olney’s joint player of the match Helena Schofield swept away further Kettering attacks with confidence, Helena linked up well with Harriet and Serena and the ball was quickly recycled up the Olney forwards keeping the pressure on the Kettering goal.

Avril Soman looked a class above with her calm confident play her reverse stick strike proved too much for the Kettering players and Avril set up Katie Barber for her goal. Avril shared the player of the match for Olney this week well deserved. Serena Harriet and Jood ‘Tigger ‘Tetlow kept up an impressive work rate throughout both halves their hard work eventually proved too much for the younger Kettering players and created gaps which the Olney forwards exploited.

‘Katie Barber’s diet of crisps for breakfast took a while to kick in but when they did she did well in the second half’. Katie had a hench game for the O’s, she literally ran rings around the Kettering defenders using her bare skilabilities she created chance after chance before popping up in the second half to flick the ball into the goal for Olney’s third and decisive goal. A proper Peng performance init ...M8!

The cold wind and missing players made for a few muddled periods of play for Olney and at times they lacked formation but what they lacked in structure the O’s made up for with three well made and well taken goals....an individual moments of class from Georgi Ward, first time cracker from Carrina Pinney then Avril Soman set up Katy Barber capping off a comfortable performance for Olney Ladies.

It was good to see Wendy Haslam on the touch line, we appreciated the support on such a bitterly cold morning, and hopefully it won’t be too long before she is back on the pitch.

Caff Woods was last seen heading for her car to defrost many thanks to the Kettering team for the hot soup after the match it was much needed.

14th November 2009 - Rothwell and Desborough 7 Olney Ladies 4

'The Tortoise and the Hare'

Olney flew into a three goal lead within the first twenty minutes of the match but once 'Wiley' Wendy Haslam pulled a hamstring the potency of Olney’s attacks diminished, the O’s had no substitutes to bring on and so Rothwell pegged back the lead before pulling three goals clear at the end.

Olney opened the scoring through a penalty corner converted by Wendy Haslam; the second came shortly after with some reverse stick trickery from Katie Barber setting up Georgi Ward in front of the goal. Olney pushed forwards again putting Rothwell and Desborough firmly on the back foot; Vanessa Wilson fired a shot over the keepers shoulder into the roof of the net. Rothwell hit back following a raised ball into the D which the O’s defenders felt should have been penalised, the Rothwell forwards carried on to score. Georgi Ward scored a second goal after some slick build up play on the left from Ali Woodward and Captain Kazza Murdoch. Georgi put the O’s three goals clear with only twenty minutes played.

Rothwell then seemed to spark into action; they attacked with speed and precision, riding a few stick tackles on their way, they set about the Olney Defence and stretched them apart pegging back the scores during the second period of the first half.

The scores were all level at half time (4-4) and Captain Kazza commented that ‘we look like scoring every time we attack’ Jenny Harris pointed out that ‘unfortunately so do Rothwell’. Wendy Haslam simply stood her ground on the penalty spot throughout the second half keeping one of the Rothwell defenders chatting; Wendy made one or two brave attempts to collect the ball when it was passed to her, though unfortunately she was unable to do little else.

Alison Woodward worked tirelessly on the left of midfield for the O’s and was voted player of the match this week, Jood Tetlow put in a solid performance on the right and Georgi Ward had another great game notably pulling off an audacious tackle on Rothwell’s most skilful player robbing her of possession just before she entered the Olney D. Rachel Allcock kept her head up and made her presence felt at right back as did Carrina Pinney on the left.

Olney kept the scores level for about fifteen minutes of the second half but once Rothwell took the lead Olney’s attempts to push up for a levelling goal left too much space in the midfield area and Rothwell took advantage, breaking away and scoring twice more.

Olney had one or two niggles centred around dubious umpiring decisions but then Rothwell could have been awarded one or two more decisions themselves (especially for stick tackles).

The last times the two teams met Rothwell played with ten and Olney took advantage winning by five clear goals, both teams know now that they can ill afford to put out a weakened team when they play their deciding match on 13th February 2010...it should be a cracker.

7th November 2009 - Olney 6 Wellingborough IIs 2

'Purple Patch'

Following two defeats in the past two weeks Olney played host to Wellingborough II’s on a bright sunny afternoon, the final score line belies what was a close contest up until the final quarter of the match.

There were two changes to the Olney line up this week; Georgi Ward made a welcome return on the forward line, whilst Lindsay 'Bird' Bain took up the left back position.

Bird had an outstanding first half in defence; she made all of her tackles and intercepted the ball on three or four occasions, her composure when in possession led to the ball being swiftly recycled through Carrina Pinney and Avril Soman up to the forwards and Olney created many promising attacks early on. Katie 'Peng' Barber opened the scoring with a sweet reverse stick shot following up a rebound off the keeper’s pads, Peng was unlucky not to bag a second when her aerial attempt was padded down by the Borough keeper.

Olney kept the pressure on the Wellingborough defence and were awarded a penalty corner, the borough keeper, in an apparent attempt to distract the Olney girls, banged her stick against her pads, but Wiley Wendy Haslam struck the ball sweetly into the corner of the goal. Olney went two up then they had to soak up some pressure from the experienced Wellingborough midfield. Helena Schofield made some gritty tackles at the back supported by Rachel Alcock on the right. Caff Woods, in goal, made some confident clearances with her feet and she was unlucky not to stop Borough’s opening goal as the ball flew across her and in at the far post.

The second half started in similar manner to the first, a fast moving game with the teams sharing possession. Carrina Pinney, Jood Tetlow, & Ali Woodward linked up fluently in the midfield for Olney, whilst Georgi Ward ran her socks off at support striker she popped up to score from a breakaway attack led by Captain Kazza Murdoch, who had an excellent game on the left wing despite nursing a bad back. Captain Kazza carried the ball forwards before passing to Vanessa Wilson on the opposite wing; Vanessa pushed a pass through to allow Georgi Ward to shoot and score without breaking stride.

Olney’s two goal lead did not last long though, after a goal mouth scramble and a foot on the line Borough were awarded a penalty stroke. Caff Woods stood defiantly on the line trying to look more scary than scared. The Borough forward flicked the ball just inside the goal post, a stroke that only Mr Tickle would have had a chance of saving. The score was 3-2 to Olney with just about a quarter of the game remaining.

Olney then enjoyed a five minute goal fest scoring from two more penalty corners; Captain Kazza and Georgi Ward and the last another breakaway goal. Apparently Kazza was shouting to Ali Woodward on the subs bench as Kazza’s back was starting to seize up again, Avril Soman thinking Kazza wanted the ball passed out to the winger. Kazza flew down the left and scored before heading off the pitch to enjoy the last five minutes. Avril Soman seemed to have time and space in the middle of the field linking up with Ali Woodward and Jood Tetlow.

The keys to this team performance were hard work and confidence, Olney held onto the ball and timed passes to team mates consistently well throughout. Three penalty corners converted in one match is a club record which could easily be broken again this season if Carrina Pinney delivers as consistently as she did in this match and Wendy Haslam and Georgi Ward continue to hit the ball as sweetly. There were no weak links for the O’s and many shouts for player of the match; Kazza Murdoch for her leadership and two brilliant goals, Rachel Alcock for her concentration and positional play, and Ali Woodward for her running, another tireless performance. Just shading it with an outstanding first half showing and her calm presence on and off the pitch Olney’s Lindsay 'Bird' Bain was player of the match no mean feat considering everyone played so very well.

It is five years since Olney beat Wellingborough II’s in a league match and most recently these matches have been won by just the one goal, Olney can take a great deal of confidence from this convincing win whilst Borough have the luxury of knowing that they can, and may have to, strengthen their squad when they play Olney later on this season.

Thanks to Jenny for umpiring and Rachel for the teas!

31st Oct 2009 - Saints II 4 Olney 0

'Halloween'

Captain Kazza struggled to get 11 players for todays away match - with it being Halloween and half term many had made other plans. Congrats to Karen for getting a team together !

Full match report may follow.

24th Oct 2009 - Olney 1 Daventry 6

A hard match for the Olney team. Blood was spilt in the battle (thanks Wendy)!.

Full match report to follow.

Thanks to Di for the teas and to Jenny for umpiring.

17th Oct 2009 - Wildcatz 3 Olney Ladies 3

'Burn Baby Byrne'

Olney Ladies faced their toughest test of the season this week, playing away to Wildcatz, one of the most consistent teams in division one. It is four and half years since Olney last took all three points from the Catz, most recently the Catz had soundly beaten Olney by five goals.

Olney got off to a flying start, ripping through the Wildcatz territory went Devon Byrne on the right wing. Time after time the Cats defenders were left behind by Devon, they simply could not keep up with Olney’s shooting star whilst Jood Tetlow, Wendy Haslam and Georgi Ward took full advantage of the space left in Devon’s wake and the O’s created plenty of promising chances. Devon scored her first goal with a follow up tap in from Haslam’s initial shot, the keeper was stranded and Devon calmly pushed the ball into the open goal. Devon’s second goal came just five minutes later from another break away from the Catz defence, a one-two with Georgi Ward and Devon fired into the goal.

Rachel Alcock took a knock early in the match but seemed un-concerned, however this was the first of many and the stalwart Olney defender went on to be pushed, tripped and eventually had to come off the pitch to patch up a nasty graze on her knee. Rachel’s most difficult task of the afternoon was to try and find a plaster big enough for her injury, she failed.

Kirsty Heeler made her debut in goal for the O’s and she put in good performance coming out and narrowing the angle and putting off the Wildcatz striker, Kirsty was very unlucky when conceding the first goal on the stroke of half time the ball flew straight through her shorts and Kirsty was left with an initiation bruise on her inner thigh.

For the most part the Olney defence dealt with the Wildcatz attackers competently Helena Schofield and Di Graham held the middle of the pitch and Carrina Pinney put in another solid performance; she swapped back allowing Harriet Ewing an opportunity to push up into the midfield supporting Captain Kazza on the left wing. Olney’s eagerness to attack left a big hole in the defence on only one occasion but Wildcatz pounced on the chance and scored.

Both umpires seemed too eager to find reasons to stop the game rather than allowing play to continue and both teams had cause to complain that no ‘advantage’ seemed to be played. In the end an incorrect award of a penalty corner by an umpire standing on the half way line led, the usually mild mannered, Wendy Haslam to remonstrate with said umpire but all pleads were left unheeded and Wildcatz made the most of their gifted opportunity and scored from the penalty corner.

The mood of the game changed after this incident and both umpires came in for plenty of verbal criticism from both sets of players, in the end Georgi Ward was spoken to but frankly it could have been any of eight players from either team, by this time both sets of players were rightly frustrated by the uber zealous whistling. Credit to Olney and Wildcatz for leaving these niggles behind them and trying to play a respectable game of hockey.

Olney’s early lead had been whittled away and then the Catz snatched the lead with just over fifteen minutes to play, Olney regrouped and regained their first half form breaking out with further flying attacks up the right wing. Player of the match for Olney; Devon Byrne finished off her hat trick with a carbon copy of her first goal to level the score. A last minute break out gave Olney hope of snatching the victory but the ball was played too close to the Catz centre back who snuffed out the attack.

The mood in the changing rooms was up beat, both teams had plenty to ‘discuss’ and the draw will have gone a long way to calming many a heated brow. One topic that all could agree on though was the screaming hot pace of Olney’s right winger.

If the O’s had been offered a three all draw before this match they might have been happy to take it but the early lead and the breath taking speed of the O’s attacks gave plenty of reasons for the Olney Ladies to be aiming for a victory next time the two teams meet so… watch out and BE SCAREDY Catz! *

*Olney Joking

10th Oct 2009 - Kettering III's 0 Olney Ladies 2

'I wake up Every day It's a Daydream'

Some people think I’m Bonkers...

But I just think I’m free...

Olney had an early start this week, travelling to Kettering for a 10.30 push back meant leaving warm beds just after eight , the O’s were up and raring to go after pre- match preparation in the working man’s club the night before. Mutterings of ‘a half too many’ and ‘he assured us that buying a bottle was cheaper than two glasses’ could be heard during the warm up.

Cath Woods made her first appearance between the post s, she looked a little nervous prior to padding up but once Cath was fully kitted out her blue helmet could only just be seen tucked safely behind the leg guards and her patience proved be tested more than her nerve as the game unfolded.

Olney’s defence welcomed special guest, Carrina Pinney, at left back she had a solid game alongside Di Graham and Rachel Alcock. Rachel has history at the Kettering ground, too many lines marked on the pitch and a slight scattering of rain sent her slightly odd* one year, it was comforting to note that Rachel had brought her Tom Tom with her this time, she used it well and she had a couple of nods for player of the match for her stalwart tackling and many bursts up the wing.

Olney connected well as a team Jood Tetlow, Ali Woodward and Captain Kazza ran their socks off in midfield providing outlets for the defence and pushing forward throughout the game. Wendy Haslam had an indomitable game, she had not been well in the week but it barely showed as the ‘Wiley one’ ran the midfield in the first half and was rewarded with a ‘rest’ up front in the second. Georgi Ward had an average game (her words) tackling, running back and still finding the energy to have a go at her marker and the umpire, she was last seen heading home for a well earned sleep.

Vanessa Wilson is maturing as a player, her positional play was spot on and she was unlucky when her shot hit the post in the first half, she linked fluently with Wendy and Jood in the second half and created many chances for her fellow forwards. On the other wing Katie Barber posed plenty problems for the Kettering defence with her tricky stick play, Katie made the most of the space she was afforded and created a fair few chances throughout.

Kettering’s keeper was mobile and strong she single handedly kept Olney from scoring for the first twenty minutes but eventually the pressure proved too much even for her and Wendy Haslam fired goalwards, the ball deflected off the prone keeper’s pads and into the goal.

The second goal came just five minutes after the break, Rachel Alcock ran down the wing with the ball which was then passed swiftly between Wendy, Vanessa back to Wendy before passing to Kazza Murdoch who swept the ball into the goal. Jude Pemberton and Jenny Harris celebrated the goal gleefully, confident that their places on the substitutes bench were secured (they were only to be used if 6 goals had been conceded).

Olney were missing a few key players markedly Lindsey Bird Bain in the midfield but Captain Kazza’s gutsy performance more than made up for the loss of Lindsey, Kazza battled throughout and came away with a few bruises for her trouble, she was Olney player of the match this week. It has to be said though that Katy and Vanessa held their own when playing on the left wing, Carrina defended well and Di graham swept with confidence proving that the Olney squad is nothing if not versatile

Man I’m just living my life...

There’s nothin crazy about me...

What better way to celebrate the birthday of the legend, that is Dizzee Rascal, than another three points for the O’s

*odder than usual

PS. Thanks to Katie for the teas (in the Bedford car!).

26th Sep 2009 - Olney Ladies 7 Rothwell and Desborough 2

'Making Hay'

Olney Ladies took on fellow promotee’s Rothwell and Desborough for their first League one match of the new season. Rothwell had struggled to get a team and only managed to field ten players on a very warm and humid afternoon; Olney’s twelve girl squad was able to take full advantage of their opposition’s misfortune.

Olney had to make late changes to the team; Jenny Harris being asked to umpire and Di Graham padded up in goal, Di had a relatively quiet afternoon but had to make a couple of saves which kept the Rothwell heads down.

Rachel Alcock took up the right back position and Harriett Ewing the left. Helena Schofield ran her socks off at sweeper holding off the Rothwell forwards and taking every opportunity to follow up, Helena was often attacking the Rothwell goal whilst Rachel and Harriet kept her place warm at the back.

Wendy Haslam ran the Rothwell defence ragged, at times Wendy looked unstoppable, using deft touches of the ball to skip passed flailing sticks, Wendy put in a masterful display which Avril Soman complimented using her trademark reverse stick play to pose the Rothwell defence plenty of problems. The two Olney playmakers held up the ball and laid it off with accuracy allowing the other Olney attackers the confidence to make freely penetrating runs.

The key to Olney’s overall success was keeping their shape both in attack and defence, the backs played with confidence and passed the ball out rather than just hitting it away in haste, Carrina Pinney marshalled her area throughout the match, always available the receive the ball and then linking up with Kazza Murdoch on the wing when going forwards. On the other wing Vanessa Wilson, Jood Tetlow and Georgie Ward linked up seamlessly at times creating many more chances. Lindsey Bird Bain charged up and down the midfield and broke up the Rothwell play time and again, crucially conceding free hits in neutral areas of the pitch.

Rothwell were still very much in the game with twenty minutes to play the score was 3-2 but the heat and the extra player took its toll in the last period, Olney pulled clear, scored four more goals and put the game beyond the visitors.

It was Captain Kazza who opened the scoring for Olney; she hit the ball goal wards to see it deflect off a Rothwell stick and beyond the stranded keeper, Kazza caused problems throughout the match and created two more goals for herself by dragging the ball away from the grounded keeper and flicking the ball into the goal, she bagged herself fourth and a much deserved player of the match.

Avril Soman’s accurate passing play led to Vanessa’s goal the youngster fired the ball across the score in the far post.

The new ‘self pass’ rule caused some confusion during the match but this only briefly detracted from a well contested game and both sets of players seemed eager just to get on with the match.

Georgie Ward bagged a brace of goals the first came from Georgie breaking clear and with only the keeper to beat Georgie hit the post and saw the ball skip onto the back line, Georgie kept a calm head and whisked the ball back off the line and into the goal.

Olney were not finished there, a strong intervention from Rachel Alcock at the back led to a quick pass to Vanessa who linked up with a series of passes with Jood Tetlow and the pair flew up the right wing, the ball was delivered perfectly to Georgie Ward who buried the chance happily.

A convincing win gave Olney the best start possible to their season in division one and sees the O’s top of the table after one game. The rest of the teams will be aiming to knock Olney off the top spot and Olney will have plenty of harder games ahead of them.

For now though, it’s sunny days for Olney Ladies

Team - Di in goal, Rachel, Harriet, Helena, Carrina, Lindsey, Avril, Wendy, Georgi, Karen, Vanessa and Jood. Goals scored by Karen (4), Georgi (2) and Vanessa.

Thanks to Georgi for the teas, Jenny for umpiring and thanks to Di for going in goal

19th Sep 2009 - Olney Ladies 6 Grammarians 4 (Friendly)

Olney win their third friendly on a hot summers afternoon.

Full match report MAY follow!

Thanks to Wendy for the teas.

12th Sep 2009 - Olney Ladies 3 Bedford 2 (Friendly)

'With a little help from our friends...'

Our second friendly saw us calling on Jenny to go in goal and two players from Daventry to give Bedford a decent game. And what a game!

We scored with two minutes to go to take the win and Jenny had a stormer in goal.

Thanks to Carrina for the teas.

5th Sep 2009 - Olney Ladies 0 Cambridge 4 (Friendly)

'Cambridge Revenge'

Our opening friendly against Cambridge was quite definitely a match of two halves and new rules.

Cambridge were looking to avenge the Olney tour win and celebrate their captain Laurel's birthday and were biting at the bit to start. With their league starting next week they were also more fired up than Olney. Olney were slow to wake up after the summer break looked off the pace and slow to react. Cambridge took advantage of this and within the first 15 minutes were 3-0 up. As the match went on though the Olney team started to work together and sort themselves out – and soon the defence , midfield and forwards began to pull together and we were unlucky to let in another goal before the break. 4-0 to Cambridge in the first half.

In the second half Olney started taking the match to Cambridge and started to look the better team. The Olney forwards pushed forward supported by the midfield and were awarded a series of penalty corners. The Cambridge keeper however was excellent – thwarting every Olney shot on goal. At the other end Olney stood firm in the second half in defence. Our goalie Micaela saving a shot on goal at the last minute and keeping the score of the second half to 0-0.

A game to shake the cobwebs off. A game to try the new rules. A game to experiment with players in different positions. Olney did all this and more ! Thanks to Micaela in goal – and to the rest of the team - Jane Dip, Di, Harriet, Jood, Serena, Carrina, Katie, Avril, Georgi, Karen and Rachel.