Olney Ladies Hockey Club

2005/06 Season Match Reports

9th April - Division Two Tournament

One Game Too Many for the Division Two Champions

Olney held their 100% winning record up until the last game of the tournament, when a draw against Grammarians would have been enough to win. The weather took a turn for the worst though, as did Olney's fortunes.

Captain Karen turned up with her very own supporter and frankly 'showed off' scoring too many goals to mention here....perhaps Andy could come and watch every week next season?

Wendy Haslam grabbed a brace and Lindsey Bain found herself on the penalty spot when the ball was delivered just there, Bain made no mistake and scored.

The biggest surprise of the day was Jenny Harris scoring her first goal of the season. Jenny picked up the ball in Olney's D stormed up the pitch in seconds beating future England players and leaving despairing missed tacklers in her wake, as Harris approached the D she pulled of a breathtaking dummy before whipping the ball into the roof of the net. Blink and you would have missed it though, it all happened so fast.....the long awaited goal celebration taking longer than the execution of what could be described as the goal of the decade. zzzzzzzzzzzzz....

Dream on jenny

It was good to see Di Graham fighting fit again and Kirsty Rice made one brilliant save to finish off a fab season for her in goal. Mrs Dip didn't get a nose bleed when she ventured over the half way line whilst she enjoyed a rare foray into the midfield, take note tour captain!

Olney were by far the most organised team on the day; gazebo, hot tea, sandwiches, deckchairs, soup and kids galore.

I am avoiding the result and yes it was disappointing not to win the division two tournament but Olney still have the satisfaction of knowing that they will be in division one next season and Grammarians will still be able to defend the division two tournament trophy.

1st April - Olney Ladies vs Northampton Lions - (Won 3 - 0)

Players and Officials held a minutes silence before the match to honour, former Olney player, Jo Atkins who sadly died last week at the age of 38.

It was fitting then, that almost all the Olney players had turned up to play or support on the last game of this extraordinary season.

Lions were playing off a 3-1 win against Towcester last week and put out a strong team against Olney. Olney created three clear cut chances in the first half but lacked the clinical scoring shot which would have put them in front. Karen Murdoch was hugely unlucky, nearly twisting herself in half, but just failing to connect a Jood Tetlow crossed ball. Lions broke strongly several times on the counter attack and their young, skilful forwards promised much but, in reality, produced little to worry Kirsty Rice in the Olney Goal.

The key to unlocking this match came by moving Olney's player of the match, Lindsey Bain, into the support striker position. Al Ashman took over Lindsey's place at left back and put in a solid performance. Lindsey took a grip of Olney's attacking force and led by example, she scored after a minute in her new role, after making space for herself to turn at the top of the D. she hammered the ball passed the helpless Lions goal keeper.

Bain followed up her goal with a commanding attacking and supportive performance which helped to create many more chances for Olney. Tamsin Martin was unlucky not to get on the score sheet herself, after three cracking shots at goal. Gamekeeper turned poacher, Wendy Haslam, made certain of two goal mouth scrambles to finish equal on goals for the season with her striking partner Karen Murdoch.

Jood Tetlow proved she was no April Fool playing right back for the last ten minutes and Rachel Alcock was heard to mutter words of midfield ambitions after the final whistle, watch out Jood!

The essence of this Olney victory was teamwork, Sally Cook, Jacqui Carson and Karen Murdoch were asked to move position several times throughout the game.

Jane Dipollito, Carrina Pinney, Rachel Alcock and Alison Woodward hardly put a stick wrong all match and captain Jenny Harris managed to get the formation right to allow the chances to build up.

Strong support from Di Graham (nursing a chest infection), Micaela, the girls and a gathering of the Schofield Mellor clan all helped to give everyone an opportunity to share in Olney's final victory of this immaculate season.

I do not advocate naming every player in the match report but I believe, on this occasion, we all deserve a mention.

I would like to dedicate this match to Jo Atkins and her family.

Jenny

25th March - Grammarians vs Olney Ladies - (Won 0 – 2)

Grammarians needed to win this game to stand any chance of being promoted this season and frankly they seemed to want to win more in the first half. But there was nothing pretty about the first half approach of either team as countless stick tackles, obstructions and minor errors made for an ugly spectacle which quickly degenerated into a bickering match.

Praise must go to the Olney defenders who remained calm whilst facing eight penalty corners and dealt with the pressure well. Di Graham organised the marking and Rachel Allcock and Jane Dipollito managed to keep the Grammarians strikers from getting any shots on goal, however vital clearances from Olney players were not executed cleanly enough to take the pressure off themselves. Olney won a penalty corner on the stroke of half time, when a diving clearance for Grammarians full back kept Olney from going ahead.

The Olney Girls seemed to benefit from the half time break, Tamsin Martin and Jood Tetlow turned on the style in the second half and began to create chances down the right wing. As the game moved into the final stages Jood Tetlow set off on a trade mark run down the right wing before crossing the ball for Sally Cook on the left post. Sally still had a bit to do though as the ball seemed to spin awkwardly but she kept her composure and pushed the ball into the goal. Injury to Lindsey Bain meant that Jane Dippolitto was called back into the defence. Jenny Harris pushed up to attack a penalty corner and stuck the ball sweetly into the danger area, Carrina Pinney, perfectly positioned, deflected the ball into the goal.

There was little time left on the clock and Olney were pushing on for a third goal when the final whistle went to put Grammarians out of their misery....it wasn't pretty but Olney are not going to let that spoil their delight on maintaining their 100% winning run this season......

18th March - Northampton Saints vs Olney Ladies - (Won 2 – 14)

Champions!

Olney won the division in style today playing fast, fluid, stylish total team hockey (well, in the first half anyway).

Olney opened the scoring after five minutes through Karen Murdoch, she then when on to score another two minutes later. Wendy Haslam opened her account a minute later and Olney piled on the pressure and the goals kept coming...

Murdoch completed a first half hat trick and Jood Tetlow joined in the goal feast grabbing two herself.

Saints were left with little in reply to the quick accurate build up play from Olney's mid field threesome of Carrina Pinney, Ali Woodward and Tamsin Martin.

Wendy Haslam, having been selfless in setting up her striking partner, completed her own hat trick with a well struck penalty corner on the stroke of half time.

Nine goals up at half time then and the title in the bag Olney took advantage of the situation to allow, new player, Vanessa Wilson a run up front in the second half and elderly stalwarts Haslam and Martin a rest on the sideline before the vets tournament tomorrow.

Al Ashman popped up to score and Haslam and Murdoch ended up with five goals apiece....Vanessa Wilson scored on her debut after Jenny Harris showed amazing skill for an old Granny and pushed the ball across the goal for Wilson to tap it home.

With under ten minutes left the Olney defenders were forgiven for conceding two goals....Rachel Alcock was struggling with an injured foot and Di graham had lost the use of her fingers, but not her mouth.....Saints scored two goals from two deflected free hits in two minutes......I don't begrudge them the consolation of scoring twice but Rachel was left muttering under her breath as she limped off the field for a well earned cup of tea!

4th March - Olney Ladies vs Kettering - (Won 2 - 0)

I'm sorry but this weeks clash against Kettering does not deserve a match report!

We were missing 5 regular players which probably didn't help!

We played

We won 2 - 0!

The good points were that Avril played and got a goal in the first 2 minutes and another one in the 2nd half!

25th February - Corby vs Olney Ladies - (Won 1 – 2)

Olney show Corby, steel works!

Olney had a point to prove today, Corby being the only team that they had not beaten this season. Corby thrashed Towcester by nine goals last week and were always going to prove tough opposition.

On a bitterly cold day and playing with a cruel wind blowing into their faces the Olney defenders were seriously tested throughout the first half.
Corby enjoyed a spell of penalty corners in the first ten minutes but the Olney defence, led by Jane Dippolito, held out. Chances for the Olney attackers were few and far between during the first half, Tamsin Martin came closest to scoring, having carried the ball from her own half before, thrusting forward in to Corby D and shooting just inches wide. Eventually Corby did manage to score from a well taken penalty corner after twenty minutes. Wendy Haslam instigated Olney’s opening goal pushing the ball passed the Corby midfield and onto the penalty spot, Jood Tetlow picked up the ball from the keeper’s pads and pushed it through for Karen Murdoch to score.

Captain Jenny Harris made three key changes at half time; pushing Rachel Alcock into midfield, bringing herself back to the defence and putting on her special hat with pink pom poms. Changes to the hockey rules this January allow defenders to wear protective headwear when defending penalty corners, however Jenny can count herself lucky that the fashion police were not patrolling in the Corby area this morning, as she would surely have been arrested.

The reorganised Olney formation created many more chances for the Olney forwards who were thwarted again and again by the excellent Corby keeper. Olney did go down to ten players when, unlucky, Micaela Moroney’s knee gave way half way through the second half.

Player of the game for Olney, Jood Tetlow, showed ice cool composure under pressure, she drew the keeper off her line pulled the ball across onto her left side and passed the ball into the goal using the reverse stick. Olney still had to hold out for another fifteen minutes before taking the Corby ‘scalp’ (1-2) and sustaining their unbeaten run.

It was great to have Kirsty Rice back in goal this week and we look forward to hearing whether Di has passed her level one umpiring assessment and offer her our congratulations, she, like Olney Ladies Hockey team, just gets better every game.

18th February - Rothwell & Desborogh vs Olney Ladies - (Won 2 – 4)

Sunny Days for Olney Ladies!

Olney Ladies continued their unbeaten run with an early morning win over Rothwell and Desborough.

Micaela Morony made a welcome return at right back and Di Graham padded up at goalkeeper, both players made their presence felt in the first half when Rothwell and Desborough enjoyed playing with the early morning sun behind them. Jane Dipollito, returned at sweeper, took control of the defence and made some strong tackles during the first half. Olney rode their luck during the first 25minutes then conceded a goal before half time. When they did attack, Olney created some good chances for Karen Murdoch, Jood Tetlow and Wendy Haslam up front.

Second half ,with the sun on their backs, Olney started to put together some good passing moves and Wendy Haslam scored one and set another up for Karen Murdoch. Two goals were never going to be enough to win this game though as R&D continued to build some good attacks form the mid field. Player of the match Di Graham pulled off four superb saves under pressure, keeping Olney in the game, whilst also providing a running commentary from behind her mask.

Alison Woodward and Carrina Pinney worked tirelessly throughout the game providing strong link up play from the defence to the forwards. Olney scored again, after Jood Tetlow thought better of having a shot herself and skilfully passed the ball across for Haslam to make sure of the goal. R&D scored a consolation goal towards the end of the second half before Wendy Halsam finished her hat trick off in style, once she'd stopped ticking Jenny Harris off for hitting a free hit directly at an opponent, she picked up the loose ball drove into the D and fired the ball home.

Final score Rothwell and Desborough 2 Olney Ladies 4

Just to confirm that Di got 6 votes and Ali Woodward 5 votes for man of the match. A very close call.

11th February - Olney vs Wellingborough 3rds - (Won 4 – 0)

Another game and another WIN for Olney

No goalie needed!

Olney made hard work of netting the ball during the first half, Sally, Jacqui, Tamsin, Lindsey, Ali, Carrina and Jane G, all worked hard passing the ball into the D and shooting at the keepers pads or the post. Very lucky that Boro had such a good keeper! Just 5 mins before the end of the first half Tamsin took the ball in and ensured that she got the ball in the back of the net.

After half time and a few more changes (this game being quite boring for the defence (Jenny, Alison, Rachel and sometimes Lindsey), with Mrs Dip spending 90% of the game sitting in the GK kit on the back board! Olney worked hard to keep possession and Jane G had the next goal within the first 5 mins of the 2nd half (from a rebound off the keepers pads created by Tamsin). Tamsin got the next within 5 mins and Jane G saved the final goal just 3 mins before the end of the game.

Carrina’s domination of the game and keeping everyone focused on where the ball ‘should’ go earnt her man of the match.

Jenny stayed out on pitch to umpire the next game for Rushden. Thanks for that and ensuring that we had an umpire as we only had 11 players.

As Catherine has said got a very important game next weekend!

and an early start!

4th February - Towcester 3rds vs Olney - (Won 1 - 6)

Olney started this year's league fixtures with a comfortable win over Towcester thirds.

Wiley Wendy Haslam (player of the match) bagged herself four goals taking full advantage of great support play from Tamsin Martin, Carrina Pinney and Alison Woodward. Olney's midfield dominated the less experienced Towcester girls and Di Graham at sweeper reverted to singing 70's pop songs in a bid to keep herself awake and Samantha (in goal) amused.

Olney's latest signing paid dividends with new girl Alison Ashman settling in quickly and scoring on her debut, my congratulations go to her.

Karen Murdoch scored the other Olney goal but was unlucky not to score more today, as was Tamsin who did everything but put the ball in the back of the net.

The Towcester squad were well organised and scored a consolation goal much to Rachel's displeasure....a little tinkering too far from the captain perhaps?

Well done Olney Ladies

One down seven to go!

Jenny

29th January - Olney vs Northampton Saints (2nds/3rds) (Friendly) - (Won 4 - 0)

ANOTHER FINE VICTORY FOR OLNEY, A HAT TRICK FOR WENDY

Olney were on fine form when they faced Saints 2/3 at home with a squad of 11 with Mrs Dip in goal. Di was the experienced umpire of the game. With the new defence line of Mrs Bain and Mrs Harris assisting Rachel! The forward line being Jacqui, Sally, Jood and Wendy with Carrina, Ali and Tamsin were in midfield.

Olney fought hard from the first whistle, with most of the play being for Olney it took 25 minutes to net the first goal from midfielder Ali, 5 minutes later Wendy got her first and within minutes had netted her second from a great pass from Sally.

The second half saw Wendy gain her hatrick with an early goal. Olney held off Saints and quickly regained control if Saints ever got near Olney’s defending D. Olney were able to practice some square and back ball passing, some worked well and some just didn’t.

We missed goal several times, their keeper was ensuring that we kept the score line as low as possible, Sally, Tamsin and Jood missed a few golden moments, but fought back and tried again. Ali and Carrina were also seen have a shot or two! Mrs Bain also tried her luck in the 2nd half. Jacqui was also near the target a few times.

Olney showed great spirit and helped the umpires with a few ‘honesty’ decisions. They worked well as a team supporting forwards and backwards above all they communicated and listened to instructions of where the ball had to go (Wendy and Carrina!!).

Mrs Dip just had to touch the ball 3 times and all 3 times was told to leave it!! Olney’s defence were first to get the ball every time at short corners, well done Lindsey and Jood.

Tamsin’s hard work won her man of the match, with Wendy a close 2nd and Rachel got mentioned yet again!

Well done to everyone and thanks to Catherine for braving the cold with Chloe and supporting us. Di for umpiring and Jenny for such lovely teas and homemade cakes.

22nd January - COUNTY CLUBS TOURNAMENT, BARBARA BEAN MEMORIAL CUP (Lost 3, Drew 1)

Well Olney came decided they had nothing to loose competing in the Northants Women's Tournament them being the only team from Division 2, there were no Division 1 teams and the other teams were all play in the Midlands divisions! This did not dampen Olney's spirits and they did themselves proud with the 4 matches that they played.

1) Saints lost 2 - 0

2) Kettering lost 2 - 0

3) Wellingborough 0 - 0 yes we drew
Wellingborough had 5 1st team players, 4 2nd and a few 3rd team players!

4) Towcester lost 4 - 0.

Kirsty made a fantastic aerial save in the Towcester game and won a well deserved praise from all the other teams and umpires. Kirsty had made some saves in some of the other games too. Rachel did an amazing job in defence and was most peoples choice of Player of the Tournament. Di made some crucial tackles too. we broke down most oppositions game which was very commendable. When Towcester played other teams, they were able to play 'their' game, when they played Olney, they were stopped in their tracks several times, though Olney fought hard and did get the ball in the D, it just wasn't enough. Wendy made some great runs and won a short corner, Carrina did some amazing hit outs at short corners and we were quite close to scoring. Tamsin, Carrina, Jenny, Ali and Lindsey were hard in the midfield and tracked back when needed. Sally, Kaza, Julie and Jood made some good passes and had some good play up front. Olney's defence were very fast out at defending short corners.

The games were good and Olney played so well as a team, it was a pleasure to watch.

Well done everyone. great performance.

14th January - Wellingborough 2nds vs Olney (Friendly) - (Lost 2 - 3)

OLNEY LADIES BATTLE TO THE FINAL WHISTLE!!

Olney put up a good performance against First Division Wellingborough 2nds, Olney did well to get a full team out with many rusty and definitely with illness and injured players. Wendy suffering from flu like symptoms, Jane and Sally with their pulled muscles and Di being injured on the day. Many girls found themselves on the ground for several different reasons! Julie making a come back appearance (having not picked up a stick since last April), we welcome new player Gail (who claims she isn’t fit and her hip was giving her jip). Olney were under pressure from the beginning and conceded a goal in the first 10 mins, from a penalty short corner. Olney were able to gain control and sorted out man marking and got some structure with the NEW forward line and mid field players. Jood worked tirelessly throughout the whole match as support striker, Julie as right wing, Sally came and went as striker and managed to bag a great goal, she managed to get the ball round several Borough players before finally netting a well deserved goal.

Borough were straight back out on us and scored through Olney’s lapse in concentration and marking. Rachel made several fantastic tackles and ensured that her player wasn’t going to score or get the ball! Di swept up in and out of the D, but found herself on the floor twice and got a leg injury during the second half, which saw her off the pitch for a while. Wendy who was unable to watch for long found herself on the pitch a couple of times; she couldn’t resist a golden opportunity with a clean chip from the edge of the D, right into the top corner of the goal (awesome).

Olney managed to give away a silly penalty short corner and enough for Borough to get a 3rd goal. Olney tried to even the score line to 3 – 3, but couldn’t quite get together. Olney lost 3 – 2.

It was a great team effort, with new players a great match to play. Rachel won herself Man of the Match and well deserved it was, she never gave up and quote from Kirsty ‘saved her ---- several times’!

Tamsin worked hard as right half and Lindsey saw off many players in the middle as centre half. Ali played forward, middle and back and made some great play as left wing. Carrina kept focused as left half and distributed the ball well for the forwards. It was great to hear so many people calling for the ball on pitch. Very well Captained Lindsey. However we did miss: Jenny, Serena, Catherine, Jacqui, Karen and other players being fully fit. Micaela was supporting all the way and would have played, but realistically, she wants to train a bit more before playing in a match.

It was quite pleasing to note that Wellingborough 2nds are 2nd in Division 1 and it was their regular team playing today with only two players missing!

3rd December - Northampton Lions 3rds vs Olney - (Won 0 - 4)

Another victorious result Olney 4 – 0 Lions.

With Jood kitted up ready to defend the Olney posts, Olney had time for a good warm up and received very specific instructions from Captain Karen.

With Olney ready to attack from the first whistle, Olney made light work of passing the ball round and Lindsey scored the first goal for Olney, after 5 mins, Karen netted another goal 5 mins later. The Olney defenders soon sorted out marking the Lions forwards, some fine play was made and lots of one/two passing ensured that Olney had several more attempts on goal, with a few penalty short corners. With Di promoted to a half this week, she made some fine tackles and made some great play, (it must be that England hockey skirt that she is playing in!) Karen managed to net another goal just before half time.

Olney came out ready to retain their clean sheet and were ready to attack again, the forwards worked well and made several switches, the mid-field were right behind them supporting them all the way and the backs ensured that they stopped any loose balls and closely marked the Lions forwards. There were several incidents, which showed that Lions were not happy with some of the Olney players! Olney kept it simple and kept composure, even though they received a few pushes and knocks. Wendy managed to net a goal from what it seemed was quite a messy short corner. Catherine also netted a goal from a short corner, though it was too high. Wendy got a hand injury from a stick and went off 10 mins before the final whistle, Rachel came back on, Olney made a couple of changes and soaked up the pressure for the remainder of the game.

Lions only managed to enter Olney’s D a couple of times before they were Sent back again, Jood was always ready to make a dive, though luckily didn’t have too much to do!! It was a tough call to make deciding on man of the match this week, with the whole team working together throughout.

Truly awesome!

Final score 4 - 0 to Olney.

Goals: Lindsey (1) Karen (2) Wendy (1)

Man of the Match: Lindsey, Wendy and Tamsin were joint runners up.

Olney had some fine support today with Micaela and Lindsey’s parents! (was that why Lindsey worked that extra bit harder!).

26th November - Olney vs Grammarians - (Won 2 - 0)

Olney just keeping on winning ………………………

The cold, damp wet Saturday night at 4.30pm, didn’t put Olney off nor dampen their spirit to ensure another fine defeat over Grammarians. With a very quick warm up, Olney were off to find themselves facing several brick walls. Olney quickly realised that ‘weak’ passes were going to be intercepted. Olney’s defence were under pressure at the beginning before they realised they were not sweeping the ball out of the D, as they were not properly warmed up, so were not bending low enough. Kirsty made a fine dive and Di cleared the ball out of the D. Both teams had a few penalty corners, which were quickly Defended away.

The work rate was strong and Olney worked tirelessly throughout the first half remembering everything that the Captain had briefed them about. A few efficient changes were made with Olney’s strong squad of 14.

Another positive half time talk was had and Olney were under immense pressure for the first 10 minutes of the second half, then the breaks came and Karen got the first goal and Tamsin soon made her goal all on her own (truly awesome). Olney kept their cool even when being ‘pushed’ about and being ‘knocked’ in the ribs. Play was continuous right up the final whistle.

Great again to have support from Micaela, she will be back training and playing from January. Also Rachel’s husband Doug and son Ben, It was a great game to support from the sideline, even though it was so cold. Well done everyone. No man of the match was chosen, it would have been a very close call with the great team effort made.

Thanks Jenny for umpiring several games so that Olney got an umpire for their game, it is very much appreciated.

Final Score 2 - 0 to Olney.

Goals: Tamsin (1) Karen (1)

This puts Olney 6 points in front of Grammarians and a good lead at the top. Olney face Town at 11.00 Roade next week. Thanks for Jood for volunteering to play in goal in Kirsty’s absence.

Next year: Kirsty is away for some of February and Jood is also away skiing over two weekends in February, we may be lucky enough to get Francesca to play in goal. So we will need all of our squad with Serena being away and Karen down to being part time.

Just in case you didn’t make training last week; Captain Karen will be starting a new job in January (as an Estate Agent) this will mean working every other Saturday, so Karen has stepped down as match Captain and Jenny has volunteered to take over.

The moon walk in London will be on 20th May 2006, entry and details can be found and made on line from 30th November at www.walkthewalk.org we thought this would a great event to take place in and see London by night!

Xmas Dinner; just a quick reminder Friday 9th December, from 7.30pm Mrs Dips and 9pm at the Four Pillars, don’t forget your present for Santa’s Sack and we will be continuing the fun at Mrs Dips afterwards (so far only Lindsey has booked Accommodation in Olney). Have booked for 15 at the 4 Pillars, so we are hoping that everyone will be able to come.

19th November - Olney vs Northampton Saints 3rds- (Won 4 - 1)

OLNEY MANAGE TO STAY AT THE TOP…..

Olney ensured that they remain at the top of the league beating Saints 4 – 1

Olney were under pressure from the start and took a while to sort themselves out, with several players in different positions and we found ourselves without Ali, Lindsey, Cath, Rachel and Tamsin! Di took charge as Sweeper at the back, middle and front at times. Most of the goals came in the first half, with one from Wendy and two from Karen, Saints also netted theirs in the first half, (a slight defending error on Olney’s part).

It was a tough game and Olney had to remain focused throughout, Karen gave an excellent half time brief and instructions of how she wanted play to go in the second half, which certainly made a difference; Saints could hardly break Olney’s defence line down in the second half. Mrs Dip managed a couple of crucial tackles;

Final Score 4 - 1 to Olney.

Goals: Wendy (1) Karen (2) Jane (1)

Man of the Match: Di’s play won her a well-deserved Man of the Match, with Carrina being runner up.

It was a fab game to play and all of Olney were busy and played as a TEAM, though we weren’t able to use the back ball as much as we would have liked to. Sally had some great play on the right wing and Jood made light work of being right half, especially in the second half. Wendy worked hard throughout the whole game and made puts some great balls through to the D. Serena moved the ball well and supported her forwards and marked her player out of the game, Jenny moved positions several times and supported the forwards and made some great tackles as right back. It was nice to see Little Jane back on pitch and she had a well deserved goal in the second half. Karen played well throughout and came back to help out the defence. Jacqui had a tough first half as left half and took quite a tumble, so didn’t play during the second half. Carrina worked hard throughout and still managed to communicate with everyone on the pitch.

Thanks to Ali, Rachel, Micaela and Jacqui supporting in the second half, it makes such a difference hearing some support for Olney.

Well done to everyone!

Wednesday night training, please make every effort to attend training, Karen and Lindsey would like to discuss something afterwards in the pub, sorry girls don’t know what this is about, so it is important to be there, even if it means training ending slightly earlier.

Change to next weeks game, it is hoped that we will now be playing at 1.30pm at Wrenn School! Karen will be confirming details on Weds.

5th November - Kettering vs Olney - (Won 0 - 6)

ANOTHER WIN FOR OLNEY….

Olney had to keep focused on their game today, they made sure that they played the back ball and switched sides several times, this created space and ensured that the wingers were in the game. Catherine made some critical tackles at the back only allowing Kettering into the defending D once in the whole game. Olney were very disciplined with their passing and ensured that 95% of all passes went to Olney players. The midfield players supported the forwards throughout, which allowed many attempts on goal, luckily Wendy scored 2 in the first half along with Jacqui scoring a great goal. Jacqui was quick on the ball when Kettering failed to make clear 16 yd hit outs.

Karen saved herself for the 2nd half and scored a hat trick. Olney ensured they kept composure even when stressed by dubious umpiring and being fouled by many Kettering players. (not your umpiring Di). Olney were able to attack for most of the game which even saw Olney defenders up over the half way line.

It was difficult to decide Man of the Match, with the team playing so well together throughout the whole game, Carrina and Karen were joint with 3 votes each, nearly all the other players got a vote each. Well done everyone.

UMPIRE DI! Well what can I say but a very well done Di, you looked confident at all times and Jenny agreed with most of your decisions. Thank-you for umpiring.

Final score 6 - 0 to Olney.

Goals: Wendy (2) Karen (3) Jacqui (1)

Man of the Match: Joint winners Carrina and Karen.

Olney don’t have a game next week, some are still available to play, so we shall see if we can arrange a friendly game, so far I believe the following are available:-

Jane, Wendy, Tamsin, Serena, Karen, Rachel, Di, Jenny, Not sure about Kirsty or Lindsey and so far Catherine, Carrina, Ali, Jacqui & Sally cannot play.

Please let us know by email or text whether you can or can’t play.

Thank-you Micaela for supporting and childminding by the look of it, I hope Lindsey pays good rates.

Well Captained Karen you did a brilliant job as well as playing very well.

We need to go out in November to remind Di, Micaela and Julie that they are getting Older!

29th October - Olney vs Corby - (Win 3 - 0 awarded to Olney)

Unfortunately Corby were unable to arrange a full squad and cancelled the match at the last minute, conceding the game to Olney.

15th October - Olney vs Rothwell & Desborough - (Won 5 -4)

Early domination of the game nearly proved fruitless for Olney as they conceded a breakaway goal to Rothwell and Desborough. Lindsey Bain’s pinpoint finish did bring the scores back even briefly before R&D scored twice taking a 2-goal lead. Olney never looked like losing though and showed great composure in the midfield putting together some superb passing through Serena Van de Hagen Dazs (player of the match), Jude Tetlow and Carrina Pinney. Lindsey went off for a well earned rest and Wendy Haslam converted a free hit prior to captain Karen Murdoch levelling the scores after the ball was switched back from Cath Wood’s hit out. 3-3 at half time.

When Olney came under pressure at the back in the second half Jane D’Ippolito showed confidence and poise in defence clearing off the goal line again and again. Whilst Rachel Alcock made some crucial tackles to thwart the R&D attacking moves. Olney led from the 50th minute after Sally Cook finished off two attacks with two goals in as many minutes. This was a 100% team performance showing the true character and quality of the Olney squad. R&D scored a consolation goal from a dubious umpiring decision in the last minute of the match. 4-5 is a flattering score line – realistically Olney were by far the better team on the day.

Final score 5 - 4 to Olney.

Goals: Lindsey (1) Wendy (1) Karen (1) Sally (2)

Man of the Match: Serena.

8th October - Wellingborough vs Olney - (Won 0 - 6)

A very convincing win for Olney, and doubling the goal scoring from the previous week.

After a team brief from Karen and only a couple of minutes of warm up time, Olney were ready to attack from the very first strike and they had scored from the very first ball, neatly finished off by Wendy, the 2nd goal came in the first five minutes too!. Wellingborough didn’t seem to be able to break the forward line down and with excellent distribution from the midfield players and with Jenny creating her own space and controlling the ball behind Wendy, this gave excellent support and opportunities for Karen, Sally and Wendy to shoot on goal. Olney had many penalty short corners, that didn’t seem to go where they should have! Catherine was feeling more than a little frustrated by this; with further perseverance and persistence she scored a blinding goal from a brilliant short corner strike. Olney defence hardly touched the ball in the first half! At half time Olney we leading 4 – 0.

With a couple of player changes and Tamsin venturing on pitch for the 2nd half, Olney were not quite so structured and we gave to ball a way a few times. It didn’t really look like Olney were going to score, then Di made a brilliant cross pass to Tamsin in the D and she scored a fantastic goal. Wendy nearly had a hatrick, unfortunately her last goal was disallowed, as Tamsin had stopped the ball from a short corner, the ball hadn’t come out of the D, so the goal didn’t count, (shame as Wendy blasted the ball into one side of the Goal). Kirsty didn’t touch the ball once and the ball only came in Olney’s defending D once at the end of the 2nd half. With Di in her new position as left half, she made some great passes into the D and long corner balls were also very strong and accurate.

It is good to see Jenny back on pitch, for Rachel and Sally to play a full game and to See Tamsin back out on pitch, she had a storming 2nd half.

One of Karen’s goals was also scored from a penalty short corner.
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Goals: Wendy (2) Karen (2) Catherine (1) Tamsin (1)

Man of the Match: joint Karen and Jenny.

(apparently last week’s was also joint Karen and Kirsty, in future Kirsty will be in charge of this task as Karen doesn’t seem to be truthful enough!)

It was a great game that everyone enjoyed. Captain Karen gave a team de-brief after the match.

We had excellent sideline support from Helena and Lindsey (Lindsey has a cold so didn’t play) and Tamsin in the first half.

As Kirsty spent so long ‘watching’ the game from the back, she was able to make many observations of her own, she would like to discuss these with Alex at the start of training on Wednesday.

Karen did and excellent job in sorting out the team and positions this week, it was a difficult week to sort out the team, as a week ago she was short of players, by Wednesday She was up to 13 players and worried about giving everyone a fair game) she ended up with 12 players and 2 players wanting to share half game each. In future can you please Let Karen know before at worst at the beginning to training whether or not you can play On the Saturday, Karen wants sort the team by training, so that set pieces, short corners and most importantly to ensure that she has a full team for the Saturday. Due to this confusion and lateness of a few players on the pitch, it gave Karen little time to re-organise the team and warm up properly.

Next week: we face Rothwell & Desborough at Wrenn School at 10.30am. Please text Karen if you can play and haven’t already signed the book. It is our home game, so a volunteer will be needed for teas.

Friday 14th October: Jane Gibbs is back for the weekend and would like to see as many OLHC players as possible, meet at Mrs Dips at 8pm or after then they will be in the Bull At Olney.

1st Oct 2005 - Olney v Towcester 3rds – (Won 3 - 0)

A good start to the season……………..

Kirsty keeps a clean sheet and gets Man of the Match!

Goals: Jood (1) Karen (2)

Olney found it quite difficult to sort themselves out in the first half and had many shots on goal, Kirsty had one or two moments and made a great save which probably earned her man of the match. Towcester were a very young team and had a few skilful players, they were quite dangerous if they got the ball and managed to break down Olney’s defence line.

After Captain Karen sorted out the team at half time, the second half was a different story with 3 goal being scored and many more near misses. Rachel played half of the second half and did a great job (after 15 years of not playing). Olney had to concentrate on just keeping possession, which worked for 75% of the second half. Carrina did some good hit outs at short corners (one goal came from a short corner). Towcester had a few short corners, but with speed and Accuracy of Di and Serena, they couldn’t put any goals past Kirsty.

Well done to all of those who played. Thanks to Jenny for umpiring and Micaela for supporting.

Congratulations to Di for passing her umpires course with 92%, we look forward to you umpiring soon.

Olney seem to be a bit short of players for next Saturdays game at 10.30 next week, Julie, Sally, Tamsin and Emma, is it time for you to make another appearance on pitch!

Hope to see you all at training on Weds.

17th Sep 2005 - Olney v Earls Barton (Friendly) – (Lost 3 - 4)

With several people in different positions (no substitutes) and with the absence of a few regular players, we put up a great fight in the first half, concentration seemed to lack for a while in the second half and with tired legs, we let EB through and they make the most of our lapses, though it was a good and pretty fair game and the umpiring was extremely strict. Well done to Wendy, Jane and Kaza on all scoring, Sally was very close at times, better luck next time.