Olney Ladies Hockey Club

Match Reports

14th July 2009 - Summer League Week 5: Earls Barton 3 Olney Ladies 6 and Olney Ladies White shirts vs. Olney Ladies Black shirts

The final evening of the summer league began well beating EB. I can't remember who scored perhaps the goals scorers can make themselves known Jood? Katie?

Then we had the league presentation - somebody from another team won a prize for something - can't remember what!

And another team won the league - I think Rothwell !

We then played a fantastic friendly against each other to wind the season up! Good to see Kirsty back for a run around and little Jane!

Our thanks to Jenny, and Angie who umpired during the summer season - and to Karen and Jood for organising us so well. Roll on the winter league!

30th June 2009 - Summer League Week 4: Wellingbrough 0 Olney Ladies 1 and Rothwell and Desborough 4 Olney Ladies 3

This was the hottest evening so far. We were baking!

The first match line up - Angie , Rachel, Jude, Carrina, Karen, Laura, Jood, and Wendy. With only 8 players this week Olney struggled to get going in the oppressive heat. Players found it hard to run, breathe and shout at the same time and communication in the first 10 minutes or so was non-existant. However Olney soon began to put together some passing moves keeping the ball in the attacking half away from their own goal. Laura looked especially sprightly on the right and Olney were unlucky not to score on a few occasions. At the other end in defence the Wellingborough attack also began to get a rhythm and when they did brake through Angie pulled off several saves to keep the scores even. Olney did have the slight upper hand though and the Olney goal came from a pass out of defence from Rachel, up to Carrina, who threaded the ball through the circle to Wendy who made no mistake. A great goal! Olney came out for the second half determined to make the lead bigger - but Wellingborough continued to put up tough opposition and still threatened on the break. By the end of the match both teams had given there all in the heat and were glad to hear the final whistle.

The heat had dropped for the second match of the evening - with Jood now in goal, Angie on field joined by Wendy, Di, Lindsey, Karen, Laura and Alice. Olney played well in the first half with Di and Linz at the back making some excellent interceptions and tackles. Olney took the lead within the first five minutes with a well worked penalty corner scored by Ang. However R+D had very good skills and Olney went into half time losing 3-1. With young legs in the 2nd half Olney matched R+D for pace and skills and again scored first after a good long corner from Laura which found Linz free at the top of the D to score (yes Rach from the back she scored!). R+D weren't going to give up and put another one past Jood, who made some excellent saves throughout the match! Olney were not going to give up the fight and Karen scored with 5 minutes left to play, but could not find another way through! It was an excellently fought and well contested match!

From Lindsey ."..I remember that I actually scored – when they are so few and far between you have to get all the glory you can – and I was playing in defence. We were really good but they were a bit better at the running all the way up the pitch and then scoring thing – which meant they won in the end 4-3. We put together a respectable performance considering the heat, the time (should have been tucked up in bed) and our stand in Goalie – Jood who was bloody awesome. The nippers on the wing were really impressive too – I was especially impressed with Alice’s confidence on the ball. Bodes well for the future of Olney Ladies :)"

Thanks yet again to Jenny for umpiring!

16th June 2009 - Summer League Week 3: Wilcatz 2 Olney Ladies 6 and Corby 10 Olney Ladies 2

Another very HOT evening for the summer leaguers. Again two very different teams and two very different matches.

The first match line up - Heather , Rachel, Carrina, Karen, Alice, Angie, Jood, Georgi, and Serena. Olney took charge of this hot game from the outset. Some fantastic hockey was played - the team creating several chances within minutes of the start. The team revelled in the space on the wings and took Wildcatz apart with some swift passing moves. When Wildcatz broke through Heather and her defenders did enough to get in the way. Goals went to Angie (a hat trick!), Georgi ('I've got my two goals now - I'm happy') and Jood. Carrina, Serena and Alice also came very close to adding to the score. Alice in particular combining well with Angie and setting up Angie for at least one of her goals. Alice herself was unlucky not to score when Angie unselfishly passed her the ball in front of (what seemed to be a clear) goal. The only negative thing was the number of penalty corners we appeared to give away (I blame big foot!). Serena and Jood deserve a pat on the back for their tireless running out as number 1 and number 2 - although at times they were deemed too early out of their blocks by the sharp eyed umpire! Olney thoroughly deserved their 6-2 win!

As last time the second match was a very different affair. We didn't have the luxury of an hours break or any beer - it was straight from the first match to the second. The line up was Heather again in goal with Wendy, Carrina, Rachel, Lindsey, Jood, Katie, Karen and Georgi. Olney were quick off the blocks and for the first five minutes were in control and scored first through Jood. Corby however were fresh legged and their two forwards as in our first match against them started to run rings around our midfield and defence. As Olney retreated Corby just kept coming forward and by half time it was 6-1. A stern half time talk to mark up, keep the width and keep our heads meant the second half was a much better half for Olney. We did start to think and to play hockey again and make Corby work. I'm sure we had them worried at one point - we at least made them laugh when Lindsey tried one sweeping shot! Karen sealed a much improved Olney performance with a goal at the end. Shouts of 'Last goal wins were heard but I don't think Corby were listening. Final score 10-2 to Corby.

Thanks again to Jenny for umpiring! See you in two weeks ladies!

2nd June 2009 - Summer League Week 2: Rothwell and Desborough 9 Olney Ladies 4 and Earls Barton 2 Olney Ladies 8

A hot hot HOT evening to return to the summer League and to celebrate Kazza's birthday.

Two very different teams and two very different matches.

The first match by far the hottest and hardest of the evening. The team welcomed Heather in goal and on field we had Karen, Di, Alice, Angie, Wendy, Georgi, and Serena. Rothwell took no time at all in showing Olney that they meant business. Playing some very good hockey and with some fantastic shots Rothwell took Olney to 4-0 until Olney showed their fighting spirit to score 1 back before the break. A quick half time talk in the shade and Olney came out with the bit between their teeth. Rothwell continued to attack but Olney began to get back into the match and for the middle 10 minutes of this half were in control reducing the deficit to 6-4 at one point - and nearly coming within the one goal of Rothwell. But Rothwell continued to take their chances whenever they could. Goals went to Angie, Serena(2) and Georgi. A tough match for Heather's debut but Rothwell deserved the victory.

The team then spent a happy hour picnicking and celebrating Kazza's birthday before playing again.

The second match was a very different affair. The line up was Heather again in goal and starting on-field - Jude, Rachel, Lindsey, Laura, Jood, and Katie with Karen and Georgi staying on for a second match. This match was played at a much cooler time of the evening. Olney's new line -up took the match to Earls Barton and Lindsey bagged two goals very early on in the match. The youngsters in the mid-field - Katie, Laura and Jood worked tirelessly enjoying the freedom to attack resulting in goal for Katie. Lindsey - wearing someone else's shirt - continued to force herself through on the EB goal and bagged a third - completing her hat-trick. Earls Barton though had some fast youngsters of their own and it was their young attack that broke through the Olney defence to claw a goal back before the break. 4-1 at half time. After the break Karen (birthday girl) came on in attack searching for that birthday goal! But it was Earls Barton who scored first in the half - again breaking through after an Olney attack. This spurred the Olney team on with Jood scoring and eventually Karen found that all elusive birthday goal. This was swiftly followed by two more - the birthday girl had a hat-trick - well done Kazza! Final score 8-2!

Thanks to Jenny and Di for umpiring!

12th May 2009 - Summer League Week 1: Corby 4 Olney Ladies 2 and Wellingborough Green 0 Olney Ladies 6

There is a new format to the summer League this year - Two matches a night and two divisions. Olney are in Division 2. We started last night with 1 win and 1 loss.

A summers evening which began brightly in the heat and the sun - in our first game Katie scored the first goal in the match against Corby. However Corby were quick to level the scores and some excellent moving off the ball created additional chances. Olney were lucky to get a goal back through Georgi late in the second half and pressed hard for a third but were unlucky. At the other end the Angie worked hard in goal to keep Corby out. A tough game to start the league after a few weeks off!

In our second game - and a few changes to the team - not least Katie volunteering to go in goal. Angie came out on pitch and grabbed 4 goals with Wendy and Karen picking up the other two. Olney were always on top in this game - enjoying time on the ball and moving forward at every opportunity. When Wellingborough did break through Katie had a stormer and kept the goals out . A clean sheet for Peng! And a good game to finish on.

Thanks to Jenny and Bernie for umpiring!

Players tonight were - Jude, Carrina, Rachel, Kazza, Katie, Angie, Jood, Wendy, Lindsey, Georgi.

Jood though played all of 5 minutes before retiring hurt - yes - Jood - hope the toe is okay Jood!

18th April 2009 - Grammarians 0 Olney Ladies 2

**'D-Day!'**

There was an early start for Olney ladies this week as they took on Grammarians in their final game of the season, Grammarians needed all three points to thwart Olney’s promotion hopes, a draw would have been enough to see Olney go up but a win for the O’s would seal top spot above Rothwell and Desborough on goal difference.

Having so much riding on the result then, Olney were taking the game very seriously indeed, Carrina rallied her troops in the dressing room having insisted on early nights and no hangovers, her pre match talk was the stuff of legend. Add the fact that Olney have failed to beat Grammarians in three years and that they had managed to drag a pretty decent side out of their beds as well, so the scene was set for a tasty encounter.

Even from the first whistle this was a tight affair, Olney pressed forwards through Carrina Pinney on the left and Kazza Murdoch linked up well with Wendy Haslam and Georgi Ward. Georgi had a good chance when she went clean through but the Grammarians keeper acted quickly and was out in front of Georgi before she had time to convert the chance.

Captain Carrina and Coach Harris made a few adjustments at half time, and three pairs of fresh legs for Olney started to stretch the Grammarians defenders and more and more chances were created for the Olney forwards.

Harriet Ewing edged the player of the match award this week, recognition for a brilliant performance at left back where she has played consistently well all season, congratulations to her. Our thanks go to Caff, Micaela, Daniel, Little Jane, Suzanne and the crèche for their support.

Amazingly Di Graham had a quiet game at the back, by that I mean, she was so busy patrolling her 25yard area that Di hardly had a moment to think about shouting encouragement to her team mates. Di took a couple of knocks for the team but remained belligerent and kept Grammarians striker, Fliss, from getting anywhere near the Olney goal.

Matching her fellow defenders for performance and persistence was Rachel Alcock, and with Kirsty Rice’s confident presence in the pads the Olney defence proved better than anything Grammarians had to throw at them.

Praise must go to the Grammarians defenders for holding out Kazza Murdoch and Georgi Ward for as long as they did, Kazza looked unstoppable on the ball and the work rate of the two Olney players never seemed to slacken. Wendy Haslam played a pivotal role at support striker but seemed relieved to be going off for a break at half time.

In midfield Jood Tetlow put in another solid performance whilst Serena Van Der Hyde did the running of five women, up attacking one second and then sprinting back to pick up her player, Grammarians danger woman Kerry was simply kept from having any significant impact due to Serena’s persistence. Serena made such impression with her fitness and running in the first half that she was asked to stay on and do it all again for the second, she did not disappoint.

Over fifteen minutes gone in the second half when the break through finally came for Olney. Harriet Ewing carried the ball confidently up from the back, pushing on through the midfield Harriet passed to Lindsay Bird Bain who crossed the ball to Avril Soman. Avril collected the ball calmly, waited for the keeper to dive full length across the goal line before lifting her shot into the goal; a first class finish from a classy player.

Now the Grammarians team had to push up for a goal themselves and this left Olney much more room to mount many measured attacks. A series of penalty corners led to the decisive goal for the O’s. Avril ‘so good ‘Soman attempted a reverse stick strike which flew across the Grammarians goal. Ali Woodward insisted afterwards that she was just ‘ in the right place at the right time’ however, as she flew in from the right side Ali had only inches of the goal in which to place the ball to score but score she did with a well placed scoop and a rare gleeful celebration from the modest midfielder followed.

So it was only left for Coach Jenny Harris, who had undergone a thirty three and a half minute warm up, to make her cameo appearance. Jenny banished Georgi Ward to the back and flew up front to take a long corner hit seconds before the match was brought to a close… the Grammarians Captain even beat her to call three cheers.

Olney Ladies have, once again, proved that they are the best team in division two and any one who doubted that just need look at the table. Olney won the division without a keeper but know that they will need one next season as they go up to face some formidable opposition. For now and for the rest of this season Olney ladies can celebrate a job well done.

**'Damien’s day'**

Congratulations to the Dippolito family on the baptism of Damien and Happy Birthday little Dude. Thanks for organising the party Jane, Rem and Heidi we won it for all of you and the extended Olney family too.

5th April 2009 - Olney Ladies 4 Earls Barton 1

'Tongue Twister'

For their penultimate game of this season Olney played hosts to Earls Barton on a beautifully warm spring afternoon.

Olney Ladies went off half-cocked and the youngsters from Earls Barton gave Olney a run for their money in the first half of the match, the Olney defenders; Rachel Alcock, Harriet Ewing and Jenny Harris had to remain vigilant as the Earls Barton girls always looked dangerous as they pushed up in numbers. Helena Schofield had her work cut out from the start playing in centre midfield; she was red faced after ten minutes and up against players half her age, Helena put in good tackles time after time.

Tackling was not a problem for the O’s but passing proved beyond them in the first half with too few simple passes being completed and play became disjointed leading to some frustrated calls from Captain Carrina to try and sort it out. Devon Byrne looked sharp on the right wing and Katie ‘Peng’ Barber was given plenty of space to practice her trickery.

Wendy Haslam was back this week, but not 100% fit, her presence certainly made a big difference up front , Jood Tetlow, Kazza Murdoch and Katie Barber were putting in plenty of running but with no rewards. Angi Harrell guarded the Earls Barton D like a bouncer outside a night club and bluntly not one of the Olney Girls were going to get passed, through or around her in the first half.

The half time team talk tactics tellingly turned the tide. (Repeat five times)

Perhaps Olney were guilty of ‘white line fever’ in the first half, however , Captain Carina’s team talk at half time left them in no doubt as to what was required and with her words ringing in their ears Olney started the second half.

The Olney girls played a much higher standard of hockey from the outset of the second half, Lindsay Bird Bain worked tirelessly at breaking up the Earls Barton midfield’s approaches and within minutes of the restart a firm hit out down the left hand side from Harriet Ewing was moved quickly through Carrina Pinney up to Kazza Murdoch on the leftwing, the ball was in the back of the Barton goal within ten seconds of the clearance from Harriet and Olney seemed to be on their way.

The Earls Barton girls had other thoughts though; they were stung into action and pressed forwards wining a penalty corner. Kirsty Rice, in goal for Olney, was left with little hope of saving from a very well deflected shot which flew through Kirsty’s pads. Earls Barton’s Jo Osborne seemed pleased as punch to score but the Olney girls soon wiped the grin off Jo’s face scoring straight from the push back.

Avril Soman is a class above any player in this league on the reverse stick side and she scored her first then followed it up later in the half with a cracking reverse stick strike which hit the back board before the Earls Barton keeper had a chance to react. Kazza Murdoch put in another brave performance on the left wing and after setting up both Avril's goals she bagged herself another goal in the second half to make the game safe for the O’s.

From a half-cocked start then, congratulations to player of the match Rachel Alcock, she looked comfortable at the back and confident to press forwards whenever the chance presented itself, Olney’s win sets up a thrilling final match of the season against Grammarians.

It was good to see Alison and her brood and Granny Merle along with the little Bird Bains made up the crèche on the side line, thanks for your support gang.

28th March 2009 - Olney Ladies 2 Towcester IIIs 1

'Di hard'

Let’s just get one thing straight from the start; this was a scrappy, ugly, frustrating match with much of the play in midfield punctuated by a multitude of technical fouls for which both teams were equally palpable. Towcester saw fit to bring four umpires with them, one they provided with a whistle and he did a fairly good job however the three that attempted to umpire the match with their mouths were for the most part annoying to play against, perhaps distracting to play with and certainly intimidating to keep in check .

Olney got off to a flying start scoring after eight minutes Kazza Murdoch flew up the left wing and released the ball to Georgi Ward at the top of the D, Georgi beat a couple of Towcester defenders before firing the ball passed the keeper.

The goal seemed to galvanise the Towcester team and battle commenced, both team enjoyed periods of possession interrupted for the most by a stick tackle from an opposing player, or a foot, or an obstruction, rarely a clean tackle but often pressure on the ball led to mistakes which, made for a an awfully artless affair. What ensued was more a battle of attrition with some backs to the wall defending from the Towcester girls. Olney looked the more likely team to score in the first half Kazza and Georgi having a few more chances created by the build up play of Carrina Pinney, Katie Barber and Lindsay 'Bird' Bain. Jood Tetlow’s introduction to the game came in the form of a brilliantly timed shoulder barge, Jood fairly flew to the ground and was left with four bloodied knuckles for her personal trophy.

Towcester drew level late into the first half, having stretched the Olney defence out to the right hand side a well placed cross left Towcester’s second eleven forward with an easy chance to score into the corner of the goal.

Di Graham was beaten just that once, for the remainder of the match the Olney Keeper stood resolute between the Towcester forwards and the goal line. A bit of bloody mindedness and a lot of vocal support topped off with a, quite brilliant, double save which could ultimately be the defining moment of Olney’s season gave Di a ‘shoe in’ for Olney player of the match this week.

Olney regained the lead half way through the send period, Georgi Ward got away with yet another stick tackle at the top of the Towcester D, all of the Towcester umpires missed the foul and allowed play to continue, the Towcester defence hesitated and Georgi played the ball across to Avril Soman who provided a reverse stick cross for Kazza Murdoch to force the ball home in front of Alice Testa who was waiting to pounce on the chance.

Not a pretty goal in a pretty ugly game.

Towcester pushed up time and time again and stretched the Olney defenders across the pitch, Rachel Alcock and Harriett Ewing dealt with everything that was thrown at them and Jenny Harris was hitting the dead ball incredibly hard to briefly relieve the pressure on the Olney goal but any mistakes in open play were pounced on by the Towcester forwards and led to a sustained onslaught on the Olney goal. Di Graham made some confident clearances and Ali Woodward was back helping out alongside Helena Schofield, both players put in an awesome amount of work again this week (that sleep at training obviously paid off Helena).

To the Towcester players who believed they could have umpired the game better than the newly qualified umpire which was supplied by the league... Olney won because we scored two goals and you scored one and I did not see either umpire pick the ball up and put it behind the goal line........and that shaking the hands of the Olney players at the end of the match was beneath them....take a look at the league table.

As an experienced player and qualified umpire I would like to offer you three wise words of wisdom ‘Get over it’.

As I said this was not a pretty game to play, umpire or watch more a gritty disjointed match during which Olney ground out a win and gained three much needed points.

21st March 2009 - Saints IIIs 0 Olney Ladies 8 (eight)

Can I Kick it……

On a beautiful spring evening whilst Ireland were busy fighting for their first grand slam in fifty years Olney ladies were enjoying another goal fest against Saints III’s. Olney set about wining this match in a professional disciplined manner, Jenny Harris swept with Rachel Alcock and Di Graham thwarting the Saints attacks on the half way line for pretty much all of the first half. Helena Schofield was padded up and raring to go, however her most taxing task was to try and stay awake and she had plenty of good hockey to watch to help her to do so. Without exception all the Olney girls played brilliantly worked hard passed the ball and created chances for the team to score.

Can I Kick it……

Players who stood out then; were Georgi Ward who made goal scoring look easy, she scored a hat trick in the first half the pick of her three being a solo dribble from the top of the D beating two defenders and firing the ball home. Jood Tetlow worked her socks off, on the one occasion that Saints breached the Olney D in the first half 'Tigger' was back intercepting the ball deeper than the sweeper, careful Jood you’ll be getting a reputation as a defender. Di Graham had a solid game tackling, attacking and sending the ball through up to the wingers with pace and precision, she had a couple of shouts for player of the match but deservedly a first half hat trick from Georgi Ward grabbed her the accolade this week.

Can I Kick it……

Kazza Murdoch must be a little confused, she ran her socks off had a near perfect game on the wing scored four goals either side of the break and got another bloody knee but Georgi Ward gets player of the match?..... What more has a girl got to do? The pick of Kazza’s goals was set up by a brilliant cross from the top right hand side of the D from Rachel Alcock, Kazza timed her swept shot to perfection leaving the Saints Keeper no chance. Shout outs to the young guns, Alice Testa, good to see her flying up the wing again and Katie ‘Peng’ Barber who enjoyed the run of the wing in the first half setting up three goals, she was frustrated in the second half by too many bodies in front of goal but she kept on in there.

Big love to Avril who is still a class above with her reverse stick play, she popped up to score whilst Carina Pinney and Wendy Haslam stood around chatting in midfield.

Having already proved herself in the drinking, dancing, singing and sitting on strange men’s laps stakes Jude Pemberton made her debut on the pitch for Olney and made an impression from the start, not many players carry poo bags in their kit bags, but if it works for you Jude, who are we to argue? Jude looked formidable at the back and made some excellent tackles, she looked keen to get up into the fray and with a bit more match play she should bed into the squad well

Can I Kick it……

Now whilst all this was going on up front Helenna Scofiled was trying to remain vigilant under all those pads, desperate to prove her place with a touch of the ball. And then just when she thought all the huffing and puffing of pulling on pads and buckling up kickers was all for nothing, she got her chance….

Can I Kick it……

The ball came across her D from the right….

Can I Kick it……

Helena strode forwards

Can I Kick it……

Swept her right foot confidently towards the ball

Can I Kick it……

YES YOU CAN!

Helena kicked the ball all the way and off the side line.

Phew!

28th February 2009 - Olney Ladies 11 (eleven) Wellingborough IIIs 0

'Kids in a sweet shop'

Olney played hosts to a very young Wellingborough team this week and produced an overwhelming performance which ultimately left them without a fixture next week.....

Olney fielded a team fit and ready to burst after a frustrating match the previous week. Devon Byrne made her debut for the O’s and showed her class scoring a hat trick, - and she was only on the pitch for half the game!

Olney scored their opener after one minute and seventeen seconds they pushed up together and kept disciplined shaped creating space in which to pass the ball, they stretched the Wellingborough youngsters and Devon announced her arrival with the opening goal pushing the ball home from a Wendy Haslam pass.

There then followed an onslaught seldom produced by an Olney ladies hockey team.

11 goals in 70 minutes amounts to a score every 6 and a half minutes and, frankly, I was umpiring and couldn’t remember all of them if you paid me!

Neither could the players who, after much discussion, awarded the goals accordingly....

Wendy 2 Bulls Eyes

Georgi 3 Sugar free rhubarb and custards

Devon 3 Strawberry Flyers

Jood 1 1 Coconut roll

That’s 9 ........Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm????

Oh yes....

Di 1 Gobstopper

Lindsay Bird Bain 1 Anglo Bubbly Bubble Gum

Credit must go to the youngsters of Wellingborough who kept trying to thwart the Olney girls, and they did mount two or three attacks on the Olney goal but Micaela Moroney is gaining confidence in her new found role as goal keeper and any real threat were seen off by Micaela and the ever vigilant Rachel Alcock and Helena Schofield.

Devon returned to the pitch during the second half and showed more breath taking pace which led to her being asked whether she had, in fact, velcroed the ball to the end of her stick. Vanessa Wilson was very unlucky not to score at the end after she hit a fine raised shot, the Wellingborough keeper pulled off a brilliant reaction save to frustrate the Olney youngster.

Captain Carrina, Alison Woodward, Harriett Ewing and Helena Schofield bossed the midfield for pretty much the whole match but the key to this outstanding performance was that the Olney team kept their shape, passed the ball and player of the match for Olney, Devon, delighted with her delectable speed of legs and stick.

The Olney performance was so overpowering that the Wellingborough players cancelled the proposed friendly for next Saturday so if any other teams are reading this we are looking for a fixture....

COME AND HAVE A GO IF YOU THINK YOUR HARD ENOUGH!!!!*

Olney Joking*

Thanks to Micaela for going in goal and Jenny for umpiring and great teas Lindsey!

22nd February 2009 - Rushden and Higham 1 Olney Ladies 3

'Georgie’s Best'

After a frustratingly long break, due to the recent bad weather, Rushden played hosts to their training ground rivals Olney Ladies and an equally frustrating match ensued.

The Olney girls got off to a flying start opening the scoring after five minutes with a cracking finish from their leading goal scorer Kazza Murdoch. Olney continued to press forward with pace and soon grabbed another goal, a rare treat to see Bird Bain celebrating making the final touch.

Olney were perhaps a little too eager to press for a third and Rushden grabbed a chance to break through Jenny Harris failed to make the final tackle and a last gasp lunge from super fit Serena Van Der Hyde could not prevent the Rushden centre forward from pushing the ball home past Micaela Moroney in the Olney Goal.

2-1 after seventeen minutes and for the rest of the first half much of the action was in or around the Rushden D. The Rushden keeper made a series of very good saves and Olney had a series of penalty corners but failed to convert any. Helena Schofield pushed up whenever the opportunity arose but at times there seemed to be just too many people in the way of the Rushden goal. The overcrowding led to more penalties conceded by the Rushden defenders but Olney squandered the chances to make the pressure pay for them.

Credit must go the Rushden goalkeeper who continued to make saves under pressure in the second half. The Olney back four were virtually redundant in the second half. When the third goal eventually arrived for the O’s it turned out to be a cracker from, Olney’s player of the match, Georgie Ward. Georgi flew down the right wing and fired a shot from the edge of the D. The keeper, true to form, saved the shot but kicked the ball back to Georgi who took full advantage of the second helpings and fired the ball into the Rushden goal.

Rushden had a small spell of attacking in the dying moments of the match but thankfully Micaela had managed to stay awake and pulled off a comfortable save to keep the game safe for Olney.

Final scores - Olney won 3 goals to 1 and 25 penalty corners to 2!

Thanks to Micaela for going in goal at short notice and Di for umpiring!

31st January 2009 - Rothwell and Desborough 5 Olney Ladies 3

A hard fought match to start the second half of the season. Olney scored first through Georgi but Rothwell and Desborough were quick to level the scores and then take the lead. At one stage in the first half Olney HAd slipped behind to 3 - 1 but some excellent forward work by Katie, Georgi and Karen meant Olney had levelled the scores by half time. The goals going to Katie and another for Georgi.

In the second half Olney worked hard but the opening would not come and Rothwell and Desborough's 4th came against the run of play. Olney continued to battle but lady luck appeared to be with R&D rather than Olney. Their fifth was a rocket from the edge of the circle.

This game could have gone either way - both teams played well and battled hard..... but it would have felt better if we'd won!

17th January 2009 - Olney Ladies 0 Towcester 7 (Friendly)

A tough match against very good opposition. Jenny out did herself in the Olney goal saving shot after shot from all angles.

The forwards had few chances to score but worked hard between themselves to make an opening. Karen broke through on at least two occasions but was unlucky each time.

A good match to prepare for the start of the league matches on the 31st.

Thanks to Georgi for the teas!

10th January 2009 - Wellingborough IIs 6 Olney Ladies 1 (Friendly)

The first match back after Xmas and the New Year - Olney Ladies played in sub zero conditions. Not a game for the faint hearted! Kazza scored the Olney goal.

20th December 2008 - Bedford 2 Olney Ladies 1 (Friendly)

A last match before the Xmas break. Carrina scored the Olney goal.

29th Nov 2008 - Olney Ladies 5 Daventry Ladies 5 (Friendly)

'The Vice Squad'

Twenty two Olney Ladies turned up to the Christmas dinner the night before this friendly fixture against Daventry Ladies. Quite surprising then, that only ten players were available for the game which turned out to be an fast moving exciting match with ten goals being shared by the two teams.

More surprising was Olney’s Captain Carrina spurning the chance to play for the O’s but turning out for Daventry Ladies instead, and to add salt to the wounds she scored in the second half, some players are so fickle. Vice captain in charge, Jood Tetlow made a plea to her team not to lose and they did not let her down.

When you have had a few glasses of wine and performed to an exclusive audience a Haka stirs the blood and galvanises your team into a lean mean singing machine. In the cold light of a Wellingborough afternoon with only the remnants of alcohol from the night before trickling through the veins Olney’s pre match Haka was not, (wince) perhaps, quite as convincing ,however, Daventry did have the grace to face up the Olney pre match chants and tried (but failed) not to snigger.

The beautiful Lem Harris was drafted into the team, he supported Jood Tetlow and Kirstie Pearson on the right hand side. Ali Woodward pulled on the pads and pulled off two brilliant saves at the start of the game keeping a clean sheet briefly, meanwhile Kazza Murdoch, Georgi Ward and Wendy Halslam rampaged towards the Daventry goal aided and abetted by Avril ‘Strictly’ Soman and Lindsay ‘Bird’ Bain.

Kazza fired home the first for Olney, after scything through the Daventry defence completing a string of accurate passes with team mate Wendy Halslam. Georgie Ward scored the second with a reverse stick strike that wrong footed the defenders and gave the Daventry keeper no chance.

For all that Olney attacked with precision, control and discipline (yes Merle, you did read that right) Haslam bagged a brace before Kazza popped up to score her second, the defending on the left hand side was, at best, patchy.

Jenny Harris started off badly and regressed throughout the seventy minutes ....at times, well once actually, Jenny hit the ball quite hard and accurately which led to a goal and once she intercepted and passed to Kazza which led to another chance but for the rest of the time Harris was frankly awful....’if I had been the coach today I would have taken myself off’ however Olney did not have the luxury of substitutes and had to stick it out to the bitter end.

There was a bright shining star at the back though Suzanne MacManus played calmly and assuredly as the sweeper taking responsibility and thwarting countless Daventry attacks.

Ali kept upbeat in goal and was joined by Daventry’s Carrina who spent the second half glued to Ali’s pads blocking her view and testing her temper but it was a friendly after all and any pleas to the umpire would have been left unheard as Berni was far too busy enjoying herself, she had another good game behind the whistle looks like she knows what she is doing at long last. Only joking Berni, you are a legend.

Talking of legends, Olney player of the match was Pauline, she was magnificent.

Big up to Avril who did try and help out at the back on the left, how she kept her cool is a mystery, as Jenny Harris fumbled, and floundered (picture a new born giraffe trying to stand for the first time) the rare times that she got close the ball it more oft hit Jenny’s foot than her stick. It’s a good job the girl can coach.

And the Judges scores are in.....

Olney scored four magnificent goals and one quite scrappy one. FIVE

Daventry scored three very scrappy goals and two hugely classy ones. FIVE

The Daventry attackers outclassed the Olney left back time after time SEVEN!

Olney were the best looking team by far; some say Lem could be a model. SEVEN!

Kazza Murdoch TWO

Georgi Ward ONE

Wendy Halsam TWO

The Olney Haka TEN!

Nb: I bet you lot who went shopping are sorry you missed it now.

29th Nov 2008 - Towcester IIIs 3 Olney Ladies 6

'Winter Warmer'

Towcester played host to Olney Ladies in the last league game of 2008, there was a great deal resting on the result of this match, in the end Olney came out worthy winners in a well contested tie.

This match was won from the back to front, Georgie Heath watched over the Olney goal like a grenadier guard or else she had frozen stiff on the goal line a good job that she chose to stay standing she may have struggled to stand up.

The Olney defenders played as a team within a team Di Graham and Helena Schofield doubling up to deal with the sprightly Towcester attackers and Harriet Ewing calmly tackling everything that was thrown at her. Jenny Harris remained anchored at the back throughout the match; the bungee rope Captain Carrina had tied around Jenny’s waist obviously did the trick.

Every time an Olney player had possession she had at least two players in support and in addition the attackers seemed ever keen for the ball to be played into the space up front for them to run onto. Serena Van der Hyde put in the hard graft, never once letting the Towcester midfield players have time to think.

Captain Carrina had to make the tough decisions, it is always difficult to judge the timing substitutions but when every player is performing brilliantly it is a brave woman who asks them to take a break, Carrina played the subs bench skilfully. Lindsay Bird Bain charged about and is starting to look dangerous with a stick again; she made many threatening runs into the Towcester D.

Jood Tetlow caused the Towcester players so many problems that in the end, one defender was driven to take Jood out at the knee caps to stop her run on goal. This was not a dirty match though the tackling was clean and proficient umpiring allowed for a free flowing game. Katie Barber put in a performance packed with guile, speed and maturity way beyond her years; she linked up well with Wendy Haslam who put in another unyielding performance worthy of mention.

Avril Soman started her game on the right side of the pitch, where she supported Jood and Katy well, but it was when Avril went up front on the left wing that she really showed her class sending a reverse stick cross into the D that stunned everyone apart from Kazza Murdoch who converted the chance cleanly. Kazza Murdoch put in a brave, incisive performance earning her player of the match for Olney this week. Whenever Kazza had the ball she looked like she was going to score, she has another grazed knee to go along with this week’s hat trick.

Kazza 3 hot chestnuts

Katy 1 hot chestnut

Avril 1 hot chestnut

Wendy (I think....sorry came over all Rachel**) 1 hot chestnut

Olney go into the Christmas break topping the table, having scored 10 more goals than the second place team, considering our lack of a specialist keeper, we haven’t conceded that many goals either.

Olney Ladies would love to find a Goal Keeper in their Christmas stocking this December so if you are reading this Santa.... Please work your magic?

[**What do you mean Jenny - R?]

22nd Nov 2008 - Olney Ladies 8 Saints IIIs 0

'Hot Potatoes'

It was a cold and frosty morning and Olney Ladies were so keen to see what Saints could throw at them that they set off to Roade without the first aid kit, the umpiring kit or the goal keeper’s kit.

Captain Carrina called home and Ade, a superman, flew into action and delivered the kit pitch side as the Olney girls tried to warm up.

Jane Dip, a super woman, drew the shortest of straws; she ended up umpiring, and did a brilliant job too. By agreeing to whistle this week Mrs Dip got the O’s out of a big hole and Ali (umpire monitor) has one week off and a much smaller telephone bill to boot.

What with all the frantic telephone calls before the match the Olney girls could have been forgiven for starting the match on the back foot. Not so though...

Captain Carrina wisely using the strengths of the squad and mixing and matching people to positions where needed. No more so than starting as sweeper herself in front of Micaela , behind Harriet and Rachel; putting Ali in at LH; this allowed Georgi to start as RH and Serena as CH - with Lindsey being welcomed back into her favourite position of support striker. Up front Olney had a healthy forward line of Wendy, Kazza and Katie!

Within minutes it was 1-0, then 2-0, then 3-0, then 4-0, then 5-0, then 6-0,.... Our match day reporter found it hard to keep up with the goals being scored in quick succession but she assured me that the build up to most of the goals was excellent – Georgi and Katie working well on the right – interchanging to create opportunities ahead. On the left Kazza , Ali and Harriet, pushing forward, were breathtaking at times, and as for Wendy, Lindsey and Serena in the centre - a beauty to behold. Wendy scored an absolute cracker from a short corner, Ali scored a cracker from open play, Katie and Kazza both battled in front of goal and were well rewarded with goals too.

Apart from the six goals that went in in the first half – Olney created a number of chances that were not converted, narrowly missing on more than one occasion. It was brilliant to have Lindsay ‘Bird’ Bain back on the team this week, her reassuring presence on and off the pitch, she was unlucky not to maintain her record of always scoring at Roade.

By half time Olney had this match in the bag and Captain Carrina mixed the Olney attackers with the defence - Rachel Alcock seemed a little bemused as she made her way onto the wing but did not look out of place as she launched herself forwards, Jood Tetlow beware! Saints never really looked in the match until Olney brought on Jenny Harris, Jenny seemed intent on passing the ball to white shirted players and assisted the Saints team on two or three occasions before Captain Carina had seen enough and banished Harris out onto the wing where she could do less harm.

Olney added two more goals to their tally in the second half. Katie Barber chipped in with a cheeky reverse stick goal to finish off the scoring in front of her, very proud, Mum.

Happily we did not need the first aid kit or the keeper’s kit but we were all very thankful for Wendy’s baked potatoes they went a long way to help thawing out Micaela (GK).

1 potato Ali Woodward

2 potatoes Katie Barber and Wendy Haslam

3 Potatoes Kazza Murdoch

More!!!

Good News Olney Ladies hit the top spot in the division 2 table with this win.............we just have to toast Towcester next week to stay put.

1st Nov 2008 - Olney Ladies 7 Wellingborough III's 2 (Friendly)

This Saturday Catherine arranged a friendly fixture for us against Wellingborough 3rds who we beat 8-0 last week.

As is often the case on a Saturday morning I received lots of calls which affected my careful team plan, I won't bore you with the details but this lead to Di having to Co umpire with Katie and my son, 12 year old Billy making an Olney Ladies debut in goal! It was an Olney 11 against a Wellingborough 10 then 9 in the first half. It was all Olney with all of the team pushing into the Wellingborough half whilst our keeper played football with his friend.

We ended the half 5-0 up with man of the match Kazza scoring a hat trick, Vanessa putting one in from a well worked short corner and Georgie claiming the other goal. Kazza really did put her chances away well, she showed her strength, determination and accuracy.

For the second half we lost Jenny to Rugby, leaving us with 10 and we made many positional changes, which opened up the game, Harriet showed her versatility and was the only one who managed to put any of our many chances away not once but twice. That's 5 goals in total from the left wing!

Olney didn't have it all their own way, as some of us struggled to gather enthusiasm for this one sided game Wellingborough broke through our defence and scored two goals (I blame the keeper) although he did make one great arial save from a short corner and he looked really cute in the oversized kit! 7-2 it ended.

Thank-you to Di and Katie for umpiring, as ever we cannot play without you and Harriet who not only put in a great performance but managed to create a picnic in the car park as the changing rooms were not open!

Lots of al fresco weeing - it was cold!

25th Oct 2008 - Wellingborough III's 0 Olney Ladies 8

'Swept Away'

Olney Ladies travelled far far away from home this week taking their winning form with them and proving way too strong for their hosts.

The Olney old guard’s average age hits around about the 43 year mark however Wellingborough’s golden girls can probably top that by at least 10 years and yet they remain fit enough and obviously still find fun from a game of hockey of a Saturday. The youngsters on the pitch for both teams looked skilful and well organised and learning the game on Astroturf goes a long way towards producing technically better, more controlled and skilful players but for all their brilliance the young whippersnappers can still learn a trick or two from these old dogs.

Vanessa Wilson was padded up a raring to go in the Olney Goal but never once was the ball to enter her D. Diane Graham saw off any Wellingborough attacks whenever they ventured into Olney twenty five yard area. Di’s master class in sweeping allowed Rachel Alcock and Captain Carrina licence to attack freely from the back and on the occasions that Wellingborough did break free from the incessant Olney attacking play, Olney midfielders; Ali Woodward and Jood Tetlow covered back and regained possession without ever really breaking into a sweat.

Wendy Haslam took on a ‘Ryan Giggs’ role of 'most mature forward playing in centre midfield' and she seemed to enjoy dominating the middle of the pitch and marshalling the many Olney attacking moves. Wendy’s match was cut short after a nasty blow on the end of her nose; thankfully she made a swift recovery aided most certainly, by Jood’s swift application of an icepack.

Most of the action was up front then and Olney had Wellingborough pinned in their half for most of the match. Kazza Murdoch and Georgi Ward messed up more chances than they scored in the first half but seemed to be having fun in the process. Georgi chalked up the first goal with a well placed push from the edge of the D, whilst Jenny Harris was trying to talk the Wellingborough umpire into taking his shirt off. Katie Barber scored with a classy reverse stick strike and scored another before the half time break.

Scoring always looks easier than it is but Kazza and Georgi were often found falling over each other to get the final touch yesterday and, at times, they appeared clumsier than the chuckle brothers in front of goal. In the end Kazza’s persistence paid off when she pushed the ball into the goal after a scramble and then grabbed another following up Georgi’s initial shot, which had stopped on the goal line, Kazza pounced in a split second and the stranded keeper had no chance.

Captain Carrina made a cameo appearance in the attacking D and proved ruthless once again from two feet out, it is not easy to get past all those pads and legs and sticks, and that was just Kazza and Georgi rushing to try and beat Carrina to the ball.

The 10.00am start proved a bit too early for one player though and Serena Van Der Hyde made some lame excuse for turning up late.... (mumbled mutterings of closed train lines fall on deaf ears when you turn up with a six two foot, shyly smiling, blonde in tow Serena!).

In the end Georgi’s hat trick was one of control and class, her second a lifted stroke across the goalie and her third a replica of the first (see above). Player of the match for Olney this week was Katie Barber she played her wing position well, took her chances and laid the ball off selflessly at times, a performance of maturity in the face of absurdity some might say.

These two teams meet again next week so whoever draws the short straw to play in goal for Olney should perhaps bring a duvet and pillow?

Disclaimer: This match report is written with a tongue placed firmly in the author’s cheek throughout. In the hope it is received with the same sense of the ridiculous that it was produced, anyone who wishes to take offence should pop out and get a life.....thank you to all my fans out there that seem to wish to remain completely anonymous.

PS. Kirsty Rice - if you're reading this ;-) You would have hated this game.

18th Oct 2008 - Olney Ladies 7 Rushden and Higham 0

'Sitting Ducks'

Olney Ladies played host to a beleaguered Rushden and Higham team this week but the O’s showed their visitors no mercy helping themselves to hatfuls of goals in the process. Rushden started the match with only nine players and joked that they were so confident that they had rested players this week, the truth be told R&H struggled to cope with Olney’s attacking play even when they did get up to full strength later in the match. Olney keeper of the week Jood Tetlow could have been forgiven for dropping off the backboard through boredom, but on the couple of times that Rushden did break through Jood was quick to her feet and dispatched the ball back out of her D confidently.

An old dog with a new stick was welcomed back into the Olney team this week, Jenny ‘I am just going to coach from now on’ Harris was gifted a game thanks to Di Graham’s generous offer to umpire. Harris grabbed her chance to show off her new found fitness. Rachel Alcock and Harriet Ewing played the first half with the sweeper charging around in front of them, more normal service was resumed after Harris swapped with Helena Schofield at half time, but even Helena grabbed the chance to attack from the back on a couple of occasions in the second half.

Olney broke the flood gates after ten minutes with Kazza Murdoch claiming the first of her hat trick. Kazza looked dangerous every time she had the ball on her stick and she was supported throughout the match by Captain Carrina and Harriet Ewing. Late comer Wendy Haslam announced her arrival with a well struck shot from a penalty corner which hit the backboard before the Rushden Keeper had a chance to react. Haslam was well supplied from the right by Katy Barber for another goal and not to be outdone by Kazza; Wendy also went to score a hat trick. Carrina popped up in front of the keeper and calmly pushed the ball between the pads to grab a goal for the midfield union.

The other Olney midfielders; Serena Van Der Hyde, Ali Woodward and Georgi Ward put in all of the hard work and plenty of running to snuff out any suggestion of threats from Rushden. Rushden enjoyed a ten minute purple patch just after half time, winning three penalty corners in a row but never breaching Olney’s goal line.

Jenny made a big difference to the sound level of the team her mouth doing nearly as much work as her legs; she shared the vote with Kazza Murdoch for the player of the match for Olney this week.

The Olney crèche was also in good voice with words of encouragement from Lindsay ‘Bird’ Bain and crocked Caff Woods spurring the team on from the sidelines. We wish Caff a short wait before her planned operation and a speedy rehabilitation

Olney will look to take this winning form into next week’s match against Wellingborough.

11th Oct 2008 - Olney Ladies 0 Grammarians 2

'Down in the Dumps'

26th November 2005, just less than three years since Olney ladies managed to beat the Grammarians team in a meaningful match. Since that glorious two goal victory Olney have been very much the bridesmaids at the wedding feast whilst Grammarians consistently outscore the O’s and continually take the spoils.

Olney enjoyed the majority of the possession in the first half, they kept the pressure on the Grammarians defenders, Alice Testa and Jood Tetlow provided plenty of crosses for Wendy Haslam and Georgi Ward to latch onto. Kazza Murdoch came closest to scoring though her shot went wide, perhaps it would have gone in if the goal had been in the correct position but even after the goal had been moved onto the line Olney failed to hit the target. Serena, Ali and Helena worked tirelessly in midfield and Katy Barber proved very versatile, playing in four different positions throughout the game and giving the Grammarians defenders plenty to worry about.

Three minutes before half time the Grammarians broke through the Olney defence but the ball went far wide out to the right of the goal, the OG’s wingers cross managed to beat Jane Dip and flew in at the far post. Kazza Murdoch seemed to be stung into action and she broke through into the OG’s D heading straight for goal, the OG’s keeper seemed to come off her line late, threw herself at Kazza’s feet sending the Olney forward flying, the Grammarian’s defenders lined up for the penalty corner, coach Harris was confident that the umpire would ward a penalty stroke though, but in the end the umpire confirmed that the whistle had been blown to indicate the half time break.

Kazza was patched up and pumped up for the second half. Di Graham and Harriet Ewing provided consistent defence and support for the Olney midfielders, both ladies played bravely and drove forward whenever an opportunity presented itself they shared the votes for player of the match this week.

A limp pass by Cath Woods gifted Grammarians with the goal scoring opportunity that sealed the victory, anywhere else on the pitch and there would have been an Olney player on hand to cover but a rare mistake from this (usually) most dependable defender left, stand-in goalie, Jane Dip stranded on her line with OG’s Kerry snapping up the chance to score the winner.

Mild mannered Georgi Ward eventually showed her fiery side after seemingly being singled out by one umpire who took exception to Georgi’s tackling but it was all to no avail and Olney will have to wait until 14th February 2009 when they may have to unleash the beasts in order to massacre the Grammarians.........don’t expect much love to be shown OG’s*.

*Olney Joking!!

4th Oct 2008 - Earls Barton 2 Olney Ladies 4

Olney dominated from the start creating chance after chance from some well worked moves however it took until just before half time for Jood Tetlow to convert one.

In my half time talk I could not fault the teams efforts and creativity going forward but we needed to think of new ways to penetrate the 8 'man' defence. Di asked for more cover from the midfield as she and Micaela felt a little vulnerable at the back on the odd occasion that EB did break.

We started the second half poorly, the midfield gave the ball away and EB managed to win a short corner. After hitting a EB foot then Di's foot they somehow managed to score. Olney quickly replied by winning a flick after Carrina pushed the ball towards goal only to be stopped by Angie's size 9's! Avril stepped up and pushed the ball where is should be in the back of the oppositions goal. EB replied quickly with a breakaway goal, but Olney did not panic we knew that we had the beating of this lot and Kazza, then Georgie, went onto score the winning goals. The score certainly did not reflect the game, it could and should have been double figures but with the chances we created, that will come another week.

This was an excellent team performance, we looked amazing going forward, and with the wing backs joining in the play this sometimes left us exposed at the back however Di and Miceala were on hand to mop up most attacks and I was confident that we would always score more goals than them. Player of the week could go to anyone, I received votes for Avril, Jood, Wendy, and Ali, however this week the prestigious award goes to Harriet, she beat her man to the ball every time, supported the midfield, her passing and calling was excellent. Well done to you.

Looking forward to our biggest challenge this season, Grammarians, next week, bring 'em on, spitting, scratching, swearing, smoking an' all!

PS I must mention - Nice Tea's EB

27th Sep 2008 - Olney Ladies 3 Rothwell and Desborough 2

'Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh! Mysterious Girl'

Olney Ladies got their season off to a winning start with a hard fought home win against Rothwell and Desborough

Olney came out of the blocks to start the match with a good deal of possession in the first seven minutes captain Carrina marshalled her midfielders and they kept forwards; Karen Murdoch, Avril Soman and Georgi Ward supplied with plenty of possession. When R+D did break Caff Woods was always well positioned to intercept the ball.

R+D opened the scoring through a penalty stroke, awarded for the ball hitting a mystery Olney player’s foot on the line. Olney’s mystery keeper was not able to stop the very well taken stroke.

The score remained 0-1 until half time but shortly after the break Rachel Alcock picked up the ball in midfield and drove forwards into the D Georgi Ward connected well with Rachel’s pass and fired the ball goal wards, it deflected off a defenders’ stick and flew into the goal.

It was not too long before Olney took the lead the play built up from the left hand side through Carrina Pinney and Kazza Murdoch before Georgi Ward dribbled passed two defenders and scored her second of the game, and earned Georgi player of the match for the second week running.

R+D enjoyed the most of the possession for the next ten minutes but the Olney defence; Di Graham, Rachel Alcock, Harriett Ewing and the imperious Caff Woods dealt with the attacks well but never quite got the ball cleared far enough away from the Olney D to allow themselves any respite. The pressure told eventually when R+D scored from a penalty corner.

Olney had the edge over R+D though, having two substitutes to R+D’s ten players and the young, fresh legs of, winger, Alice Testa carried her into a commanding position on the right wing. Alice connected with ball crossed from the left and pushed the ball into the goal to score the winner.

A winning start to the season for Olney and three goals under the belt for new girl, Georgi Ward already, it looks like Wendy Haslam and Kazza Murdoch have got a new member for their goal scoring union.

If you are wondering where Wendy was this week....well we are keeping that a mystery!

Thanks to Vanessa for the teas.

20th Sep 2008 - Olney Ladies 2 Earl Barton 1 (Friendly)

'Warm Work Rewarded'

Olney versus EB is always a keenly contested match and this proved to be a real nip and tuck affair, on a beautifully hot autumn afternoon, with Olney scoring the decisive goal well into the second half.

Earls Barton fielded a side including many young players with a few old hands to steady their ship, notably Angi Harrell, who’s’ stick is probably twice the age of many of the rest of her team, and Trish who still whips the ball away from any oncoming forward in the blink of an eye. EB’s Keeper has bags of experience and Olney had to keep the patience and their formation to work the ball across the D before making the decisive shots.

Olney had a few fresh legs to try out too this week, Kazza Murdoch donned the keepers’ kit and sweated whilst she watched Vanessa Wilson and Avril Soman play superbly in her preferred left wing position.

Katie Barber and Georgi Ward seemed to be having there own competition, ‘who could run back to help out the quickest’. Georgi’s efforts earned her the player of the match award this week. Caff Woods, Rachel Alcock, Harriet Ewing and Di Graham made defending look easy in the first half and when debutant Kirstie Pearson entered the field she was well supported and encouraged by her fellow defenders. Caff gave up the sweeping role for much of the first half to allow Suzanne Mac Manus to make her debut for Olney and Suzanne looked quite at home in the role.

Both Harriet and Di looked equally comfortable when playing in midfield and the adaptability of other squad members, notably; Jood Tetlow, Avril Soman and Wendy Haslam, gave Coach Harris plenty of options when managing the substitutions.

Alice Testa made her pace pay on several occasions throughout the match taking on the Earls Barton defenders time and time again. After carrying the ball into the D Alice kept control and composure to pass across the keeper for Wendy Haslam to push the ball into an open goal. Olney took the one goal lead into the break but could have had more goals if other chances had been taken.

EB are not a team to be rolled over though, Angi Harrell marshalled her troops and kept the pressure on in the second half, eventually Earls Barton levelled the scores but this only seemed to give the Olney girls the sting that they needed to push harder for the winning goal. Olney’s build up play was always impressive due to the discipline shown by the forwards to keep the width up front and once again the midfield support from Georgi Ward and Serena Von der Heyde was a constant feature of Olney’s play.

Rachel Alcock had to leave the field after sustaining a nasty injury to her hand but Kirstie Pearson was happy to come back on and deputise for Olney’s stalwart right back. We hope the Rachel will be able to return for the first league game of the season next week.

In the end it was Vanessa Wilson on the right wing who made a dash past the Earls Barton left back, once turned, the defender was never going to catch the Olney whippersnapper, Vanessa crossed the ball hard and low and accurately for Wendy Haslam on the penalty spot she slipped it across to Alice Testa who watched open mouthed as Georgie Ward intercepted the pass and fired the ball into the goal for the winner.

13th Sep 2008 - Olney Ladies 1 Bedford 0 (Friendly)

'It’s Quiet.....it’s ...Oh... So Quiet!'

Olney Ladies hosted Bedford in a pre-season friendly on a warm sunny day. The Olney Team welcomed two new players Harriet Ewing and Georgi Ward for their club debuts, they both looked comfortable in a well contested match which saw Olney come out winners.

Di Graham started this season where she left off the last, defending solidly whilst often making some strong attacking runs into Bedford’s half of the pitch. Serena made a strong positive difference in the first half leaving Helena and new girl Georgi to do the ‘dirty work’ in the second half. Harriet looked comfortable in the side and she and Georgi played major roles in the build up play which led to Olney’s many attacks on the Bedford goal. Kazza Murdoch looked sharp on the left wing as did Vanessa and Jood on the right, all three girls kept the width up front creating space which was exploited by Avril, Katy and Wendy playing in the middle.

Jood Tetlow scored after ten minutes I have to admit that after all the excitement I cannot remember one fact about the build up or the goal so please feel free to fill in the details, as you remember them, here:

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(*Jood if you need another sheet of paper please go ahead)

The biggest headache the team has this season is the lack of noise coming from between the posts, former Keeper Kirsty cruised through her A levels gaining four (read it) four straight A grades and has left the Olney fold for to hang around in university bars and find a new shiny life for herself, we wish her well, all be it through gritted teeth from behind the vacated keeper’s mask.

Rachel Alcock pulled on the pads this week and was left with the classic dilemma...should she play badly and never be asked again (Jenny Harris’ modus operandi) or play well and risk keeping (sorry about that) the position. Rachel went for the middle ground, she stayed awake, no mean feat on a hot day, she stayed alert to the many Bedford attacks and, with many thanks to player of the match Cath Woods and the aforementioned Di Graham, she remained with her goal un-breached. Rachel forgot her place once in the second half when she pulled off a dazzling reaction save with her hand pad....careful Rach you looked like a proper brilliant goalkeeper there for a moment.

A promising start to the season with every Olney player having a good match and the teas were proper good too. Thanks Avril!