Against fierce competition from some of the best junior sides in the country East Grinstead Under 18 Boys claimed the runners up spot in the 2006 Mercian League Home Counties Finals at Woking on Sunday.

The competition started with a semi final against the Western Division runners up Guildford. Despite a tentative start, East Grinstead opened the scoring when Henry Howe flicked a penalty corner past the Guildford keeper. Having to fight on without skipper Rob Woodley, who had to retire with serious hamstring trouble (unfortunately the end of his tournament for him), Guildford made the score level at half time. Showing real grit and determination, EG raised their game in the second half and a goal from man of the match Will Arthur and one from Wesley Jackson put the tie out of sight.

In the other semi final the heavyweight battle between Reading and Canterbury had seen the Berkshire side book a place in the final in convincing style.

The final began with good pressure from EG but against the run of play it was Reading who took the lead with a deflected goal. Despite the evenness of possession Reading extended their lead with two further goals including a controversial penalty flick. By half time EG were looking at the wrong end of a 3-0 score.

EG’s fighting spirit and its will to win was now sorely needed. Things got worse before they got better when Craig Larner was given a yellow card. With 10 men on the field EG remarkably pulled back two dramatic goals both scored by Henry Howe. EG piled on the pressure and Reading, despite boasting four England international players, were made to look pretty ordinary; they were now visibly rattled. With five minutes to go and against the run of play Reading scored a fourth goal. Although EG kept creating chances, fighting furiously to score again, time ran out.

A tremendous performance from all players, with special mentions for Phil Carr, who was superb throughout in goal as was Johnny Middleton at sweeper; Will Soutar and Christian Wimshurst were magnificent in the second half and Tom Gogarty was deservedly recognised by the Mercian League as the man of the match.

Achieving second place in this prestigious competition is a fitting conclusion to a successful season that has seen the team, which had no played together until December 2005, take on and beat many of the best clubs in the country. Canterbury the National U18 champions finished in third place, behind East Grinstead.

Squad: Phil Carr (GK) Mark Potton (GK) Will Soutar, Rob Woodley, Aiden Braithewaite, Johnny Middleton, Craig Larner, Will Arthur, Tom Gogarty, Christian Wimshurst, Wesley Jackson, Chris Dodds, Henry Howe, Kanes Tangcravakoon.

With a late recall for Phil Carr East Grinstead were at full strength for the first time this season in this Quarter Final tie away to Eastern Divisional champions Old Loughtonians.

Captaincy for the day was handed to Johnny Middleton with Rob Woodley still nursing a sore hamstring which saw him start on the bench. This late reshuffle to the defence contributed to a rather nervy start by EG as it was the home side who made the early running. Not surprisingly it was Old Loughts who took the lead when EG failed to clear a penalty corner. As the half wore on it was EG who began to gain more possession although failed to really get any penetration in the final third.

At half time a tactical change was needed and EG started the second half playing three up front with the message that the next ten minutes would be crucial. Within 30 seconds of the restart EG were level when Henry Howe turned the ball in from the P spot. It was then all EG who created a number of chances but failed to capitalise on their great start to the half.

Unfortunately,Will Soutar was then very harshly carded for an innocuous tackle and the momentum swung back to Old Loughts.

Although EG hung on whilst short handed, when they returned to full strength it was Old Loughts who broke the deadlock when they were awarded a penalty flick. It was to be a crucial point in the match, the flick was brilliantly saved by Phil Carr. EG once again took the initiative although incredibly following an Old loughts break away the ball was back on the spot again, this time they converted. With 10 minutes to go EG had to once again come from behind.

Kanes Tangcravakoon has an uncanny knack of getting a goal when his team needs it most and today he added further to his reputation and with 5 minutes to go EG pulled it level again. The final whistle signalled 20 minutes of extra time.

As ever in these situations skill and ability go out the window, the team that wins is the one who wants it most. The game was now very open with both teams out on their feet. The match was won with a moment on individual brilliance as Henry Howe set off on a diagonal run which took him on to his strong side and then hammered the ball under the Old Loughts keeper.

The second half of extra time was a very tense affair, when cool heads were needed there were few to be found. The game finished in high drama; on the final whistle old loughts were awarded a short corner which finished in a goal mouth scramble that produced yet another. This time the ball sailed over the base line and EG claimed the victory.

Overall the team hadn’t played as well as they can and had won on character and determination as you would expect from a team still unbeaten this season. There were some heroic performances but key to the success were the mercurial Tom Gogarty and Christian Wimshurst who were outstanding.

The win sees East Grinstead through to the finals day on the 7th May at Woking where they will face Guildford. Canterbury will play Reading in the other semi. The format will be semi-finals and final all played on the same day.

Phil Carr, Will Soutar, Johnny Middleton ©, Aidan Braithwaite, Craig Larner, Josh Cather, Will Arthur, Christian Wimshurst, Tom Gogarty, Wesley Jackson, Chris Dodds, Rob Woodley, Henry Howe, Kanes Tangcravakoon.

East Grinstead Hockey Club played host to this year’s Sussex Under 21 Men’s Hockey tournament on Sunday March 26th, welcoming teams from across the county.

Playing in two pools, the clubs fighting for a place in the finals were: Brighton, Crawley, Worthing, South Saxons, Chichester, Lewes, Crowborough , Horsham, Southwick and East Grinstead. Spirits and competitiveness were not dampened by the incessant wind and rain and supporters enjoyed watching a high standard of play as well as many displays of individual skill.

The competition was set up on a pool basis with Chichester having an impressive run to come through as clear winners of Pool B. Similarly, EG displayed both quality play and persistence to win Pool A, having beaten South Saxons 2-0, Crawley 4-0, Worthing 5-0 and Brighton 2-0.

With the two teams evenly matched and hungry for success, it was not surprising that the final was a tight affair. Despite the efforts already made in the qualifying rounds, the game was fast paced, end-to-end and definitely top quality hockey throughout. Ashley Jackson opened the scoring for EG with a trademark drag flick only for Chichester to equalise with a deflected goal following a mistake in the EG defence. EG piled on the pressure, creating opportunities but could not find the final touch to score. Tied on 1-1 at the final whistle, the title was decided by flicks. With only the sound of teeth biting fingernails, EG supporters watched Ashley Jackson, Wesley Jackson, Aidan Braithewaite, Andy Temple and Mike Trim made sure EG scored a perfect 5. Richard Potten in the EG goal got close to a number of Chichester flicks before saving the final attempt and seeing EG home to victory.

Under the expert guidance of club captain Phil Coote and 1st X1 Manager Matt Jones, this was a great day for the Under 21s who had never played together before as a squad. Also, with an average age of just 18 it is also one of the youngest squads that have won this competition and bodes very well for the 2007 championship.

The top scorer for EG was Chris Dodds with 3 goals; Adam Woodley, Henry Howe, Andy Temple and Ashley Jackson scored 2; Mark Lloyd and Will Arthur contributed 1 each.

East Grinstead team: Phil Carr, Richard Potten, Mike Trim, Aidan Braithewaite, Rafe Budden, Josh Cather Tom Gogarty, Ashley Jackson, Wesley Jackson, Seb Watson, Henry Howe, Mark Lloyd, Chris Dodds, Adam Woodley©, Will Arthur, Oli Knight, Andy Temple.

A strong performance by East Grinstead U11 mixed team ensured a place in the final against South Saxons. Sterling performances in defence ensured no goals were conceded during the group games with a total of six goals being scored. In the play-offs East Grinstead beat Horsham to win their place against South Saxons in the finals. Final score being 2-2, the match went to penalty flicks, a nail-bitting 8 goals were scored before the tournament was taken by South Saxons.

Very well done to all players, some as young as 8, and a very special thanks to Debbie Guiver for her excellent coaching on the day. A Squad to be watched in future!!

The draw has been announced for the QF stages of this competition. East Grinstead have been given a tough away draw against fellow National League Club Old Loughtonians. Old Louts won the Eastern Division with a 100% record. With EG also taking an unbeaten record into the tie, something will have to give.

Due to unfinished fixtures in the northern division with Oxford Hawks, Northampton Lions and Eastcote still in contention, the round has been deferred until 23rd April.

Team: K Turner, C Kyaing, A Gowen, W Snowden, R Thorne, R Patel, A Leng, C Murray, R Thorburn,
R Davis, J Edgerton, O Rudge, R Ashdown, L Taylor

With East Grinstead having already qualified and Havant out of contention, this might have produced a sterile match but instead it turned out to be the most entertaining encounter of the season so far.

Havant, always a strong side with many Hampshire players were playing for pride and in an even first half it was they who took a one nil lead into the break. The half also saw Jamie Flint’s final appearance for EG in goal before an enforced absence for knee surgery; he managed one spectacular flying save before handing over second half duties to regular keeper Phil Carr.

Not wishing to yield their unbeaten record EG upped the tempo and were quickly rewarded for their increased effort with two goals in five minutes. Firstly the unselfish Chris Dodds picked up his first of the season as he roofed a sharp chance passed the Havant keeper. Dodds was involved in the second goal linking with Wesley Jackson to set up Henry Howe to power the ball into the goal and EG into the lead.

EG maintained the high tempo and took control of the match until skipper Rob Woodley running for a 50/50 ball pulled up with a re-occurrence of a hamstring injury. His departure unsettled the EG defence and from a short corner which they failed to clear, Havant were back on terms. Rather than settle for a draw EG continued to push for the win and Kanes Tangcravakoon, who had been sparingly used up front, brilliantly tipped the ball past the hapless Havant keeper to seal the win for EG.

There were some great individual performances Will Soutar, Johnny Middleton and Aidan Braithewaite in particular catching the eye. The end of the regular season sees EG finish level on points with Canterbury, just having been shaded on goal difference for the South East divisional championship. Runners-up spot will produce an away draw against one of the other divisional champions and EG are now only one win away from the Mercian Home Counties finals day.

East Grinstead: Flint, Carr, Middleton, R Woodley ©, Larner, Braithewaite, Soutar, W.Arthur, Wimshurst, W.Jackson, Dodds, Howe, Tangcravakoon

The trip to Wimbledon had the potential to be a banana skin with EG missing 7 players through divisional trials, illness and other commitments.

In reality East Grinstead had far too much for their South London hosts and ran out easy winners.

Debutant Kanes opened the scoring in the first five minutes with a Wesley Jackson brace and a goal from man of the match Josh Cather ensuring EG reached half time four goals to the good and the job almost done.

The second half started with EG continuing the pile on the misery for Wimbledon with Jackson, Cather and Kanes adding to their first half tally and a tip in from Will Arthur completing the rout. Wimbledon grabbed a late consolation but by that stage the final result had become academic.

East Grinstead under 18s can now boast considerable strength in depth with likely selection problems of the positive kind ahead of next week's visit to Havant.

The result guarantees second place in the division and qualification to the quarter final stages of the competition. Due to the vagaries of the Mercian League rules capping victories to a five goal margin, any winning margin against Havant will not allow EG to overhaul Canterbury on goal difference despite being level on points.

This was a fantastic win which shows how far the side has come. No-one will want to meet EG in the next round.

Flint, Masters, C.Bass, R.Woodley ©, Larner, Cather, Arthur, Soutar, W.Jackson, Dodds, Kanes, M.Lloyd.

Jack Edgerton (GK)
Oliver Rudge
Rory Davis
Keith Turner
Alex Gowen
Charlie Murray
Luke Taylor
Roshan Patel
Charlie Kyaing
Richard Thorburn
Alex Leng
Freddy Ray
Richard Thorne

A tremendous first win for the U14s who have struggled with availability all season. Goals were scored by Richard Thorne (3) and Rory Davis (1). All played tremendously well - excellent passing by all - absolutely nothing to fault!

Missing Josh Cather who was on first team duty and Harry Robinson due to illness, EG welcomed back Tom Gogarty to the centre of midfield and gave a debut to Johnny Middleton.

Chasing a qualifying place in the quarter final round EG needed a convincing win to maintain their challenge which they delivered after an early scare.

Addiscombe took a 2 minute lead after some over casual play in the EG defence was rightfully punished. It woke EG out of their slumber and whilst playing some attractive passing hockey they rattled in four first half goals, all scored by centre forward Wesley Jackson. Much of the momentum was due to Christian Wimshurst and Tom Gogarty who picked the Addiscombe defence apart at will.

The second half began much as the first had finished with play condensed around the Addiscombe D making it difficult for the forwards to create clear cut chances. Gogarty got his just deserts with a spectacular reverse stick shot to make it five before Henry Howe was rather harshly shown a yellow card. Even with a man disadvantage EG continued to play most of the game in Addiscombe territory, Henry Howe rejoined play and immediately added himself to the score sheet. The final goal was scored by Craig Larner who was raiding forward from right back to unleash another reverse stick goal.

This win means that EG retain their chances of the Divisonal title if they are able to maintain their unbeaten record in the last two games. Depending on other results, one more win could be enough to see the team into the quarterfinals. The next fixture is away to Wimbledon next Sunday.

Team Phil Carr, Will Suter, Rob Woodley©,Craig Larner, Aidan Braithwaite, Will Arthur, Tom Gogarty, Christian Wimshurst, Chris Dodds, Wesley Jackson, Henry Howe, Johnny Middleton.

I am pleased to announce that Nigel Knight will be taking over from me as junior chairman as from the next junior committee meeting on 23rd February. Nigel has already had a significant involvement in the junior section is respect of the “young guns” success in the summer league and will be a driving force in the continued expansion of the juniors.

Can I also take this opportunity of thanking my committee and the members of the senior club who have supported me during my brief spell in charge. It has been a period where some necessary but not always popular changes have needed to be made which should stand the junior section in better stead for the future.

Due to some fairly difficult fixture congestion and the continuing demands of representative hockey, the remaining Mercian League fixtures have once again needed to be re-scheduled and are now as follows

Our fate is in our own hands and two wins from the remaining three games should see us qualify for the quarter final stages which are scheduled for early April.

Mercian Home Counties League U16

East Grinstead fielded a mainly U15 side for this fixture, and the boys gained valuable experience. The more experienced players - Dan Masters, Seb Martin and Mark Potton in goal, helped to keep the shape of the team. Oxted also fielded a young side but thoughout the game they were unable to penetrate the EG defence. The team took a valuable 3 points from the game, and the table is looking very interesting, with four clubs in the South-East competing for the top two positions in the league.

The next U16 match - a vital one for the team is Sunday 19th February at EG against Sutton Valence at 1.30pm.
posted 14/2/06

EG travelled to Purley on Sunday to play one of their toughest league games. Having not played an U16 game since before Christmas, the EG boys were keen to show what they could do. It was a very bitter day, and because of pitch use, the boys didn’t get much time to warm up.

However, EG got off to a promising start and had much of the play for the first 10 minutes. Then Purley started to look dangerous and broke through the defence and scored. EG equalised 5 minutes later from a well-worked short corner and a drag flick by Seb Martin. Mark Potton (GK) and the defence were then put under immense pressure and Purley scored again twice before halftime.

The second half was quite different. There was much end-to-end play. Several attempts on target by both teams, but the score remained 3-1 to Purley. An EG player was then given a yellow card and sent off for 10 minutes, and the team battled on with 10 men. EG were awarded three penalty corners in quick succession, and on the third attempt, EG scored with a rebound put away by Seb Martin. There were many more chances for the U16’s in the final minutes, but they were unable to equalise. Purley were a strong team who took their chances, and they now go top of the Mercian League with East Grinstead in second place.

Team: Alex Arthur, Hamish Forbes, John Turner, Karl Bass, Seb Martin, Daniel Masters (capt), Jack Shields, James Allington, Rupert Ashdown, Will Newland, Rob Willson, Mark Potton (GK), David Tuckwell.

East Grinstead 13 -Horsham 0

For the first time this season, EG were able to put an U16 side out at full strength. Having been beaten by Horsham the previous season, the home side were determined to keep a clean sheet.

For EG this was never a problem, Horsham were unable to field a strong side and the home team were 6-0 at half-time. The final score of 13-0, proving the strength of the EG side, and putting them back on top of the Mercian league.

Squad:

Alex Arthur, Rupert Ashdown, Jack Bullock, Jo Carr, Karl Bass, Jack Storer, Robert Willson, Daniel Masters, Josh Cather(capt), Seb Martin, Gareth Orpen, Hamish Forbes, James Allington.

At the beginning of the season we were unable to find anyone to step forward and take on the team. We were delighted that Andy Temple decided to put his name forward but due to his college commitments soon found that he was unable to take on the responsibility. The team then struggled leaderless until Pat Kyiang took on the role as coach with Patricia Gowan joining him as co-coordinator. The club is extremely grateful to these two individuals and our now confident that the team is better placed to prosper in the remainder of this season.

We have a full fixture of Mercian Home County and Sussex League games, including those that we were unable to fulfill at the beginning of the season so there will be plenty of hockey for the boys. We also run a development team on a Saturday which is open to U14’s so if your children are only playing Sundays but can also play Saturdays please make yourself aware to Patricia Gowan.

On behalf of the club I apologise for the faltering start to this season experienced by this age group but would ask each parent to consider the following. Clubs such as ours, especially in the junior ranks, rely on the time and dedication given by volunteers, the majority of which are parents. As subscription paying parents you could take the view that it is the club's responsibility to provide a service for your money…… we would rather you take the view the club needs your support and any help you can give will be well received.

From a personal stand point, as manager of the U18 team, I can tell you I have gained a great deal of pleasure and satisfaction in seeing the boys develop and feel privileged to be have been offered that opportunity. If you are of a like mind please contact Patricia Gowan and let's make sure the Under 14’s have a year to remember.

After much debate the club is launching a new Academy to replace the existing minis structure. This new initiative will be led by Bram van Asselt and will take place on Sundays from 9.30 – 10.30.

All existing minis are welcome to take part under their existing club membership. Non-members will be charged a nominal sum per session. The programme is based around fun, and a basic skills and awards structure; more details will be available closer to the time.

This exciting new venture kicks off on Sunday 22nd January. It is important to note that the Thursday sessions will no longer be run so please don’t turn up!

Junior training will continue from 8th January on Sunday from 10-12 as before under the guidance of Matt McNeill. These sessions are open to Boys & Girls who are aged 11-16. An important change to note is that the 17/18 year olds, whilst still classed as juniors will now take part in the senior sessions which for the Boys is 7-8.30 on Thursdays and the Girls 7-9pm on Wednesdays.

An additional change is that Under 16s should not attend the senior sessions unless by invitation from the senior section. This is to make sure those boys and girls are training with players of similar abilities.

As always with such changes to routines It is likely that there may be some members who may find the timings less convenient than they currently enjoy however, we have tried to do the best for the club as a whole and hope that all can be accommodated.

East Grinstead had not played a competitive game at Under 18 level since the beginning of October, this in the main due to the commitments of those involved in county and divisional squads. The time had not been spent idly as the team selected to play B&B included no less than seven debutants, several of whom had been discovered during the recent England Training initiative. B&B were likely to prove a stern test for the new look team as they had a 100% record both in Mercian and Kent leagues so East Grinstead clearly started as under-dogs.

The game itself did not follow the form book in that it was EG who assumed control from the start and never looked liked losing. Midfield supremacy was almost total as the quartet of Josh Cather, Christian Wimshurst, Will Arthur and Wesley Jackson ran the game playing neat attractive passing hockey creating chance after chance. Amazingly at half time the game was still scoreless with EG’s athletic keeper Phil Carr only once called into serious action.

The half time team talk was focused on discipline and intensity as a win was in sight if the level of performance could be maintained.

The second half started as the first with play condensed in B&B territory, further chances were squandered and poor short corners wasted until finally Harry Robinson was in the right place at the right time to force the ball over the line much to the relief of the home team. EG maintained their grip on the game and B&B rarely threatened with Rob Woodley at sweeper having a faultless game not missing one tackle. Phil Carr in goal was a spectator. The excellent Craig Larner at left back raided forward at every opportunity and Will Suter and Aiden Braithwaite were rarely troubled in defence. On the final whistle a well deserved win with the prospect of this team becoming a real force once the newcomers have settled in. More ruthlessness in front of goal could have brought about a far bigger margin of victory.

East Grinstead: Carr, Suter, Larner, Braithwaite, R Woodley © Cather, Arthur, Wimshurst, W.Jackson, Dodds, Robinson, Howe.

You will probably be aware that the Junior Section ran a training event around the visit of the England team to East Grinstead last Sunday.

I am pleased to inform you that the event was an unqualified success with 160 youngsters taking part. It was an incredible sight to see both pitches full.

My thanks go out to Jason Lee and the England squad for the time they gave. To see David Faulkner the UK Hockey performance director out with the youngsters was an unexpected bonus.

The real heroes of the day were Matt McNeill and Matt Jones who organized the initial coaching and warm ups and all those other volunteers from the men's and ladies sections who gave of their time to either coach or register the players. To me that is the real essence of a club when people give up their time without reward for the good of the whole.

Not forgetting Richard Leman who I am sure has inspired a group of future Olympians.

For the junior committee the work doesn't stop there in that we have to make sure we follow through on the tremendous opportunity we have created and look to recruit as many of the youngsters to EG as we can. We can only guarantee our future prosperity by developing our own home grown talent which has to be on ongoing objective.

You will be aware that the England Mens Hockey Squad is training at our club this coming Sunday. Thanks to an agreement reached by James Leman and Phil Coote with the England Manager Jason Lee, we have managed to secure the services of 4 of the squad to assist with a junior coaching session.

Earlier this season the junior committee recognized that our biggest single objective should be to increase the number of juniors in the club as the numbers had remained static for some time. In order to achieve this we contacted all hockey playing schools in our extended catchment area and asked them to nominate 4 juniors (either boys or girls 11-18) to attend the session, not knowing what the response would be.

Interestingly the numbers signify a massive opportunity with the girls U14 (65) and U16 (32) being comfortably the biggest two sections. This could from a recruitment perspective be a real turning point for the ladies section.

Clearly we need to take care how we manage this exercise as we want the junior players to have a positive experience of their time at EG.

Registration will be at 8.45 on Sunday morning, all junior hockey managers must be in attendance.

The initial 9-10 am training session will be marshalled by Matt McNeill. He will be supported by a number of men's and ladies players. Phil Coote and Linda Parkin being responsible for a full and punctual turn out. Any one else who wishes to lend a hand will be very welcome!

From 10-11 the sessions will be joined by Richard Alexander, Jon Browne, Matt Daly and Ben Marsden from the England Squad, each will be allotted to a section.

All players will be asked to return to the Lingfield room for a de-brief at 11am when the session will close.

I will say again, this is one of the most important events that EG juniors have been involved in for some time, if ever!

Players will then be split into their respective age groups and be directed to the designated playing area.

The de-brief is mandatory as under child protection legislation we must effect safe return of the children to parents/guardians or teachers.

Following the de-brief there is food and drink available to purchase. Game, Set and Match are also on site to provide a hockey store.

The England Training sessions run from 11am to 1pm and 3.30 pm to 6 pm. There are also Girls U14 and Ladies first team matches at 1.30pm for those who wish to spectate.

We are pleased to advise you that all East Grinstead Junior Hockey Members are invited to the initial session on Sunday 27th November. This is open for boys and girls between 11-18 who have paid their subscription for the 2005/06 season. The session will be free of charge.

You will be joined by non-members who would have been nominated by their schools on a limited basis.

There are two further sessions on 11 th & 18 th December which will be by invitation only.

We have yet to establish the exact times for the initial session but would ask in the first instance that you contact Amanda at East Grinstead Sports Club to confirm your attendance. Us knowing advance numbers will be crucial to the success of the event so if you haven’t contacted the club a minimum of 7 days before the event you will not be able to take part.

EG again fielded a young side for their Mercian league match against SJB, with some absences due to half-term holidays and South committments.

After starting well and scoring in the first 4 minutes through Dan Masters, the lead was quickly surrendered following some neat attacking play by SJB, who were looking a well organised side. A Josh Cather goal enabled EG to finish the first half 2 -1 up.

At half-time, Matt McNeil gave them a good team talk which the U16's adhered to initially, with Rupert Ashdown scoring his first goal for EG, just 14 seconds into the second half. However, midway through this half, EG had a '3 minute lapse in concentration' as they allowed SJB forwards to score twice to reach 3-3.

The boys battled on, but were unable to break through the opposition’s defence, and although both teams had scoring opportunities, the final score remained 3-3.

Although EG gained a valuable point from this, and are still top of the table, the boys know that they can do better.

Squad: Mark Potton, Karl Bass, Jack Storer, Dan Masters, Josh Cather (capt), James Allington, Rupert Ashdown, Hamish Forbes, David Tuckwell, Jonathan Lui, Richard Thorne, Jo Carr, Jack Bullock.

East Grinstead travelled to Cheam on Sunday to play their second match in the Home Counties Mercian League. With some of their squad involved in regional training, EG put out a young side for this game. It took the boys the first ten minutes to settle down, as there were several new faces in the side. After this, they started to pass the ball around nicely and were proving to be strong in attack. This resulted in a penalty corner being awarded, with Karl Bass ‘lobbing’ the Cheam keeper to score a well taken goal.

Soon after this Dan Masters took the team to a half-time score of 2 –0, with an excellent reverse stick shot from the top left of the ‘D’.

Grinstead went into the second half confidently. However, Cheam made several attacking runs, but were prevented from scoring by some brilliant keeping by Mark Potton. EG went on to score two further goals – one from Will Newland and another from Dan Masters.

EG now stand at the top of the table, with six points after their two wins and next face tough opposition; SJB Academy at home on the 30th October at midday. Man of the match, voted by the team, was awarded to Mark Potton.

Squad: Dan Masters (Capt), Will Newland, Rob Willson, Karl Bass, Jack Storer, Jo Carr, David Tuckwell, Rupert Ashdown, Alex Gowen, Matt Needle, Mark Potton, Jack Bullock.

This was the first game of the season for EG boys and our second season in the Mercian League. We knew that Bromley and Beckenham, who have now combined forces, were going to be difficult opponents, as they had finished the league in first and second place last season. They arrived with what is their ‘B’ team, as their top players are now in the Premier Division. However with a large squad to choose from, they looked impressive.

EG have some new faces in their U16 squad, and the team started in a positive manner, with Matt McNeil, (a 1st team player and Junior coach on Sunday mornings) giving the team plenty of encouragement and team tactics beforehand.

The game was fairly evenly matched, but halfway through the first half Bromley and Beckenham scored in open play, but didn’t hold onto the lead for long when a good cross into the ‘D’ was put away by Jack Bullock.

After a good team talk by Matt at half-time, EG started the second half confidently, and had some good goal-scoring opportunities including a penalty flick that was saved. EG battled on (by this time with only ten men), and were awarded a penalty corner, which resulted in a goal from Josh Cather.

Squad: James Allington, Karl Bass, Jack Bullock, Jo Carr, Josh Cather (Capt), Hamish Forbes, Daniel Masters, William Newland, Gareth Orpen, Mark Potton (GK), John Sage, Robert Wilson.

East Grinstead boys U18 side were handed a tough debut appearance in the Mercian Home Counties League south east division with the visit of Canterbury. Last season Canterbury won the division with a 100% record so this was an ideal opportunity for East Grinstead to establish their credentials for the season to come.

It was East Grinstead who dominated the early exchanges starting at a fast tempo and putting the visitors on the back foot, Tom Gogarty and Wesley Jackson particularly catching the eye. Against the run of play it was Canterbury who took the lead when East Grinstead failed to pick up players in their D and the visitor’s left wing prodded the ball home from short range. Undaunted East Grinstead picked up the pace and deservedly were back on level terms when Will Arthur’s crisp shot found the Canterbury net.

At half time East Grinstead changed their formation which frustrated Canterbury’s attempt to get forward and allowed East Grinstead to raid on the break. The deadlock was broken when Canterbury were awarded a penalty stroke in a rare excursion into the East Grinstead D and were back in front. The goal was scored during a period when East Grinstead were down to 10 men when Christian Wimshurst was yellow carded for a late foul.

Once again East Grinstead piled on the pressure and following a number of near misses and some excellent work from the visiting keeper a clever flick from Josh Cather got the home side level again.

A tense final ten minutes saw both teams desperate to avoid any mistakes with skipper Rob Woodley’s uncompromising tackling at sweeper supported ably by the young full back paring of Dan Masters and Carl Bass assuring that Canterbury rarely threatened. The final whistle saw Canterbury the more relieved of the sides having their keeper to thank for an even score line.

This was an excellent team performance from East Grinstead who outplayed the champions for long periods of play which bodes well for the season ahead.

M.Potten, D.Masters, C.Bass, R.Woodley © B.Ziller, W.Arthur, T.Gogarty.J.Cather, C.Wimshurst, W.Jackson, T.Bass, J.Allington.

I am writing to you to hopefully clarify the position in relation to junior training for the forthcoming season.

Junior training for all 11-18 year old boys and girls is between 10 am and midday on Sunday mornings

It is understood that this may not suit you all and in that regard the Tuesday sessions (Ladies) 7 to 9pm and the Thursday (Men’s) 7-8.30pm remain. These sessions are there to support juniors who also play for senior sides at the club on Saturday’s.

As a club we are trying to offer your children the best opportunity to play hockey at the highest level and trust that we can count on your continued support