25th November 2002

King scores 2nd World Cup goal but England go down 2-1 to Dutch

Despite Ipswich and England star Leisa King scoring the opening goal, England still could not get anything from this game and will need a win against Australia to make the semi-finals.  It was a very close game with England actually looking the better side according to observers.  However the Dutch showed their experience and  took all 3 points.  Disappointing but England will still feel that they can get a result against the fancied Australians.

25th November 2002

King celebrates 30th Birthday with a goal and a win.

Ask most people what they did for their 30th birthday and the likely hood is that Alcohol and dancing would be included. Not Leisa King, she was playing in her first World Cup game for England in Perth. Not only did England win 3-1 but King set up England's 2nd goal and then celebrated her birthday in style by scoring their 3rd. Well done Leisa I think you may remember your 30th Birthday for a long time!

England unfortunately could not keep up their wining run and had to settle for a 2-2 draw with South Africa today. England only scored with 2 minutes to go and will not be too unhappy with a point but have a very hard match against the Netherlands on Wednesday that they will need to get something from

25th November 2002

Ipswich star King attracts right press!

Taken from the Times and Fieldhockey.com

Shame Cathy is not aware that Vic Sandall is from Wisbech as well!

From Cathy Harris in Perth, Australia

IT IS a well-worn joke in the England camp that when Leisa King has spent time with Phil Moore, the team sports psychologist, Moore then has to go and have a session to sort his own mind out. King laughingly admits that it was probably the case two years ago, but is adamant that she has matured considerably and is ready to play a key role in the side's World Cup campaign that starts here tomorrow.

In two years, King’s transformation from international outcast to an England regular has been remarkable. Left out of the England side for the World Cup finals in the Netherlands four years ago, and unable to impress the Great Britain management in the run-up to the Sydney Olympics, the lively midfield player refused to believe her career was over.

“I know I was difficult, because I’m not a robot and not a yes-person, but no one ever really explained why I wasn’t selected,” she said. “The time I spend with Phil helps enormously. My concentration level used to be zilch and I was probably sent to the sin-bin every other international. I got too involved and frustrated and was full of backchat.”

Reprieved by Tricia Heberle, the head coach, who recognised King’s talent and switched her from the forward line to a central midfield role, King has shown enormous commitment, repaying Heberle’s faith with consistent and composed performances.

Strong on the ball, she is capable of carving through defences to set up chances. A hat-trick against Japan last July and another against Scotland at the Commonwealth Games emphasise her ability. “I love the attacking style that we’ve adopted,” she said.

King, who also hopes to celebrate a winning start for England against Ireland on her thirthieth birthday tomorrow, is proud of the fact that she is Wisbech’s first hockey international, adding that she has every intention of adding to her 66 caps.

Heberle acknowledges her ambition, saying: “She’s grown up, is hungry and realises that she’s no value to anyone on the bench. I rate her as one of the most exciting midfielders in the world.”

Perth pools

POOL A: Argentina, China, Germany, South Korea, New Zealand, Russia, Scotland, Ukraine.

POOL B: Australia, England, Ireland, Japan, Holland, South Africa, Spain, United States.

TheTimes

25th November 2002

Ladies 2nd's again fight back for point, while  other teams fall.

The Ladies 2nd's for the second week running had to comeback from a 2 goal deficit to take a point in the Printwize East Premier League. Caught napping at the start Ipswich were 2 goals down and had to really battle hard to get back onto terms. This should be a hard lesson for the team and one that should hopefully wake them up for next weeks game against Gravesend.

The 3rd's did not have a game due to Alford pulling out of the league.

The 4th's had a hard game away to league leaders Sudbury and even though they played well they went down 5-0.

The 5th's too did not get a win and lost 3-0 to Grasshopers.

Not a great weekend for the Ladies teams, hopefully things will pick next weekend.

25th November 2002

Men's 1st's get back to winning ways but Canterbury show their class in Cup

The Men's 1st's knocked Clacton for 6 on Saturday, winning at a canter 6-0. It was a classic display from a side that looks as if it is finally finding it's feet. Sunday's Cup match was a totally different encounter. Taking on the might of EHL Premier side Canterbury was always going to be a tough affair but the team battled hard and a 5-0 score line is very respectable considering the gulf in division's.

The Men's 2nd's continued on their title run, recording another fine 3-0 win, to see them go 6 points clear at the top of the Printwize East Prem B League.

The 3rd's were held to a 3-3 draw with Harlow but are still 1 point clear at the top of the table.

The 4th's also were held to a draw 3-3 with Thurrock but have different fortunes, they are level bottom with IES 3rd's!

The 5th's again recorded another draw and sit mid-table 5 points off the lead.

The 6th's also recorded a 6 goal win, finishing off Croystx 6-1 to record another fine win. 

Last but by no means least the Vet's dispatched Brooklands 5-1.

So another weekend and none of the Men's side's lose! 2 Teams sit at the top of their leagues and all bar one, are nicely positioned mid-table. Keep up the good work.

22nd November 2002

Women's World Cup-England ready for home nations challenge

Sunday 24th November at 09.35 (GMT +8 hours) England will take on Ireland in their opening game of this World Cup.

 Ipswich's Leisa King who's build up has been hampered by a knee injury should be fighting fit and will be likely to have a place in the starting line up. 

Leisa in action for England

 It will be a special day for King anyway as she will be celebrating her 30th Birthday but an opening win and a good performance from her will be one of the best birthday presents for the Ipswich star.

You can follow all the action at http://www.2002wcwh.com.au

20th November 2002

Ladies 2nd's look to extend unbeaten run as only 3 teams in action.

The Ladies 2nd team are back in the spotlight this week, they are the only Ladies club side in action outside of the Suffolk league and as such they will want to lead the way.  An away match against Dereham will fully test the team but they are more than capable of getting a good win. With the 3rd's not playing due to Alford pulling out of the league, the 2nd's are also able to include Emma Baker and Nicky Keely in their squad.

The 4th's have a very difficult match against runaway Suffolk leaders Sudbury.  Yet to win a game the 4th's have nothing to lose and will battle hard against a physical Sudbury team.

The 5th's take on Grasshopers and will be looking to bounce back from a heavy defeat last week.

A hard week for all teams but 3 wins out of 3 is the aim.

20th November 2002

Men's 1st's aim to build on away form as 2nd's enjoy life at the top

The Men's 1st's take on bottom side Clacton. Ipswich are aware that Harleston  put 13 past the Essex side and that Clacton will want to reclaim some lost pride.  To make matters worse, top goal scorer Simon Miller will be out of action for 2 months, due to a nasty shoulder injury. A win here is a must for a team that is rebuilding. On Sunday they will face the might of EHL Premier side Canterbury in the 4th round of the Cup. Ipswich are realistic about their chances but will relish the chance to play against top flight opposition, especially in front of a home crowd. The game starts at 13.00 at Henley Road.

After last weeks fantastic result the 2nd's are riding high at the to of the Premier B league and will want to keep that wining momentum going against Letchworth. No game is easy in this league but the Suffolk side look good for another 3 points.

The 3rd's travel to Harlow, again taking with them an unbeaten record. They too sit near the top of the league and will not want any slip ups against a tricky side.

The 4th's will be hoping to finish their game against Thurrock this week, after heavy fog meant their game was abandoned last week.

The 5th's will be aiming to record another win against Little Baddow 2nd's.

Finally the 6th's take on Croystx 5th's and will want to  carry on their winning ways.

Another clean sweep would be perfect, but let's make it all wins this time.

19th November 2002

Talents & Favours almost here...please rally the troops!

Saturday 30th November 7pm at Henley Road- is the place to be to pick up a bargain and also one or two items that cannot be found elsewhere. Highlights are:

• Great Britain 2000 Olympic Hockey Shirt signed by Current England Men's squad

• Watch an Ipswich Town game from the Press Box and see all post-match interviews.

• Leisa King's Commonwealth Games 2002 Training Top (can be signed by Leisa!)

• A Kookaburra England hockey Stick bag 

Everybody is welcome to attend.

15th November 2002

Ladies 1st's get home draw in Cup 4th Round

Despite not hitting the heights on Sunday Ipswich have been rewarded for their win with a home draw against Northern Premier side Ben Rhydding. Even though the game will not be a walk over, the Suffolk side will be pleased to have avoided a National League side and will be overwhelming favourites to beat a side that play in the equivalent league to Ipswich's 2nd Team. The game will take place at 12 noon at Tuddenham Road on Sunday 8th December. While Leisa King will still be in Australia with England Jo Ellis should have returned and will boost the squad.

15th November 2002

Successful Cup defence underway as 2nd's stay top.

Back in action, the 1st Team dispatched Div 1 Woking on Sunday with a 2-1 victory to make sure that the Cup holders go into the hat for the 4th round draw. By no means a vintage display from the Ipswich side but at these early stages it always good to get a win under the belt and build on each performance. The draw is due to take place this lunch time and Ipswich will be hoping for a home game.

The 2nd's came away with a point in a 3-3 thriller. After being 2-0 down they fought back to lead 3-2 before Sevenoaks finally equalised to share the spoils. Ipswich still remain top 2 points clear of the only other unbeaten team in the league Letchworth. Dereham away next week will prove another stern test.

The 3rd's gained a creditable 2-2 draw with local rivals IES. Always a tough game Ipswich fought back to gain a  well deserved point to keep them above IES in the table.

The 4th's unfortunately did not fair so well, going down to Haverhill 7-0. Haverhill sit 2nd in the table while the 4th's are rooted to the bottom. A revival is needed in the 4th's let's hope it starts next week.

The 5th's again did not fair so well losing 10-0 to IES 3rd's. Another hard lesson for this young team but they are learning all the time.

So the 1st's are safely through in the Cup and the 2nd's are still toping the East league but both are tempered by the problems at Suffolk level. Hard work is needed by all teams to change the status Quo.

18th November 2002

Men claim first clean sweep as all teams get al least 1 point.

The Men's 1st's continued their unbeaten away record but at a price. The final result was a 3-3 draw but the injury to striker Simon Miller that will see him out of action for at least 2 months, has potential to cause Ipswich more problems.

The 2nd's continued their march towards the league title with a 4-1 thrashing of nearest rivals Pelicans. Both teams were unbeaten but Ipswich proved once again that they really are a class side with an awesome display that sees them go 3 points clear at the top of the league.

The 3rd's too are now sitting at the top of their league, having beaten nearest contenders Wapping 1-0.

The 4th's game was unfortunately postponed and will have to be played on one of the slip dates.

The 5th's recorded a 3-2 victory over Chelmsford 4th's in a hard match.

Finally the 6th's got back to winning ways recording a 3-2 victory away at Redbridge and Ilford.

So a good weekend all round for the Men, with 2 teams sitting at the top of their leagues the future looks good.

15th November 2002

Women's World Cup squad ready for the off

After months of hard work the England squad will fly out to Perth tomorrow afternoon. Ipswich team mates Leisa King and Jo Ellis are both part of the party but Ellis is only a reserve and will have to make a difficult journey home before the tournament gets underway. King on the other hand looks set to play a large role in the fate of England's fortunes. Leisa has been suffering from a re-occurring knee injury but looks to be making her way back to full fitness just at the right time and will be hoping for another sparkling tournament to build on her outstanding performance at the Commonwealth games back in August.

You can follow all the action at the official web site http://www.2002wcwh.com.au/

15th November 2002

Leisa King Interview available on-line

At last the Interview that you have all been waiting for! Leisa talks about her Commonwealth Games, that controversial goal and how a lack of funding in her youth almost put paid to her International career.  You can read the interview in full by clicking on the following link.  Leisa King

13th November 2002

Ladies 1st's back in action as 2nd's have point to prove.

The 1st team will be looking to make amends for a slack 10 minutes in their last league game with a good display in this Cup match on Sunday.  Woking will be no push over though and will be keen to cause an upset. Ipswich will be without England players Leisa King and Jo Ellis due to World Cup commitments and they also will be missing Sarah Bamfield and Shelly Pleasance. Emma Millar and Becky Lawrence from the 2nd team have been brought in for cover.

The 2nd's take on last years league winners Sevenoaks ,in a match that could prove vital to Ipswich's title chances. Unbeaten Ipswich are confident of another good display and will be disappointed with anything short of a win.

The 3rd's aim to bounce back after last weeks loss, when they take on local rivals IES. IES are also looking to bounce back and the match will as usual provide a real test for both sides.

The 4th's take on Haverhill in a tough affair. Still looking for that first win the 4th's need to take their chances.

The 5th's take on local rivals IES 3rd's and will be hoping to get back to winning ways. playing better with every game they stand a real chance of getting some points here.

Nice to have the 1st back in action lets' hope they get a good win to set them up for a title defence. As for the 2nd's a hard game but one they really want to win, along with the two local derby games against IES. 

13th November 2002

Men 1st's need a win, as 2nd's take on fellow league leaders.

The 1st team will be desperate to get back to winning ways on Saturday, as they take on Colchester away. Ironically they have yet to be defeated on their travels so a continuation of that run would be the ideal tonic.

The 2nd's take on Pelican's at home in what should be a very entertaining match. Neither side has lost yet and the winner would go 3 points clear at the top of the table.

The 3rd's again still undefeated will look to tackle Wapping, in a match that will be considerably different to playing their club mates.

The 4th's take on Witham 2nd's and are hoping to get back to winning ways after last weeks great performance.

The 5th's take on local rivals Chelmsford 4th's and will be aiming to build on last weeks draw.

The 6th's tackle Redbridge and Ilford 4th's and will be working on keeping any lead they have.

Some very interesting match's this weekend, the main one being the 2nd's top of the table clash. 

11th November 2002

2nd's are unstoppable as they romp to 4-0 win but rest of teams find it hard.

The 2nd's recorded their 6th win in 7 games and moved 3 points clear at the top of the Printwize East Table. Anchorians could not compete and Ipswich took full advantage.  Sevenoaks will be a real test next week but the team know they are capable of beating them and will be looking for another good display.

The 3rd's traveled to old Buckenham but a combination of controversial umpiring and lack of concentration saw them go down 5-0. Very disappointing and they will need to pick things up as they play local rivals IES next week.

The 4th's could not get that first win, losing 2-0 to IES 2nd's. IES are a good team but the 4th's have some very talented players and a win is surely round the corner.

The 5th's went down 4-0 to a Christchurch 2nd team that tops the league and has not lost all season. Despite the score line the team played very well and more importantly everyone is enjoying their hockey. Keep up the hard work a win is not too far away.

So the only highlight in the Ladies results are the 2nd team, not ideal but we knew that consistency would be a problem in our first year as a merged Club. The 1st team are back in Cup action next weekend let's hope they can inspire a series of wins.

11th November 2002

Men cannot repeat Cup result but 2nd's and 3rd's keep on winning!

The 1st team Men lost 4-2 to a strong Harleston side on sat and despite playing some good hockey at times the home side could not repeat the performance that dumped Harleston out of the EHA cup.

The 2nd's continued their wining ways, recording a 3-0 victory over Havering. Still unbeaten the side are looking very good and it will take a special team to stop them.

The 3rd's also remain unbeaten and recorded another win on Saturday. Mind you it was a close fought match against the 4th's and they will be looking forward to playing a non-club side next week.

The 4th's as mentioned above lost 2-1 to the 3rd's but gave a very good performance and will feel a bit hard done by that they did not get a point at least.

The 5th's drew 0-0 with Havering 3rd's, a much better result than last weeks but a win was what they were really looking for to keep them in touch with the league leaders.

The 6th's drew 3-3 with Felixstowe 4th's, disappointing after leading for much of the game. Felixstowe only equalising with 4 minutes to go.

Finally a Vet's result!!!!!............the beat Harleston Magpies 13-1 and I promise the kit is on the way, honest!

7th November 2002

U18 & U15 girls get local rivals Chelmsford in Cup games

The reward for the U18 side beating Colchester 7-0 is a hard away trip to Chelmsford. Chelmsford knocked out Canterbury after their match went to penalty strokes. This will be a hard match for the youngsters but if availability is not a problem this should be a really good game. The date has yet to be agreed but the tie must be played BEFORE January 5th 2003.

The U15's take part in the Plate competition and also take on Chelmsford, this time in a home draw. Even though not quite such a strong team as the U18, as individuals they have been getting better during the season and will give their local rivals a hard match. The date for this match also has yet to be agreed but the tie must be played BEFORE January 5th 2003.

6th November 2002

Ladies 2nd's lead the way!

With the 1st's not playing any outdoor league hockey until January, the 2nd's take over the mantle as being the highest Ladies team to play and hope that they can inspire the rest of the teams with another winning performance against Kent side Anchorians. The 2nd's are 2 points clear at the top of the Printwize east Premier table and a good win on Saturday would see them full of confidence as they take on near rivals Sevenoaks next week. Starts at 14.30 at Tuddenham Road

The 3rd's too on a winning run, take on Old Buckenham away and will have their hands full against a side just above them in the table. Despite a rocky start the 3rd's are finding their feet and a win here will see them enter the feisty local derby against IES next week confident of a win.

The 4th's are still looking for that first win and will have to dig in deep against IES 2nd team.  A win is not out of the question though and the feeling is that once they get that first one their will be no stopping them.

The 5th's brought down to earth last week, will be hoping to get back into the winning habit against Christchurch 2nd's.

Things are beginning to gel in the Ladies section after the merger and a clean sweep of wins would be the ideal proof.

6th November 2002

Men's 1st's need to play well against local rivals, as no win situation lower down!

The 1st's will take heart that the last time they played Harleston they not only beat them but did so at Harleston on their new waterbased pitch. That was a Cup match and this time it is league and at Ipswich. There is no doubt this will prove a stern test for both teams but Ipswich have the talent to record the victory and get the double over the Norfolk team.

The 2nd's take on Havering and will be looking to record their 4th win and keep themselves joint top of the Premier B.

The 3rd's have the unenviable task of playing the 4th's!  The 3rd's so far have been thrashing opposition and with the 4th's struggling it looks like this could be another one sided match! Come on Ipswich!!!

The 5th's also travel to Havering to take on their 3rd's and will want to get back on track after suffering their first league defeat last week.

The 6th's take on local side Felixstowe 4th's and can build on last weeks draw.

No clean sweep possible this week, due to the 3rd's playing the 4th's but it should eb one hell of a night in the bar!!

4th November 2002

Ladies 1st's enter break on a low point as 2nd's and 3rd's continue winning!

This was not the result Ipswich had wanted and at half time this was not the result that looked on the cards either. Ipswich were caught off guard by a competitive Chelmsford side but after Tanya Barnard grabbed a deserved equaliser this game had draw written all over it. Chelmsford however did not see it this way and undid Ipswich with a combination of determined play and sloppy play by the Ipswich side. The unavailability of Leisa King, who was rested due to a niggling knee injury, was obviously a blow to the Suffolk side but this team is more than capable of winning without their England striker and they will be disappointed with their 2nd half performance. This loss will not sit well with the Ipswich side and with no outdoor play in the league until January hopefully it will be the spur to encourage the team to perform better in their Cup game against Woking on the 17th November.

The 2nd's 3-2 win against Chelmsford 2nd's at least restored some of the pride, especially as Chelmsford took the decision to boost their team with several of their 1st teams squad. Ipswich did not let this put them off and with the cool head of Sarah Juggins converting 2 penalty strokes and the opportunistic strike of Emma Millar making it 3 Ipswich, ran out 3-2 victors in a heated and sometimes frenetic game. This win sees the team stay top of the table.

The 3rd's took on S t Ives 2nd's and recorded their 3rd straight victory with a 4-2 win. Witt the team finally finding some consistency they are going to be a difficult side to beat.

The 4th's again came close to recording a win but went down 2-1 to a experienced Christchurch side.

The 5th's could not build on last weeks good win and lost 7-0 to a mature Bury 3rd's.

The U18 girls progressed to the 2nd round of the Cup with a fine 7-0 victory over Essex side Colchester. A fine display from a team that had not played together before.

A mixed bag for the Ladies but things are looking good for the 2nd's and 3rd's and hopefully this success can knock down to the lower teams. With the 1st's out of league action until January, the 2nd's will be looking to lead the way.

4th November 2002

Men's 1st's lead the way as 2nd's prove class above IES.

The Men's 1st team got back to winning ways, recording a comfortable 4-0 victory in the league before outclassing fellow East Leaguers Cambridge City 2-1 in the Cup. The reward for the victory is a home tie against EHL Premier side Canterbury on Sun 24th November. Ipswich will be under no illusions but will enjoy playing National league opposition once more.

The men's 2nd's like their Ladies counterparts are unbeaten and recorded a fine 2-0 victory over local rivals IES. IES are finding life hard in this league after relegation last season while Ipswich are rising to the challenge after promotion. another fine display keeps them in 2nd place.

The 3rd's also undefeated romped to a 7-1 win against hapless Brentwood 3rd's. The 3rd's are odds on for promotion and will be looking to continue their unbeaten run all season

The 5th's went down 4-1, to a strong Dunmow 2nd's team and will be hoping to record their first victory next week against their 3rd's!

The 6th's continued their god run with a 2-2 draw against a very young and fast Brentwood's 6th team.

Some very good results again this week for the Men and a tasty Cup draw to look forward to as well. Keep up the good work.

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