30th September

Nominate England Ladies Team for Team of the year

England's Women have been nominated for the Sunday Times Sportswomen of the Year Team award. Nominations close on 08 October 2003. People can nominate on-line at www.timesonline.co.uk/sportswomen. The final awards will eb made after a public phone vote. There are 7 categories open to the public. The awards will be presented on Wednesday 26 November 2003 at The Park Lane Hotel, Piccadilly.

29th September

1st team Ladies put up fight but best result belongs to 3's

The 1's travelled North to take on Doncaster and with a hatful of new faces in the squad were looking to claim at least a point. A bad start by Ipswich saw Doncaster take full advantage and despite some great play from the Suffolk team in the 2nd half and two debutant goal for Vanessa Roberts and Lucy Philp, Ipswich could just not grab that all important equaliser. Some outstanding performances though bodes well for the upcoming games. England stars Leisa King and Jo Ellis will return for the next two games to add even more depth into a competitive squad.

The 2'stackled Gravesend and even though they too had several new young players they worked really hard to claim a point. Leading until the last 12 minutes the 2's will feel they could have taken all 3 points. Boosted by the return of 3 players next weekend they will be looking for all 3 points.

The 3's turned in the performance of the day, thrashing the students from UEA 4-1. The win sees the 3's sitting pretty at the top of the league table.

The 4's took on the 5's and not surprisingly won 5-0. Both teams 

played really well but the extra experience of the 4's took it's toll on the 5's young team.

Not the ideal start for the 1's but with no relegation this year it is the perfect chance to re-build. In all not too bad a start to a league season and one that with the large amount of youngsters  playing  looks positive for the games and years to come.

29th September

Men's 1's ride 9 goal rollercoaster to claim 3 points

The 1's took on newly promoted Bourne and eventually walked away with all 3 points after a 9 goal shot out. With such a free flowing attack Ipswich look to be a dangerous team but will need to sharpen up their defensive skills should they wish to push for a national league place.

The 2's faced a tough side in Dereham and went down 4-1. Not the ideal start after such a good season last year and they will want to bounce straight back.

The 3's played their first game in Div 3 after promotion and duly won against rivals Chelmsford 3's. Kerion Bromley scoring both goals on his Eighteenth birthday to give Ipswich a 2-1 victory.

The 4's went down 5-0 to a rampant Saffron Walden side.

The 5's  could not repeat the 3's performance and lost 3-0 to Chelmsford 4's

Due to lack of players unfortunately the 6's have had to cancel their fixture.

The vet's do not have a fixture.

Great wins for the 1's and 3's, others have some work to do to get up to speed.

26th September

EHL Re-structure will go ahead.

Despite several clubs severe opposition to a new structure, the EHL will change for the start of the next season.

The most dramatic changes are automatic promotion for all regional winners, meaning that 5 teams will be relegated form Div 1 at the end of the season and the splitting of both divisions after Xmas into a top 6 and bottom 6 structure.

The proposals are very dramatic and will have a huge effect on how we run hockey in England. 

Only time will tell whether this move is the last desperate roll of the dice for a sport that seems to have lost it's sense of direction or the brilliant new challenge that clubs need.

26th September

1st team Ladies start National League campaign

The 1's travel to newly promoted Doncaster for their first taste of league action. Ironically after being told all summer that they could not play their England Internationals the Suffolk team only found out this week that they could play for the first 3 league games. Unfortunately neither Jo Ellis or Leisa King are available. Ellis is away on holiday and King cannot make the trip. Ipswich will be looking for a win against the Yorkshire side  to give new coach Kath Macdonald the perfect start.

The 2's take on Gravesend at home and will be introducing several new young players to the squad. New Captain Sarah Logan will be keen to get 3 points of physical Kent side.

The 3's also have a home game against the students of UEA. Again they have several new players and will be hoping to catch the newly retuned students o the hop.

The 4's play their 3rd league game in all Ipswich clash against the 5's. Both teams will be wanting to play at their best and it should be an interesting clash.

A clean sweep is obviously not possible but 4 wins out of 5 must be the aim. Good luck to all teams.

26th September

All men's teams get into League action.

The 1's take on Bourne at home, probably not fully aware yet that any winner of the East league will be guaranteed a National League place.

The 2's tackle Dereham and will be looking to be competing for the title again this year.

The 3's face Chelmsford 3's in their first league game in Div 3 SE after promotion last year.

The 4's have a hard  match against Saffron Walden but have been looking good in friendly match's.

The 5's take on Chelmsford 4's but again should be looking for 3 points after good pre-season displays.

Due to lack of players unfortunately the 6's have had to cancel their fixture.

The vet's do not have a fixture.

A good win for the 1's is vital if they want to be challenging for automatic promotion.

23rd September

1st team Ladies coach-read her first club interview

New Director of coaching Kath Macdonald tells us her plans and ambitions for Ipswich hockey club. Read more here

23rd September

Men's 1's get Croystx away in Cup 2nd round.

The Men's 1's reward for winning their first round match is a very hard away tie against last years league winners Croystx. Despite the Essex based side running away with the league title Ipswich were the only side to hand them a defeat during the season, a fact which should make the match and interesting battle. Ipswich will be hoping for better availability for this Cup game and if they can field a full squad will fancy their chances.

22nd September

4's cruise to league win as rest finalise game plans

The 1's travelled to Old Loughtonians for their final friendly but due to a major traffic hold up had to play without a keeper for the first half. The opposition took advantage scoring 3 goals but both sides knew that none of the shots would have tested a keeper. Ipswich started the 2nd half with a keeper and the game at last was a true reflection of play. Ipswich began to move the ball with purpose and it was no surprise when  Kirsten Spencer scored from a short corner to see Ipswich win the 2nd half 1-0. 

The 2's also travelled  to play Old Loughtonians 2nd team on Sunday and in a solid display they ran out 2-1 winners.

The 3's succumbed 4-0 to a strong Sudbury side and will be looking to pick themselves up for the first league game next weekend.

The 4's claimed their first league points of the season with a 4-1 against East Bergholt. A great display from all especially the new youngsters. Finally the 5's had to concede to Carlton Park 2's. A real shame but forced on them after over 15 players were unavailable for selection.

So another mixed bag of results but a great one for the 4's. Next weekend sees ever team start league games so the pressure will really be on to get a win.

22nd September

Men's 1's progress in cup as other teams get good results.

The Men's 1's cancelled their friendly on sat to concentrate on their Sunday Cup match against West Herts. The result was a great 3-2 win that sees them into the next round and also gives a good indication of their league form. The 3's took on local rivals IES 2's, and ran out comfortable 5-2 winners, a good sign as IES are in the same league as the newly promoted 3's.The 4's bounced back from a loss last week to grab a point at Sudbury in a 2-2- draw.

19th September

Elvis plans to rock Ipswich

Our first social of the 03-04 season takes place on SAT 27th September @ Henley Rd.  The gig kicks off at 7.30 pm and tickets are a bargain at £3.  You can get your ticket from reception or from your Captain.

Please make a real effort to attend as it should be a fab night and one that can make us a lot of money for our fundraising pool.

18th September

1 week to go for East and National League teams

This weekend sees all Ladies teams in action. The 1's will be training on sat and then will take on Div 1side Old Loughtonians on Sunday. With 1 week to go before the league starts Ipswich will be aiming to step up the pace.

The 2's also travel to play Old Loughtonians 2nd team on Sunday and it will be a good opportunity for them to see how their pre-season training has come along.

The 3's have another hard friendly against Sudbury and will be wanting to build on their 1-0 win against IES last weekend.

The 4's take on East Bergholt and will be looking to get a win under their belt early on in the season. Finally the 5's take on the 4's conquers Carlton Park 2's.

18th September

Men countdown to league kick-off

This weekend sees the Men's 1's looking to record a win against local rivals IES. The 2's take on IES 2's and will be looking to build on their 4-3 win from last weekend.. The 3's also play IES, this time their 3rd's and after a good 5-2 win last weekend will want more of the same. The 4's take on Sudbury and will be wanting a win after last weeks close loss. The  5's play Felixstowe and will want to bounce back from their 7-1 loss. The 6's at last get a game, against Felixstowe as well. Last but no least the Vets take on IES to get their season started.

15th September

Mixed weekend for teams as league starts in Suffolk

The weekend brought some good and not so good results for the teams, the ladies 4's  went down 5-0 to a strong Carlton park side and will want to improve rapidly. While the 5's. got their 3 points on Friday night as their opposition Mildenhall could not raise a team.

The 1's and 2's won 1, lost 1 and drew 2 over a very hot weekend. There was much to be pleased with as well as lots to still work in in preparation for the league on sat 27th September. 

The 3's took on IES and as usual it was a close match but Vicki Dixon sealed the win for Ipswich with a sublime lob over the IES keeper.

With only 2 weeks to go till east and National league starts final preparations will continue with a round of more friendlies next weekend.

So a mixed bag of results with room for improvement.

15th September

England Women finish 4th as men grab glory and bronze medal

England Women suffered heartbreak in Spain as they could not raise themselves to the heights needed to beat Germany. having beaten the Germans 5-1 in a group game England were expected to win but after suffering such a bitter loss to Spain in the semi finals England seemed deflated against opposition that had more verve. It was a disappointing end for a team that has set themselves such high standards.

The Men on the other hand took an unexpected Bronze when defeating Holland in a penalty shoot out after full time ended 1-1. reading goalkeeper Simon Mason was the hero playing fantastically in the match and then saving the final stroke to seal the win.

So not the result most expected but good to see and England side coming home with a medal. Both GB sides however still need to secure Olympic qualification and there is still a lot of hard work to be dine to ensure the teams are going to Athens next year.

Congratulations to our Ipswich internationals Jo Ellis and Leisa King, both played really well and we look forward to seeing you soon.

11th September

England Women crash to hosts

So close and yet so far is the story for the England team in Spain. They lead the Spanish for most of the first half only to see them equalise before teh break. Both sides then had chances but England will feel they created the best of them and despites some extreme pressure could not get that second gaol. Extra time loomed and with either side not being able to convert the result came down to the torrid situation of penalty strokes.

Nerves were obviously raw as England could not convert their first 3 strokes, the Spanish however were not much better. Spain however edged in front but 2 conversions by Kate Walsh and Lucilla Wright saw England tie with at 2-2 after the first 5 strokes, so into sudden death it went. Spain scored first followed by England but unfortunately Walsh could not repeat her first round score and Spain went through to face Holland in the final. England now must pick themselves up to play Germany for 3rd place.

It was a disappointing end to England's campaign especially as they had looked so good in the group stages.

An Olympic place is still available for the GB side but they will have to do it the hard way in Auckland in January 2004.

11th September

Live coverage of England's semi-final matches @ Nations Cup

If you want to keep up with the action in Barcelona please visit an excellent German website that is hosting a live ticker from the Spanish city. Under Live ticker select the link of the match you want to keep up with.

The report is in German but if you right click you may have an option to translate the page into English (need google loaded into your browser)

The Ladies match is a 13.00 start (GMT)

The Men's match is 15.30 (GMT)

9th September

Preparation to league season kicks off for 1's while Suffolk start league games.

This weekend sees the first league games of the 2003-2004 season for Ipswich ladies 4's and 5's. Hopes are high for both teams this season as they have been boosted by the arrival of several new and talented Junior players. The 4's take on Carlton park 2's at home and will  be looking for an opening win to keep them on the promotion trail. The 5's tackle Mildenhall and it will be the first taste of league hockey for several players.

The 1's and 2's travel to Canterbury as one large squad to play in the annual tournament. The squad will face tough tests all weekend as they face their hosts, Chelmsford and Hounslow and Ealing. These are the first match's under new coach Kath Macdonald and several players will be looking to impress and grab a first team place. Ipswich have worked hard at pre-season and this will be a good test to see how much progress has been made.

The 3's play fellow Ipswich side IES in tough friendly and again it should be a good indicator of how well pre-season training has been going.

9th September

Run up to league season kicks off for majority of Men's teams

This weekend sees the Men's 1's in action for the first time, they travel to London to tackle Old Loughtonians. The 1's are delighted to have recruited England U18 Goal Keeper George Pinner and with the possibility of direct promotion to National league for the Regional winners the squad will want to be up there. The 2's take on Felixstowe 1's and will be looking to go one better this season and take the Premier B title. The 3's also play Felixstowe, this time their 3rd's and after promotion last season they will be looking to cement their place in Div 3 SE. The 4's take on Braintree 2's and will be aiming to follow the ones in promotion. The 5's play Colchester 3rd's and they too know that promotion is a real possibility. The 6's and Vet's do not have games this week.

9th September

England Men join Women in semi finals

England Men squeezed past Poland 4-3 to make a semi final date with Germany on the 11th September. England have endured a rollercoaster ride through their group. They outplayed the Dutch who are current Olympic champions yet lost to a passionate Scottish team and at that point a semi final place seemed long way off. To the teams credit though they fought all the way against the Polish and will now be relishing a chance to take on the old foe that is the Germans.

It may not be the same triumphant entry to the semi finals that the Women made but at this point of any competition it's being there that really counts.

The Women play hosts Spain in their semi final also on Sept 11.

Please visit the official Website for more info.

8th September

England unbeaten in pool as Ireland downed 3-0

England continued their domination of their group with a 3-0 victory over Ireland. England have only conceded 1 goal to Germany in 5 match's and will be looking forward to tackling either the Dutch or the Spanish in the Semi final.

England Men need to win against Poland today to make the semi-final after losing 2-1 to Scotland on Friday.

Please visit the official Website for more info.

8th September

King can't stop scoring as England cruise to semi-final

Ipswich and England striker Leisa King is an unstoppable player at the moment and to prove that fact she scored her fourth goal of the European Nations Cup as England crushed Germany 5-1.

That win put England top of the group and ensured them of a semi final spot against either Spain or Holland.

King's fellow England star and Ipswich team mate Jo Ellis is also an integral part of the squad and will be hoping to continue her good play today as England take on Ireland in their final pool game.

8th September

Club Day kicks off season. 

Sunday 7th Sept saw Ipswich Sports Club brimming with healthy people as every section was running an event.

The Hockey section kicked off with a well attended Junior coaching clinic and already potential stars of the future were being spotted. East coach and Ipswich director of Coaching Kath Macdonald was very impressed with what she saw.

The Senior session followed on at 12.45 and with the strong Juniors being invited to stay on it was a great chance for all levels to mix in. A 1 hour coaching clinic was followed by a highly entertaining penalty stroke competition. A huge thanks to goal keeper Marcus Kwan who was in goal for the entire competition. A special mention must go to him for his impressive opening save from Ipswich 1st Team player Kirsten Spencer.

The final event was throwing the astro shoe (luckily you threw your own!) narrowly won by Junior Coach Richard Pittaway.

Thanks must also go to Storm for running the BBQ and keeping the hoards well fed.

It was a fab day and great to see so many new and existing members enjoying themselves.

Don't worry if you could not make it on Sunday you can still  join in time for this season. Please contact the relevant person using our contacts page or e-mail join@ipswichhockeyclub.co.uk with your name, age, contact number and previous club or playing level (beginner, East player etc)

4th September

King scores twice as England lead group 

Ipswich and England striker Leisa King is in the best goal scoring form of her life and bagged 2 more goals in England 5-0 win over the Ukraine. England are yet to concede a goal and all things point to a crunch game against Germany on sat to settle the group winners.

King has scored 3 times in the first 2 games and will be looking to build on that when England play Wales tomorrow. 

Please visit the official Website for more info.

2nd September

Club Coaching Clinic 

New Coach Kath Macdonald will be running a Clinic for all Ipswich hockey Club coaches on Sunday 5th October 2003 11am to 1pm @ Henley Rd.

You do not have to be a qualified coach to attend and new faces that would like to get involved are more than welcome.

Please contact Kath for more details on 07789265809

2nd September

England slam 8 past Italy as Leisa keeps on scoring. 

Ipswich star Leisa King continued her goal scoring run with a goal from open play in England's 8-0 hammering of Italy in the opening day of the European Nations cup in Barcelona.

Leisa in action.

Ex-Ipswich player Jane Smith grabbed 2 of the other goals as England

turned on the style in the 2nd half of the match. 

England's next match is on Wednesday 17.00 against the Ukraine.

Please visit the official Website for more info.

2nd September

Club Day looking good 

Sunday 7th September will be a busy day at Ipswich Sports Club. It will an Open Day for the hockey and Squash sections as well as being the Tennis Clubs Annual Finals Day. 

The hockey starts at 11.00 am with a Junior Coaching session open to ALL. This will be followed at 12.30 by the general Open day.  A whole host of activities are planned, ranging from the usual hockey match's to throwing the Gum boot.

The day is free of charge to Members and Non0members alike, the only thing you will need to pay for is your food and drinks during the day.

A BBQ will take place after the events at about 3-4pm depending how the timing goes.

This is an ideal day to meet up with fellow team-mates after the summer break or for interested new members to come along and she what is on offer.

Look forward to seeing you there!