Olney Ladies Hockey Club

Match Reports

22nd July 2008 - Summer League: Olney Ladies 3 Grammarians 1

Again Olney struggled to field 7 players and an umpire. Karen did her best to get back from Leicester to umpire and was frantically on the phone minutes before the push back saying she was in Milton Keynes. It looked as though we had solved the problem with Wendy forgetting her astros and instead of playing she nearly stepped up to umpire.

Luckily for us we had a solution for both of them. Angie had a spare pair of trainers and Wendy was able to play on pitch. And luckily at the last minute we found a nice young man who said he would umpire the whole match and when Karen did arrive (midway through the first half) she was able to join the team on the pitch rather than on the sideline. And what a good game they both played.

Olney thoroughly deserved their win, playing with a well organised defence and attack. Alice again played well up front but it was Angie who was lethal in front of goal this week, scoring all 3 goals and claiming her second hat-trick in a week. Jood played in goal but, despite Grammarians pulling a goal back in the second half, had a fairly quiet game compared to her previous weeks in goal. She, and the team, were disappointed not to keep a clean sheet in a match that Olney controlled from the start.

Another well deserved summer victory against a Grammarians team who were always dangerous on the attack.

18th July 2008 - Summer League: Olney Ladies 7 Rushden and Higham 4

Olney struggled to get players for this match which had been re-arranged for the Friday - but the 7 that turned up played very well against a lively and dangerous Rushden and Higham team.

Di took a turn in goal (Thanks Di!) and was kept busy by a youthful and lively Rushden attack.

Olney though were always in the lead of this game - and our swift attacking & passing play was just too much for the Rushden defence. Goals were scored by Angie (3), Wendy (2) and Karen (2).

A well deserved victory !

15th July 2008 - Summer League: Olney Ladies 1 Team Smart 8

Before the match started this week Jood proudly displayed her bruise from last week and I can honestly say, I've never seen anything like it before! And she'd volunteered to go in goal again this week! Quite MAD!

Cheryl agreed to umpire the whole match (Thanks Cheryl) so the line up this week was Jood, Carrrina, Rachel, Jane, Kazza, Wendy, Angie, Allie and Katie.

Olney started this match like they meant business scoring within a minute of the start, Carrina releasing Jane up the tright wing, Jane crossing the ball in and Angie was on the end! 1-0! Team Smart came back swiftly, rudely awakened by the early goal, they set about getting the goal back. Jood was a star in the Olney goal - thwarting them at every angle and every height. Even the opposition were applauding her play. But Olney faced a string of short corners and eventually Team Smart put the ball away not once but 5 times before the half ended. The half finished 5-1 - with Olney wondering where it had all gone wrong after the dream start.

Olney looked more awake and on the ball at the start of the second half and for a long period matched Team Smart. Only the goal keeper stood between Olney and a goal, and she stood well and truly - fending off shots from Angie, Wendy, Kazza and Katie. In the meantime Team Smart seemed to have the luck and all the breaks - and their strikers gradually eased the score to 8-1.

8th July 2008 - Summer League: Olney Ladies 3 Saints 5

A sunny summers evening in July. What could be nicer! Jood was in goal, and playing out on field - Carrina, Di, Rachel, Little Jane, Karen, Alice, Katie and Angie. Wendy offered to umpire (Thanks Wendy!)

Not quite as hot as the previous week but this time playing against Saints Olney once again had the sun to contend with. The blinding sun playing it's part in a match which Olney were slow to start. A first half in which we saw the fastest substitution ever - Little Jane starting on the pitch and coming off for Di after only 10 seconds of the whistle. Where were you Di?

Saints went ahead very early on despite Jood bravely throwing everything she could behind the ball. A few minutes later the clock was stopped for Jood to recover from a particularly nasty shot which had caught her on the knee - behind the kicker. Saints continued to attack hard and at pace, and Olney kept being caught out by the midfielders' running through. However Olney bravely saw out the first half - and eventually started to get used to the sun and get a few moves going. They were unlucky not to score early on but finally Angie scored after a move up the right involving Rachel & Katie. Half -time score 3-1 to Saints.

After a few wise words at half time Olney were keen to start the second half - but the second half started very similarly to the first. Saints were first to the ball, quicker and stronger in the tackle. Another early substitution had to be made after Rachel, blinded again by the sun, collided with a Saints player and went off, Carrina coming on at the back to work with Di. Di and Carrina worked tirelessly at the back linking with Kazza and Jane in midfield and soon Olney once again began to threaten the Saints goal. Angie eventually put another away for Olney and it felt that Olney were starting to come back. Alice in particular looked good against a Saints defence who didn't seem to know how to deal with the small striker. However at the other end, Saints continued to play to their strengths and it was no surprise when they scored their fifth.

In the final few minutes Katie came back on for Angie and immediately made an impact on the left, linking with Karen & Jane and working the ball up the pitch. Karen took the ball into the circle drawing the keeper and laid the ball off for Alice to tap in for a well deserved goal. Final score 5-3.

A match which saw several injuries - to a hand (Carrina) & two knees (Jood and Rachel) - and a match which Olney possibly on another night would have won, especially as Saints were one man down.

Next week we'll have 'em Ladies!

1st July 2008 - Summer League: Olney Ladies 1 Wellingborough Vets 10

Again short on players for this match but luckily Bernie said she would umpire the whole match again. Thanks Bernie!

This left us with 8 players - although with Rachel suffering from the heat or something sickly, it was more like 7.5 players. The rest of the team Angie, Carrina, Di, Little Jane, Kazza, Katie & Wendy were up for the match but unfortunately for Olney Ladies, Wellingborough VETS were not little old ladies with white sticks - but very able 30-somethings with quick hockey sticks.

Angie volunteered for a spell in goal - and was fantastic. Although Olney had the first couple of chances with the scores at 0-0, Wellingborough Vets quickly took control and gave Olney ladies the run round this week.

The score at half time was 5-1 - Karen scoring the loan goal - her celebrations curtailed by severe sunburn suffered at Wimbledon.

By the end of the match there were hot sweaty faces all-round - everyone knew they had been in a hot tough match - the hottest night of the year. Angie looked particularly hot - as she had literally thrown herself from side to side and up and down in the goal. Her saves had kept the score to only 10 and she really did deserve a massive pat on the back.

I can't remember much more about the match - just that it was SO HOT - I did think we played well - but just had met more than our match (no pun intended!)

24th June 2008 - Summer League: Olney Ladies 11 Barton Is 0

We only had 7 players for this match - with Rachel volunteering for her first ever game in goal and Katie volunteering to umpire (Thanks Katie - you did great!).

Out on field little Jane put in an appearance as did Wendy - joining summer regulars Karen, Di, Carrina and Angie. Olney started this match brightly and within minutes were a goal up - Wendy putting away the first for Olney. And then the goals just seemed to flow.

Barton were a very young team with some very good individual players but their inexperience showed as Olney broke up their attacks and then quickly countered down the pitch. Rachel had a few kicks and clearances in the first half but as the match went on was a lonely player at the back - calling in the second half for at least one person to stay back in defence. But Olney were enjoying themselves - playing the ball about & keeping possession.

They were also keen to score and as the match went on players changed in and out of positions giving everyone a chance to attack. Amazingly every out field player scored last night - Karen picking up 3, Wendy 3, Little Jane 2, and Carrina, Di and Angie one each. Di and Carrina particularly enjoying the attacking play.

AND for the first time in the summer league this year Olney kept a clean sheet - for which Karen deserves a mention - stopping the ball on the line behind Rachel in the last few minutes of the game. Thanks Kazza!

Katie and Rachel were heard to mutter 'If only...' at the end of the match wishing that they too had got an elusive goal!!

Next match vs. Wellingborough Vets next 'Tuesday.

21st June 2008 - Summer League: Olney Ladies 1 Wildcatz 8

With only 7 available for this match we knew this was going to be tough.

But the team of Kirsty, Di, Rachel, Ali, Kazza, Jood and Angie started well. In fact they started so well they took the lead going 1-0 up and we outplayed Wildcatz for the first 5-10 minutes. Angie scoring the vital goal after a quick hit up the field from Rachel to Ali, who drilled in a cross to the penalty spot where Angie stood ready. 1-0 and we felt GOOD.

However Wildcatz then decided to bring on Jules, their top scorer, and the whole match changed. Within minutes of coming on she had forced several saves out of Kirsty and Wildcatz had scored 3 well taken goals. As the half approached it's close Olney battled on and were justly awarded a penalty on the stroke of half time. Angie though couldn't beat the keeper and the game stayed at 3-1 for half time.

In the second half Kirsty was again heavily involved in a match which seemed to swing from end-to end. No sooner were Olney attacking - in the next minute Wildcatz were attacking. Olney continued to create chances but just couldn't put them away, the Wildcatz keeper seemed to know exactly where the ball was going every time. Wildcatz on the other hand were taking their chances and if it wasn't Jules scoring it was her equally efficient team mates.

The match ended 8-1 - strangely enjoyable considering we lost so heavily - but we knew we had played well, created chances - we just hadn't put them away. And we knew we had been beaten by a very good Wildcatz team!

17th June 2008 - Summer League: Olney Ladies 2 Corby 4

With Jane volunteering to take a stint in goal & Natalie guesting as our umpire the Olney ladies were keen to take on Corby in the summer league last night.

Angie, Karen, Alice, Katie, Allie, Di and Rachel heeded their Captain, Jood, at the start of the match and took the game to Corby, attacking as a unit and defending as a unit.

By half time Olney were winning 2-1 thanks to goals from Karen (a superb team goal) and one from from Angie (an awesome solo one which gave the Corby keeper no chance). Di, Jane and Rachel had kept the Corby ladies at bay at the back although their no. 9 had deflected a powerful short to score a stunning goal. Olney went in at half time with their heads high with the score at 2 - 1.

In the second half Corby changed their tactics - playing 2 very high up the pitch and which made the defensive marking very difficult. As in previous weeks, Olney's youngsters, Karen, Alice and Katie, continued to shine up front and in defence - Katie stopping a fearsome shot on the Olney line and all were unfortunate not to score in the second half.

However Corby began to run the show and catch Olney on the break. The Olney defence did well to keep Corby from scoring their equaliser until well into the second half - a solo run from their no.9 yet again - and there was little Jane could do about the resulting shot. Corby's 3rd and 4th came swiftly after. The third taking an unlucky deflection from an Olney foot and falling perfectly for the Corby striker to run at the Olney goal. The 4th came on the final whistle - a tough result for the Olney team to take.

Olney were very unlucky to lose this match against a dangerous Corby team and a special thanks and a huge pat on the back must go to Jane and Jood.

Jane for volunteering for a game in goal and Jood for organising us at such short notice and leading by example as always!

10th June 2008 - Summer League: Olney Ladies 5 Rothwell and Desborough 1

Another win for Olney in the summer league against Rothwell and Desborough. Jood, Katie, Kazza all got a goal a piece and Ang got 2.

First goal for Olney for Katie which she couldn't quite believe.

Helen again played very well in goal, she looked confident and nearly kept a clean sheet.

7th June 2008 - Summer League: Olney Ladies 2 Wellingborough 1st 9

The first of two Saturday games saw Olney struggle to get a team together. Many who had played were away walking and this was always going to be a difficult game against Wellingbrough 1st. Luckily two friends of Angie made the team up to a squad of 8.

Olney held it together in the first half and the score at half time was only 3 - 1 to Wellingborough.

In the second half Wellingborough edged further away and the game finished 9-2. Angie and Zoe on target with the two for Olney.

Well done Kazza for captaining the team against such strong opposition & with so few Olney players available. Back to the Tuesday matches next week.

3rd June 2008 - Summer League: Olney Ladies 9 Barton IIs 3

A very wet evening in June saw Olney take on one of the Earls Barton teams. This weeks team saw the welcome return of Wendy to the Olney team PLUS the first appearance of new keeper Helen in goal. Di had offered to umpire and had the unenviable task of umpiring alone in the heavy rain.

Olney were keen to impress their new keeper and quickly took the game to EB - Karen, Wendy, Jood, Katie and Angie circulating on and off the pitch, and linking well up front and in midfield. At the back Carrina and Rachel stood firm in the deluge. It seemed in no time at all that Olney were 4-0 up - Angie and Karen bagging a brace of goals each. As with last week however, Olney were caught out pushing too far up field, and when EB broke Helen had no chance against the young EB forward who calmly slotted home a powerful shot wide to her right. However Olney did not let their heads drop and quickly re-asserted their hold on the game and by half time were leading 6-1.

In the second half EB came out far more organised and with a clear tactic of leaving two or three players up high - looking for the long pass through as soon as they won the ball. Their more attacking game meant that the Olney defence had to battle hard. Once again Katie and Karen impressed in midfield with Katie claiming an assist on at least 2 of the Olney goals scored. New goalkeeper Helen also proved she was very able and kept the ball out of the Olney goal on more than more occasion.

A fairly even second half saw Olney finish winners at 9 - 3. Angie and Karen bagging 4 goals each and Wendy getting on the score sheet too!

A memorable match - we won, we finished off in the pub - celebrating kaza's birthday, - and it looks look we have found our new keeper. Yippee!! A great Tuesday evening - if just a little bit wet!!

27th May 2008 - Summer League: Olney Ladies 1 Team Scruffy 6

Once again Bernie kindly offered to umpire for us so we had 10 players available for this match. Starting line up of Kirsty in goal, Di and Rachel at the back, L'il Jane & Jood in the middle, & Karen up front with Angie plus 3 starting on the sideline - Serena, Katie and Alice biting at the bit to get on the pitch. We looked good - and for 10 minutes or so we matched Team Scruffy a.k.a. Kettering! Olney had a few chances in front of Kettering's goal but these were dealt with quickly by the Kettering defence who were always on the lookout for the quick counter attack. It was after one such attack that Olney had too many stranded up the pitch and Kettering caught Olney on the break with their first goal . Then again with their second goal. Their third was an aerial shot following a penalty corner - Kirsty acrobatically diving high to her right (or was it left ?) - only to see the rebound off her glove go over her shoulder and into the net.

Olney though kept battling - if a little quiet without Captain Carrina - and it was simple effective team play that created our goal. Rachel took a quick hit out - straight and direct up the pitch to Angie, who laid it off to Katie on the wing - who took it around a Kettering player before slipping the ball to Serena in the circle. Serena took one look at the goal and buried it. Score at half-time 3-1.

After the break Jood shuffled the pack again and the team started with Di, Jane and Alice taking well earned breaks. Olney continued to pass the ball well around the team and once again matched the opposition for 10 minutes or so - but once again pushing forward they were caught out and Kettering had scored their fourth. Kirsty began to come into her own saving several shots at goal and frustrating the Kettering attack more than once.

In the final 10 minutes Olney youngsters played with increasing confidence together - the quartet of Karen, L'il Jane, Katie and Alice threatening the Kettering goal with their own breaks and they were very unlucky not to score on at least 2 occasions. But it was not to be - the luck was not with Olney last night and Kettering ran out eventual winners 6 - 1.

Once again a late match finishing at 10pm and this time a loss - but on a positive note our youngsters look good for the future!

Well done to Jood on organising such a motley crew - especially against such strong opposition.

Thanks to Heidi and Jane for their support!

13th May 2008 - Summer League: Olney Ladies 7 Wellingborough IIs 1

First match in the summer league and dusting off a few cobwebs since tour.

Luckily Bernie kindly offered to umpire the match alone so we had 9 players, very keen, willing and able. Jood had volunteered to take a stint in goal and we started very well with the two youngsters Alice and Katie up front, Great goals from Allie, Karen and Angie - with great assists from Carrina, Di and Rachel meant we were 4-0 up at half time. Jood worked hard at the end of the half to keep a clean sheet going into the break.

In the second half Wellingborough were stiffer opposition, winning several penalty corners and Jood was called on a few times to keep the ball out. The rest of the team continued to play well - driving forward at times, passing the ball around the team at others - and the goals continued to come. Angie completed her hat-trick with goals 5 and 6, and Di scored a well taken goal for the 7th - dragging the ball across the keeper and sticking it in the corner with a whoop of delight! Wellingborough to their credit continued to battle and scored from a penalty corner in the last few minutes.

A late match finishing at 10pm but a great way to start a long summer season!

5th April 2008 - Bedford 0 Olney Ladies 1 (Friendly)

With only 6 Olney regular seniors available for this friendly, we took with us four juniors, two from enigma and Micaela made a rare appearance and in goal!

The teams were fairly evenly matched, with Olney probably having the edge and scoring the only goal just before half time. Alice Testa getting the final touch, to top off a great performance on both wings. Laura Tetlow started on the left wing and moved to centre forward in the first half, in the second half she came on at right mid for her mum and it was in this position that she shone, making tackles and good passes. Heidi Dip came on at right back in the second half for her mum and also made some good tackles and was used effectively to fetch the ball when it went off the back line. Katie Barber had a busy game in the middle showing good skill and movement and was involved in the goal.

However our man of the match was Micaela Moroney who offered to play in goal on the morning of the match, she made many fine saves and kept a clean sheet (which Olney haven’t done in sometime!) Well done and thank-you Micaela, I hope that you are not suffering too much today!

Flik and Nix from Enigma both played well, one at the back and one at the front, thanks to them for their help. An enjoyable game, played in good spirits (with mulled wine at half time to take off the chill), bring on tour!

8th March 2008 - Olney Ladies 0 Saints 6

'The final countdown ?'

Olney lose their final league match of the season - but the teas were excellent.

1st March 2008 - Towcester 4 Olney Ladies 3

'Captains Report – ‘The C Word’ – A work in progress'

Today we took on almost top of the pile Towcester in yet another ‘must win game’. 13 Olney ladies travelled very slowly behind a tractor to Northampton High School looking forward to showing Kazza’s new beau ‘Dave’ how hockey should be played. Captain Carrina commanded her club mates to show CONFIDENCE and CONCENTRATION today, and for the most part they did! Last week we lacked a midfield and this week we missed more than half a defence with Cath, Jen and Rach all having variable invasive treatments! However Di, Helena and Jane all stood firm.

Olney scored from short corner number two! After only 10 minutes. A corner that is well practiced in training but is rarely used in matches, whereby the ball is pushed by Carrina to Serena at the top of the ‘D’, she pretends to miss it and lets it run to Jood, who fumbles with it to make it look as though she is not expecting it then she passes it back to Carrina who sweeps into the back of the goal! The whole team then continue the charade of looking confused!Olney then soaked up a lot of pressure from Towcester and conceded a few short corners, which were well dealt with by Serena and Helena. Then Captain Carrina panicked (as a result of going ahead so early!) and barked continuously as her teammates demanding CONCENTRATION! Although the defence did a sterling job and thwarted many an attack, the inevitable happened and Towcester scored.

Half time score 1-1.

Big changes at half time, Jood who had seen little action on the right moved into the middle to help strengthen the midfield, Tamsin moved to right half and Little Jane to left half, which somehow left Carrina in the new position of Sweeper! Where she was a much calmer more supportive leader. Olney started the second half brightly, with lots of attacks on the Towcester goal. Our second goal came from a lovely passing move starting from a quick hit out to Wendy who moved the ball up the line to Tamsin who took the ball into the ‘D’ and had a shot which was finished off by Dave’s friend Kazza. Unfortunately Towcester responded quickly, throughout the game Helena and Di marked their players extremely well, however they were a threat on the odd occasion when they did get past them, and with only one to beat (me) Towcester levelled the game. Olney attacked again, and Dave’s friend Kazza scored again, this time after a long corner from Tamsin. However yet again Towcester responded quickly. Unfortunately Towcester stopped playing the ‘you score one then we’ll score one ‘ game and finally took the decisive lead 10minutes before the end, we had done well but could not muster than final goal to get a deserved point from the game.

Well played to everyone, we have not scored three goals in a game this season; we competed with a top team, which we have not done since before Christmas. We may be going down, but we put up a fight and showed that we have class!

Man of the match, joint Helena and Di – Well done! There was a lot of pressure on both of you.

23rd Feb 2008 - Olney Ladies 0 Kettering 6

'Kettering jump all over Olney Ladies to go top of the table'

Olney Ladies started this game the brighter of the two sides. In fact for the first 10 minutes or so Olney looked to have the measure of Kettering. Karen, as captain in the absence of Carrina, led from the front. She linked well with Wendy, Amy and Katie & the four strikers threatened the Kettering goal. The new look midfield trio of Ali, Helena and Jood worked well together and seemed to cut out the Kettering attacks. Ali especially looked good returning from her maternity leave. Whilst in defence Jane, Di and Rachel stood firm. Kirsty, it seemed, was on the sidelines - however this was not to last.

Kettering changed tactics around 10/15 minutes into the match – making two substitutions and it was these which started the rot. The Kettering attack suddenly got it together and Kirsty was called into action. With shots starting to fly in at all angles (literally) from the rampant Kettering attack, time and again Kirsty was called upon. Several goal mouth scrambles saw the defence clearing up after Kirsty had pulled off the initial save and Kettering began to win penalty corner after penalty corner. Di and Jane pulled out all the stops making some vital last tackles in front of Kirsty, from under Kirsty and goal line clearances behind Kirsty. It was harsh that after withstanding so many attacks that it was a mix-up in defence between Rachel and Di which led to Kettering’s first goal.

As the first half went on Kettering continued to attack the Olney goal. So much so that the Olney forwards dropped deep into their own half marking & working alongside the pressurised defence. The occasional Olney attack though still managed to pierce the Kettering defence, Wendy having a memorable shot saved by their keeper. Kettering were leading 3 -0 at half time and it would have been many more but for Kirsty and her acrobatics, and several Kettering players were heard to comment (or rather, ‘mutter’) on our fantastic keeper.

At half time Karen’s talk was short and direct – ‘keep the marking, keep our shape and let’s start at 0-0 again’. The second half saw the welcome return of two players, Cath and Tamsin. Cath, returning after several weeks off with injury, was straight in the thick of things – coming on as sweeper with Di moving into the midfield and Jood moving to support striker. The half also saw the welcome return of Tamsin, who like Ali has been missing for the season until now. It was good to see both Ali and Tamsin join the fray in this difficult match.

Cath, Helena, Ali and Di all epitomised the Olney team this week – strong in their tackle and firm in their resolve – and for this they all received player of the match mentions this week. Cath & Ali – returning to the team, looking like they’d never been away. Di’s hard work in attack & her tireless tackling in the heart of the defence was noted by many. In fact Di came very close to being the ‘chosen one’ but winning by a very small margin was …………and I feel that the Kettering team, especially their goal hungry strikers, would agree………… KIRSTY! Well done Kirsty you are our player of the week!

Oh yes – to continue with my report – after half time Kettering continued where they had left off - always seeming to have a kangaroo over and continuing to threaten the Olney goal. When they did get through Kirsty was there on all but 3 occasions to thwart them. As with the first half Olney did have several sweeping passing moves and good attacks, and it was noticeable that when the final whistle went we had probably spent the last few minutes in attack. However the match finished a severe 6 – 0 to Kettering. With this result Kettering bounce to the top of the table and Olney now face an uphill struggle to remain in Division 1. It is still possible ladies, we just need two wins out of two games and for someone to beat our rivals! This fat lady is not singing yet!

And finally, the reason behind hockey - egg sandwiches, tea and a good natter - the teas which followed were the best all season. A veritable feast! A selection of egg, tuna and mayonnaise, cheese and pickle sandwiches, followed by flapjack, coffee cake and mars bar cake – washed down with the perfect cup of tea. Jane and Wendy - you jointly win my new award: ‘tea lady of the week’! Many thanks you two!

As substitute reporter, covering for Jenny who, by the way also received 2 MOM votes(!), I must make one last mention - thanks must also go to Martha and Hayley. Vocal in their support during the match and hearty in their appetites at tea!

9th Feb 2008 - Olney Ladies 0 Grammarians 3

Olney Ladies unlucky to lose against close rivals Grammarians.

2nd Feb 2008 - Wellingborough IIs 2 Olney Ladies 1

'Borough have the last laugh'

The final whistle of this match saw the Wellingborough players delighting in a last ditch victory and many of the Olney players shocked and near to tears.

To lose with the last touch of the game leaves a moment of disbelieve, then realisation and then... well then you have a choice; to cry? or not to cry? that is the question. Olney kept their heads up and shook hands with the victorious Wellingborough first, sorry, second team and then headed for the club house to try and eat all the cake.

Olney won the first half through sustained attacking hockey; Kazza Murdoch kept calm and produced a classy reverse stick strike to give Olney a well deserved lead. Wendy Haslam looked sharp as did Avril Soman and Jood Tetlow. Helena Schofield and Serena Vandervelt worked there socks off in the midfield. When the defence were called upon Di Graham, Rachel Alcock and Jenny Harris dealt with the pressure well and recycled the ball back up to the forwards. Kirsty Rice kept the Wellingborough forwards at bay and pulled off a series of three close saves to keep her sheet clean up to the halfway point.

Wellingborough were able to strengthen their team at half time, whilst Olney were very much weakened by the loss of Captain Carina, to family commitments, and an injury to Rachel Alcock which left her looking somewhat shaky but just as determined as ever to thwart the Wellingborough attackers. Olney did not go down without a fight though and with ten minutes to go they still had the lead. The Wellingborough breakthrough came from a penalty corner, jenny Harris was unable to prevent a good strong shot on goal which saw the score draw level.

The Olney youngsters showed promise, with Amy and Katy looking more and more confident every time they play. Kazza Murdoch took some stopping on the wing and was Olney’s player of the match this week.

Oh you want to know about the final goal?

Well in the final minute, Wellingborough were awarded and free hit which they took quickly, too quickly for the tired and emotional Olney defence to cope with. So with the final free hit in the final minute Jane Valentino finally scored and Wellingborough went ahead then the umpire blew the final whistle.

Pass me a hanky will you.

‘Humour is Reason Gone Mad’ - Groucho Marx

19th Jan 2008 - Daventry vs. Olney Ladies (Friendly)

Match abandoned at half time due to bad weather

We visited Daventy today for our last friendly before the league starts again on 2nd February. We were not sure if the match would go ahead after a week of rain but were pleased to find a playable pitch when we arrived. However the surface is not great at the best of times (very bouncy a bit like Jood!), this was exasperated by the wet conditions, so the Umpires requested caution from both sides.

Olney started off the brighter team, with at least three well worked attacks in the first five minutes, Katy Barber was very unlucky not to score. We had a very attacking line up who continued to push forward to Di Grahams concern (she did mutter a bit) and she was proved right when Daventry had a quick break resulting in a fantastic goal. (in the top right corner!)

I wasn’t too concerned this was a friendly; we were creating loads of chances and playing some really good passing Hockey. However at this point I did stress the importance of not all of the midfield pushing up together. (A bit like closing the gate after the horse had bolted!). Di did a fine job of man marking Angie, however towards the end of the first half Angie received the ball in the final quarter, as Di went in for the final tackle her stick flew out of her hand narrowly missing Mrs Dip, the umpire called ‘play on’, and Angie continue her run towards goal. Everyone knows what a great shot she has however out of nowhere Kazza appeared and prevented Angies run with a fine foul just outside the D, we were then saved by the half time whistle. What drama!

The weather conditions had deteriorated and the umpires and both captains decided, as this was only a friendly to end it there before any serious injury.

I’m sure that if the game had continued we would have come out on top, we played by far the better hockey, the passing, movement, support and calling were all great, Di had Angie in her pocket (pretty much, and she didn’t score which was Di’s objective). Kirsty pulled off a couple of good save, tipping one just past the post. The girls (Katy, Amy and Kazza) on the front line, supported by Wendy created some great chances and surely would have scored if the game had gone on. The midfield of Avril, Helena and Jood who are all attack minded players supported the forwards well. Jane and Rachel (our wing backs!) marked well and supported the midfield making sure the ball was going the right way!

We didn’t vote for a man of the match today, it would be a difficult decision after only half a game, the team performed really well. Oh yes and I played for a bit and did ok .

12th Jan 2008 - Olney Ladies 2 Earls Barton 1 (Friendly)

'New Year Cheer'

Olney Ladies started 2008 with a win against local rivals Earls Barton.

Olney fielded a somewhat depleted team for this match; Captain Carina was left offering support from the touchline having sustained a mysterious rib injury over the festive period. Also missing from the field of play was Lindsay Bird Bain who announced that she is pregnant and will miss the rest of the season, our congratulations go to her and we expect plenty of vocal support from Bird as we fight to remain in the first division.

Special mention must also go to Jenny, who took to the field wearing her lycra pants for the match. This was only mentioned after the match when the team queried if she was trying out a new streamlined kit - but alas no, it was merely an oversight on her behalf. The shorts had got left behind. However the look may catch on......Not!

Olney youngsters (now there is a phrase you don’t here very often) were the talk of the day though.

Amy Owen, Vanessa Wilson and Katy ‘Boots’ Barber have been impressing at Wednesday evening coaching sessions. These youngsters are improving every week and Amy and Katy carried their form into this friendly match. Amy gave the Earls Barton defence one or two scares and she found herself through on goal a couple of times. Amy showed determination in tackling back when she lost possession and her performance earned her Olney’s player of the match award this week.

Katy Barber supported her young team mate all the way and once again proved that her place in the Olney team is one of merit. It was refreshing to see some young skilful players holding their own against much more experienced opposition and it bodes well for the future.

Back to business though and Olney wanted to win this match, Wendy Haslam marshalled the midfielders and Olney created quite a few chances in the first half. Wendy scored with a well struck shot from a penalty corner. Earls Barton responded by bringing on the big gun, Angi Harrell. Angi proved the difference and Earls Barton were a much stronger force to be reckoned with when Harrell was in command. Helena Schofield was given the unenviable task of trying to block Harrell’s missile like hits. Helena did a bloody good job of it too.

Earls Barton levelled the score when a Harrell free hit was deflected passed the stranded Olney Keeper. Kirsty Rice had no chance of saving a wickedly spinning ball. Olney kept on pushing though and scored the winning goal after Jood Tetlow took a quick free hit for Jenny Harris to push the ball goal wards and Kazza Murdoch scored from the rebound.

A wining start to the year for Olney then, let’s hope they can carry on their winning ways when the league fixtures resume later in the month.

15th Dec 2007 - Bedford 2 Olney Ladies 2 (Friendly)

Working the first of the Christmas parties off!

Olney drew 2-2 - a fantastic result with 3 youngsters in the side.

1st Dec 2007 - Daventry 4 Olney Ladies 1

'No Doubt'

Prior to the push back we were informed that Linda Clow of Rushden and Higham died on Tuesday of this week. Our thoughts are with Linda’s family and friends and we extend our condolences to the Rushden and Higham players also.

As a mark of respect the players of Daventry and Olney observed one minute’s silence before the match and then went on to play the game in a sporting manner befitting the mood of the day.

Olney could easily have gone ahead in the early stages of the match having the best of the chances in the first ten minutes but the team are finding it difficult to score at the moment. Di Graham was given the unenviable task of marking Angi Bartlet but Di made a really good job of keeping the ever dangerous striker out of the D and for that Di is awarded player of the match for Olney this week. Others in the running were Jood Tetlow, Serena and Lindsay Bird Bain all putting in good solid performances again this week.

Keeper Kirsty was complaining of the burger and chips fumes during the first half, her being a vegetarian and all, even stalwart carnivore Jenny Harris was feeling a little sick by half time.

Daventry scored from a penalty corner in the first half and Olney were still in with a shout with about ten minutes played of the second half but Daventry looked dangerous with lightening attacks into the Olney D and they scored two more goals the second being a brilliant single girl effort running in from the 23yrd line.

Serena gave the Olney girls hope when she scored but worryingly afterwards admitted that she had not intended to do so. The game was put beyond doubt after Daventry scored from another penalty corner following a mix up in defence.

Olney go into the Christmas break lacking vital points they need to stay up but this bears little significance given the news from Rushden.

We wish you all the best for the coming week and over Christmas and for the New Year our hearts go out to you.

24th Nov 2007 - Wildcatz 5 Olney Ladies 0

'Catz Have Their Tails Up'

Olney came back down to earth with a bang this week being soundly beaten by league leader’s Wild Catz.

Olney went into the game with confidence after the three previous performances but knowing that they were up against a very strong team. Wild Catz fielded a team of skilful, fit and strong players which made for a well fought, hard battle throughout the match.

Olney were well balanced on the wings with the return of Jood Tetlow on the right and Avril Soman with Kazza Murdoch posing problems for the Wild catz defence on the left. Katy Barber made her presence felt and looks to be settling into the Olney side nicely. Avril came close to scoring with a reverse stick strike that defied the laws of physics and it was heartening to see her attempt such an audacious shot. Kazza Murdoch let blood for the cause again this week but her brave rampages into the Catz D led to nothing. A brief goal mouth scramble was the closest Olney came to scoring in the first half but it was not from lack of trying.

The Catz attacked with measured passing and confident build up play and it was of little consolation to the Olney defenders that they managed to thwart countless attacks only to concede as many penalty corners from which the Catz went onto score. Early in the match Jenny Harris deflected a shot, which would have hit her under the throat, away from the goal but it was more by luck than judgement and from then on Kirsty Rice, the Olney Keeper, was ‘on her own’ at penalty corners as the rest of the defenders ran as far away from the goal as they could possibly get before Catz got a shot in.

The Olney girls did not go down without a fight though and player of the game for Olney, Serena Van der Heyde, stuck to the Catz leading goal scorer throughout the entire game. Serena ran her socks off and kept the Catz player from scoring at all in open play. Both players concede that it was boring as they cancelled each other out of the match, Serena showed patience and stuck to her task and for that the Olney players recognised her commitment; she will want to be unleashed next week for sure.

Helena Scofeild made a welcome return and played the whole game with quiet confidence. Kirsty Rice remained determined in her mission to stop the Catz from racking up a cricket score and at times her stance was reminiscent of a captain standing firm on the deck whilst her defenders leapt right and left to get out the way of the inbound ball.

The Olney players went down fighting together as any good team should, there were a few rueful smiles after the much welcomed final whistle, but the Olney girls will be right back on it next week when they meet Daventry.

17th Nov 2007 - Saints 1 Olney Ladies 2

'No Pain no Gain'

Olney put injuries and illness aside and played out a hard fought match to claim their first win of the season but Saints took the match all the way to the line before Olney could claim three much needed points.

Olney looked well set from the start, in the defence Jane Dip and Di Graham made a positive difference with their confident presence and immaculate tackling and when the Saints players did break through the first line, sweeper Jenny Harris seemed always on hand to clear the ball away from the Olney D. The confidence from the defenders fed through to the front players with Wendy Halslam marshalling her troops ably assisted by Lieutenant Karen Murdoch and the younger players Katy Barber and Vanessa Wilson. Player of the game for Olney, Wendy Haslam, grabbed herself a brace of goals before half time, the first firmly pushed home and the second coolly lifted over the Saints Keeper who lay stranded on the floor.

The Saints girls would have been forgiven for thinking that scoring against Olney could have been a doddle; the last time Olney played here they had fielded a comedy goal keeper in Jenny Harris who let in five goals through her own legs. Kirsty Rice proved a much more serious prospect and showed her class in the first half, saving a straight on raised shot before minute’s later diving full stretch to parry a goal bound strike around the post. Jane Dip can claim an assist on the second goal after a quite brilliant tackle/interception in her own half, having won the ball brilliantly Jane belted it up to Kazza Murdoch who passed accurately across for Wendy to do the easy bit.

Mrs Dip can also claim an assist on the Saints goal as can Jenny Harris, Saints broke away and Jenny believed she had the Saints forward in her sights but before Harris could execute her intended ‘last ditch brilliant interception jab tackle manoeuvre thingy’ the young whippersnapper turned and shot, the ball struck Jenny’s foot before deflecting off Jane Dip’s foot and pinging into the goal.

Captain Carrina made her feelings known to the defence and with her words of ‘encouragement’ ringing in their ears they played with enhanced concentration. Di Graham was noticeably quiet after the incident but offered plenty of verbal encouragement for the rest of the game whilst Kirsty Rice had lost her voice but whispered mutterings and gnashing of teeth could be heard from behind her face mask. Jenny grinned like a naughty school girl and got over it.

Serena Von der Heyde did not put a stick right all match according to the umpires; Serena harried, hurried and hassled the Saints midfield players throughout the entire game inevitably being cautioned for showing her frustration in the second half, I for one would have loved to have seen her take a card for the team. Carrina Pinney, Lindsay Bird Bain and Serena never gave the Saints players a second to get their heads up and forced countless errors and breakdowns in the Saints build up play.

Katie Barber was robbed of, what would have been her first goal for Olney, she had followed up and attack and confidently hit the ball into the Saints goal only to see it disallowed and a penalty corner awarded instead. It may only be a matter of time before she scores for real; she shows skill, understanding of the game and bags of confidence. Vanessa Wilson is staking a claim for a place in the team right now and she proved invaluable when covering for Karen Murdoch and Jenny Harris who had to leave the field to have injuries attended to.

Our thanks also to Olney’s ‘twelfth player’ this week; Rem, Dave, Martin and Susan braved the Moulton weather and cheered us all the way and a big up for Tolly who helped to patch us up and push us back on!

Rachel Alcock put in a rare November performance and claimed to be suffering an injury picked up in the bedroom; she did look a little breathless at times but kept going all the same. Jood Tetlow made a claim for player of the match through Olney wining in her absence. Sorry Jood you will just have to work twice as hard next week.

10th Nov 2007 - Olney Ladies 1 Towcester 1

'A match to remember'

Towcester seconds came to Olney with 100% winning record for the season and they could have been forgiven for thinking that they had little to fear from bottom of the league Olney.

It was obvious from the start that Olney were not going to go down without a fight and it was the Olney forwards that enjoyed much of the possession in the early stages. Wendy Haslam played with her usual vigour and Kazza Murdoch looked self-assured and relaxed on the left wing. Avril ‘s confidence seems to be growing each week and backed up by Carrina Pinney, Serena and Lindsay ‘Bird’ Bain in midfield, Olney were able to sustain pressure on the Towcester goal. The pressure told after some twelve minutes fulminating with a Karen Murdoch special, Kazza popped up with a trade mark push past the stranded Towcester keeper to give Olney a well deserved lead.

The play took on the sense of a heavy weight boxing match with both teams trading blows. Olney would attack and concede possession then Towcester would quickly mount an assault onto the Olney defenders. The play swayed from end to end as both defences absorbed the pressure and recycled the ball back to their own mid fielders. Jood Tetlow and Katie Barber injected pace and enthusiasm into the Olney attacks and kept the Towcester defenders busy throughout the contest.

A rare but assured appearance at the back by the granny of the team, Jenny Harris who helped to shore up a defence beleaguered by injuries (Caff Woods: twisted knee), absence due to family commitments (Rachel Alcock: daughter’s swimming gala) and illness (Helena Scofield: slight runny nose). Di Graham, Jane Dip and Jenny coped well with most of the Towcester attacks and keeper Kirsty celebrated her coming of age with three brilliant saves which prevented the Towcester team from pegging Olney back.

Towcester did breach the Olney goal in the end and earned, what was perhaps, a fair point from a well contested match. A mention too for both umpires who were hardly noticed throughout the match a sign that they played their part in a truly well contested and enjoyable game of hockey.

It took a special player to stand out in the Olney squad this week and Avril Soman is just that, equally competent whether attacking or defending. When at the front Avril attacks with a reverse stick shot which is second to none in this league and when asked to play at the back Avril showed her class by taking the ball off the stick of the Towcester s attackers before calmly distributing it back to the Olney midfield players.

Before the match the players held one minute’s silence to remember the thousands of men and women who have given their lives so that we can enjoy the privilege of living in a free society it was fitting then that this match was played and umpired in such a well contested yet sporting manner....hockey matches don’t get much better than this.

3rd Nov 2007 - Kettering 1 Olney Ladies 0

'Twisted Fortune'

Olney played out a thrilling match with Kettering and took the game to the wire this Saturday.

The Olney team showed incredible resistance to a first half Kettering onslaught that saw the ball leaving the Olney half meaningfully, only twice the first half. Kettering maintained an incredible stronghold earning a series of penalty corners and goal scoring chances which the Olney players, to a woman, kept on deflecting away from the goal.

Helena Scofeild seemed to be in the right place every time a Kettering player threatened the Olney D in open play. Helena made last ditch interceptions time and time again and having won the ball she managed to take the pressure off the Olney defence for all too brief periods of play. Di Graham and Jane Dip held strong under extremely testing conditions throughout the game.

For the first fifteen minutes of the second half the play simulated that of a pinball table the ball was passed from side to side and up, down and across the pitch rarely going out of play and rarely coming to a stop at all. The players had to think quick, work hard and keep running.

An injury to Caff Woods finally brought the match to a standstill, as the hapless Caff received treatment for yet another twist to her left knee, the players drew breath. Caff was carried from the pitch and play carried on. Caff was soon missed though, as pressure from the Kettering forwards finally led to them scoring. Having saved dangerous lifted shots and thwarting Kettering with her head after diving across the goal line twice in the first half, so then, the bitter syncopation of Kirsty letting in a soft shot between her pads.

Olney were never going to be rolled over in this game though and if anything, going a goal down strengthened the Olney players resolve: Avril, Wendy and Kazza worked the ball forwards whenever the opportunities allowed and Carrina Pinney rallied her players throughout a very close game. With less than five minutes left on the clock Olney broke free from the Kettering defenders Little Jane burst through on the right hand wing and Katie Barber sprinted to the far side of the goal. Little Jane let fly with a brilliant lifted strike but the Kettering keeper pulled off a brilliant reaction save to keep her team ahead.

Kirsty Rice had been injured in the pre match warm up but showed no fear as she made a series of spectacular saves, so impressing the opposition that at one stage their captain joked about asking for Kirsty to be drug tested after the match. As the Olney players know though; the only cocktail Kirsty uses is the ’Rice Sling’ that’s: one part adrenalin and nine parts ego, over ice, only slightly shaken and certainly never stirred.

20th Oct 2007 - Grammarians 1 Olney Ladies 1

'Sore Point'

Olney threw everything at Grammarians in this week league match but had to settle for one, frustrating, point as the match was eventually drawn.

Olney went in front after ten minutes; Carrina Pinney passed a free hit to Wendy Haslam who pushed the ball through for Karen Murdoch to score. Olney dominated for the rest of the first half making many more chances in front of goal but failing to build on their early lead. Di Graham took a grip of the Olney defence and remained solid throughout the match. Helena Scofeild was almost back to her best after illness and, alongside her; Serena ran her socks off in the midfield. Lindsay Bird Bain worked hard linking the midfield and the forwards and helping out at the back when required to do so.

Olney conceded on the stroke of half time, after failing to deal with a mishit Grammarians penalty corner, a muddle in the D led to Grammarians levelling the score. The disappointment in the Olney camp was palpable at half time but there is little time to feel sorry for yourself in this league and the Olney players as a woman ‘got over it’ and went back to work in the same vein throughout the second half.

Grammarian’s star player, Fliss, was kept quiet for most of the match, but when she did gain possession she showed how dangerous she can be when left unchallenged. Captain Carina’s stick finally did for Fliss who was forced to leave the field before the end.

With Grammarians threat of attack lessened the Olney players seemed to push forwards more freely in the last ten minutes and they created three really good chances to take the match. Avril Soman sent Wendy Haslam through to the left hand side of the D. Haslam crossed the ball with an inspired reverse stick flicked pass and Kazza Murdoch launched herself skywards but just failed to connect. Kazza’s passionate attempt personified the Olney performance; the whole squad had thrown everything at their opposition but had ultimately failed to sting the Grammarians where it hurts.

Like the fixture, there was not clear cut winner of the player of the match for Olney this week but the whole squad performed brilliantly so everyone can claim a share.

13th Oct 2007 - Olney Ladies 1 Wellingborough 1

'Spot the difference?'

The challenge to coach, Jenny Harris, was to find something positive from last week’s poor performance and by Wednesday she had come up with the answer....’the one thing we did know is that we could all play a lot better’. By Saturday Jenny had to prove that actions speak louder than words, as she put in a rare appearance on the pitch. With the Olney squad decimated by illness and family commitments the club managed to field just eleven players. Olney’s player of the match Wendy Haslam and Rachel Alcock played in midfield throughout the game with no possibility of a rest and Jenny Harris playing centre forward with no chance of a second half nap.

The play was even throughout the game with both teams creating chances, Olney won plenty of penalty corners but failed to convert any, a shame , given that one of Wellingborough’s best outfield players had been forced to keep goal, but no matter, the Olney girls kept trying. Di Graham was on good form this week, as was Caff Woods and Jood Tetlow seemed much happier back on the right wing. An uncharacteristic mix up in defence led to a soft goal being conceded by Olney. The defenders left the ball to roll across an unguarded goal and the Wellingborough forwards pounced on the opportunity and took the lead.

Karen Murdoch ran her heart out and earned herself a signature second half goal taking the ball off a Wellingborough defender before dribbling into the D and pushing the ball past the stranded keeper. Wendy, Rachel and Lindsay Bird Bain kept up the work rate in the middle of the pitch and Captain Carrina Pinney kept on rallying her troops up till the final whistle which saw Olney gain their first point of the season.

The differences from last week?

Passing Better

Communication Better

Score line Better

League Position Not bottom

Egg Sandwiches Fewer

Sick feeling in the stomach Gone (apart from Helena...get well soon)

Thanks to Jenny for the teas!

6th Oct 2007 - Olney Ladies 1 Daventry 7

'Scooby Snacks'

Olney seemed a little slow out of the blocks this week and the Daventry girls made them pay dearly for a below par performance. Olney went searching for goals in the first half and created three very good opportunities for the forwards but Daventry’s keeper stood up well and then dived down to her right to stop Olney from scoring.

Olney’s player of the match, Jane Dip, was kept busy at the back whilst Caff Woods was given the unenviable task of trying to keep Angi Bartlet from getting a shot on the Olney goal.

Olney’s one glimmer of a chance came when Karen Murdoch unselfishly passed the ball across to Lindsay Bird Bain who, kept her composure, and shot through the keepers legs . Birds goal gave Olney a brief hope of getting back into the match but Daventry remained the better team by far. Olney suffered from the loss of Helen Scofeild who, having bravely blocked a hit into the D, managed to deflect the ball onto her own nose; she left the field with twenty minutes left to play.

The saving grace for Olney was Captain Carina’s egg sandwiches. Olney pride themselves on their teas and these were no exception, eggs hard boiled to perfection with just the right amount of mayonnaise. I particularly enjoyed my Bounty bar after the sandwiches the taste of paradise took a smidgen of the bitterness out of my mouth.

No one likes to lose but Olney didn’t go down without a fight and we will have to fight harder to remain in this division, we did keep trying to create chances right up to the end of the match and we would have gotten away with it too, if hadn’t been for those six pesky goals from Angi Bartlett

29th Sep 2007 - Olney Ladies 4 Wildcatz 8

Olney managed to get only 12 players together for the first league game of the season and also started the match with only one umpire as Chanelle was hotfooting it from another game in Corby and arrived just before half time.

Wildcatz are fortunate enough to have the leagues top goal scorer ‘Julie’, in their ranks, who we soon identified and gave Helena the onorous task of man marking.

We started brightly having much of the play, however were unable to convert our chances. As the game went on Wildcatz’s strength, skill, fitness, match awareness and competitive edge began to show as they took the lead, not once or twice or three time but by four, before we found the net. Kazza, scoring after a great run from Little Jane.

The half time whistle blew to give us a much need break, to take on liquid and tend to a few bruises. We needed to re group and discuss what was going wrong. We weren’t playing badly, but they just seemed to have an extra player all of the time.

However like many matches Olney have competed in we started the second half much more energetically with Kazza scoring another two goals to round off her first hat trick of the season and Little Jane topping off a great performance by scoring. Of course we didn’t have it all our own way and Wildcatz managed another four to make the final score 8-4.

A shame to start the season with a defeat, however there are many positive’s we should take from this game. Against strong opposition we came from a long way behind and scored FOUR goals. The communication was again, excellent, Kirsty had some fabulous goals scored against her still managed to pull off some great saves including a flick! Helena marked ‘Julie’ very well, she only managed to score six goals, it could have been a lot more. Jood and Rachel worked well together on the right, Rachel was able to push forward. Kazza, Wendy, Lindsey and Little Jane worked tirelessly on the front line, breaking quickly when we had possession and causing the opposition all sorts of problems.

The votes for MOTM were spread out amongst many of the players I have mentioned above, however this weeks winner is Kazza, she didn’t just score her first goal of the season she scored three!

Bring on Daventry next week, they will be pussycat’s compared to those Wildcatz!

Thanks to Helena for the teas!

22nd Sep 2007 - Olney Ladies 1 Daventry 3 (Friendly)

A hard fought friendly between Olney and Division one rivals, Daventry. Olney took to the field well organised - missing Cath at the back and Kirsty in goal, their Captain asked for discipline and tight marking at the back. In the absence of Kirsty, Di volunteered to take a stint in goal and was soon in the action. One acrobatic save saw Di reaching high to her right and tip a shot over the cross bar. However Daventry got an early lead in the first half Di saving the initial shot only to see it rebound off the post and in, 1-0. Olney were working well up front - and the new combination of Wendy, Karen and Avril created several chances only to be thwarted by the last tackle or the Daventry goalie. They were unlucky not to be awarded a stroke when the Daventry goalie appeared to lie on the ball denying Karen a certain goal.

The Daventry attacks continued coming fast and furious leading to a number of short corners. As the defence held firm and Di saved yet again, the ball trickled onto Rachel's foot behind Di and to her dismay a penalty stroke was awarded, which Daventry duly converted, 2-0. Olney pushed forward yet again - but a quick break from Daventry created a 1-on-1 in the circle and saw their lone striker come off her marker to score with a neat deflection. 3-0.

Yet again Olney re-started and after thwarting another Daventry attack, a quickly taken free hit released Wendy, Avril and Karen at the front to take on the Daventry defence. As they approached the goal Wendy took on the last defender, and scored to make it 3-1. Just reward for a hard fought first half.

The second half was equally hard fought. After a positive team talk by Carrina at half time, a few changes were made at the start of the half and Olney seemed to start the stronger team. Olney had far more of the attack in this half and had several short corners, but the Daventry defence stood strong & their keeper did her job, saving several shots. At the other end Daventry continued to test our defence which held firm, Jane Dipp noticeably working hard, marking their lone striker and making several crucial tackles. With no score in the second half, the match finished 3-1.

Thanks to Daventry for a tough friendly.

Thanks to Lindsey for the teas - lovely egg, tuna/corn and cheese/tomato sandwiches, chocolate biscuits and cakes!

15th Sep 2007 - Olney Ladies 2 Bedford 3rds 1 (Friendly)

Building on last weeks draw Olney started the second friendly match of this season very confidently and Avril (I think!) scored within minutes of the start (I think!). Olney especially played some good hockey in the first half strongly attacking the Bedford goal. But Bedford held out and it was end to end stuff as Kirsty was called upon to make some fine saves. But Olney's pressure eventually paid off and after a strong team attack with shots flying at the Bedford goal from all angles Vanessa pushed the ball across the goal line to make it 2-0 at half time. (Again I think it was Vanessa!)

The second half was a different story - Olney took the opportunity to experiment with their younger players up front and Bedford pushed forward far more. Kirsty and the defence kept the score at 2-0 until half way through the half when in the space of 5 minutes Cath, Rachel and Helena all went off injured (and fought over the 2 remaining ice packs in the first aid bag!) As the rest of the team adjusted to the change in players Bedford pushed forward and scored the inevitable goal. In the last few minutes Bedford continued to push forward and Olney did well to keep the score at 2-1.

Bring on Daventry next week!

Thanks to Rachel for the teas!

8th Sep 2007 - Olney 3 Wellingborough 3 (Friendly)

Blowing the cobwebs away .....Olney drew 3-3 a fantastic result.