Colin signs off with key penalty
by Mike Vimpay

Colin Bradbury celebrated his Fareham farewell in the best possible manner - by firing home the penalty that won the Bath Lane club Hampshire Hockey Association Cup!More>

Hampshire Cup Final - May Day - HMS Temeraire - Posted 08/05/02

There was another upset for the Havant men's first team, who crashed to a surprise defeat to Fareham. More>

Winchester rue missed opportunity - by Mike Vimpany - Posted 19/04/02

WINCHESTER were left to reflect on what might have been after being beaten 3-2 by Fareham in the Hampshire HA Cup semi-finals at King's School. More >

Fareham escape the drop - by Mike Vimpany - Posted 18/04/02

FAREHAM'S relegation fears are over. They will take their place in South Premier League, Division 1 next season after all. More >

5th XI Season overview - By Guy Lawson - Posted 15/04/02

The 5th XI this year has been once again one of the development teams. Using a nucleus of 4 or 5 experienced players (“Old gits”) to develop the youngsters (12 to 17 year olds). It is surprising to find that 41 different players have played for the team this year. 12 players playing more than 16 times each. Only James Lawson playing in all 29 games.

Overall the results were played 29, won 22, drew 2 and lost 5, scoring 119 and letting in 52. In the league the results were played 22, won 17, drew 1 and lost 4, scoring 86 and letting in 34. Getting 52 Points and finishing 2nd to New Milton’s first team, (which we beat on both occasions). So next season we will be playing in the Open League Division 1 Obviously “Jonesey’s” 37 goals lead the scoring but it is good to see 5 of the youngsters scoring between 9 to 11 goals each. It is interesting to follow how the season progressed, we started with a draw and then 3 easy wins in the friendlies, before the league started. It was then a bit of a shock to find ourselves 6-0 down 5 minutes into the second half of the first league game at Bournemouth, but we came back well only to lose 7-4 in the end.

In the first 4 league games we played what ended up being the other teams in the top 5. To come out of that with 2 wins and 2 losses wasn’t bad. We then had a bad game against Lavant and lost again 3-2, we just couldn’t score and the “Poor umpiring” of Nigel Cook. We then won all the other league games until Christmas and only lost to Southampton 4th XI in the second round of the cup 6-4, Southampton being 2 leagues above us. With no games over the Christmas break we started back straight into the league. We drew the first game 0-0 with Woking, got revenge over Bournemouth 4-3 when we started playing the reciprocal fixtures. But then came the low point of the season. Traveling to the Isle of Wight missing a lot of the regulars, with no umpire, to play on a real awful Astro and losing 5-0. We reacted well to this the following weeks and won the remaining 10 games (9 in the league).

I would like to say it is only coincidental but the Isle of Wight game was John Dubbers last of the season due to injury. The disappointing thing is we came second by only 1 point, which we could or should have got from the Lavant defeat or draw against Woking. But on the good side, we have earned promotion but that is not that important in the scheme of things. What is, is seeing the development of the youngsters through the season. There are at least 3 who should not be playing with us next year but should be pushing places in higher teams, Mark Kinder, Edd Molineaux and Ant Johns. Its not that the others won’t be pushing for places higher its just that they are not quite ready yet! Some of the hockey the “nippers” have played this year has been outstanding. The movement off the ball, the ball speed, the passing.

Early in the season it relied at times on the “Old Gits” to pull the team through but as the season went on this got less and less. The corner “from the other side” being used most effectively. We must thank all those who have umpired especially Steve Cook, who has been “the best umpire we have seen this year” and most of the opposition have said the same. We also must thank all of those who have turned out at short notice and or doubled up on games to play for us. Hopefully we can keep on developing the youngsters next season in the Open League Div 1.

As we did this season when we were promoted into the Open League Div 2 the previous year. On a personal note I would like to thank the “Old Gits” and parents who have helped out on the driving to away games. Also Mark Kinder for looking after the match fees. I hope every one enjoyed themselves playing with us this season as much as I have done.

Help Wanted for Friday night training at Henry Cort

Help is needed for Friday night training for the youngsters if you are interested please call Nigel Cook for more details on 01329 288254. I have found quite a good hockey news link with the dailyecho but it is mainly Southampton based news but still worth a visit.

Club kit

If anyone is interested in buying any kit please E-mail Jim or myself for an order form. Please state your current shirt number if you have one, and if you have any old shirts please could you tell us so we can use them for the juniors. Feel free to send any comments to The editor !

If anyone wishes to have any articles added please do not hesitate to E-mail me.

Richard Starr