HawkTalk
Volume 90 : October 2016
Results for 1st October
9 Games and only a combined total of 5
points and not a single clean sheet in
sight. Hawks—I know a number of teams
were promoted last season and will be
facing tougher opposition but I think we
all need to get down to training and help
get back to winning ways.
Come on Hawks!
Adult Training
Ladies Tuesday 8pm—10pm
Men’s Thursday 8pm—10pm
Men’s 1st XI
After the disappointment of missing promotion by 2 points last season,
Sunbury & Walton Hawks were looking to avenge 2 defeats suffered to the
sticks of Romsey HC in the 2015/16 campaign. With a handful of new players added to their ranks and with the pre-season cobwebs blown away
with some vigorous friendly fixtures, The Hawks travelled to Hampshire in
high spirits. The game started at a ferocious pace with the home side holding possession for a sustained period. Once the visitors gained custody of
the ball, and a little composure, they started to stretch the pitch and put on
a beautiful display of slick passing. A handful of chances went begging before a quickly taken free hit was passed to new recruit Jamie O’Connell
who unselfishly slipped the ball to striker Martin Delaney, who finished
swiftly, hard & low into the corner. The Hawks dominated the remainder of
the half and had a handful more chances as their opposition began to tire
but the score remained 1-0.
The second half commenced and this time the pace of play was even
faster, sublime build up play resulted in a neat finish for Mark Gausden and
soon after the score was taken to 3-0. Former Captain, Nicholas Board
bound into the circle and unleashed a brutal shot that was deflected high
over the awaiting defenders, right into the path of Ed Wildbore at the back
post who coolly played the ball down into the back of the open net. Starting to run away with the game the Hawks became guilty of over complicating things and rather than stick to their proven game plan, they started to
tire and resort to long balls and shorter periods of possession. Romsey began to create chances of their own and won a succession of short corners.
With Hawks having played at such high velocity, wayward challenges saw a
handful of players sin binned allowing the home side to bag what would be
a consolation goal. Thankfully the early assault had been enough to take all
3 points. The Hawks look forward to welcoming London Edwardians to The
Nest on Saturday, for the first home game of the 2016/17 season.
HawkTalk
Men’s 3rd XI
This week the Men's 3rd XI started off
the season by hosting Purley Walcountians in the late game at The Nest. Having
got promoted last season the Hawks
knew it was likely to be a stiff challenge
and this hunch was reinforced when the
Purley side rocked up with, like the
Hawks, a good mix of youth and experience. It was a relatively new look Hawks
side, with six of last seasons core squad
unavailable through injury, promotion to
the 2nd XI and child birth. However we
were boosted by Chalky, Kel and the next
string of Hawks youngsters who we knew
would perform admirably as proved by
their amazing displays in the U14’s last
year. The game started off fairly scrappily
with both teams struggling to really get a
strong grip on the game with tackle after
tackle flying in as possession changed
hands over and over again. After about
15 minutes, just as the Hawks were starting to get our attacking, passing brand of
hockey going and building some pressure
we were caught on the ball in defence
and their pacey striker drove away and
slotted it home for 1-0, that probably
wasn't deserved. The Hawks didn't panic
though and continued to build the play
up slowly and try and pick gaps in the
seemingly water tight Purley defence,
but no breakthrough was made as we
couldn't quite find that final pass or
space to pull the trigger and frustration
built.
Continued opposite....
Men’s 3rd XI continued...
As we got more and more desperate to get a goal before half time we continued to throw men forward, sadly though when you push up the pitch
you leave yourself vulnerable to a counter attack and this is what happened as the Purley youngsters drove up the pitch and managed to burrow
it in to the corner past an unsighted Gut. 2-0 down at half time and work to
be done. Something that we prided ourselves on last season was our ability
to dig in and comeback when we were down and this is exactly the message we gave to the opposition at the start of the second half as we flew
out of the blocks and really started to dominate proceedings. As the game
went on and on, Purley began to tire as they'd been defending for the majority and our pressure was starting to show as the Hawks had one, two,
three clear chances on goal with their keeper the only man in between us
and 2-1. At one point he must've made a quadruple save as Steve, Conrad,
Hunter and Will all had their efforts deflected away in succession. But just
as the spectators were worrying if we'd ever sneak one past him, the
Hawks went bang bang. First Conrad showed all his experience and stuck
one in the back of the net off a rebound after some great build up play
down the right wing. Then, captain Steve continued his clinical form from
last season riffling a slap into the back board as we finally managed to pass
it round the keeper instead of booming it straight at him. 2-2 and they
were on the ropes. The Hawks now had about 10 minutes to find a winner
and in true Ryder Cup style, we had all of the momentum, with wave after
wave of Hawk attacks soaring in on the Purley D. The Hawks threw everything they could to try and find a third, Henri pulling the strings and slipping some superb passes through gaps and proving his undoubted class,
allowing Jillers and Kel to bomb forward proving valuable outlets in combination with the Eoin's and Wenty and some cracking touches from Conrad,
Will and Steve almost providing the winner on numerous occasions. With
two minutes to go though and the three points drifting further away from
our grasp, Purley burst forward for one last go at our defence, however
Henri, Chalky and Wrighty scrapped brilliantly, as they had done all game,
to clinch the point and ensure the game ended 2-2. A brilliant game of
hockey played in great spirit and an excellent way to start the season. The
Hawks may've deserved the win but from 2-0 down our youthful outlet
showed awesome grit and determination to get a draw and it's a great platform and second half performance to build on for the rest of the season.
Bring on the next game!
HawkTalk
Ladies 1st XI
After a loss last week in the blazing sunshine the Ladies 1st XI were looking forward to a home win in the pouring rain.
The ladies started positively with an excellent first ten minutes but were unable
to capitalise on their domination with a
goal. The Hawks lost their shape and the
opposition piled on the pressure creating
several chances. Thankfully, Twany was
on top form and managed to keep a
clean sheet up until half time. After some
inspirational words from Kat and Conrad
at half time the ladies made a determined start. However, it was London Edwardians who broke the deadlock by going one nil up. Hawks of the past may
have let their heads drop but on this occasion they dug deep and were rewarded
with a short corner. An initial strike by
Emily Delaney was saved by the keeper
but former Walton & Weybridge 1st Captain; Lucy Oxley followed up on the rebound to fire home the equaliser for the
Hawks. The Hawks continued to press
but had run out of time to secure the
win. The game finished 1 – 1 and The
Hawks now travel to Spencer for an early
game next Saturday, hopefully returning
with their first win of the season.
Ladies 3rd XI
A distinctly rainy start to our away game at Epsom this week but morale was
boosted by having a strong squad of 13 and hopes were high. We had, however,
forgotten that Epsom normally finish 3rd or 4th in our league and they showed us
why this week. Hawks had started the match with thoughts of rolling the back
four of Juliet, Alice, Jo and Bex but with only ten minutes gone it became clear
Epsom forwards were on top form and stability was needed as they had already
sneaked two past us. Hawks survived a few short corners with solid post defending from new addition Lauren Chapman and after tighter marking of the wide
players from Alice and Juliet, the first half ended with a 3-0 score line that didn't
truly reflect the teams efforts. Thankfully we had a much better second half and
only conceded one goal. Bex, Jo Whitney and Kate ably ran the centre of the pitch
supported by Michelle, Abby and Lauren upfront. Michelle was unlucky to have
her trade mark reverse stick scoop thwarted by a very agile GK and with more
work on our attacking short corners, goals will come from this source. New Colt
Annalise and returning Colts Gemma and Abby continue to impress on the pitch
and have grown in confidence even after two games. With some good passing
hockey upfront and less 'hit & hope' Hawks finished well and will be better prepared for Epsom next time we meet. This week we take on a newly formed team
called Clapham Common Ladies - shall we take bets now that they'll all be fit, in
their 20's, keen and too good for our League?!
Ladies 4th XI
The Ladies 4th XI had a nice 14:30 home match, it even managed not to rain on
us. After texting the captain in the week to enquire about teas, it became terrifying apparent we were not to be playing the Surbiton vets team, as she said most
parents would be taking their kids straight home. Damn! We lost our sweeper,
Jenn to 2nd XI this week. It was a real fight, but Verity lost and had to have her.
The game started quite quickly (for one of the teams at least). We had age and
experience on our side, we are alas, unable to put either into practise. The first
half was a bit one sided, Surbiton managing to score four goals, and get many
more on target. After half time (with oranges – what brilliant captain does that)
and a re-arrangement of the defence, the Hawks came back with a vengeance.
Rachel scoring two goals, it was nearly 3 – one hit the post, although it looked like
a goal to us, and we all cheered. Should have gone to Specsavers. After some excellent defending we only managed to concede two in the second half. Kelly had a
very strong match as right back and has found her home on the pitch. Final score
2-6! Next week takes us away to Mitcham, with the Hawks looking to move from
bottom spot.
HawkTalk
Boys Under 16’s
A new team for the Hawks but already
showing great promise (even if the score
this week didn’t reflect this). Good luck
for the season boys!
Club Kit
The season is upon us so please have a serious think about your Club Kit
and pick up the correct shorts and socks as well as the obvious shirt. We
have put a lot of effort choosing suppliers and getting a kit that not only
looks great but is durable and is actually a joy to wear. Shirts are obviously
a priority and we have recently changed sock supplier but it really does
look great when we’re all in matching shorts/skorts and turning up to
games in official tracksuits, hoodies & rain jackets. We appreciate the costs
add up but we’ll be snapping some pictures for our new look website in the
coming weeks so please make every effort to be well turned out.
Everything is customisable with your club number, new members can request a number if you have a priority otherwise the next available number
will be allocated.
Just log on and items can be delivered to the Club House for collection too:
http://www.tacklebag.co.uk/clubs/hockey-clubs/sunbury-walton-hc/
Important Times/Dates
Beer!
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15/10/16—Annual Beer Pong Championships
05/11/16— Halloween Party
26/11/16—Race Night
10/12/16—Christmas Jumpers
01/04/17—End of Season Dinner & Dance
Hawks, back by popular demand we will
have Guinness on tap this week, if it goes
well it could make a permanent return.
We also have Fullers Organic HoneyDew
replacing London Pride this Saturday—let In addition to this edition of HawkTalk, I have sent you all a copy of the
me know what you think?
Adult Registration form, can you please either print and complete it handing to your Captain or my Bar Staff or email your copy to Nicky at : [email protected]
All of this information is really important so please complete it ASAP.
Cheers
MD x
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HawkTalk
Money, Money, Money!
Ladies & Gents,
Below you will find our Club Subscription
fees. We are still one of the cheapest clubs in
Surrey and with such great facilities on and
off the pitch it’s absolute BARGAIN!
Socials
The best way to ensure you’re well informed of all Social Activities is to join the
Sunbury & Walton Hawks Facebook Page, we will endeavour to post updates and
create Events for the main socials—please accept and confirm attendance for
these accordingly as this will help us cater for the events correctly.
Please transfer funds ASAP, it’s not fair asking Captains to chase and really helps cash
flow if we can get this in sooner rather than
later.
If it helps we can discuss a payment plan to
spread the cost, please speak to your captain
or myself and we’ll be happy to accommodate something.
For those of you that want to keep up to date with fixtures and results on Match
Days, the Sunbury & Walton Hawks Twitter Page—@swhawks is one to follow.
Thank you
Once voted the ‘Biggest Hockey Stalkers’ on twitter we have eyes everywhere.
Member Type
Colts U8 – U16*
Full Adult
Student/Unemployed
Amount
£180
£180
£60
Social Membership
£60
* Note:- for Under 16 Colts primarily playing
adults hockey, the student rates above apply
plus a £5 match fee. For Under 16 Colts primarily playing Colts Hockey the above U8—
U16 rates are applicable. There are discounts
available for multiple children.
For those wishing to transfer the money the
Clubs Bank Account details are as follows –
please make sure the members name is referenced. Alternatively please bring cash or
cheque to Club Day.
Bank: Barclays
A/C: 90631094
Sort: 20-90-56
www.swhawks.com
This weekend...