Whitchurch HC has secured a Sports Council for Wales Community Chest award of £1,000 to fund the training and development of a number of Level 1 and Level 2 coaches.

Community Chest is celebrating 10 years as a National Lottery grant managed by Sports Council for Wales and administered by Cardiff County Council.  It is designed to help promote greater egagement in physical activity.

The Club also received a second funding award from the Cardiff Rotary Club for £150.  This award has been used to buy junior goalkeeping kit.

2nd teamer George Oram suffered a badly broken thumb in the game against Firebrands at the weekend.  We wish him well and a speedy recovery. Maybe it's time for a bit of coaching George!

The Club have been given permission for the league to play the forthcoming 3s v 4s league match on a Friday night.  The game will be played at the Welsh Institute of Sport (WIS) on Friday 16 October.  The match will start at 7:30pm, with both sides looking to make an evening of it afterwards, with a few sociable drinks in town.  Come down and show your support for what is hope to be the first of many evenings games for the Club.

Round 1.1 starts today (9 October) for the duration of the weekend at the Polo Club Barcelona.

Reading take on French Side CA Montrouge at 14:30 CET.  Matches can be seen via live streaming online at www.ehlhockey.tv Each side involved will play two games over the course of the weekend, with the top two from a pool of three progressing to the KO16 stage which takes place at Easter.

Volvo and Intersport have just been confirmed as new sponsors of Euro Hockey League, joining the likes of ABN Amro, BDO and Clifford Chance. 

A good performance from Whitchurch and Cardiff & UWIC at the Trophy tournament in Cardiff next Easter, could see them playing amongts Europe's elite this time next year.

Whitchurch's Rhys Gowman captained the Welsh Boys squad which claimed Gold at the UKSGs in Cardiff yesterday, with a very hard fought 2-1 victory over a talented Ulster side. After their convincing 5-0 victory over Scotland and an historic 2-1 win over England on the preceding 2 days of competition, Wales started the match against Ulster tentatively. Ulster scored first and releasing the match ‘pressure’, Wales struck back quickly. Weathering a barrage of penalty corners, Wales went close with ‘break aways’ at the other end, securing what was to be the winner 15' from time. Rhys collected the Cup on behalf of Wales in front of a passionate home crowd.

The EHF have today announced Whitchurch HC as hosts of the EuroHockey Club Trophy tournament, to be held next Easter. 2-5 April 2010.  The tournament will take place at the Welsh Institute of Sport, Sophia Gardens.

Details of the match schedule will be available in due course - keep an eye on the site for more details

Five Whitchurch members made up an integral part of the Wales squad who secured a coveted bronze medal at the prestigious EuroHockey Nations Trophy tournament, held in Wrexham in early August.

Tyrone Moore - Assistant Coach, Nazir Mohammed - Manager and players Ben Croxall, Joe Naughalty and Jonny Gordon.

Gold was won by Ireland and silver by Russia, both of which are promoted to the Championship tournament for 2011.

Whitchurch have entered a bid to the European Hockey Federation (EHF) to host the 2010 EuroHockey Club Trophy tournament, next Easter.  Whitchurch secured promotion to the second tier of European club hockey by winning the Club Challenge in Prague last May.

The Club will discover if our bid has been successful later in September.

Whitchurch have taken th opportunity to get some games under their belts by accepting an invitation from the WHU to take part in the Euro-Qualifier tournament, this weekend (16/17 May) at Sophia Gardens.

As Welsh Cup Winners Whitchurch have already qualified as top-ranked side for Europe 2010.  But in the run-up to Prague 2009 at the end of this month, competitive games have been hard to come by, mainly because most sides have finished for the season.  Furthermore the WHU appear to have struggled to attract a North Wales side to the qualifying tournament in Cardiff.  So Whitchurch have stepped in to provide opposition for two sides over the weekend.  The first game of the tournament will be an opportunity for Cardiff & UWIC to redress the balance for the season, ahead of Prague.  Whitchurch will then play the loser of the Cardiff Uni Vs Swansea Bay game, at 10am on Sunday.

A number of Whitchurch players will be taking part in the third GB Superleague, which starts in Cardiff at Sophia Gardens on 18/19 April.

Iwan Williams. Jonny Gordon & Ben Croxall will be in the playing squad for the Celtic Panthers.  Naz Mohamed will manage the squad and Tyrone Moore is assistant coach to Zak Jones.  Mark Whatling will be playing in the Wessex Leopards squad. 

Whitchurch are representing Wales again in European Club hockey.  This year the competition is being hosted by Slavia Prague (May 28-31).  To add an extra dimension Whitchurch and Cardiff & UWIC are not only competing in the same tournament, they are in the same pool and will face each other in the second game on the first day.

Click here for the provisional match schedule.

Those that are interested in travelling to Prague to support the guys and sample some Czech hospitality need to get in touch with Roger Harris ASAP.

The Whitchurch Amatuer Theatrical Society (TWATS) is delighted to bring you Jack & the Beansprout, in association with Dominos Pizza.

Dominos has been a Club sponsor for a number of years now and are keen to take their support to the next level.  Dominos will be supplying pizza for the Panto intermission...as if you needed any extra incentive to come along!  Dominos will also be advertising through a pitch perimeter banner at Whitchurch High School.

We would like to thank Dominos for their support and hope we can assist in promoting the brand amongst our members.

Please find enclosed the latest issue of the WHC Club Newsletter - January 2009

The Whitchurch Hockey Club in Cardiff were delighted to recently become the first (and so far only) club in Wales to receive the prestigious 3 Sticks Accreditation from the Welsh Hockey Union.

The Accreditation is a new initiative for Welsh Hockey where the club has to provide evidence that it is well organised with active committees, sensible codes of practice and procedures for recognising volunteers. Coach development has to be an important part of the club philosophy with many qualified coaches and regular training sessions. In addition the club needs to have a thriving youth development structure with strong child protection procedures.

In order to achieve the 3 Sticks award (the top award) the club has also to be outward looking with good partnership working with the Welsh Hockey Union, the local authority and local schools. Lastly, the club has to be responsible for running a “Performance Development Centre” for the promising young players of the area – in the case of Whitchurch this is for the whole of the Cardiff area and beyond. The club is proud to have received this award which recognises the work which has been put in by so many unpaid volunteers.

The photo shows Matthew James from the Welsh Hockey Union presenting the certificate to Roger Harris, Club Chairman, who was accompanied by Bob Fleck and Andy Gowman, two of the club members who have played a vital role in coaching and youth development, and many of the youth members of the club.

RH

5/12/08

On behalf of the 1st team squad I would like to thank everybody who gave up their Sunday afternoon to come and support us at the Cardiff game. After the game the whole team mentioned to me that your support acted as the 12th man and gave us all that extra lift needed to overcome the strongest side Cardiff have ever produced.  It was a great result and I feel that everybody who took the time to come down should take pride in the fact that their actions helped us achieve a win and 3 points over the 'Old Enemy'.  I am truly grateful for your support.

For those who are interested, we are playing Guildford at WIS this Sunday (16th Nov) 1.30pm start.  They will be a strong outfit who have recently acquired the services of ex-GB keeper Simon Mason (who, in his prime, was by-far-and-away the best goal-keeper in the world). Your support is greatly appreciated and I hope we can give you another great game to watch.

Many thanks

Iwan Williams - 1st Team Captain

For the first time in history, two Welsh (men's) sides will contest a league fixture in the English national league - the Slazenger England Hockey League.

There is a good deal of local media interest in this fixture, especially as in football circles Cardiff City and Swansea City have rekindled their rivalry in the league arena.

With Cardiff & UWIC obviously having a better start to their league campaign they will be bouyed with confidence, but at the same time, these games still have a degree of uncertainty for all involved. Form may count for nothing in the heat of the game. These

matches (weather permitting) usually bring out some good hockey and a positive result for one side or the other - so a stale draw looks unlikely. Expect plenty of action and a good deal of drama. One thing that is needed to add to the atmosphere...is a bumper crowd to cheer on the teams. So get yourself down to Sophia Gardens after your Remembrance Sunday service, take in a spot of lunch at the Moch-yn-Ddu and come and watch the match.

Cardiff & UWIC Vs Whitchurch HC - Sunday 9th November, 13:30 start at WIS, Sophia Gardens

The draw has been made for the 2008-09 Euro Club tournaments.  The Euro Hockey League kicks off in Oct/Nov with the first rounds being held in Amsterdam & Lille.  Wales Umpire Will Drury will be making his Euro Hockey League debut in Lille.

As last year, the KO16 (quarter finals) will take place at Easter and the semis and final will take place over Whitsun weekend.

The tier below Euro Hockey League is the Trophy, which will be held in Dublin, unfortunately without any Welsh involvement.

However, both Cardiff & UWIC and Whitchurch will compete in the third tier - the Challenge event which will take place in Prague 28-31 May.  Due to rankings the two Wales sides have been pitted in the same group, so that's at least three games between the two for the season.

Tuesday 7^th October 19.30 to 21.00, WHS, 2^nd Tony Pryce Hockey Stick Test Evening during Senior Training – try any stick out you want on no obligation basis

Tuesday 14^th October, WRSSC – 18.30 to 19.30 – Hockey knowledge session - Penalty Corners – Offensive Tactics and Defending them – lets have a good turn out boyz (and girls if Saints want to attend)

Tuesday 11^th November - WRSSC – 18.30 to 19.30 – Hockey knowledge session – Hockey Match Statistics Ideas on Where & When to Use - – lets have a good turn out boyz (and girls if Saints want to attend)

Friday 21^st (evening) and Sundays 23^rd & 30^th November – UKCC Level 1 Hockey Coaching Course, Cardiff – 2 WHC bookings already made, places still available but are going very quickly – apply direct to WHU using their application form from the WHU website

Date to be confirmed (likely a Monday or Friday in late Oct, early Nov) - WRSSC – 18.30 to 21.30 – Hockey Specific First Aid Course – if you want to attend contact Bob Fleck – we have filled the 15 places but are taking reserves in case of drop outs

Lastly a basic rules quiz – we all I assume think we are right when we question the umpires decision but how many of the attached questions do you know the answers to. Have a go and compare and contrast  your answers with team colleagues at your next game – see if you agree.

Bournville 4-2 Whitchurch

Whitchurch travelled to Birmingham to take on Bournville in their opening game of the 2088-09 Slazenger England Hockey League, yesterday.  The visitors from Wales raced into a 2-0 lead with an open-play goal from Mark Whatling within the first ten minutes.  Jamie Westerman doubled the lead from the penalty spot shortly before half time, with Whitchurch playing some probing and expansive hockey.

Bournville opened their account on 43 minutes with an open-play goal from Chris Graham and drew level two minutes later when Rik McCollum converted a penalty corner.  The game was finely balanced and could have gone either way.  Whitchurch carved out some clear chances to go ahead but could not convert.  Bournville took advantage and went ahead for the first time in the game shortly before the hour, from open-play.  Whitchurch again had a prime opportunity to draw level, but couldn’t take their chance.  Nevertheless they continued to press the Bournville side and were caught on the break just before the end, with Chris Graham getting his second and Bournville’s fourth.

Whitchurch Manager Nazir Mohamend commented afterwards; “We’re not too dissatisfied with today, we played some very good hockey against a good side who will be there or thereabouts at the end of the season.  They were in the upper echelons of division one last year and we gave them a really tough test today.  A few things didn’t go our way, but that’s the nature of the game.”

On a busy weekend of hockey WHC 1st demolished Gloucester City 9-1 with Rhys Thomas and Jamie Westerman leading the way with hat tricks. The A Team then completely destroyed Newent 16-0 with again Thomas scoring three as did Rhys Gowman. A mix of 1sts and 2nds took on Londoners Tulse Hill and Dulwich and despite leading at half time finally lost 2-3. Thomas and Westerman were again on target.

B Team (3s) won 3-2 against Penarth.

C Team (4s) won 2-0 against Llanishen and Caerphilly with Jon Barnard and Jo Green on the score sheet.

D Team (5s) won 5-1 at Cardiff and Uwic with young Tom Skirrow bagging a pair.

E Team (6s) lost 4-1 against Ross 1st XI, Rob Williams scoring.

The 10 men in the F Team (7s) fought gallantly at Abergavenny, but went down 5-3.

G Team (8s) were outplayed by a very strong Llanishen and Caerphilly containing a number of ex 1st teamers. Adam Welch and Stuart Allen scoring late on to make it 2-5 in a gallant effort.

Sunday saw a mixture of 1s & 2s play Tulse Hill again, 2-2 being the outcome, with Jon Collis and Doug Young on target. And to complete a tiring weekend a young 1st XL played National League old friends Barford Tigers from Birmingham, not surprisingly running out of steam to lose 3-4. Westerman 2 (6 for the weekend) and Doug young the scorers.

Level 1 Course in Cardiff – 21, 23 & 30 Nov 2008

We have funding available to support you if you want to contribute to coaching delivery at WHC. Please see the attachments for details and if you want to book on do it now using the attached booking form as places will go quick. Let me know if you book as I need to sort the payment issues.

Bob Fleck

Coaching Manager, WHC

The 2s beat Hereford 6-2 and were far to good and quick for what was an experienced team. Rhys Gowman and Adam Barker tore them apart and goals from Tom Harries, Graham Charlesworth, Barker and a Rhys Thomas hat trick gave the 2s a 6-0 lead before 2 late goals gave Hereford some respectability.
 
The 6s drew 0-0 at Hereford. An experienced defence was helped by young legs in front of them doing the running. Dan Emberson was called on to make good saves in the second half and a draw was a fair but unusual result on artificial turf.

Wales' men defeated Ireland in a hard fought test victory on Saturday.  A scrappy first half was not that eventful in terms of quality goalmouth action, with Ireland genrally controlling posession.  Wales being limited to the occassional break.  However, within the final minute of the half, Wales forced a penalty corner and Huw Jones put away the rebound on the stoke of half time, to lead at the break.

Ireland came out all guns blazing from the first whistle, in the second period.  some smart inter-play down the inside right channel left Jason Lynch clear enough to despatch a flashing snapshot, which gave George Harris little chance in the Wales goal.  It was Lynch again, just four minutes into the half who gave Ireland the lead as they built momentum and looked to take the game away from the home side.

Neverthless, Wales regrouped and defended more compactly to stem the flow.  Possession down the Wales right was relinquished deep in the Ireland 23m area, Ireland sweeper Harte was caught in possession by Ollie Cooper, in the cricle, with a strong jab, coolly despatching a rasping reverse stick shot into the roof, to draw level.

Wales were bouyed by this and went on to enjoy some more controlled possession.  The Dangerous Andy Cornick continued to probe down the Wales left and forced a free hit on the edge of the Ireland 5m area.  The ball was driven into the circle for the clinical Cooper to get a neat deflection into the top left corner for a 3-2 lead and a welll deserved win.

Whitchurch players Joe Naughalty and Jonny Gordon both played their parts in a good team effort by Wales.

Pictures available from www.fidopics.co.uk

The latest information we have - the carpet has arrived and is being laid. It should be ready for the games planned on the weekend 20/21 September. However, the current weather is not exactly enabling work to proceed speedily. Watch this space for more details.

Wales V Ireland

This weekend (6/7 September) sees Wales welcome Ireland to Sophia Gardens for an official Test Match and training match.  This represents a few milestones for Whitchurch HC - Club Vice Chair Jaime Hindle will make his senior international umpiring debut, having been appointed, with Dave Pettitt, to the Test Match on Saturday.  This co-incides with Jaime's promotion to FIH International Umpire, following a successful summer tournament performance with the U21s in Italy.

Other Whitchurch HC members Joe Naughalty and Jonny Gordon will be in the squad to face Ireland, along with Whitchurch old boys George Harris, Ollie Cooper & Josh Smith.  Current WHC coaching team of Nazir Mohammed and Tyrone Moore continue in their roles, assisting Head Coach Zak Jones. 

Saturday 06/09/08 - 4pm start at WIS

WHC 6-3 Telford & Wrekin

Whitchurch kicked off their pre-season campaign at home to Telford & Wrekin on Saturday. The game was not short on goals, but a poor second half performance was Whitchurch's undoing. Saturday's side was comprised of experienced 1st teamers, some younger players and some new recruits - including the welcomed return of Chris Fido, so it was very much an opportunity to get some competitive pitch time under belts.

There are still a number of players to be added to the squad over the course of September's pre-season preparation, but with the Slazenger EHL commencing on weekend of 27/28 - the guys will need to hit the ground running to get a good start in the league.

Theres is no 1st team fixture this weekend due to the senior international matches.

GB 0-1 NED

Full of confidence on the back of their 4-2 defeat of Pakistan, GB were mindful this was a completely different proposition against a classy Dutch side. They started the game well, sitting deep and happy for the Dutch to hold the ball, but not allow them to penetrate. Matthijs Brouwer had other ideas, forcing goalkeep McGregor to make two fine saves. A probing run from Robert van der Horst beat everyon, including McGregor but was denied by the far post.

GB surviced this mini onslaught and reacted well, forcing errors from the Dutch and earning three penalty corners. Hugely experienced Dutch goalkeeper Guus Vogels denied both Mantell and Jackson, before Mantell dragged the third wide of the post to go in 0-0 at half time.

GB began the second half in a simalr vein - working very hard to deny the Dutch time and space. Rob Moore forced his way into the Dutch circle with some neat work and hot a powerful reverse stick shot towards the top right corner, but was again denied by an in-form Vogels.

As the game entered the final 10 minutes Tim Hoyng broke down the left flank and into the GB 23 - a tired James Tindall made an effort to stay with the Dutch player but could only bring him down, earning himself a yellow card and the looming threat of Taeka Taekema from the resulting penalty corner. Having been denied by McGregor thus far, Taekema duly dispatched his drag flick low and to the left of McGregor, to give the Dutch the lead with seven minutes remaining.

No way back for GB in what was a tremendous effort - but you have to play for 70 minutes, not give away needless penalty corners and take yout chances when they arise.

A new online hockey magazine has been launched over the summer. In magazine format (yes you can turn the pages on screen) HKY world covers all the major international issues, both on and off the pitch. Take a look

GB's women went down 5-1 to current World and European Champions Germany, in their opening match of the games yesterday. The men however looked confident against Pakistan, coming away with three points after a 4-2 victory. Leading 3-0 at half time GB had taken their chances well, something that has let them down in recent tournaments. Goalkeeper McGregor was in excellent form and aided by some resolute defending to keep out Pakistan. The men play the Netherlands on Wednesday.

GB V Pakistan highlights

Image courtesy of FIH

We have arranged with Tony Pryce Sports, two stick test evenings. The first on 19/08/08 at Treforest and the second on 16/09/08 at WHS. Many sticks available to try and maybe some competitions to enter and points make prizes in competitions don’t u know. Try before you buy?

Training commences on Tuesday 12th August 18.30 to 20.00 at Treforest, Uni of Glam Pitch as the WHS pitch relay will not be ready. This, and the sessions on 19th & 26th August, will be for all squads – 1s through to 8s. Naz and Tyrone have kindly agreed to deliver the coaching on these nights.

Rolling on into September the training will revert to WIS for 1s & 2s squads and others by invitation only through Naz & Tyrone & Beazo. 3s to 8s squads will commence at WHS assuming the pitch is ready. Further news & info nearer the date on both these training issues via me and / or the team captains.

March 2008

R Caddick - £30
J Parry - £15
W Powell - £5

April 2008

T Tenge -£30
N Coulson -£15
C Marriott - £5

May 08

S Allen - £30
A May - £15
J Page - £5

We are lucky enough to be having the surface re-laid at WHS with a cuttingiedge sand dressed carpet and shockpad. This is the latest pitch technology, so it should play more like a water base, but without the requirement for watering.

The contractors are hard at work and aim to have the pitch finished for the last week of August. This will mean early pre-season training will have to take place at an alternative venue. Bob Fleck is assessing the options, so watch this space for updates.

Whitchurch have made a significant impact on the latest Wales senior squad, competing at the Celtic Cup, held in Cork 4-6 July.

Not only is Nazir Mohammed managing the squad, but Tyrone Moore is Assistant Coach. Furthermore, Iwan Williams, Ben Croxall, Jonny Gordon and Joe Naughalty have broken into the squad, giving Whitchurch the greatest representation of any other club. Well done boys. Whitchurch Saint, Zoe Grant will also be the squad physio.

Full squad

We are delighted to announce Whitchurch HC Clubman of the Year and 1st Team Manager, Nazir Mohammed, has just been appointed as Manager for the Wales men's senior squad.

Naz will work closely with newly appointed Head Coach Zak Jones in preparing the Squad for the Celtic Cup, which this year takes place in Cork, in July.

Whitchurch begin with a tough away trip to Bournville on 28 September.

28 Sep Bournville A

04 Oct Exeter Univ A

12 Oct Old Georgians H

19 Oct Team Bath Buccs A

26 Oct Firebrands H

09 Nov Cardiff A

16 Nov Guildford H

22 Nov Stourport A

30 Nov Uni of Birmingham H

01 Feb Bournville H

08 Feb Exeter Univ H

14 Feb Old Georgians A

22 Feb Team Bath Buccs H

01 Mar Firebrands A

07 Mar Cardiff H

15 Mar Guildford A

22 Mar Stourport H

29 Mar Uni of Birmingham A

The WHU have appointed Zak Jones as the new Head Coach for Wales Senior Men's Squad. Zak has represented Wales at every level, having won 115 senior caps. Zak takes over from Mike Williamson who is taking a break from international hockey to focus on his club activities with Reading. Zak is currently assistant coach for the U21s squad and will continue in this role.

This summer is a relatively quiet one for the seniors with just the Celtic Cup in Cork. The U21s have their Celtic Cup in Edinburgh and then travel to Italy for the Junior Euro Nations in July. The seniors will be planning their preparations around the Euro Nations which Wales will be hosting in Wrexham in August 2009.

Whitchurch 1-0 Cardiff & UWIC

In what was expected to be the deciding game of the tournament, Whitchurch completed a recent (& rare) double over local rivals Cardiff & UWIC to secure the top ranking spot for Wales in the 2009 European club competitions. With both sides having secured comfortable 5-0 victories over Cardiff University, the result of Monday's game would be conclusive.

Cardiff started the brighter - looking to avenge last week's semi-final cup defeat. Tim Jones appeared to take up challenge with some probing runs at the Whitchurch defence, who remained stubborn and unbreached. Barely five minutes in, some smart work from Cardiff beat Iwan Williams in goal, only for Neil Potter to calmly clear off the line...an early warning for Whitchurch.

Whitchurch managed to gain some momentum and the more direct approach they have taken this season could have paid off with Jon Collis breaking from midfield, with a three on two he looked to pick out Laith El Khatib, but the pass was too strong for the oncoming forward.

The first half continued as an even contest, with neither side forcing a breakthrough. Tim Jones recieved a green card for a stick tackle, which set the tone for Doug Young to receive the first yellow card of the afternoon shortly afterwards. Whitchurch were able to stave off the power-play pressure and get through to half time at 0-0.

The second half started at a similar canter, with both sides probing but failing to make things happen in the circle. Cardiff received their first yellow card five minutes into the second period - their central defender making in roads was halted by Keating, with Collis then picking up the ball the Cardiff player over zealously tackled him from behind. This gave Whitchurch some added impetus and the Cardiff goalkeeper was called upon to intervene on a few occassions, but the score still remained even.

Tempers were beginning to flare on both sides, with each side receiving a green card for dissent. Shortly after, a clumsy tackle from Cardiff's Ramage resulted in a peanlty corner for Whitchurch and Ramage joining his team mate in the sin bin. With two men short Cardiff were now under considerable pressure, but to their credit remained stout in defence. Whitchurch could not get the breakthrough.

As the game neared the last 15 minutes, Cardiff incurred another sin-bin but still held Whitchurch firm. By this time the inclement weather had turned to downright awful wind and rain, making conditions very difficult for all concerned.

Whitchurch broke and fed the ball to Potter on the Cardiff 23m line, who in attempting to move the ball around the Cardiff Captain, played the balll off his opponent, earning a free hit. Thinking quickly the hit was taken straight away, giving Cardiff little chance to recover, the ball was driven across to the oncoming Naughalty who deflected first time over the advancing Cardiff keeper, to score what would be the winner.

Squad

Williams, Keating, Gordon, Croxall, Brotherton, Fisher, Westerman, Collis, Potter, Naughalty, El Khatib, Whatling, Young, Barker, Gierak

Whitchurch 5-0 Cardiff Uni.

Whitchurch began their Euro Qualifier campaign where they left off at the Welsh Cup, with another convincing win against a depleted Cardiff University side. The students are missing players through injury and exam commitments and these two tournament weekends do not come at a good time for them, with their league season having finished well over a month ago.

The students took a slightly different approach in this match - sitting back in a half court press. Whitchurch showed good patience and continued to probe the University defence, but it stood firm for the first quarter of the game.

Whitchurch goalkeeper Chris Gierak was effectively a spectator at this point and with some dynamic attacking from Joe Naughalty and some penetrative passing from Collis and Westerman the opening goal was something of an inevitability. Good work from Naughalty opened things up for Laith El Khatib to tap home.

Bouyed by their breakthrough Whitchurch continued to press and El Khatib scored his second with a precise drive into the bottom left corner from the top of the circle. Jonny Gordon, Owen Brotherton and Alex Keating had things tied up at the back, with one solitary Cardiff University attacker getting little support from midfield. Martyn White again looked spritely, but the Whitchurch players were ganging up in numbers to nullify his runs.

Mark Whatling chipped in with the third goal and El Khatib secured his hatrick with a low penalty corner drag that the keeper got to but could not keep out. The students lookd a little weary by this point and allowed Adam Barker to sneak in, round the keep and finish coolly on the half volley to make it five. Doug Young had three good chances in the the last few minutes, but could not convert at the back post.

Whitchurch have Sunday off, whereas the students take on Cardiff & UWIC in a must win game. Cardiff & UWIC meet Whitchurch on Monday in what is expected to be the decider.

Squad

Gierak, Brotherton, Gordon, Keating, Potter, Westerman, Collis, Fisher, Naughalty, El Khatib, Croxall, Barker, Whatling, Young

Hi everyone,

 Thanks for some great hockey last weekend. The website has now been updated

www.fidopics.co.uk

Ceri Fido

Bournville

Cardiff & UWIC

Exeter University

Firebrands

Guildford

Old Georgians

Stourport

Team Bath Buccs

University of Birmingham

Whitchurch

Following Wrexham's late withdrawl from the tournament, the match times have been re-scheduled.

Saturday 24th May

Sunday 25th May

Monday 26th May

Whitchurch 7-0 Cardiff University

Whitchurch secured the Welsh Cup in style with a highly professional performance. In all four rounds the Cup winners only conceded one goal (against Wrexham), scoring 37 in the process.

The match started at quite an intensity with both sides exchanging early forays into their opponents circle. The students mustered a few half chances and Iwan Williams was called into actio to block a couple of attacks at the edge of his area. This did not deter Whitchurch, who have been playing a controlled and more direct style of late - countering with pace, which they did down the right - Neil Potter driving forward and passing to Liath El Khatib who drew the covering defender and the goalkeeper and selflessly squared to Joe Naughalty to slot home.

Whitchurch continued to dominate proceedings, interspersed with the occasional probing run from ex-Whitchurch player Martyn White. Naughalty doubled his tally and the scoreline with a smart solo effort - driving powerfully across the top of the circle and crashing the ball home with confidence for a 2-0 lead.

The Whitchurch penalty corner routine is looking far more effective than it has for some time. Jon Collis orchestrating proceedings from the top of the circle. Two penalty corners in quick succession allowed Whitchurch to try a coupl of alternative moves - the first was denied but brought about another PC. Collis slipped left from the top to Naughalty who slapped diagonally to the back post for Keating to tap in. 3-0.

Half time came and went and Whitchurch expected the depleted students to come at them eraly in the second period. But once again it was Whitchurch who stamoed their authority on the game. An early penalty corner and another alternative routine. Collis lined up to power the drag flick, drawing in the defenders and deftly lining up Naughalty immediatley to his left to flick home to make it 4-0.

Whitchurch were now controlling proceedings and the students whislt somewhat disheartened kept Whitchurch on their toes. The combined efforts of Gordon, John, Brotherton, Croxall and Keating kept things in order and snuffed out any real danger. Mark Whatling crept in with a deft touch over the keeper to take it to 5-0.

Before we knew it the sixth was scored (PS El Khatib) and just moments before the end, senior professional Neil Potter scored with some innovation to dink the ball over his shoulder and a stranded goalkeeper to take things to 7-0.

Whitchurch 4-0 Cardiff & UWIC

Whitchurch put local rivals Cardiff & UWIC to the sword in convincing fashion, in the second semi-final, after Cardiff University HC also won through to Sunday's final.

After the disappointment of Cernusco the boys will be keen to make amends on home soil. They meet old rivals Cardiff & UWIC in the second Welsh Cup semi-final, taking place on Saturday 17 May. Unfortunately the game co-incides with the FA Cup Final, but I'm sure you will be able to make time to come down and support. If all goes to plan the Final is on the Sunday (18th) at 13:30.

Disappointment for Whitchurch as they went down 3-2 to host Club Cernusco. Having been 2-0 down at half time Joe Naughalty equalised on 66 minutes, which would have been enough to take them through to the promotion game. But a deflection from Barzano with two minutes remaining took the spoils. This means Whitchurch finished fifth overall and nest year looks like we may have two Welsh sides in the same tournament.

Whitchurch hit a rich vein of form - putting the Danish side Orient Lyngby to the sword. Jon Collis with a PC hatrick, Joe Naughalty and Doug Young with solo efforts. See the Euope 2008 pages for more info.

Whitchurch gained a vital point, having to come from behind against a very capable Belarussian side. Goals from El Khatib, Collis and Naughalty. See the Euope 2008 pages for more info.

Venue - King George V ground, Swansea

 Come along and support the boys.

The Whitchurch HC 60th anniversary dinner was a tremendous success at the Park Inn Hotel in the centre of Cardiff. Many thanks must go to Roger Caddick, Jenny Bayliss, Collette Davies & Ben Croxall who worked extremely hard to make the night such a success.

There were faces old and new from throughout the 60 years, with 150 in attendance. Not to mention some photos with very embarassing haircuts dating back to the 1970s and a very slender 19 year old Andy King - who'd have thought it!

Each team elected their own player of the season:

1s - Jonny Gordon

2s - Doug Young

3s - Wayne Robson

4s - Adam Stone

5s - TBC @ AGM

6s - TBC @ AGM

7s - Tony Curtis

8s - James Hodge

Most Improved Player - Rhys Gowman

Clubman of the Year - Naz Mohammed

Team of the Year - 3s