COLTS

National Finals: Saturday/Sunday May 19/20th
Beeston Boys U15s and U18s qualified for the National Finals weekend, a round robin tournament between the last 4 teams in the competition.
This year the tournament was closer to home at Birmingham University so everyone met at the venue and we were not subjected to a 6 hour coach trip!!!

On Saturday Beeston U18s played in the first match of the tournament and got off to a disappointing start when they lost 0-3 to Canterbury.The team were slow to settle in the match and were unable to score in the second half despite numerous chances. Reading beat Stourport 3-1 in the second U18 match.
Beeston U15s only had one match on Saturday and it was played in torrential rain on a pitch that had already been heavily watered. Beeston opened the scoring with a goal from Ross Whiting but Reading equalised in the second half and the score remained 1-1. The weather improved after this and Bath beat Havant in the second U15 match.   
Beeston U18s bounced back well for their second match of the day and thrashed Stourport 6-2. The Beeston boys never looked anything other than winners in this  midlands derby match with two goals from Sam Ward and one a piece from Ben Arnold, Charlie Brooke, Charlie Macildowie and Matt Seal. In the last match of the day the U18 favourites Reading were able to outplay the strong muscular Canterbury team and won 5-0.

On Sunday Beeston U15s opened with a 2-1 victory against Bath Buccaneers after letting in an early goal; Liam Adams scoring twice from penalty corners. However Reading were able to score freely against Havant winning 4-1.
In the U18 competition an ill tempered match between Stourport and Canterbury ended in a 2-1 victory for Canterbury despite them being reduced to 9 men at one stage. Beeston U18s gave unbeaten Reading their closest match of the tournament. They eventually lost 3-4 after captain Will Torr scored twice from the penalty spot and Welsh international Nils Lloyd Penny scored in open play.
In their last match Beeston U15s needed a significant victory over Havant to improve their goal difference but unfortunately won 1-0 with a goal from George Osborne. Reading went on to beat Bath 3-0 in the last match of the weekend.

Beeston U18s finished 3rd, a tremendous achievement for such a young team. It was a very special achievement for Will Torr, Joseph Robinson, Oscar Evans, Charlie Macildowie and John Procter who have all been Beeston colts for many years and had never reached the national stages of a club competition before this season. All these players as well as nils Lloyd Penny and Matt seal are now too old for club age group competitions.
In the U15 event Beeston and Reading finished top on equal points but Beeston U15s were declared RUNNERS UP on goal difference! However the U15s had a fantastic season and Beeston still have not lost a match in the U15 Cup since 2002. This year’s team worked hard to reach the finals and can be justly proud that they were unbeaten. Ironically several of the players were in the Beeston U13 squad that lost the National mini hockey title on goal difference two years ago!

Beeston U18 Squad: Ben Arnold, Sam Arnold, John Barr, Charlie Brooke, Sam Cathie, Sam Dixon, Oscar Evans, David Jones, Richard Lawrence, Nils Lloyd-Penny, Charlie Macildowie, John Procter, Joe Robinson, Matt Seal, Ed Torr, Will Torr, Sam Ward and Ollie Willars. Management Team: Steve Musson, Ian Ward and Graham Dixon.
Beeston U15 Squad: Liam Adams, Jon Allcock, Nick Charlish, Alex Clarke-Dowson, Jon Gatus, Nick Halliwell, Marcus Hooper, Jon Purkiss, George Osborne, Charlie Scott, Mark Smallwood, Ryan Smith, Rob Trem, Tom Vickerstaff, Ian Welch, Ross Whiting and Charlie Willars. Management Team: Martin Keeling, Ryan Dawson and David Griffiths.

Earlier in the tournament Felix Evans and Will Collins played for the U18s and  Arjun Chawda, Sunil Kumar and Ali Prince played for the U15s.

Quarter Finals: Sunday April 22nd
Beeston U15 Boys arrived at Leek full of confidence with a complete and fit squad, or so they thought… Shortly after arriving Mark Smallwood announced that his stomach was not exactly fit for purpose! Beeston prepared well for the game but it was soon obvious that this was going to be a tough examination of the new boys. This team, containing only 4 of last year’s national cup winning squad, have had to live up to the club record in this competition; no Beeston U15 team has been beaten in the cup in normal time since 2002!  
Leek had a strong powerful midfield and played fast attacking hockey which Beeston had to work hard to contain. Despite this onslaught Beeston won far more short corners than Leek but they were well saved by the home keeper. In the 20th minute Liam Adams powered in a shot only for the goal to be disallowed much to the surprise of everyone, including the Leek coach, allegedly because the ball had not come out of the D. The competitiveness of the first half was highlighted by a string of green cards and the match remained goalless at the interval.
The second half started in much the same way,however Beeston soon found themselves down to 9 men and Leek down to 10 when the cards changed colour to yellow! Beeston emerged from this phase of the game without conceding a goal with absolute confidence that their superb defence was not going to crack. With 10 minutes to go Beeston switched Jon Gatus to play wide on the right and suddenly the team started to penetrate behind the Leek defence, creating danger and ultimately 2 goals in the last 5 minutes from leading scorers Ross Whiting and Marcus Hooper. The final score was Leek 0 Beeston2.  Beeston were managed and coached by Martin Keeling and Ryan Dawson. The squad was Liam Adams, Jon Allcock, Nick Charlish, Alex Clarke-Dowson, Jon Gatus, Nick Halliwell, Marcus Hooper, George Osborne, Charlie Scott, Mark Smallwood, Ryan Smith, Rob Trem, Tom Vickerstaff, Ian Welch, Ross Whiting and Charlie Willars. Jonathan Purkiss will join this squad for the National finals.
Beeston U18 boys came up against a fiesty team from Crewe in their quarter final at Highfields. The Bees failed to capitalise on their dominence after taking the lead in the 10th minute through John Procter and were surprised when Crewe equalised 10 minutes later. The first half ended with Crewe’s confidence high as the score remained 1-1. However some harsh words in the interval and reorganisation of the team resulted in one of those second half performances typical of recent Beeston teams. When the Bees started buzzing the result was never in doubt. Beeston played fast flowing hockey scoring four further goals through Nils Lloyd-Penny  (2), John Procter(again) and Matt Seal. The final score was Beeston 5 Crewe 1.
Beeston were managed and coached by Graham Dixon, Steve Musson, Ian Ward and Martin Keeling(when he arrived back from Leek). The squad was Ben and Sam Arnold, John Barr, Charlie Brooke, Sam Dixon, Oscar Evans, David Jones, Richard Lawrence, Nils Lloyd-Penny, Charlie Macildowie, John Procter, Matt Seal, Ed and Will Torr, Sam Ward and Ollie Willars. Sam Cathie and Joe Robinson will join this squad for the National finals.

Beeston have now reached the National Finals in both the Boys U15 and U18 EH Cups to be held at Birmingham University on May 19/20th . Beeston U15s will play Bath Buccaneers, Havant and Reading; Beeston U18s will play Canterbury, Reading and Stourport.

Round 4 (Last 16): Sunday March 4th
For the first time ever in the cup both Beeston boys’ teams were drawn at home! First up were the Boys U18s who were playing Bowdon. The weather conditions were atrocious as the teams took to the pitch. Beeston soon took command and never looked in any danger. Sam Ward scored after 11 minutes and was on target again 2 minutes later when he converted a penalty corner. Although Beeston continued to create chances no more goals were scored before half time. As some of the crowd were still emerging from the warmth and shelter of the clubhouse a tremendous roar went up as Oscar Evans scored one of the most spectacular goals ever seen at Highfields! He pirouetted outside the D leaving 3 players stranded, shimmied left then right at the top of the D, passing 2 more players, then roofed the ball into the back of the net! Oscar’s celebration was almost as spectacular as his goal as he ran the full length of the pitch. Nils Lloyd Penny put the tie beyond doubt when he converted a short corner 3 minutes later. All the squad were given pitch time and Beeston cruised to a final score of Beeston 4 Bowdon 0.
With no let up in the weather conditions the Boys U15s took to the field against Bridgnorth. Both teams had chances in the nervous opening to the match but it was Ross Whiting who opened the scoring for Beeston after 18 minutes. Despite conceding numerous short corners the Beeston defence stood firm with Liam Adams particularly quick off the line. Beeston took a 2 goal lead when Ryan Smith crossed the ball into the D and Marcus Hooper superbly deflected the ball into the net. Bridgnorth however were still creating chances and with England U16 David Davey in their team always capable of scoring. They scored either side of the interval knocking Beeston’s confidence for a short period. The home team nudged in front again with a drag flick from captain Robert Trem in the 49th minute and the midfield of Ian Welch, Marcus Hooper and Alex Clark Dowson worked tirelessly to regain Beeston’s dominance. Beeston’s final goal was scored by Ross Whiting who had led the forward line with fierce determination. The Bridgnorth defence had been sliced open by brilliant passing between Mark Smallwood and Marcus Hooper leaving Ross in front of an open goal. With the Bridgnorth keeper stranded Ross made no mistake and calmly put the ball in the back of the net. The final score was Beeston 4 Bridgnorth 2.

Beeston have now reached the National Quarter Finals in the Boys U15 and U18 EH Cups! They will play these on April 22nd, victory then would give them a place at the round robin national finals at Birmingham University in May.

Round 3: Sunday 28th January
The Boys U18s were on their travels again, returning to Sheffield Hallam who proved their downfall last year. The squad were still not at full strength due to injuries and illness but we have such a large pool of talented players to draw on there was no problem in filling the slots! The match started much as last year with Beeston dominating the play but this time they seemed to be converting this pressure into goals with Will Torr and Sam Dixon scoring after 10 and 15 minutes. Despite Beeston creating plenty of chances the score remained 2-0 at the interval. Sheffield came back into the game in the second half and were rewarded by a goal with 20 minutes to go. David Jones in the Beeston goal had to make two impressive saves to keep the Bees ahead, the final result:
Sheffield Hallam 1 Beeston 2.

Meanwhile the Boys U15s were back at Highfields preparing for their match against local rivals Belper. Belper played a very defensive game hoping to catch Beeston on the break and kept a clean sheet in the first half. Beeston’s constant pressure eventually paid off when first Ali Prince and then George Osborne scored making the final score Beeston 2 Belper 0.

Both teams will have benefited from these difficult matches as they try to progress to the national stages of their respective cups.

Round 3: December 10th
The Girls U18s travelled to Kingston upon Hull for Round 3 of the cup. This proved an away tie too far and the final score was Kingston upon Hull 3 Beeston 1, captain Holly Gillott was again on target for Beeston. This means that the girls are now out of the competition and for Holly Gillott, Becky Paffard, Katie Taylor, Emily Hancock and Lucy Howarth it brings an end to their age group hockey representing Beeston. The other girls who have played for Beeston Girls U18s in the cup this season are Becky Morley, Charlotte Goodman, Jo Taylor, Anna Dickinson, Amy Skoyles, Nicky Johnson, Sarah Brennan, Emma Constable, Hannah Price, Tori Broughton, Rachel Saville, Charlotte Hopkins and Rosie Farish.

Round 2: Sunday 10th December
The Boys U18s actually managed a home tie, against Mansfield, again they were without Ben Arnold who had broken his wrist on the Saturday and this time another England U16, Sam Dixon, was also missing due to illness. It did not make a jot of difference to the result. Beeston had scored before all the spectators had emerged from the bar! Sam Ward scored a couple by the tenth minute then 3 goals in 3 minutes by Oscar Evans, Sam Ward, completing a hat trick, and Charlie Brooke added to Mansfield’s misery. Not to be outdone Felix Evans scored to take the half time tally to 7. In the second half Sam Ward scored twice to take  his goal tally to 5, Matt Seal who scored first added a second half hat trick, Nils scored his first goal for Beeston U18s and Felix scored again to make the final score Beeston 14 Mansfield 0, exactly the same score as the U15s.

The Boys U15s travelled to Leicester and although Jon Gatus was fit again Nick Halliwell was still out and Captain Rob Trem had injured his wrist. Jon was on the score sheet after 5 minutes and Ali Prince scored 2 minutes later. In the 22nd minute the team took Leicester apart with a quick fire hat trick from Ross Whiting and a goal from George Osborne in a matter of seconds!! Ross scored again just before the interval to take Beeston’s goal tally to 7 at half time! In the second half Marcus Hooper scored a hat trick, Jon scored twice and Ross and Ali each scored another making the final score Leicester 0 Beeston 14.

The following players have represented Beeston in the cup so far this season: U18s = Sam Arnold, John Barr, Charlie Brooke, Sam Cathie, Will Collins, Sam Dixon , Oscar Evans, Felix Evans, David Jones, Richard Lawrence, Nils Lloyd Penny, Charlie Macildowie, John Procter, Joseph Robinson, Matt Seal, Ed Torr, Will Torr, Sam Ward, Ollie Willars. U15s = Liam Adams, Jon Allcock, Arjun Chawda, Nick Charlish, Alex Clarke Dowson, Jon Gatus, Marcus Hooper, Sunil Kumar, George Osborne, Ali Prince, Jonathan Purkiss, Charlie Scott, Mark Smallwood, Ryan Smith, Rob Trem, Tom Vickerstaff, Ian Welch, Ross Whiting, Charlie Willars.
Manager Martin Keeling, Coaches Graham Dixon, Ian Ward and Ryan Dawson, Umpires David Charlish and Martin Seal.

Round 2: November 26th
After byes in the first round of the cup predictably the girls were drawn away in the second round but for the first time ever in any of the four cup competitions we were drawn against Nottingham teams.

The Girls U18s travelled to Mansfield Woodhouse with coach Martin Keeling where they played North Notts. Beeston converted two short corners through Captain Holly Gillott and Victoria Broughton to take an early lead. Further goals from Rachel Saville and Emma Constable before half time gave Beeston a comfortable lead. In the second half all the squad were given pitch time and Jo Taylor scored from open play before Holly put away a penalty flick to make the final score North Notts 0 Beeston 6. Beeston Squad: Becky Morley, Charlotte Goodman, Becky Paffard, Jo Taylor (1g), Katie Taylor, Anna Dickenson, Emily Hancock, Holly Gillott (2g), Tori Broughton (1g), Amy Skoyles, Nicky Johnson, Rachel Saville (1g), Sarah Brennan, Emma Constable(1g), Charlotte Hogan, Hannah Price.

The Girls U15s were drawn against Southwell Brincliffe Utd. This was the new squad’s first game of the season and although they twice took the lead in the first half through Jenny Burke and Katie Hopkisson the well drilled SBU girls equalised each time. With no further scoring in the second half the final score was SBU 2 Beeston 2. Unfortunately Beeston lost the penalty stroke competition and will now compete in the National Plate. Beeston Squad: Lucy Clark, Gabby MacSweeney, Phillipa Burgin, Vicki Monk, Bex Brown, Holly Brown, Lorna Rowley, Jenny Burke, Emily Slatcher, Maddie Smith, Katie Hopkisson, Emily Bower. Coach: Mike Price. Umpire: Ann Linsdell.

Round 1: November 19th
The first round of the cup started later this year and as usual all our teams were drawn away from home!
The Boys U18s travelled to Loughborough University where they played Loughborough Sharks, a team formed by Loughborough Grammar teacher Grant Sutcliffe and sporting England International David Condon. Beeston were without Nils Lloyd Penny who was training with Wales U18s, England international Ben Arnold who was playing in the cup for the Beeston men’s first team and his twin Sam, a divisional player, who was injured. However this year the under 18s are underpinned by virtually the whole of last year’s U15 national cup winning squad some of whom were also in the previous season’s national cup winning squad! This is an enviable position to be in and makes competition for places fierce. The team travelled under the management of Ian Ward and Graham Dixon, Martin Seal kindly agreed to umpire. Beeston were 5-0 up after 20 minutes and cruised their way to a final score of Loughborough Sharks 1 Beeston 13. This was a satisfying start to the competition that Beeston last won in 2003.
Beeston Squad: John Barr, Charlie Brooke (3g), Sam Cathie, Will Collins, Sam Dixon (3g), Oscar Evans (2g), David Jones, Richard Lawrence, Charlie Macildowie, John Procter, Joseph Robinson, Matt Seal (1g), Ed Torr (1g), Will Torr (!g), Sam Ward (2g), Ollie Willars.   
Also away from home were the Boys U15s who were drawn against Kettering. With injuries taking out goalkeeper Nick Halliwell and forward Jon Gatus only two players from last year’s national cup winning squad were still eligible to play for the U15 team this season, Captain Rob Trem and Vice Captain Ian Welch. However as with the U18s competition for places in this squad has never been so fierce so all the players were determined to show off their ability. Kettering never had a chance! They were 5-0 down after 10 minutes and despite team and positional changes Beeston continued to score relentlessly, the final score was Kettering 0 Beeston 24(twenty four). This breaks the previous club record of 19-0 achieved twice in the 2000/01 season by the U16s v South Notts in the old RAF Cup County Quarter Finals and by the U15s v Newark in the U15 Club League. Familiar names in those teams were Griffiths D, Dixon A, Keeling J, Earlam R, Cambden A and Thomas P! Beeston should not be complacent though as for the last 2 years their predecessors have come up against teams with impressive scoring records in the early rounds only to despatch them from the competition. As national champions for the last two seasons everyone will be out to beat us this year.
Beeston squad: Liam Adams, Jon Allcock, Arjun Chawda, Nick Charlish (1g), Alex Clarke Dowson (1g), Marcus Hooper (3g), Sunil Kumar (2g), George Osborne (2g), Ali Prince (2g), Jonathan Purkiss (1g), Mark Smallwood (1g), Ryan Smith (1g), Rob Trem (5g), Tom Vickerstaff, Ian Welch (2g), Ross Whiting (3g).
Manager Martin Keeling, Coach Ryan Dawson, Umpire David Charlish.