(The Dartford HC ChronicleSummer 2012)

Q: What has 11 heads and runs around a pitch screaming?

A: A girls' hockey team!

Comment from the Editor

Out with the Old and in with the New season!

It was another epic season with the 1’s and the 2’s both in line for promotion. Alas it was not to be but fingers crossed that this is the year when the 2’s in particular make that step up. In this (also epic) issue you can read the Reports from the AGM including the Newly elected Committee and Award winners; enjoy the account of the Walking weekend to the Wye Valley over the May bank holiday, a trip to The Investec London Cup in June and trips to the Olympic Hockey. The important event for the club was the AGM. Turn- out was a little disappointing but unfortunately not unexpected. Decisions were made and officials voted in, please support the new committee. Two teams were once again entered into the Summer League Hockey at Gravesend, match reports on their escapades can be found on Facebook as well as the general report below. The new kit is now here and we can look forward to wearing it in the New Season. It has had an early viewing at the Olympic Park as those winning tickets to the Olympic hockey wore them to advertise the club - maybe you saw them? There have been some individual highlights for some club members in the down time and our best wishes go to those individuals. And finally Sid is possibly having an operation on his hip. We wish him all the very best and look forward to his return to the fold. Mandy

(Congratulations)Katie Selvey-Clinton on the birth of baby Chloe. Note I did not say little as she was a whopping 10lbs- OUCH! Katie has made a great return to fitness already venturing out for summer league matches. Also congratulations to Nichola Hunt who got married in Las Vegas at the end of April. Nick came back for a brief visit to play some summer league (I don’t think that was the only reason although a good one!) but is now permanently based in the U.S.A. We wish her well in the future. Sharon Flynn celebrated her 30th birthday in ‘Old Skool’ style and then received a marriage proposal! And finally Keeley Tyrell also became engaged, accepting her proposal at the 2012 Olympics 100m Men’s final! So start looking for those hats ladies! Exams results are in and hopefully everyone achieved what they wanted. Good Luck to all in their new ventures – whatever they may be.

The Annual General Meeting was held on Wednesday 25 April 2012. Thank you to all that attended. We restructured the Committee slightly putting the Tournament role in with the Social but opting to have a Social committee to take the strain off one person and also to try to have all teams and age groups represented when planning events.

The new Committee is:

Chairperson: Julie HoadSecretary: Dawn Hall

Treasurer: Sharon Flynn Fixture Secretary: Diane Kemp

Membership: Louise LawrenceWebsite Admin: Kirsty Payne

Welfare Officer: Ali Chapman Publicity: Mandy McWhinnie

Social Committee: Jane Cooper (Chair), Bridget Black, Keeley Wiggett, Kirsty Payne.

Awards for the Season.

Team Awards

· Players player: Ali Chapman (1st team); Keeley Wiggett (2); Julie Medley(3)

· Captains players: Mandy McWhinnie (1); Jacqui Rodrigues(2); Kirsty Payne (3)

Club Awards

· The Vera Benbow Crackenford Cup: Mandy McWhinnie

· Noreen Walsh trophy: Issy Martin

The new Vera Benbow Crackenford Cup was previously the Vera Benbow trophy. This is given to the club member that is deemed by the committee to do ‘over and above’ for the club. The original trophy was given to June Morris last year, to keep, in recognition of her many years of service. Editor’s Note: I was really chuffed to get this award. Thank you!

The Noreen Walsh Trophy is for the Young person that has made the most progress. There were many candidates but it was felt that Issy had progressed not only as a player but also in recognition of her endeavours in Umpiring.

VERY edited reports from the AGM

Report from the Chair: AGMs enable us to reflect on the past year, the highs and the lows and to make plans for the next season. The Club has just finished its 3rd season playing at DTC, a fantastic venue and at such a reasonable cost keeps our Treasurer happy. Overall this has been a good year for the Club. The teams have remained reasonably stable and maintained their positions in their respective leagues. It is a shame the 2nds weren’t promoted, but I’m sure it will come at some stage. Likewise for the 1sts but it may have been a mixed blessing. However we must strive for the best and promotion should always be our objective.

Thank-you: to the team captains for their commitment and hard work throughout the year. It is never an easy job, but if you have the support of your team it makes life much easier. The key is delegation, so team captains, take note. Also, to the umpires and all those that passed the theory test this year, ‘practice really makes perfect’ in the umpiring world. The summer league will give us the opportunity to get you assessed. Finally to all the committee for your continued dedication; turning out to meetings instead of staying home with a glass of wine. Thank you for being patient with me!

Finally I would like to make a special mention of all our young players -the future of the club. They have all excelled this year, without exception. Some of you will be starting a new phase in your lives and we wish you well for the future. Continue to play hockey at uni, but remember where your loyalties lay - “Once a Dartford player, always a Dartford player.” Diane will track you down; Jane knows this to her cost. Keep in touch, Facebook will make this easier and let us know when you are back so we can offer you a game. Finally special good wishes to Becca for her trip in the summer. It will undoubtedly be a life changing experience. You’ll even appreciate how much Mum does for you, but you’ll probably never admit it. Julie

First team Report: The 1st XI finished 3rd in division 2, only 3 points behind 2nd place Cliftonville. With only 24 goals against us, 2nd lowest in the division, thanks must go to the defence for a great season. And so to the forward line…. Lead goal scorer is Becki with 19 goals followed by Ali with 14 goals. We have a flexible team and so far, as long as we can get 11 players out we are always able to field a strong team, even when playing out of position. Availability was generally high apart from a couple of notable exceptions who both submitted notes from their parents. With 4 qualified umpires and 2 trainees we support other teams where our games allow. Special Thanks to Sid as ever for supporting us.

The Team: Daring Debs, goalie extraordinaire. She even remembers to bring the kit with her these days. Blocker Julie - no-one’s getting through me. Doctor Bridget on hand for all ailments and still finds time to bake cakes for us. ISO Issy - that’s Quality (there is an ISO blah, blah number for quality systems). Or maybe: Izzy wizzy let’s get busy! Whoa –ho –ho Wendy - we know when the umpire has missed something. Handy Mandy (well it’s better than the other word that rhymes). Always keeping us on the straight and narrow even if she doesn’t notice her pride and joy has taken a bashing by the oppo's keeper! Jane will never lose her original nickname of Skidder. Doesn’t matter what shoes she wears. But has second best availability within the team only missing 1.5 games?? Ouchy Ali…. Those knees! Or should it be Almost Ali, second lead goal scorer. Sorry lead goal scorer in the wrong net. Lou - come back captain, all is forgiven! Lead goal scorer Becki, always ready to take on the GK, need I say more? Trusty Trudi - trusted to play a forward or a half and to bring along a time-keeper when we need one. Korner Kirsty. Getting used to taking short corners and is pretty good at diving mid pitch with no one else around her. Mummy Katie and ardent supporter this year - come back soon. A special thank you goes to those that helped us out on a regular basis; notably Hazel Spencer and Keeley Tyrell.

It’s been an honour to captain the team even though only for a short stretch. There is a real team spirit, a desire to win and a determination to play our best. Whilst it falls to the captain and the vice-captain to get the team out each week, liaise with other captains about sharing players and providing umpires; we can ease the burden of the captain by thinking about what we could do to help e.g. organise the teas or collect in the money, etc. Roll on next season. We are likely to lose a couple of players from our squad but we’ll keep your seats warm if you promise to keep up your fitness. Gen

Second Team Report: My team, what can I say? We’ve had a fantastic season, great wins scoring 60 goals only losing 2 and drawing 2. Unfortunately we are not going up this season as we finished 3rd, this saddens me for my team, as everyone committed so much. In particular... At the back: Jo - saving more goals than normal as I found myself replacing Sam Craig due to a bad injury (we missed her). Hazel, Pat and Jo – thank you for your shouting (sorry – coaching); great defending by the three of them. The halves: Sharon, Claire, Vicky, Sarah and Jackie aspired to defending and attacking and scoring goals. Please Sarah stop doing celebration cartwheels, they give me a heart attack. Claire joined us ¾ of the way through the season. She was a breath of fresh air, assisting and supporting my forward line. My forward line of course scored most of the goals, with Jane on 12, Keeley 28, Vicky 7 and Sam B 2. Unfortunately Sam Bushell and Sam Moore have had to leave us due to job commitments. Sam Bushell has been brilliant this season. I have felt as a captain that she has enjoyed herself; she has certainly played outstandingly (that ball just sticks to her stick). Vicky has a great slap hit, making some lovely crosses. Jane managed to both protect and score goals.

My last comment is about Keeley Wiggles. One of our opposition (Sevenoaks) wanted Keeley but I said only for the 1 million pounds transfer fee however Sharon said we are okay for money at the moment. Keeley is outstanding all the teams and we love watching her do her thing- thank you for scoring 28 goals (nearly got to 30). Well done Keeley.

Thank you to everyone that umpired for us. The second team deserved promotion this year, alas that is not going to happen. Next year here we come! Thank you everyone, especially my P.A Sharon, I could not have done this without her. Caroline

The 2’s especially but the entire club would like to thank Caroline for her years as Captain. She has now stepped down and Sarah Russell has stepped up to the plate. I’m sure everyone will give her the same support. Good Luck!

3rd Team AGM Report 2012

Once again we finished second from bottom in the league with a total of 12 points. We scored 15 goals and let in 61 – a vast improvement on the 114 five years ago! So well done defence!!

As with every other captain’s report I have written, I can only applaud the team for their efforts and positive attitude with which they face every game. In fact, after watching Chelsea’s magnificent effort against Barcelona last night, I was reminded of our defensive performance in every game this season. This year we have been very lucky to have had Keeley Tyrrell in goal. I think everyone would agree our ‘goals against tally’ would have been far higher if it had not been for her stunning saves. She was ably supported by all the defence but in particular, Julie Medley, our ‘John Terry’ of the side – although after his antics on the pitch last night I think she would rather be linked to Frank Lampard. I must also mention Kirsty Payne here – whose body defected many a ball this season and whose bruises have been broadcast far and wide, thanks to Facebook. ‘Fearless and frequently in the way’ – is a term that could easily be applied to my defence and to Kirsty in particular.

Unfortunately, we didn’t score many goals but we are improving. This year we have managed to get more than in any previous year. This has mainly been due to our young, talented players – Surane – the Didier Drogba of the side, Rebecca – my Fernando Torres, Sammy and Alex, ably assisted by Nicola for the first half of the season. My thanks to all who played for the 3rd team this year. Let’s hope that the 2012-13 season will bring us more success. Cathy

KIT: The new kit will be handed out at the pre-season get together. Please bring your old shirt along and swap. If you still need to order an away green shirt then please try on fellow players shirts and let me know your size and style (Ladies cut or Unisex polo). Green Jackets can also be ordered from me, again just work out your size. Home kits are being funded by the club but the away shirts will cost £13 and the jacket £30 (pending inflation!).

Umpires: As always we are indebted to those who have umpired for us this season. Without them we would, simply put, not be able to play. Sid Clench has, as always, been a star for the 1’s, umpiring practically all their matches. Debs Pearson, Diane Kemp, Hazel Spencer, Julie Hoad, Julie Medley, Lou Lawrence and Mandy McWhinnie have shared the rest, ably assisted by the nearly qualified - Gen Francis, Issy Martin, Caroline Moore, Sharon Flynn, Kirsty Payne and Frances Carter. Apologies if I have forgotten anyone! Good luck Ladies with that final assessment.

Editor’s Note: Gen, Caroline and Sharon completed their assessment over the summer and are now fully qualified umpires. Well Done ladies!

Gravesend Summer League Report

Editor’s Note: Summer Hockey - Don’t go without the insect repellent!

2/3’s Combined Team: Our first game was a tough one against Bexley Invicta.  Unfortunately many a game didn't go quite as planned. However, Dartford still played a good game of hockey and had some great efforts at goal of their own, being rewarded for their efforts with 7 goals in total. Keeley Wiggett scored most of these and was even congratulated by the opposition for one of her best goals. We always went out with true grit and determination but unfortunately suffered defeats, but to be fair were to teams in much higher divisions to us. Thanks must go to Frances for umpiring for us, along with Issy and Gen who was assessed and passed - congratulations.  We were just getting warmed up in one game (losing but definitely coming back!) when the game was unfortunately suspended late in the 2nd half. The heavy rain causing a river down the steps and the side of the pitch - our bags floating away!  The eagerly anticipated Dartford Derby against the 1’s saw them with struggling availability, so we had a great opportunity to show off our skills and make use of the extra space. Unfortunately we did lose 5-2. Congratulations to Sharon & Caroline for passing their umpiring assessment that night. Special thanks to Keeley Tyrell & Julie Medley for playing in goal & team McWhinnie for cheerleading skills, it is much appreciated. We were out performed on a number of occasions, but we kept fit, scored goals & kept goals out with all our determination, passed umpires, socialised with our team members (mainly gossiping about where our mosquito bites were from the previous game) so all in all it was a success – bring on the cooler Winter League! Sharon

1/2’s combined team: Won 4 Drew 1 Lost 2. A generally good summer, but availability as always haphazard. We fielded our weakest team against the strongest opposition but between the 1’s and some great help from the 2’s (mainly Hazel) managed to secure some decent results. Goal tally for – 25, against – 14. Some great team effort goals from open play, a few individual master pieces, a variety of short corner scorers (after some pushing and shoving as to who would have the strike!) and a penalty flick! And as always stalwart defending- Debs mostly needed on pitch left Keeley Tyrrell in goal, deflecting away those that the rest of us had let through! Thanks to our supporters club led by Sharon, Caroline, and Sam but also Keeley W and Dan. Thanks also to Caroline, Hazel, Lou and Sharon for umpiring our games. We managed to finish 3rd in the league so have made the semi-finals on Tuesday 21st Aug if you are able to come along and support.

The Walking Week-end in the Wye Valley, Wales took place over the first May Bank Holiday with Gen Francis, Julie Hoad, Debs Pearson, Wendy Garrett, Jane Cooper, Jacqui Rodrigues, Sharon Flynn, Caroline Moore, Jane Munday and I. The sun definitely shines on the righteous as it remarkably remained dry until the very last day. The walking was challenging at times and muddy in places (the previous weeks rainfall making some places in particular shoe-sucking). The Bull, in one such field, was fortunately distracted by our antics. But the scenery was beautiful and the company...well what would you expect! There was plenty of banter and we even managed some intellectual conversations (not often I will admit) and viewed some educational sites, including a listed ancient pigsty. We climbed through the Wye valley on the Saturday and tackled the Forest of the Dean on the Sunday, with the occasional pit-stop for re-hydration, of course. We stayed in the lovely Abbey hotel opposite the very picturesque Tintern Abbey. (Wonder how they chose the hotel name?). When the hotel realised they had double-booked one twin room and would we mind two singles instead? Gen negotiated the discount in wine and so set the tone for the weekend. And talking of wine – small world but Diane’s sister has a vineyard just up the road. We of course partook in the grand tour and wine tasting. Diane’s sister? – well, you would definitely say ‘she reminds me of someone I know’.

There are many stories from the weekend: ‘The call of nature’ or not as the farmer followed on his tractor! (No names). Jane M and her ‘special’ technique to get over the stiles... that nearly had us both rolling down a steep slope through the woods. Some might say I should have caught her and I tried, honest! Unfortunately Julie was laughing so much she failed to get the photo (caring soul you might ask?). Jane did however do a brilliant job navigating our walks. We only got lost a couple of times – slightly worrying when we had to double back within the first half hour of the first walk... and later when ably assisted by Gen walked up and down the hill looking for the name of a cottage, ignoring the open gate with a sign facing the wrong way (apparently they thought it would say ‘No Entry’). A great time was had by all and we should thank Gen for her organisation. As said there are many stories to be told but you probably had to be there to appreciate them. However we are hoping to make this an annual event over the same Bank Holiday, so next time you can be! If you are interested, let your social secretary know and keep your ears to the ground.

Mandy

Investec London Cup - Semi-finals June 2012. As thoughts of the Olympic Games loomed, and we all wondered how London would cope, ladies international hockey met at leafy venue in deepest Chiswick to play for the Investec London cup. Likewise Team Dartford dusted off the green coats and made their way, first meeting at a lesser frequented venue, the pub just outside Chiswick station. After much grog and fare we followed Sharon, she who knew the way, buddies took care of buddies and we left the pub. Within just a few short minutes, true to form we'd misplaced Wendy, only to find her striding out down Verdant lane halfway to the venue. Eventually all arrived safe, with time to mooch the gift tent and meet the Investec zebra! The games soon commenced and despite the cold and wind, a fantastic time was had by all. Watching the greats of Netherlands v South Africa and Germany v Australia play some amazing hockey was inspirational. So that's how it should be done! We even had the new format penalty deciders (1 on 1’s). Excitingly both teams had come from behind and it was no surprise to see Netherlands v Australia into the final the next day. Caroline as always provided the pitch side commentary, I'm sure she spurred the Aussies on (perhaps they should have engaged her for the Olympics!). The break between games provided time for refreshments and a chance to meet with team GB, both Keeley and Sam met with the talented Crista Cullen, whilst the oldies met with our friend Pimms!! A great day for hockey and another successful social for Team Dartford in the bag! Lou

(Meanwhile some of the Club met the GB players) (The Big Dribble: Kirsty took part and signed the ball on our behalf at Trafalgar square. Later to be seen at the Investec cup.)

(Pimms o’clock with Jane, Lou and Mandy)

And more from the Albums….

(DHC day out on the Cable car and at the O2. )

(And supporting Team GB at the Olympics -in the Olympic park or at the pub. The Olympics were amazing. We were especially lucky to watch TEAM GB and experience the ‘Home crowd’. )

(New Shirts!!)

(Congratulations to the following that drew Olympic hockey tickets in the ballot:Thurs 2nd Aug – Sharon Flynn, Caroline Moore, Sarah Russell, Pat Jarvis, Cathy Clinton and Mandy McWhinnie.Mon 6th Aug – Keeley Wiggett, Hazel Spencer, Jane Cooper, Jacqui Rodrigues, Louise Lawrence and Julie Hoad. )

(Becki would like to thank the club for their support in fundraising towards her trip to Namibia, where she was involved in Community work as well as trekking around the country. She had a great adventure and is looking forward to boring you with her stories!)

And just as you had got use to the recent rule changes.....

Changes to the Rules of Hockey!!!!

(With reference to the numbered Rules in the 2011 edition) are as follows:

You can now always score an own goal in hockey!  

Rule 8.1: method of scoring. The way a goal is scored is amended; it now includes what is sometimes referred to as an “own goal”. That is, a goal can now be scored after the ball is touched in the circle by either an attacker or a defender. It is anticipated that the detailed text will read:

8.1 A goal is scored when:

a) the ball is played by an attacker, or touches the stick or body of a defender, within the circle

b) after either of these actions, the ball does not travel outside the circle before passing completely over the goal-line and under the cross-bar.

This is described as a “Mandatory Experimental Rule” so that it applies at all levels of hockey but, because it is a significant change, it will be monitored closely. After a period of review, the FIH Rules Committee will decide whether or not it becomes a permanent change to the Rules.

 A ball can now be lifted from a free hit as long as not hit...

Rules 13.2.d and e: procedures for taking a free hit, centre pass and putting the ball back into play. The ball may now be raised intentionally and directly using a push, flick or scoop action; this action must be conducted safely. This is essentially an evolution of what is known as the “self-pass” from a free hit. By having the option to raise the ball immediately, opposing players will not have had the opportunity to get closer than five metres; a raised ball should be safer. It is anticipated that Rules 13.2 d and e will read:

d the ball is moved using a hit, push, flick or scoop

e the ball may be raised immediately using a push, flick or scoop but must not be raised intentionally using a hit.

STAY IN TOUCH

(!)The Facebook group has proved to be a great success so if you are on Facebook then please join the Group. The ensuing comments and discussions are quite entertaining. However please remember that this is an open group, to enable prospective members to search and make contact with us, so please be careful what you write and DO NOT give any personal information in your posts. Match reports over the season have been posted in both arenas. Match Reports also go into a local newspaper, courtesy of Kirsty. Facebook has invites to social events and up to date information regarding training, fixtures and other events. Photos are also posted there. If there is anything you would like added to the website or the Facebook group please let Kirsty know. Email: contact@dartfordhockeyclub.co.uk. To keep Dartford Hockey club as the first option for searches, please keep visiting the Website http://www.dartfordhockeyclub.co.uk.

Fixtures: The new fixtures for the 2012-13 season can be found on the fixtureslive website. There is a link from our website but a provisional list is included below. A fixtures card will be handed out at the Pre-season get together.

Dates for your Diary

Saturday 1st September, 10.00am -12.00pm

Pre-season get-together Hockey session.

Come along and remind yourself what it’s all about.

Monday 4th September, 7.30 – 9.00pm

Training starts.

Fri 12th October, 7.30pm

Social Fundraiser at Crayford Dogs.

Saturday 17th November

Provisional date for Social activity (TBC)

Saturday 15th December – All Day

Christmas outing

I wish you all the best for the new- season. I hope you are well rested, rejuvenated, raring to get stuck in and any other r’s!!! We have had some interest recently from prospective members and will hopefully be welcoming them on the 1st Sept. See you all at the pre-season session. If you have spare sticks, shin pads, etc. please bring them along, they could be useful. The new kit will be handed out in return for your old shirt!

Mandy

(3rd XI Div 5Sept 1Initial get-together H10.30 8Ashford 4FH12.0015Dartford 2 LA12.00 DTC22Burnt Ash 5 LH10.3029Meopham 2LAOct 6Bromley & B'nham 5LH10.3013Ashford 4 LA 20Kings Alleyns 3LH12.0027Herne Bay 2 LH10.30Nov 3Remnants 2 LA10Cliftonville 3LH10.3017Holcombe 5 rl FA 24Team 12 *Dec 1Holcombe 5 LH 10.30 8Dartford 2LH 10.3015 rlFH12.0022-29-Jan 5Addiscombe 3rlFA12Burnt Ash 5 LA19Meopham 2 LH 10.3026Bromley & B'nhamLA Feb 2Ashford 4 LH12.00 9Kings Alleyns 3 LA16x rl 23Herne Bay 2 LAMar 2Remnants 2 LH10.30 9Cliftonville 3LA 16Team 12 *23Holcombe 5LA30-Apr 6- rlAt the time of going to print, some details are not available, and some friendlies are still being sought. No matches are being sought for days marked '-')

(2nd XI Div 5Sept 1 Initial get-together H10.30 8Bromley & B'nham 5FH10.30 15Dartford 3 LH 12.0022Herne Bay 2 LA 29Remnants 2LH12.00Oct 6Cliftonville 3LA 13Team 12 * 20Holcombe 5 LA27Kings Alleyns 3LA Nov 3Burnt Ash 5LH12.0010Meopham 2 LA17Edenbridge rl FH10.3024Bromley & B'nham 5LH12.00Dec 1Ashford 4LA 8Dartford 3LA 10.30 DTC15 rl FH10.30 22-29-Jan 5x rl12Herne Bay 2 LH12.0019Remnants 2 LA 26Cliftonville 3LH12.00Feb 2Team 12 * 9Holcombe 5 LH12.0016 rl 23Kings Alleyns 3LH10.30Mar 2Burnt Ash 5LA 9Meopham 2 LH12.0016Bromley & B'nham 5 LA23Ashford 4 LH 12.0030-Apr 6- rlOn non-League days there will be 2 friendly matches. If your team is marked with an 'x', please be available to the other 2 teams)

(1st XI Div 2Sept 1Initial get-together H 10.30 8 Burnt Ash 2FA10.30 HS15Burnt Ash 2LH10.30 22Maidstone 3 LA 29New Beccs 2LH 10.30Oct 6Bromley & B'nham 4LA13 Old Williamsonians 2 LA20 Gravesend 2LH 10.3027 Gore Court 2 LA Nov 3Remnants 1 LH 10.30 10Edenbridge LA 10.30 ELC 17x rl 24Sevenoaks 5 LH10.30Dec 1Canterbury 3A LA 8Burnt Ash 2LA12.00 HS 15xrl22-29-Jan 5EdenbridgerlFA14.00 ELC12Maidstone 3 LH10.3019 New Beccs LA 26Bromley & B'nhamLH10.30Feb 2Old Williamsonians 2LH10.30 9Gravesend 2LA16Holcombe 3rlF23Gore Court 2 LH10.30Mar 2Remnants 1LA 9Edenbridge LH10.30 16Sevenoaks 5LA 23Canterbury 3A LH10.3030-Apr 6-rlCheck details on www.FixturesLive.com* Hopefully a twelfth team will come into Division 5'rl' indicates a reserve League day )