Gutted!!!!!

15-March-2008 :: Mens 1XI: 2 - 4 :Cardiff & Uwic B

Stoud travelled to Cardiff knowing that only a win would be good enough to take the league title. Unfortunately it was not to be there day. The Cardiff side raised their game to play 'their best game of the season' to beat a determined squad of Stroud players. Goals from Alex Waring and a top left corner drag flick from Rob Fynn were good enough to recover from an early goal by Cardiff. This left STroud bouyent at half time but knowing that it was going to be a tough second half. Cardiff came out the hungrier side with Stroud looking nervous. This lead to 3 unanswered goals and a sinking feeling to the entire side with the knowledge that after a of heading the table the side was going to finish second. Promotion is guaranteed so the side now looks forward a greater hockey challenge next season. This year is the clubs 80th season all ex players and supporters are welcome to the celebrations on the 12th April. See website for details. www.stroudhockeyclub.com

Students teach Stroud a lesson

23-February-2008 :: Mens 1XI: 2 - 6 :Cardiff Uni A

Omega sponsored Stroud travelled to Cardiff knowing that a win would seal the league title, but this was not to be. A very strong university side turned up to play and for the first ten minutes of the game Stroud were in disarray. A short corner was won and duly converted by Matt Waite to settle the nerves. The back lash from the students was instant and they scored two very quick goals. Stroud battled back and Dan Clifford was hacked in the D to win a penalty flick. Captain Rob Fynn stepped up and slotted the flick into the top right corner past a static Cardiff keeper. The second half started brightly but the youth and size of the student squad started to come into play. Stroud lost 4 more goals with no reply. Promotion has been guaranteed this weekend though due to the third place Bridgend team losing. On the 1st March Stroud men's 1st entertain Lansdown at 2pm at Stratford park, the team is looking to keep their 1st place in the league with only 3 must win games left.

Stroud play best hockey of the season

9-February-2008 :: Mens 1XI: 4 - 0 :Bridgend A

Omega sponsored Stroud travelled to play third place Bridgend. The team where in a buoyant mood knowing that a win would put them 12 points clear of third place with 5 games to go. Stroud started well with the dynamic running of the rotating forward line of Batten, Shipp, Waring, and Clifford. The return of Man of the match Tunney strengthen Stroud's midfield to form a resilient unit with Pearce and Waite.

The pressure finally paid of as a decisive pass from Fynn spilt the Bridgend defence for a first time finish from Clifford. The half time break couldn't come early enough for the raged Bridgend side. Bridgend change there formation in the second half but this didn't effect Stroud's fluid play. Three short corners where converted in the second half by Pearce, Fynn and finally by the prolific drag flicker Matt Waite. A couple of excellent final minute saves by goal keeper Cruickshank meant Stroud kept their 7th away clean sheet of the season.

Stroud maintain their top spot in the Severn league, next weekend Stroud entertains Whitchurch HC for a 2pm start at Stratford Park.

Stroud stutter, but come away with points

19-January-2008 :: Mens 1XI: 2 - 1 :Cheltenham B

Omega sponsored Stroud started with their flowing passing moves and decisive movement continuing from their previous weeks performance against Llanishen. However an early defensive mistake at the back let Cheltenham gain the lead through a crisp finish. Stroud were undeterred and continued the pressure on the Cheltenham defence. Only the outstanding work of the Cheltenham keeper keep the Stroud side at bay. The Cheltenham keeper was forced to make a huge number of quick reaction saves and great blocks by the quick shots and following up by the Stroud forwards. 10 minutes before the half time Matt Waite Stroud's drag flick specialist stepped up for a penalty corner and levelled the score with a low left shot passed the keeper.

The second half continued in the same way as the first with Stroud dominating the possession and pitch position, any breaks that Cheltenham had were quickly stifled by the defence of Hermes Carlyon and Matt Waite. Stroud finally broke ahead when Brad Mears finished off another good passing move. Man of the Match Liam Tunney's work rate and strength in the midfield pushed Stroud on to close off the game and stay 4 points clear at the top of the Severn division.

A Hangover Cure

12-January-2008 :: Mens 1XI: 4 - 0 :Llan. & Caerphilly

Omega sponsored Stroud Mens 1st XI travelled to Llanishen & Caerphilly on Saturday and set about rectifying and age old problem. For what now seems like decades, Stroud have suffered from terrible New Years hangovers. It must be something to do with all the cider that gets drunk in the mid season break! Last season, that hangover lasted all of January and February and post Christmas points were like gold dust. This season our table topping boys were determined to blow away the cobwebs with a win first game back.
Things didn't get underway too well, half the team getting lost on the way. A dodgy map and a few heated phone calls later and Stroud were just about ready to start, all bit it 10 minutes late.
This may have looked like the hangover in full effect, however, as soon as Stroud pushed the ball back all that was forgotten.
Stroud opened the game with a period of solid possession, sounding out their opponents and shifting the ball fluidly from flank to flank. 20 minutes in and most of the possession to Stroud the scores were level but it only seemed a matter of time before they chalked one up. The Caerphilly keeper made a couple of good saves to deny Waring from close range and a Pearce flick shot. The opening goal was a flowing move, quick passing in the midfield through Tunney and Mears found Dan Clifford in loads of space at the top of the D. His first time slap-shot just had enough on it to beat the keeper, 1-0 Stroud.
Stroud soon converted their superior possession and pressure with a second. This time Jamie Batten arriving at the far post to tuck away his first goal of 2008. 2-0. Just before half time Stroud managed to put all fears of a hangover repeat well and truly out of mind. Captain Rob Fynn stepped to confidently convert a penalty flick. 3-0 at half time and Stroud in the ascendency.
Second half saw much of the same. Caerphilly struggled to gain any rhythm and despite pushing forward and searching for a way back into the game, keeper Cruickshank was only required to make one save in the whole game. As Caerphilly probed the resolute Stroud back line, (Dove,Fynn, Carlyon and the scruffiest man in hockey, Ram Man) this in turn left space for the Stroud forwards to further exploit. A slick one touch move encompassing the length of the pitch saw Batten coolly slot in his second of the game. 4-0 Stroud.
Stroud saw out the remainder of the game, constantly threatening the Caerphilly back line with their movement and pace up front and frustrating them in the middle with the solid tackling of Waite and Tunney. As confidence grew some nice skills were on show but none of which resulted in any further score. A great win and a good hangover remedy!

Stroud run out of legs after a good start.

8-December-2007 :: Mens 1XI: 2 - 2 :Cardiff Uni B

Omega Sponsored Stroud started the game brightly with good attacking play from the make shift front line of Batten, Van Heerden, and Waring. the students seemed to struggle with the lines of running that the Stroud team where playing. An early penalty corner was won the captain stepped up to strike. A good injection from Clifford enabled Fynn to produce a looping strike that flew past the keeper into the bottom right hand corner.

Just before half time another good break from Stroud enabled Clifford to reverse stick strike at the goal, Van Heerden, appearing in his last game before returning to South Africa, deflected the ball past the stationary keeper.

In the second half Stroud continued to play quick hockey but the lack of substitutes showed and a short corner was dispatched by the students along with another goal 5 minutes before the finish of the game.

The men's firsts remain top of the Severn League 4 points clear of the next team.

Stroud Top at Half Way Point

1-December-2007 :: Mens 1XI: 3 - 2 :Cardiff & Uwic B

Midway through the league season and Stroud Mens 1st XI at sitting at the top of the pile in the Severn Division.

On Saturday Stroud’s fourth win on the bounce insured that they stay top of the league having completed the first half of the league fixtures. Playing at home to a competitive Cardiff and UWIC side Stroud started the brighter of the two sides. Some crisp passing and good movement put Cardiff on the back foot. After a few early chances fell Stroud’s way it wasn’t long before Stroud found themselves in front. Some neat inter passing down the right-hand flank eventually freed Jamie Batten who turned his man and slammed a strong reverse stick ball across the D. The ball was met half volley on the run by striker Alex Waring who rattled the ball home with panache off the underside of the bar. His first time strike drawing cheers of delight from his team mates.

Stroud continued to dominate proceedings in the first half. Man of the match Dan Clifford got an easy tap in to put Stroud 2-0 up, just reward for all his hard efforts. Some more solid passing and movement ensued as Stroud probed for their third. Waring popped up again 5 minutes before half time to oblige; Matt Pearce supplying the pass after a strong run into the D. 3-0 Stroud. Cardiff managed to force a goal back on the stroke of half time which gave them some heart for the second half.

Second half saw Cardiff rally. Playing a stronger more physical game. This lead to some scrappy inter changes for a good period of the half before Cardiff were able to force a second goal after a dominate period of play. Stroud were unable to find the same rhythm that saw them dominate the first period. Stroud suffered an edgy final few minutes as Cardiff pushed for an equaliser. However, this seasons more disciplined and resilient Stroud team were able to hold for a well deserved 3-2 victory.

Norman Man Conquers Wotton

24-November-2007 :: Mens 2XI: 2 - 0 :Wotton-u-Edge A

Omega sponsored Stroud followed up their outstanding performance last week with another solid display at Stratford park on saturday. With a Wotten team bouyed by the return of their strongest players, Stroud needed to start well and they did just that. Ian Gill and Nick Hitchcroft grabbed hold of the midfield supported well by the wide men, Rob Waite and Matt Watts. It was not long before Stroud won their first short corner, which was cleverly put away by man of the match Tim Norman. 1:0 to Stroud and for once the team pushed on and continued to dominate for the rest of the half. Just before the break Norman doubled his tally after a clever deflection wrong footed the Wotten defenders, making it 2:0. At the change around emphasis was put on defensive duties and retaining the ball. Both were carried out effectively with good pressure from Ben Orme helping keep the ball in the oppositions half for as long as possible. The whole of the defence kept chances to a minimum and when called upon, Kev Sinden made some fine saves. Stroud could have extended their lead but it was not to be. This result sees the Stroud team consolidate their position in the top half of the table and with the new league leaders in their sights next week, another good performance will be needed.

Tremendous Performance from the Badgers

24-November-2007 :: Mens 3XI: 4 - 3 :Lansdown

Stroud played probably their finest hockey of the season to date, but gave themselves a mountain to climb as they went 3-0 down within the first 15 minutes. Even these 3 goals were against the run of play. The tremendous fightback was completed with a superb second half performance with the whole team working together. Their use of space, particularly keeping wide in attack, was the most important aspect of this win. Lansdown had won all of the League matches to date, Stroud having won all bar one which was drawn. This was a superb scalp and bodes well for the games against Cirencester on Saturday and North Somerset the following week, before a welcome break for Christmas.

Field day for the Lucys

17-November-2007 :: Ladies 1XI: 2 - 2 :Cirencester

Both teams are tying second place in the league and this was always going to be a fiercely fought match. Cirencester went ahead in the first half with a goal from a short corner, and the Stroud defence had been under relentless pressure all that time.

The second half saw the Stroud team begin to get into its stride and the forwards did well at maximising the relatively few chances that Stroud had to score. Lucy Moir fired home a great strike to equalise for Stroud, then Cirencester pulled ahead again with a strike from a short corner. The Stroud team never gives up and the continued pressure allowed Lucy Frost to power home the equaliser. Fellow forwards Karen Whitehead and Claire Crosthwaite played well in moving the ball into the Cirencester goal area.

Steph Woodward made some excellent tackles and Amy Lloyd-Jones made a crucial save in the dying minutes of the game. Jude Hudson and Sarah Tudor fought hard and ran tirelessly in mid-field to retain possession for Stroud.

Modges Marvels Victorious

17-November-2007 :: Mens 2XI: 1 - 0 :Hereford A

Strouds Jekyll and Hyde season continued on saturday and it was the unfortunate Hereford team that was put to the sword, by the free flowing Modges Marvels. Stroud dominated from the very first moments when good pressure from Ben Orme and Paul Ratcliffe forced the Hereford defence into giving the ball away. Rich Cartmell then boosted his growing reputation by demanding the ball before cooly slotting it home, sixty seconds gone and Stroud were one goal to the good. The league leaders had no responce and with the midfield of Rich/Reg/Ronald Gealer and Nick Hitchcroft running the middle of the park, it was only a matter of time before numerous more chances were created. Unfortunately there was no further score in the first half though, which was the only dissapointment from the whole game.

The second half saw Hereford stage a galant fightback, however it was to no avail. Graham Morris, Andy Murray and Rob Sharman all defended impecably and with good tracking back from Rob Waite, Sam Gilbert in goal was just left to clear up the odd loose ball. Hereford had no answer to Strouds spirit and with captain Richard McColl finally playing to a half decent standard they can expect more good results to come their way. An amazing team perfomance all round.

Badgers Leave it Late

17-November-2007 :: Mens 3XI: 3 - 3 :Yate

Stroud Badgers were fortunate to go a goal up early on when a fine pass found Fin Dixon in the perfect position near the far post to flick the ball home. This boost was needed as they found it difficult to gain a firm foothold on the game, despite Joe Jarman’s strength in midfield. The lack of width and shape allowed Yate to apply pressure and this duly resulted in an equaliser. Half time was a welcome respite for Stroud and should have given them a wake-up call, but the second period saw Yate again in the ascendance. The visitors wanted the match more than Stroud and this lack or pace and urgency played into Yate’s hands as they scored twice without reply. A slight shift in positions with 15 minutes to go offered Stroud a life-line and they began to show more desire and kept the ball wider. Dominic Creech worked hard up front and Ed McCollum supported well up the right flank without forgetting his defensive duties. Calum Norman made a great impact down the right and his determination and skill set up the tireless Zac Lees for Stroud’s second. Less than 5 minutes later, another surging attack gave Lees his second. Time ran out with Stroud in command but this fine 15 minute end to the match was too late in the day to seal victory in an entertaining game for the onlookers.

Lansdown 2 Stroud 4

17-November-2007 :: Mens 1XI: 4 - 2 :Lansdown A

Omega sponsored Stroud Mens 1st XI played away at local rivals Lansdown on Saturday. Looking for a win to maintain their position at the top of the Severn Division.

Stroud started well playing disciplined hockey, defending from the front. Despite dominating the early exchanges Stroud fell behind to Lansdown's first attack of the game; keeper Cruikshank making two fine saves before the Lansdown forward put in the rebound. Stroud quickly regrouped and began to exert more pressure on the Lansdown goal. Clifford won a short corner, with good skills down the right hand side, which skipper Rob Fynn duly dispatched to level the score. Dan Clifford was soon back in the action, meeting a pinpoint Liam Tunney pass in the D and deflecting into the bottom right hand corner of the Lansdown goal. A fine finish to a great Stroud move. Lansdown stuck to their task though and managed to force an equaliser just before the half time break.

Stroud started the second half confidant that they would be able to convert their superior possesion into more goals. With tireless running upfront from forwards Waring, Batten and Clifford Stroud's midfield duo of Tunney and Mears were able to dominate the second period. This enabled the creative passing of Matt Pearce to come to the fore. A defence splitting long pass from Pearce was deftley touched passed the Lansdown keeper by Alex Waring to put Stroud back in front. As Stroud's confidence grew their flowing hockey began to open up the Lansdon defence time after time. A great passsing move was met in the D by right back Van der Heerden whose chip shot skimmed the top of the bar. Van der Heerden atoned for his miss a few minutes later by touching in a Matt Waite short corner at the back post.

In the last 10 minutes Lansdown found it hard to get hold of the ball and the Stroud defence found themselves with relatively little to do. Stroud frustrated their opposition and closed the game out for a good away win.

Man of the Match Dan Clifford.

A good performance by the league leaders

10-November-2007 :: Mens 1XI: 2 - 1 :Cardiff Uni A

Stroud rally together after the losses of the two previous weeks to win and go top of their league again.

This was always going to be a tough game with the students playing a open and expansive style of hockey. Stroud started the game under pressure from some good build up play and weathered the early storm. The forwards of Waring, Clifford, Batten and Shipp work tirelessly to give Stroud a foothold in the game. This came from the award of a short corner which Fynn slotted home. The students got back on level pegging before the first half was over with a well taken deflection goal.

The second half started brightly with the midfield pressure of Tunney paying off when Waring stole the ball from a free hit, rounded the first defender, then the keeper and slotted the ball home. The rest of the half saw tense struggle of two very well match sides, excellent saves by Cruickshank in goal helped to keep Stroud in the game and to go top of the league.

Next week is an away game to old foes Lansdown.

Another frustating loss

3-November-2007 :: Mens 1XI: 2 - 3 :Whitchurch C

Stroud Travelled to Whitchurch expecting a tough game. With Whitchurch 1st team being in the National league playing their 4ths is no easy prospect. The Whitchurch team was full of ex 1st team players with bags full of experience.



The first half started very competitively with Stroud weathering some goods attacks and eventually breaking the deadlock with a short corner strike from Fynn. Stroud continued to press and opened up the whitchurch defence again when a ball from Shipp found Clifford who took the ball round the keeper and put the ball in the net.



Just before the end of the first half whitchurch got a goal that lifted their spirits for the second half. In the second half stroud had plenty of pressure that they just couldn't convert. Unfortunately whitchurch didn't have the same problem and converted their chances to take the game. Stroud remain in the top 4 two points from the top and with a crucial home game against Cardiff uni next weekend.

Comprehensive Win

3-November-2007 :: Mens 2XI: 4 - 1 :Cleevillians

A 15-minute period in the first half was all it took to secure victory for Stroud in this League encounter. They had a dire 10 minutes to begin with, however, and could easily have given away a goal, but they clicked into gear with Andy Hines smartly-taken free hit on the edge of the D met by Tim Norman to tuck under his arm into the goal. Old habits die hard. This provided the inspiration for the home side to power forward. Ian Gill and Nick Hitchcroft added extra weight in midfield and a few minutes later a short corner was converted by Rich McColl. Rob Waite’s interplay with Norman down the right led to Stroud’s second, Rich Cartmell perfectly positioned on the far post to receive the cross. It was pretty much all Stroud and a text book move saw a neat pull-back from the line, but the resultant shot then fell to Norman. He flicked another rebound over the keeper for Stroud’s fourth.

The second half should have seen Stroud extend their lead but only after they let Cleevillians in within 30 seconds to pull a goal back. Stroud then put on the pressure but failed to capitalise on it. Defensively, Stroud had no worries, with solid performances from Rob Sharman, Andy Murray and McColl, in particular. Such a strong foundation meant that attacks could be built left and right. The space the home side created was of Grand Canyon proportions at times and although under no real threat, should still have wrapped up the game with more goals.

Hines won man-of-the-match, having shown great skill and persistence. This was a fitting end as he will be leaving for the USA and will not play for the rest of this season.

Bad loss for Stroud

27-October-2007 :: Mens 1XI: 1 - 2 :Bridgend A

Unfortunately Stroud took this game by the horns but the teams finishing skills where not on form. 80% possesion but not enough goals. A learning experience!!! Highlight of the day was Batten's tight finish flick high into the goal from a tight angle from the left hand side.

Control but not enough Goals

20-October-2007 :: Mens 2XI: 1 - 2 :Lydney A

Not even the brilliant early autumn sunshine could inspire Stroud enough to secure victory on Saturday. They took very little time to slip into attacking mode and the team’s shape was good. Slick moves, particularly down the right involving Rich Gealer and Ian Gill put Lydney under pressure. Andy Hines looked confident in midfield and a solid defence gave Stroud a sound platform. Unfortunately for Stroud, several missed opportunities, after some class interplay, cost them dearly. Lydney had little sight of goal in the first half but somehow managed to convert virtually their only chance of the half and the home side found themselves one down at the break.

More pressure from Stroud was the main feature of the second half. Some lovely passing produced some more good chances, but it was Lydney who were fortunate to get a second as the ball somehow ricocheted into Stroud’s goal. Given the dominance of Stroud, it was almost inconceivable that they would be chasing 2 goals, but they eventually pulled one back when Hines pass was tucked into the corner by Tim Norman. Sustained effort gave Stroud chances for an equaliser and in the dying moments another slick move with Norman’s pass finding Rich Cartmell in a fine position. He crossed to Rich McColl who appeared to be fouled as he attempted to put the ball into an open goal and with nothing given, the game ended with an undeserved defeat for Stroud. They played the better hockey and created chances but failure to take those opportunities let them down.

Stroud are 5 and 0

20-October-2007 :: Mens 1XI: 1 - 0 :Neath

Stroud had there longest journey of the season away to Neath. This was there bogey side of the last few season so nerves where on edge. The game started as expected with Stroud looking dominate but nervy. The forward line of Waring, Batten, Shipp and Clifford work tireless trying to break down a very solid Neath defence. Neath packed out the defence with 10 bodies which made it very difficult to break down on all but the quickest of counter attacks. The game was still at a stale mate after 55 minutes of play, this was the point where Stroud game plan changes to three touch hockey.

Immediately the pace of the team opened up Neath with a chance falling to Waring. 3 minutes later a quick counter attack move from the right back put thoughClifford who feed the ball into Shipp in the D for a classy finish.

Next week see second place Bridgend travel to Stroud to try and break down the 5 match winning streak

Seconds Click up the Gears

13-October-2007 :: Mens 2XI: 4 - 1 :Gloucester City C

Omega-sponsored Stroud seemed to have clicked into gear as they put paid to Gloucester on Saturday. A bright opening period saw them apply pressure to Gloucester’s defence but it was a while before they made the all-important breakthrough. Experienced Reg Gealer, Nick Hitchcroft and Andy Hines gave Stroud a sound footing in the midfield area and a young Rich Cartmell sprung up and down the right wing, linking well with Tim Norman. Ben Orme went close as Stroud proved attacks could come from anywhere. A flicked shot following a short corner was deemed goal-bound and Hines despatched the resultant penalty flick coolly. Knowing that a single slip could end in disaster, Stroud’s defence endeavoured to devour Gloucester’s attempts. Mike Hallett had another strong game, partnering captain Rich McColl’s solid presence. Andy Murray continued to show his enforced switch to defensive duties could be an inspired one, looking strong at right back.

A one-goal advantage at the break was not really enough and Stroud needed a cushion. With Orme and Norman running Gloucester ragged, several short corners were won. Hines put one of these away to ease the pressure. Shortly afterwards, a classic move saw Cartmell hit the back line and slip the ball across the face of goal to an unmarked Paul Ratcliffe who deservedly netted Stroud’s third. It was really game over, but Stroud still managed to extend the lead when Orme’s reverse stick pass almost mirrored the previous goal and Cartmell scored from a narrow angle. Gloucester were playing for pride and a relatively untroubled Sam Gilbert was finally beaten in the closing moments. This was a real team performance and Stroud were well worth their win and look forward to a home game next weekend.

Badgers Win Again

13-October-2007 :: Mens 3XI: 1 - 0 :Wotton-under-Edge

Goalscorer: Dominic Creech

Stroud Badgers continued their winning streak with a deserved victory over a tough Wotton side, Dominic Creech scoring the only goal of the match in the second half.

A stuttering win but ne none the less

13-October-2007 :: Mens 1XI: 5 - 3 :Gloucester City B

Stroud struggled to get there heads in gear on the muggy Saturday afternoon. A solo run from Steve Shipp created space at the top of the D and threaded the shot passed the keeper. Further goals from Alex WAring (2), Jamie Batten and Matt Pearce scured the gam in what look like a very unconvincing performance from the league leaders. A better performance will be required this weekend against tough opposition Neath.

Second Win of the Weekend

7-October-2007 :: Mens 1XI: 3 - 0 :Cardiff Uni B

The second game of the weekend brought another good defensive performance from the Men's 1st. This time spearheaded by the forward lines retention of possession. The first half started nervously with a fit university side playing the ball nicely round the pitch. The deadlock was broken when a penalty corner was won and Mears scored from a straight strike at goal. Although Stroud continued to battle they couldn't get another goal before the break. After the break Stroud came out and played their best half of hockey this season. The lines of running and ball retention of Shipp, Batten, Clifford and Waring was superb and their constant pressure brought another short corner which Matt Waite drag flicked low though the keepers legs. The final goal of the game came from a series of eight short quick passes to work the ball into and around the right hand side of the D where Liam Tunney calmly put the ball passed the keeper, a fantastic team goal.

Stroud keep a clean sheet

6-October-2007 :: Mens 1XI: 4 - 0 :Cheltenham B

Stroud waited until the England rugby had finished to start their game. They came out fired up and put on a good performance of their own. The first goal came from Waring getting on the end of a hard ball into the D from Fynn and deflected it into the goal. The midfields passing continued to control the game for Stroud and brought another penalty corner. A reverse stick strike from Fynn put the ball in the back of the net to make it 0-2. Into the second half and the third goal came from a bit of magic from Waring who spun his defender then struck the ball deftly passed the planted keeper. With the game opening up fynn put a ball to Pearce playing on the right wing who sprinted all the way into the D with the ball and finished off his run with a diving shot to put the ball in the net. The defence of Pickard, Waite and Carlyon played fantastically in keeping some very skilled attackers at bay. Hermes Carlyon picked up man of the match for his superb efforts.

Stuttering Start for Mens 2nd XI

29-September-2007 :: Mens 2XI: 1 - 2 :Leominster A

Omega-sponsored Stroud suffered a second consecutive League defeat, despite an improved performance away to Leominster. Another slow start saw their opponents take a 5th minute lead which immediately put Stroud firmly on the back foot. Tim Norman and Ben Orme, however, spearheaded Stroud’s recovery and the high work-rate of the entire team saw them take control of the match. Inexplicably, Stroud failed to score more than a solitary goal, this coming from man-of-the-match Orme who pounced on a short corner save to convert with a reverse-stick strike. Stroud continued to apply pressure but Leominster scored another against the run of play. A dozen short corners must have been earned but Stroud failed to score from them. Mike Hallett did a good job in defence and there were some sparks of inspiration, Rich Cartmell and Paul Ratcliffe producing some nice interplay down the left. Ultimately, a lack of cohesion between the different parts of the team left Stroud the also-rans but there are signs that the tide will turn. It is still early days but winning ways must start soon.

Badger Beating - Young Guns Go for It

29-September-2007 :: Mens 3XI: 3 - 0 :Cheltenham

Goalscorers: Calum Norman (2), Zac Lees

Chalford Building Supplies sponsored Stroud Badgers produced another solid and controlled performance, winning the 2nd League game of the season. In a match that highlighted good use of space and a desire to play entertaining hockey shown by both sides, Stroud soon got the better of Cheltenham. A goal-hungry Zac Lees opened the scoring and Stroud’s use of both flanks saw Cheltenham stretched to the limits. Victory never looked in doubt and all of Stroud’s players worked hard to keep control. Nick Sen and Joe Jarman were particularly strong in the midfield. Calum Norman’s excellent work on the right wing was rewarded with a goal midway through the first half and good positioning in the D gave him his 2nd of the match shortly before half time, following a good through pass from Lees. Although Stroud failed to extend their lead in the second half, they did more than enough to warrant victory. Fin Dixon looked sharp on the left and was well-supported by Ed McCollum at left back. Stroud continued to create chances but Cheltenham somehow managed to thwart these efforts. This was a comprehensive victory for Stroud , richly deserved and played in the right spirit throughout.

Fine Start to the Season

29-September-2007 :: Mens 1XI: 4 - 0 :Llan. & Caerphilly

Stroud started their league season in impressive style. The forward line of Shipp, Batten, Waring and Clifford spearheaded the defensive performance which saw Stroud shut out the opposition. The organisation and work rate from the was a big leap from the disappointment of last season. The first half break through came from a short corner strike from Brad Mears. The second goal came 30 seconds before the break by Fynn off another short corner. After the half time break Stroud resumed there strong defensive play with Pickard and Carlyon. This set the grounding for Stroud's new South African Kyle Van Heerden to take the keeper on, the keeper made a save but turned round and put the ball in the back of the net. The final goal came at the end of a flowing passing move that saw Alex Waring's deflection shot pass the keeper in to the left hand corner of the gaol, the move was straight of the training ground. Next week see a double header, away on Saturday to Cheltenham and away again on Sunday to Cardiff Uni.

Golden Goal Defeat for Stroud

23-September-2007 :: Mens 1XI: 2 - 3 :Wimborne Wayfarers

Stroud travelled to Dorset on Sunday, and unveiled their new playing kit sponsored by the Omega Group. They were playing the Wimborne Wayfarers in the first round of the Hockey Association knockout competition.

The game started with Wimborne having the upper hand. Stroud seemed to struggle to get the heads in gear after the long drive. The defensive team of Simon Pickard and Matthew Waite worked tirelessly to keep the Wimborne forward line at bay. However the forwards still managed to get some quality shots away in the direction of the goal. With the 1st team keeper Injured Sam Gilbert step in and showed why he was in the County set up at the U17 level. Sam looked cool and calm when making save after save to keep Stroud in the game.

Stroud welcomed back the newly wed Matthew Pearce to the side and with Liam Tunney and Brad Mears the midfield Trio has the legs to run any team off the park. The latter part of the first half saw Stroud beginning to keep hold of the ball and string some passes together. This pressure enabled Stroud to have a couple of forays into the Oppositions D. With 30 seconds to go before the half time hotter Wimborne broke down the right hand side and with some skill beat the defenders. The ball was put across the the left hand post where a quality finish to the left hand bottom corner beat the keeper.

Stroud came out to the second half with a greater confidence in their stride and the forward line of Waring, Shipp and Batten exploited the width of the pitch that had eluded the side in the first half. Some flowing passing moves saw shots from Waring and Batten being saved by the keeper. A shot corner was then awarded and Matthew Waite stepped up and slotted the ball in the bottom left hand corner with a perfectly executed drag flick. The belief was now in the Stroud side and with Hines rolling back the years and playing at right back the sides shape seemed to be working perfectly. Stroud were commanding the possession and creating chance after chance. The next short corner that was awarded was injected to the top of the D where Mears was waiting to stroke the ball passed the keeper, once again shaving the left hand post. Stroud where now up 2-1 with 5 minutes to go. The ball was unfortunately lost with 30 second to go and Wimborne earned a penalty corner. Their striker side stepped the on rushing Waite and slotted the ball into the goal. Extra time, Golden goal now loomed.

The extra time started and almost immediately a short corner was awarded against Stroud. In a Carbon copy of his last goal the Wimborne striker finished the game. This was an unfortunate end to what had been a good, competitive fixture between the two clubs. The umpires both deserve a mention for their efforts in making the tie an enjoyable occasion. Best of Luck to Wimborne in the next round.