Last Wednesday BUCS Results

Ladies 1st XI: Lost 3-1 Against Leeds Met 1sts
Ladies 2nd XI: Won 2-1 Against Cambridge 1s
Ladies 3rd XI: Lost 6-0 Against Loughborough 2s
Ladies 4th XI: Won 3-0 Against Loughborough 4s
Mens 1st XI: Won 3-0 Against Loughborough 1sts
Mens 2nd XI: Won 5-2 Against Loughborough 2nds
Mens 3rd XI: Won 4-1 Against Loughborough 3s
Mens 4th XI: Drew 0-0 Against Oxford Brookes 2s

Men's 1st's Quarter Season Report

After a hard and very productive preseason that included many practice matches against some tough opposition, a trip to the exotic location of Gibraltar and a team building camp in the Shropshire countryside the Mens 1st XI went into the first England Hockey League (EHL) game of the season full of confidence that all had been done to ensure the team was in the best shape possible to kick off the season with a positive result against EHL newcomers Lichfield.

EHL Lichfield (A) September 18th - 3-1 Loss
The dream start to the season didn’t go quite as planned as Lichfield raced into a 3-0 lead within the first 20 minutes of the game. This kick started UOBHC Mens 1st XI into action but it was too little too late. Despite playing some good hockey and dominating the rest of the game, producing penalty corner after penalty corner and controlling possession for nearly all of the 2nd half it was just one of those days that the ball wouldn’t end up in the back of the net. Despite the loss, the way in which the team played was promising but the overall feeling was one of disappointment about what could have been, with the final score ending up 3-1, with Sam Hiscock grabbing a consolation goal to open his account for the season.

EHL Bournville (H) September 24th – 3-1 win This team was back on track after the previous weeks disappointment, after what was a scrappy game played on the Bournbrook pitches. The hockey played wasn’t quite to the standard of the previous week in terms of the process but none the less, 3 points to show for it with the opportunity to build upon the win in coming weeks. Goals coming from Sam Hiscock and a brace from penalty corners from England u21 captain Pete Jackson.

EHL Fareham (A) October 1st 2-3 win
After a long trip to the south coast and with temperatures rivalling the pre-season trip to Gibraltar, the away side managed to grind out a hard fought result with goals from Chris Rawlings, Peter Jackson and Cambodian born Michael Penny in what turned out to be a rather hot headed affair towards the end which ended up with Tom Sibley going off injured and narrowly avoiding a trip to the local A&E. This result showed how far the team had come with the ability to not necessarily play the best hockey at times but still come out with the 3 points.

EHL Guilford (H) October 8th 2-0 win
A third win on the bounce against seasoned national league performers Guilford was inspired by 2 Peter Jackson penalty corners either side of the break . Securing the team’s third victory in a row and cementing our place at the top of the league.

EHL Cardiff & UWIC (A) October 16th 1-2 win
The first of two consecutive away trips to Cardiff to a pitch where in previous years it has been tricky to pick up points. Despite a few late scares the away team managed to leave with the spoils against a newly promoted Cardiff team. A double from Sam Hiscock before half time, which included a very well worked team effort put the away side 2-0 up at half time. Despite having the majority of the play the team managed to find themselves down to 9 men for the last 10 minutes after some controversial, umpiring decisions. Despite this the team managed to hold on to the lead conceding once in that time period, with Pete Jackson relieving pressure well at the back to hold on for a well-deserved victory.

BUCS Sheffield Hallam (H) October 19th 3-2 win
With the first BUCS game of the season 3 points were gladly received. With the home side controlling the early exchanges but allowing Hallam back into the game in the second half, which made for a nervy last quarter.

EHL Whitchucrch (A) October 22nd 1-3 win
The second weekend away in Cardiff provided another good performance. Whitchurch took the lead through a penalty corner, only for it to be cancelled out by two quick goals before half time, from England u21 pair, Peter Jackson and Ben Stoney. The points were assured in the last ten minutes with a slick corner routine neatly finished by Ben Stoney. This meant with no EHL fixture for a fortnight UOBHC Mens 1st XI sit 2 points clear at the top of the table after 5 wins out of 6.

BUCS Nottingham Trent (H) October 26th 2-2
After taking a 2-0 lead into half time the team would have expected to close out the game which was unfortunately not to be, which left everyone with a feeling of two points lost rather than one gained.

BUCS Nottingham Uni (H) November 2nd 2-6 loss
In a game that was played at a very high pace and intensity, with UOBHC Mens 1st XI coming out second best. It took a while to get into the game with Nottingham enjoying the better of the first 15 mins. Despite this a goal against the run of play showed what could be done when they strung together a few nice phases sticking to their principals to go 1-0 up. Unfortunately 3 soft goals were conceded in quick succession, with 1 reply before half time leaving the score at 3-2 to the visitors. In the second half Nottingham were clinical when they got into the D and made the most of their penalty corners. A game in which the home side arguably played the better hockey, but lacked the end product.

Overall a very encouraging start to the season especially in the EHL, but definite room for improvement starting with a home game against Cheltenham, 12:30 Sunday 6th November.

Training for all UOBHC Teams Commences as new season draws close

With freshers week fast approaching players return to the university for some pre season training on the Bournbrook pitches.

Men's Gibraltar Preseason Camp August 29th – September 2nd

For a preseason Camp the mens travelled to Gibraltar to play matches agains both local club sides and the Gibraltar national side. The camp lasted for 4 days and envolved S&C sessions, Video analysis and squad games. The tour was funded individually by the players and subsadised by the Guild of students. A good turn out from players from all teams in the Mens side of the club resulted in a sucessful enjoyable tour, Below is a report from Paddy McDowell on the few days.


Sunday August 28th
Due to the inhumane time of our flight the next morning the team met at Alderly Edge Cricket club for a meal kindly organised by Sibers. It was an opportunity to catch up on the summers events and also introductions for the 'pre fresh' such as myself. The hospitality of chateau Sibley and Jackson were kindly received, unlike Sykesy insisting on watching 'The Toon' on MOTD, letvs just say it wasn't the first match on!

Monday August 29th
After a very early start we arrived in Gibraltar to be greeted by...rain!! After settling into our hotel and grabbing a bite to eat our first S&C session with Darran 'don't worry it'll only be a light session' Fowler began. So after kicking 4 small Gibraltarian kids off the basketball court we started our S&C session which consisted of various suspect partner exercises as well as using glorified rubber bands for movements otherwise unseen/unused my man kind… In all seriousness a good introduction of what was to come.

Tuesday August 30th
Another early start and 3 X 30 min practice games in the Gibraltarian heat just to start the day followed by a speed session led by Darran. Then later in the evening, a game against the Gibraltar national team. The game finished 4-3 to Gibraltar despite the score line a respectful performance, with so many players to fit in and many new faces in the UoB line up. The highlight of the game, a wonder goal by Geoff Purnell! A reverse stick strike into the roof of the net, a strike that by all accounts he's never hit before, or will never do so again.

Wednesday August 31st
Morning session consisted of 'active recovery' before the dreaded 30/30 test and an intense training session. A video analysis session of the game the previous day as well as preparation for the 2 games later. In the evening the squad was split into 2 teams, primarily 'newbies 'and the 'old heads' to play the Eagles HC and Grammarians HC. The games finishing 3-4 and 11-5 respectively, a special mention must go to Banders for his master class in goal scoring, bagging himself 4 goals and also Stotty for his back stick disallowed goal from all of millimetres!! After another steal of a deal on dinner from Mr Norman Stott, carbo loading commenced!! The tunnel bar wasn't quite sure what had hit it with some let's say enthusiastic karaoke performances. Special mention to Marsh, carried home by the 'pre fresh' !!

Thursday September 1st

Breakfast came around far too quickly as did the robustness session on the beach. Afternoon meant it was time for our group presentations which provoked some valuable discussion and helped those who had forgotten never listened before or were new, to pick up some of the more tactical side of the game so that we’re all singing off the same hymn sheet. Talking about singing off the same hymn sheet, that's exactly what team, Merchant, McDowell, Martin and Sibley were doing as we were unrivalled champions of Mr Norman Stotts quiz, all be it, if I'm told correctly, slightly more tailored towards the SPECS end of the market this year. Quiz over and off to dinner the 'pre fresh' donned in all expenses spared dress and blouse combination, cue some interesting looks from the locals!

Friday September 2nd
Flight home to Manchester after a very enjoyable but hard trip, with some of us playing the next day against Barford Tigers not much time for rest. Thanks to Steve, Norman and Darran for a good trip and to the rest of the squad for welcoming the 'pre fresh' to UOBHC.

Remember fellas, Keep long and strong, long and strong