Weekend Review 24/25 October 2009

A big double header weekend for the Ladies 1s turned out to be a resounding success.  Hosting Olton and  at the LaneWest Warwicks on Saturday at the Lane, the Blues won 3-1 to leapfrog the visitors into 2nd place chasing undefeated Leicester. Laura Puddle, Alex Danson and Kate Walsh all scored.   On Sunday Old Loughtonians were the visitors in the 2nd round of the cup but the left having been beaten 8-1 by last year’s silver medallists. Laura Puddle was again influential with an assist and a goal to open up Reading’s lead.  Emma Lee-Smith also got a taste for goal with a couple for the defender.  The next round is on 15th November.  The Ladies have a league break this weekend and will then be on the road for two weeks up to face the two North Western teams (Brooklands Poynton and Bowdown Hightown) on successive weekends, returning to league action at the Lane on 22nd November.

The Men travelled to old rivals Cannock on Saturday but the Midlanders, going through a transition, were no match for the Blues who came out 6-2 on top.  Reading scored twice in the first 6 minutes to put themselves in control of the game throughout.  The goals were evenly spread with Jonty Clarke getting a brace.  Surbiton remain in the top spot but Reading have a game in hand and a better goal difference.  The Men are also on the road this weekend with a league and cup double header.  They head to Nottingham on Saturday to face Beeston in the EHL and then to Southgate on Sunday in the cup.

The Mens 2s had a frustrating day at Southgate, dominating for most of the game but coming out 0-1 losers after failing to convert their pressure into goals (must be Tottenham fans) and getting punished for it. They remain mid-table in London League Prem.  The Ladies 1As got back to winning ways with a 3-2 defeat of second placed Oxford Hawks.  A good first half performance set up their win.

The Mens 2As also faced Southgate but did better than the 2s, winning 6-0, but the Mens 3s lost at home to the same opposition 3-4.  The post-match discussion in the bar after the game suggested that Tino’s tackling may have had something to do with it but I’m not going to provoke him any more by mentioning it…

The Rustlers were 5-2 winners and the Vets were 7-1 winners over Winchester.  The younger sides couldn’t match this example with Rascals drawing 3-3 against Southgate and the Refills losing to Tulse Hill and Dulwich.  The Rovers drew 2-2 with Hampstead and Westminster Spaniards.

Most of the lower Ladies sides had a break from league action this weekend due to half term.

With the Ladies 1s on a league break and the Mens 1s away then it’s a feast of Reading vs Hampstead and Westminster London League action at the Lane this weekend with the Mens 2s, 2As, Refills and Rustlers all in action.  with 4 games on at the uni as well there’s a massive choice of hockey action around Reading this coming weekend.

Sonning Lane Saturday 31 October

10:30 Ladies 3As vs Amersham and Chalfont 3s
12:00 Mens 2s vs Hampstead and Westminster 2s
13:30 Mens 2As vs Hampstead and Westminster 3s
15:00 Refills vs Hampstead and Westminster 5s
16:30 Rascals vs Southgate Mens 5s

Reading University Saturday 31 October

10:30 Ladies 1As vs Maidenhead 1s
12:00 Ladies 2As v Marlow 1s
13:30 Renegades v Blackheath Heathens
15:00 Retros vs Weymouth 3s

Finally the November Army social has been moved to 28th November from the 21st November.