(Founded 1902)
Hailsham Hockey Club |
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(Founded 1902) |
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Hailsham Under 11s travelled to Woking on Sunday 17th April to represent Sussex in the South Regional Hockey Finals.
The team had been placed in their pool group alongside much larger clubs - Reading, Oxford Hawks and Bromley, and had to play for the top 2 positions to make it to the semi finals.
In their opening game, they played Reading. A little unsure of the quality of the opposition, Hailsham were a bit hesitant, but picked up pace as the game went on. Chances fell to Sam Headey, Matt Hickman and Alex Smith, but they were unable to capitalise in these early nervy stages of the tournament.
Reading were unable to penetrate the Hailsham defence at all, with Ben Higgs, Ashley Baldwin and William Furlong making sure they had no shots at keeper Ben Pratt. The game ended goalless, but Hailsham had their first point on the board.
In the second game, Hailsham played Oxford Hawks.
With style and skill they took the game to Oxford. Matt Hickman opened the scoring after Headeys cross from the right found him in space to slot the ball home.
The second goal came when Hailsham earned a penalty stroke which Alex Smith dispatched with great skill to the keepers bottom left hand corner of the goal to make the score 2-0 at half time.
The 3rd was a well fought for goal finished by Wig Lewington-Booth after he persevered following a short corner rebound which gave Hailsham a 3-0 lead.
Hailsham reshuffled the pack to let youngsters Luke Hayes and Josh Headey play to rest the older boys, but soon found the switch working against them as Hawks capitalised with 2 late goals. Hailsham still walked away 3-2 winners and looked poised for a semi-final place.
In their pool final game, Hailsham face Bromley. A win guaranteed top spot in the pool group, but Bromley were also chasing a semi-final place.
Hailsham soaked up the early pressure, with Ben Higgs, Ashley Baldwin and William Furlong defending their goal with guts and determination. Furlong dived full length on more than one occasion to stop an on coming player. But, on the break Hailsham were devastating with Sam Headey and Alex Smith attacking down the flanks causing havoc. On one such run Headey ripped through the Bromley midfield and defence to shoot and smacked the ball into the backboards for a 1-0 lead.
Then, Headey made an almost identical run but this time crossed for Matt Hickman to slot the ball home for the second goal, leaving Bromley almost stunned to silence.
Bromley were not prepared to lay down and die and soon fought back to get a goal with a strong shot from the top of the D beating Ben Pratt for once.
Hailsham then scored a third after pressure in the D from Matt Hickman resulted in the ball breaking for Headey to fire the ball high into the goal. The goal was awarded but the other umpire spotted an infringement and the goal was then over ruled.
With seconds to go, Bromley mounted a final attack, and a sweetly struck ball was goal bound as the final whistle was blown. A disgruntled Bromley left the pitch having lost 2-1 giving Hailsham the top spot in their group and a semi-final place.
Hailsham faced Marlow the runners up from the other pool in the semi-final.
The game was furious from the outset, and a very strong Marlow team piled the pressure on the tired Hailsham boys.
Ben Pratt made some excellent saves from very hard hit shots, and Furlong, Higgs and Baldwin worked incredibly hard to keep the Marlow forwards out of the D. But, a lapse in concentration resulted in the Hailsham defence being drawn to the ball and a Marlow player was left unmarked in the D to receive a sweetly struck pass, and he calmly slotted the ball home.
Hailsham fought hard to recover, with Hickman and Headey causing problems for Marlow, but the goal eluded them and Hailsham's Regional Final dreams came to an end.
Hailsham again faced Bromley in the 3rd/4th place play-off, and in the afternoon heat, they played out a goalless draw. Ben Pratt made some superb saves to keep Hailsham in the game, and again Headey and Hickman came close at the other end.
The net result was Hailsham finishing joint third in the Region, a superb performance for a such a small club against such large club opponents.
Squad: Ben Pratt (GK), Sam Headey (capt), Matt Hickman, Ben Higgs, Alex Smith, Wig Lewington-Booth, Josh Headey, Luke Hayes, Ashley Baldwin, William Furlong.
Mention must also go to Dom Trainor who played in the County Finals to help Hailsham get to this stage, but was unavailable to play the Regional Finals, and Luke Hayes and Josh Headey who acted as substitutes for the day.
Hailsham Under 11 mini hockey team took part in the inaugural Sussex Active Sports competition at Sussex University on Sunday 3rd April.
In their first game Matt Hickman and Alex Smith were on target to beat Eastbourne 2-0. This was immediately followed by a 5-0 victory over Horsham when Sam Headey, Ben Higgs, Luke Hayes and Alex Smith (2) were on target.
After a brief break, Hailsham took on Saxons and gained a 4-0 victory with goals from Hickman, Headey and 2 more from Smith. The final opposition was Lewes, and Headey, Smith and Hayes were on target again for a 3-0 win.
The highlight of the day was the confident possession hockey and passing play from the Hailsham side. The goals were shared amongst a team working together to create the chances. Ben Higgs controlled the midfield spreading the ball to the ever dangerous Matt Hickman, or wide to Alex Smith or Sam Headey whose flanking runs troubled every team they played.
Josh Headey and Luke Hayes the 2 young substitutes were very impressive when called upon, slotting into their designated roles with confidence to allow their team mates a rest from play.
At the back, William Furlong and Ashley Baldwin were solid stopping the majority of attacks before danger occurred. Ben Pratt in goal when called upon was strong and determined, and kept another set of clean sheets following on from the County mini-hockey finals.
Squad: Ashley Baldwin, Ben Pratt (GK), Ben Higgs, Luke Hayes, Matt Hickman, Alex Smith, William Furlong, Josh Headey, Sam Headey (capt).
Hailsham for the first time in their history have won the Under 11 mini hockey county championships.
Played in bitterly cold condition at Beresford House on Sunday 06th March, Hailsham opened the day with a 1-0 victory over Eastbourne. The goal came from Matt Hickman.
In their second game 2 goals from Hickman, one from Alex Smith and one from Sam Headey saw them win 4-0 against Chichester.
The final pitted them against Horsham who had previously won 7-0 and 6-0. But Hailsham, undeterred stuck to their task and battled from the outset. A superb hat-trick from Matt Hickman and a penalty stroke from Sam Headey gave them a 4-0 victory.
The team did not concede a goal all day, and this was largely due to Ben Pratt in goal, Ashley Baldwin and William Furlong in defence who stuck rigidly to their duties.
Ben Higgs in the midfield was awesome, covering the whole width of the pitch in determined fashion, and Alex Smith, Dom Trainor and Sam Headey battled tirelessly throughout to help Hailsham lift the trophy. Josh Headey made up the final subs position, coming on up front to allow Hickman to have rest breaks.
Squad: Pen Pratt (GK), Ashley Baldwin, William Furlong, Sam Headey, Ben Higgs, Josh Headey, Alex Smith, Dom Trainor, Matthew Hickman.
In a very enjoyable morning of hockey hosted by Eastbourne, Hailsham Under 11s and Under 13s played against Eastbourne and South Saxons.
With both teams playing each other twice, the teams had 4 * 12 minute games to compete in.
The under 11s lost 1-0 to Saxons, then beat them 2-1 in the return match, and drew 0-0 twice with Eastbourne. Josh Headey scored scored both goals for Hailsham.
The under 13s won 1-0 against Eastbourne and Saxons in the first 2 games, and then drew 1-1 with both teams in the second to games to win their age group. All goals were courtesy of Matt Hickman.
U 11 Squad: Ben Pratt (GK), Nick Toomey, Ashley Baldwin, Michael Toomey, Alex Smith, Josh Headey, Stephen Archer
U 13 Squad: Alice Climpson (GK), Ben Higgs, Scott Collier, Alex Baxter, Jessica Winter, Millie Hall, Mat Hickan, Dan Channing
Hailsham under 11s reigned supreme at this years Horsham Under 11 Frank Farrell Cup.
Playing their opening game against East Grinstead, Hailsham struggled to find the net despite numerous efforts from Matt Hickman and Alex Smith. Eventually a cross from Hickman found Smith on the back post who scored the winning goal.
In the second game against Brighton, Hailsham quickly found themselves 2 nil up after goals from Hickman and Ben Higgs. Despite coming close on several further occasions they were unable to add to their tally.
In their third game Hailsham were pitched against hosts Horsham who had started strongly. Stirling defensive work by Ashley Baldwin and Nick Toomey, ably assisted by 'keeper Ben Pratt and centre half Ben Higgs ensured that Horsham had few chances to shoot. Hailsham attacked well on the counter with Matt Hickman and on one of these attacks Alex Smith again scored to secure the 1-0 victory.
Surbiton were the next opponents, and Matt Hickman was on hand to despatch the opposition with another 1-0 victory. Once again solid defending from the defence and the ever-present Ben Higgs, ensured that Surbiton had few chances to score.
The final pool game was against Burgess Hill. By this time Hailsham had already qualified for the semi-finals, and a win or a draw would secure 1st place in the group. Matt Hickman's early goal looked like gaining the victory for Hailsham, but rare scrappy defending allowed Burgess Hill to earn a 1-1 draw.
A strong Lewes team were the semi-final opponents, but were no match for an on form Hailsham side. Two goals from Matt Hickman and 1 from Alex Smith saw Hailsham through to the final against Burgess Hill. Hailsham also went close when Josh Headey just failed to get on the end of a superb cross from Dominic Traynor.
With Burgess Hill having won their semi-final, Hailsham were to face them once again in the final. However this time they were not so lenient as they had been in the pool match, and the impressive Hickman and Smith partnership once more stole the show, with a goal apiece in the first half, assisted by good work up the right wing from Michael Toomey. Hailsham continued to apply pressure in the second half and their third goal came from Matt Hickman who latched onto a diagonal ball from Alex Smith. This fine 3 - 0 victory was a fitting way to win the trophy, which captain Ashley Baldwin proudly accepted on behalf of the team.
With 3 of the team having played in the Under 9s tournament of 2 years ago when Hailsham again won, the future looks bright for the impressive youngsters in this age group.
Squad: Ben Pratt (GK), Nick Toomey, Ashley Baldwin, Michael Toomey, Ben Higgs, Matt Hickman, Dom Traynor, Alex Smith, Josh Headey.
Hailsham Under 11s came a creditable 5th out of 9 teams in the county 7-a-side tournament at Eastbourne.
Losing their first game 2-0 to a strong St Andrews team, Hailsham bounced back to beat Crowborough 2-0 with goals from Matt Hickman.
Their 3rd game saw them play eventual tournament winners Horsham who beat them 3-0 for the second time in 2 weeks. Despite strong defensive play from Ben Higgs and Ashley Baldwin, Horshams constant pressure was to much and keeper Ben Pratt was beaten by some strong strikes. Hailsham did trouble the Horsham keeper, with shots from Matt Hickman and Josh Headey coming close, but Horsham were always the stronger side.
Brighton were the fourth opponents, and Hailsham got their act together for this one. With constant pressure in the opponents half, Sam Headey as play maker set up chance after chance for brother Josh and Wig Lewington-Booth, but the keeper kept Hailsham at bay for the majority of the game. However with 2 minutes to go, some excellent work by Wig resulted in his goal bound shot being turned in by Josh Headey. Sam Headey then completed the scoring with a solo run resulting in a reverse stick shot to score the second.
In the 5th/6th place play-off game, Hailsham beat Crawley 1-0 through a superb goal slotted through the Crawley keepers legs by Matt Hickman. Again, the game was not a one-way affair, and good defence from Higgs and Baldwin, and some fine saves by Ben Pratt meant Hailsham ended the day on a high note.
A cold Sunday morning did not deter the youngsters of Hailsham, Eastbourne, and South Saxons in a friendly under 11 and under 13 tournament.
With Hailsham fielding 2 sides in each age category, each team played 3 games in a round-robin mini hockey event.
In the under 11s category, Saxons managed 2 wins and a draw to secure the win.
In the under 13s category, Hailsham Reds also secured 2 wins and a score draw to beat closest rivals Eastbourne to victory.
An enjoyable day all round with some wonderful hockey being played. Hailsham newcomers Jack Holt and keeper Ben Pratt played well in their debut under 11 tournament. In the under 13s, Jemma Fowler, Daniel Channing, Alice Climpson and Sam Headey all shone as they battled for their respective teams in their debut performances for this age bracket.
Hailsham Under 10s played a double header against Saxons which ended in honours even after some very exciting hockey.
In the first game Hailsham controlled the play and left the field with a 2-0 victory. With a strong midfield of Sam Headey, Bradley Baker and Nick Toomey, supported at the back by Ashley Baldwin and Ben Higgs and Michael Toomey as the lone striker. The subsitutes had their part to play with Warren Headland making a good start to competative hockey with some controlled and skillful play.
The goals were scored by subsitute forward Josh Headey courtesy of some neat approach play by brother Sam, and the second goal being scored by Sam Headey himself.
Wig Lewington-Booths debut in goal was successful, with him making a few important saves in the first game.
The second game saw Hailsham lose 2-1 with the goal being scored by Michael Toomey. Hailsham lost their shape and composure in this game leaving the keeper unable to defend 2 very well struck shots. All credit to Saxons who reorganised themselves after struggling in the first game to exploit Hailshams weaknesses.
A very enjoybale morning of mini hockey was played by all, especially as the weather held on what was otherwise a foul and wet Sunday.
Hailsham Under 13s were in dominiant style in this weekends mini hockey against South Saxons.
In a friendly but spirited game, Hailsham beat their opponents 4-0 in the first game, and 3-0 in the second.
Goals in the first game came from Alex Baxter, Alix Ingram and Rachel Hall, whilst the second game saw Stuart Baldwin and Alex Baxter get on the score sheet.
An overall good team performance which saw Alice Climpson keep 2 clean sheets in goal, abily assisted by her defensive line up of Ben Harris, Jody and Kirsty Ansell.
Hailsham Under 11s came a creditable 4th in the Frank Farrall Under 11 tournament hosted by Horsham on Sunday 9th November.
Playing 9 other teams from in and around Sussex, the team managed to secure 4th place.
Losses of 3-0 to winners Horsham Crows and 2-0 to runners up Chichester were Hailsham's most disappointing performances. However, they managed to gain good results in 6 other games, winning 4 games 1-0 and drawing 2 games 0-0, with goals coming from Tom Manktellow (2), Wig Lewington-Booth and Matthew Hickman.
The team which was mainly made up of the Under 10s consisted of Sam Headey (GK), Matthew Hickman, Michael and Nick Toomey, Wig Lewington-Booth, Jade Ball, Tom Manktellow and Ashley Baldwin.
Picture in members only section
This year's under 9's travelled to Horsham on a rather dismal rainy day, to take part in this tournament along with 6 other teams. They carried on where last year's team left off with 6 clean sheets out of 6, managing to secure two draws and 4 wins.
Superb play by the defensive duo of Ben Higgs and Nick Wallis meant the Hailsham goal was hardly troubled througout the day. With a formidable half line of Jordan Dickinson, Bradley Baker and captain Isaac Leckie controlling the game, Hailsham never looked in any danger in any of the games they played. The team was completed by forwards Josh Headey and Lewis Ireland, and guest 'keeper Sam Headey.
Hailsham finished the day level on points with winners Horsham, but came runners up due to scoring fewer goals. This was a tremendous achievement for a team where most of the players were taking part in their first competitive matches.
Hailsham Under 9s had their first outing as a team in the Horsham White Lions Under 9s tournament on Sunday 2nd March.Playing against sides from some very big London clubs, the prospect for the day looked quite daunting.
With 8 games to play the teams first encounter was a 0-0 draw with Teddington. Hailsham had very few chances in the opener but the defensive trio of Tom Manktellow, Ashley Baldwin and keeper Geoffrey Larkin were not troubled.
In the second game Hailsham met Chichester. Suddenly the team sprang to life, and playing against a less experienced back line the halves were able to push up and monopolise possession. A strong run and cross from Ben Higgs set up Sam Headey for the first goal, and Wig Lewington-Booth set up the second again for Sam Headey. With lively play from Matthew Hickman causing trouble in the opening period the back line were again largely untroubled. Luke Hayes was introduced into the half line towards the end of the game and had a few good touches at right half. Ashley Baldwin pushed up from the back line with confidence, applying more pressure to the swamped Chichester defenders.
The third game was against a very strong Purley side. Hailsham worked tirelessly in midfield with Wig Lewington-Booth, Ben Higgs and Sam Headey controlling play. Up front Matthew Hickman was again causing trouble for the opposition and had 2 chances saved by the Purley keeper. Josh Headey was introduced up front in an effort to prize open the Purley defence but to no avail, and the game ended 0-0. Geoffrey Larkin made his first saves in this game confidently clearing the ball on a couple of occasions.
The fourth game resulted in Hailshams biggest win against Horsham. Matt Hickman set up the opener for Wig Lewington-Booth. This was rapidly followed by a brace from Tom Manktellow who confidently left his defensive duties to support the attack. With both his goals being set up by Sam Headey, who then turned from supplier to recipient as a result of a good pass from Matt Hickman, Headey securing the fourth goal. With 4 goals scored, Hailsham were again able to introduce the youngsters Josh Headey and Luke Hayes who worked hard alongside their team mates.
The fifth game was another 0-0 draw this time against Horsham Tigers. Matt Hickman, Sam Headey and Wig Lewington-Booth all came close but were unable to beat a determined defence.
The sixth game against Bromley saw the team bounce back from the previous draw and find their scoring ways again.Ben Higgs set up Wig Lewington-Booth for the first goal after a fierce tackle and run down the right hand side of the pitch. Matt Hickman struck again for the second after a fine pass from Sam Headey. The final goal fell to Sam Headey courtesy of some excellent team play. Ashley Baldwin made a strong tackle and then thumped the ball forward to Wig Lewington-Booth. Wig passed the ball onto Sam Headey who slotted the ball home.
Game seven pitted Hailsham against Burgess Hill. The half line again dominated the game, with strong play from Ben Higgs, Wig Lewington-Booth and Sam Headey making the play. Ashley Baldwin and Tom Manktellow controlled the defence and again were able to push up to assist the forward line. 2 goals from Wig Lewington-Booth either side of a Sam Headey goal secured the game. In the dying seconds of the game, Josh Headey came close to scoring just pushing the ball wide of the post.
With only 1 game left to play Hailsham trailed leaders Beckenham by 2 points. Needing to win the final game Hailsham faced Beckenham in what turned out to be a gripping climax to the days hockey.
Hailsham again dominated the game with chances falling to Sam Headey, Wig Lewington-Booth, Ben Higgs and Matt Hickman. Agonisingly they all managed to push the ball wide keeping the tension alive in the game.
Beckenham made some strong runs into the Hailsham half, and Ashley Baldwin and Tom Manktellow made some strong tackles to avert trouble. When called upon Geoffrey Larkin made two excellent saves clearing the ball to the side lines.
Finally, all the hard work and strong running paid off. With the ball fired into the opposition area, Wig Lewington-Booth shot, the ball was saved and rebounded to Sam Headey who shot and the ball hit the post. Matt Hickman was then on hand to push the ball in and get the winning goal.
Hailsham won the tournament by 1 point over Beckenham. Having not lost a game or even conceded a goal all day, with 8 clean sheets for keeper Geoffrey Larkin and scoring 13 goals between 4 players, the Hailsham team gratefully received their winners trophies from Steve Batchelor, Olympic Gold Medallist from the 1988 Seoul GB hockey team.
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Junior hockey is sponsored by JLC Automation, a Hailsham based company providing automation products for domestic and commercial use. Hailsham Hockey club greatly appreciate the support provided by JLC Automation.
The Junior section also recently received a grant from the Hailsham Lions club.
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Hailsham Hockey club would like to thank the Lions for their generosity. With their donation we
have been able to buy goalkeeper kit for our junior teams.