Bracknell Hockey  Club

Match Reports Men's

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 15th March 2008

 

Leighton Buzzard 1 : 3 Bracknell M2
Fortunately Bracknell’s first and second team injury problems coincided with a blank fixtures weekend for the third team and second team captain Neil Badley was able to call up on the cream of the third team. All four players called into the team had excellent matches and confirmed why Bracknell thirds are cruising to promotion. Ernest Monro showed great variety in left midfield; Andy Bennett was majestic at right back - solid as a rock in defence and almost unstoppable going forward; Tom Withey stepped up for the sixth time this season in goal giving another fine display, at one point looking for all the world he had been schooled by Russian Cossacks such was the speed and agility of his kicking and Pete Bailey showed why he has scored so many goals for the third team this season tucking away Bracknell’s second with ice cool precision. Bracknell’s other two goals in this dominating performance came from young David Murray who roofed the ball from the top of the "d" from what was probably the move of the match and a penalty coolly converted by skipper Badley.
Ladies 2's lost 3-2 to Reading after having a 2-0 lead - this may have scuppered their chances of promotion to Trysports Div 1 but with 2 games still to go the team can still do it if they win both games.
 

8th March 2008

Bracknell Mens 2's       1 : 2      Eastcote


Bracknell hit the self distruct button with an in-explicably lack lustre display that saw none of the crisp play, full of pace and penetration, that has seen them cement themselves in third place in the league. Instead their play was full of indecision and poorly executed technique. Eastcote executed their aggressive game plan to their advantage and scored two goals to which Bracknell could only find a solitary reply  from Martin "Buddha" Gessey - back in form after a few weeks out with a fractured cheek. Even playing as poorly as they were, Bracknell created enough chances to win the game in the second half but their technique was failing them inside the d as well else where on the pitch. A disappointing result.
 
Bracknell M3       7  -  3     Staines
 
Bracknell produced a storming away performance to defeat Staines 7-3. The game was very open with lots of impressive attacking play. Bracknell took the lead early through Pete Bailey but Staines got straight back into it scoring soon after. Bracknell exploited the space they were getting, however, and scored another three times before half time through Richard Jones, a second for Bailey and a welcome return to scoring for Sam Heaver. At the start of the second half, Staines scored first to prove they were not going to give up. This spurred Bracknell into action as the whole team pressed the opposition from everywhere on the pitch. This inspired team effort led to three further goals for Bracknell, through Bailey for his 24th of the season and to complete his hat trick, Jones for his 2nd of the game, and Ashley Holden. Staines did score again but it didn't take anything away from another highly impressive Bracknell performance. This leaves the side 2nd in Div7 MBBO open League and looking at promotion for next season.

1st March 2008

Old Merchant Taylors     1    v     5     Bracknell 2's
     
Bracknell came through another testing game with a good 5:1 win. The goals were a real mixed bag. Ian Ellaway bagged a brace one with some deft footwork when he found himself one on one with the keeper the second a brilliantly executed set piece in which Ellaway showed the way to dispatch the ball low and into the far corner of the goalat pace. Andrew Badley pocketed a pair the first owed much to the reputation of Dave(lethal from a foot) Mackinder who’s presence distracted the keeper enough for a weak shot to creep past, the second was nothing like weak with Badley finishing off the move of the match; roofing the ball from the top of the circle. Midfield bastion Steve Williams continued his run of goal scoring getting his fourth in as many games with a cunning drive which wrong footed Taylor’s keeper. Man of the match was returning top goal scorer Martin Buddha Gessey who worked tirelessly linking the midfield with the attack.

    Andy B.         Mens 3
 

Bracknell M3      1   -   0      Banbury M4
  
Bracknell confirmed 2nd place in the table and hopefully promotion by beating Banbury 1-0 at home and in doing so, ensured they have won all their home games this season. The game itself was a lot tighter than it needed to be with Bracknell controlling the game but not making it count as often as they would have liked. Bracknell opened the scoring through Richard Jones with his 3rd goal in as many games, midway through the first half. In the 2nd half Bracknell could not put their opponents away and, had it not been for 'keeper Tom Withey, the result could have been different. He made a great stop from a short corner and, most tellingly, when a penalty flick was awarded, pulled off a fantastic save to ensure the win for Bracknell. Well done to the whole team on securing a top 2 finish with two games to go.
 

24th Feb 2008

Bracknell M3 vs. Eastcote Eagles
 
 Bracknell's winning streak finally came to an end with a 7-2 loss away at league leaders Eastcote Eagles. Eastcote started the game much the brighter and were soon in the goals scoring 3 with no reply. Bracknell worked hard to try and quell the attacks and got their reward with a goal resulting from a short corner strike by Richard Jones. Unfortunately this was not the trigger for Bracknell to get back into the game as the goals kept coming from Eastcote, despite the 100% effort and commitment of the Bracknell team. the score had reached 7-1 before Bracknell rallied late and proved that they never give up by scoring the last goal of the game through Phil Grindley.

  Phil Grindley

16th Feb 2008

Bracknel M2 3:3 Newbury        SMBBO Div 5
 

Bracknell once again failed to impress with a poor first half performance which saw Bracknell turn round two goals to the good.  Steve Williams got his second in two games and "Mr reliability" Dave Mackinder scored his eleventh of the season. Sadly these were the only high points in a lethargic display.  Then, despite a brighter start to the second period , Bracknell committed harikari letting in three goals as Newbury found some self belief.  To Bracknell's credit they then responded to salvage a little pride and a point when young David Murray levelled with an emphatic dispatch from close quarters.

Photo of Ash Holden Mens 3's Captain courtesy of Ali Eatwell

Bracknell M3 vs. Sonning M6 
Bracknell continued their winning ways with a 4-2 away win against Sonning. They started the brighter and could have ended the first half with a hatful of goals had it not been for the opposition keeper. As it was, a goal from a short corner by Richard Jones meant Bracknell did at least take a lead into half-time. The second half started at a furious pace and Bracknell were soon 3-0 up with Pete Bailey weighing in with his usual brace. A mention must go to Dean Baker who coolly set up the 2nd of Bailey's goals. At 3-0 it looked all over but Sonning started to press and were awarded a penalty flick after Andy Bennett, who otherwise put in a flawless performance, was adjudged to have chested a goalbound shot off the line. The flick gave no chance for 'keeper Tom Withey and Sonning scored their first goal. This encouraged Sonning and they attacked with more endeavour and got their reward with a further goal to get right back into the match at 3-2. Bracknell were looking nervous and it seemed an equaliser would come but the whole team stuck together and with 5 minutes to go Ashley Holden drove into the opposing D and flicked the ball past a stranded keeper to calm Bracknell's nerves and create an unassailable 4-2 lead.
 

 

9th Feb 2008

Bracknell Men’s 1s     v       Harrow 

Result                      6  -  0 

Bracknell Men’s ’s played away to Harrow in the MBBO 1st XI Division 1 League game.   Bracknell maintain their run of unbeaten games with a 6-0 victory at Harrow this weekend.   They started the game strongly putting Harrow on their back foot from the start.  By half time, Bracknell were 4 goals up, courtesy of Matt Humphries, Dan Ray, Gary Steeples and Duncan Wiggett.  In the second half Bracknell continued to play well with further attempts on goal being stopped by the Harrow goal keeper.  Harrow pushed through on few occasions but with only two attempts on goal, the Bracknell keeper, Carl Eatwell, was able to keep a clean sheet.  Bracknell added a further 2 goals with both Gary Steeples and Dan Ray adding to their goal tally.  An excellent team effort takes Bracknell into their 9th unbeaten game.
Bracknell Mens 3 vs Ashford M5        MBBO Div 7
 
Bracknell extended their winning streak to 9 games with another impressive home display, won at a canter 6-0. From the outset Bracknell were in the ascendancy and controlled play all over the pitch from defence, through midfield and into attack. It wasn't long before Bracknell broke the deadlock through Pete Bailey. Ernie Munro then kept his scoring run going with a cracking first time effort and Ashford seemed shell-shocked. Two further goals before half-time confirmed that fact, Pete Bailey scoring both, a reverse stick effort from a short corner and a delightful flick into the top left-hand corner to complete his hat-trick.
In the second half Bracknell continued to have the lions share of possession with plenty of space on the pitch to keep the ball moving. Ashford showed a bit of fight in the half but the fitness and pressure from Bracknell eventually told and they managed two further goals, one, after a game of pinball in the D, Bailey put away and the other from Bailey as well to round off a fantastic man of the match performance including five goals to make it 19 for the season already in just 12 games. Another excellent performance from a side hoping for promotion.
 
Boyne Hill 3:1 Bracknell M2
Despite long periods of total domination and fertile midfield play, Bracknell found they were firing blanks up front in this top of the table clash with Boyne Hill. The only real penetration Bracknell achieved was when Steve Williams slipped a quick shot in leaving the Hill’s packed ring of defence punctured to draw level at one-all. Hill responded quickly to re-establish their one-goal advantage for half time. Bracknell pressed every button at their disposal in the second period but all to no avail. In fact, in their attempts to penetrate the Boyne Hill defence again, they left their rear exposed only to find the Hill attack spank home a third on the break.
 

 

2nd Feb 2008

Bracknell M2      7 - 0      Abingdon


Bracknell put in another work-man like performance to emphatically defeat lowly Abingdon. Star of the show was top scorer Martin Gessey who weighed in with five of the seven goals despite having to leave the game early due to a knock on the side of the head. Dave Makinder and Mark Burley completed the scoring with a goal a piece. Skipper Neil Badley was pleased by the team keeping to their game plan and letting the ball do the work. If truth be known Bracknell should have won by a large margin had they been a shade sharper shooting in the "D".
Bracknell M3's Vs. South Bucks 4's
 
Bracknell made hard work of this away game but ultimately came through to win 4-1. Bracknell ran the game from the start but it seemed they were trying to be a little too clever in their forward moves. With no goals in the first half Bracknell continued to press but were undone midway through the half as South Bucks scored with a breakaway goal to leave Bracknell in the unaccustomed position of being behind. After the initial shock, Bracknell pulled themselves together and found a vital equaliser through Ernie Munro. Bracknell pressed and pressed for the winning goal but started to leave themselves exposed at the back in an increasingly open game. Happily Bracknell were the fitter side and the pressure eventually told on South Bucks as Ernie Munro fired Bracknell into the lead for the first time for his brace. Pete Bailey did not want to be left out of the goalscoring and he scored two goals at the end of the game to give the scoreline a better look.

 

26th January 2008

Bracknell Mens 2's   9    v    0  Meadhurst  MBBO Div 5

 

Bracknell did a professional job of beating Meadhurst 9:0. A goal a piece for Neil Badley and Steve Williams; a brace each for Andrew Badley and the returning Mark Burley and a Hat trick for man of the match Martin Gessey who ended a nine game barren spell to take his tally for the season to thirteen. Even though the winning total seems impressive Bracknell had to work hard to keep a clean sheet with Meadhurst refusing to let the game be compressed; to this end Bracknell have to thank Jonathan Dye and Michael Igloe who both played superbly judged games in the Bracknell defence, Dye completely dominating Meadhurst’s best player with a fine display of front marking and Igloe making three outstanding saves on the three occasions Bracknell’s defence was completely breached..
 

26th January 2008
 Bracknell 3's         5    vs    2      Ramgharia 3's      MBBO Div 7
 
Bracknell preserved their 100% home record with an impressive victory over a Ramgharia side to whom they had previously lost earlier in the season. Bracknell started the game brightly and were soon 2-0 up thanks to a first time strike from Ernie Munro and a neat reverse stick finish from Pete Bailey. Towards the end of the half, playmaker Steve Mitchell was very harshly yellow carded and Bracknell did not react well to the situation, conceding two goals at the end of the half.
When Mitchell Snr. was finally allowed back on minutes into the second half, Bracknell came alive again and it was Mitchell himself who deflected the ball goalwards for Bracknell's third. Bracknell were back in the ascendency and didnt let up until the final whistle. A goal from Tom Mitchell restored the two goal advantage and the win was rounded off by Pete 'the brace' Bailey after being set up by a good breakaway move involving Mitchell Jnr. and Ashley Holden. Every player played their part in another impressive win.

 
 

 

19th January 2008

Bracknell Mens 1st    8    v    0     Harrow        South MBBO 1st XI League
 
Despite being without their top striker Paul Kaplanski, who was injured last week - Bracknell still contrived to play some exciting team hockey and 4 team members stepped up to the plate to fill Kaplanski's position on the score sheet. The match was a very one-sided affair with Bracknell creating scoring chances at will. The first half saw 5 goals to the home side with no reply. Happily Bracknell avoided the often frustrating second half slump and continued to produce great hockey and scoring chances. They ran away 8-0 winners with a Hat-trick each from Duncan Wiggett and Captain Danny Ray, with a welcome return to scoring form. The 2 other goals were from Chris Keeley and Jonny Hall. 
 

Bracknell Mens 2       1    v    2         Slough         MBBO Div 5

Bracknell failed to dent Slough’s 100% league record in this top of the table clash. Both sides cancelled each other out in a first half that exhibited endeavour but no real chances. In fact Bracknell’s keeper Michael Igloe touched the ball just once in the whole game -  the fact that Slough took a two goal lead from their only two chances shows why they are top of the league. Bracknell threw the kitchen sink at trying to retrieve the match. The move of the match brought a goal for Dave Makinder who finished "man of the match" Matt Wakefield’s drive off Andrew Badley’s deft touch, with a flourish. Within a couple of minutes Makinder thought he had a second off a similar move which skilfully avoided Slough’s zonal defence, only to see his point blank effort superbly saved by the Slough keeper. Bracknell maintained the pressure to the final whistle but couldn’t quite force an equaliser.
 

Eastcote 8's 3 Bracknell mens 3's 4        MBBO Div 7
 
Bracknell Mens 3's continued where they left off in the first half of the season with a hard fought victory over a much improved Eastcote side. The home team applied much of the early pressure and got their reward with the opening goal. Bracknell responded well and after Pete Bailey chased down a ball everyone else had given up on, he squared the ball for Tom Mitchell to score the equaliser.
At halftime, Bracknell knew they would have to step up a gear to win this game and straight from the whistle that is exactly what they did. With a bit more belief and conviction, Bracknell poured forward with excellent results, with goals from Pete Bailey and a fine finish from young Andy Kane on his debut. Bracknell would have been forgiven for thinking the game was won but Eastcote showed tremendous spirit to get back into the game midway through the half with two goals to level the score 3-3. Bracknell were not giving up this game however, and with a few minutes remaining, Tom Mitchell rounded off a superb man of the match performance by scoring the winning goal.
 

12th January 2008

Gerrards X 1 - 2 Bracknell Men’s 2nd
Bracknell were lucky to come out of this encounter with any points at all let alone three! Gerrads Cross were the only team at the races for most of the first half with skipper Neil Badley’s equaliser from a surprisingly slick short corner set piece, one of the few bright moments for Bracknell in the entire period. Cross just had more energy, were sharper in their passing and found acres of space down both flanks for their progressive wing halves to run into.
Bracknell felt they could not play another half as poor as the first but went out in the second only to make a very good attempt at plumbing previously unseen depths in what has been a bright season. Somehow Bracknell took the lead; inevitably from another short corner, but for the rest of the game Bracknell failed to trouble the Cross keeper at all from open play. Ian Ellaway cleverly improvised when a set piece broke down with a reverse stick sweep that completely deceived and embarrassed the young Gerrards Cross stopper.
 As is so often the case when a team misfires but wins, Bracknell’s man of the match was their own goalkeeper, Tom Withey, who made a string of solid saves and was the only bright spark in an otherwise dull performance.  Things can only get better!
 

8th December 2007

Bracknell Mens 2's v Wallingford      MBBO Div 5
                2                    3
Bracknell paid the price for not converting the lion share of chances against a sharp Wallingford side whose well drilled short corner routine  converted two shorts from four.
 It could have been oh so different before Wallingford scored the solitary goal of the first half as Bracknell virtually camped in Wallingord’s half and brought a string of fine saves out of an outstanding keeper.
After the break Wallingford extended their lead to three with their well taken corners. Eventually, in the last ten, Dave Mackinder finally ignited Bracknell with a goal of great poise. Almost immediately it was three two when Dave Murray thrashed home from short range from a Bracknell short. To Wallingford’s credit they wobbled but they did not fall in a frantic last six minutes. This loss leaves Bracknell in third place at the half way stage of the league.
 

Dave Mackinder


Bracknell 3's V. High Wycombe 6's   MBBO Div 7
 
Another impressive victory fom Bracknell as they defeat High Wycombe 6-2 to go into the Christmas break on a high. Bracknell controlled the game from the start and, despite going down to ten men for a while through injury, scored three goals before half-time through Richard Jones and the obligatory brace from top scorer Pete Bailey. High Wycombe did manage to get a goal back from a short corner to end the half 3-1 down.
The second half followed much the same pattern as the first with Bracknell constantly pressing for more goals. The crowd were not disappointed as Steve Mitchell scored via the post and the opposition 'keeper, Mark Burley took a well taken goal and Ashley Holden rounded off Bracknell's scoring with a guided effort just inside the post. High Wycombe did score again before the end but it did not dampen the spirits of a Bracknell team full of pace, industry and teamwork.

 

1st December 2007

The Mens 2's are riding high in 2nd position in the MBBO Div 5 with a 5-1 win against Leighton Buzzard,A hatrick from top goal scorer James Ratcliffe and one apiece for David Murray and industrious Mark Burley rounded off a five one win. A hatrick from top goal scorer James Ratcliffe and one apiece for David Murray and industrious Mark Burley rounded off a five one win.

 Mens 3's Captain Ash Holden

Photo by Ali Eatwell


The mens 3's had no game this week end but move into the christmas break in 3rd place in MBBO Div 7.  Captain Ash Holden has had the benefit of a more regular pool of players this season and the team are working well together and looking forward to a successful second half.
 

24th November 2007

Men's 1st v West Witney

 Result   4 - 3

 A keenly contested match could have gone either way, but Bracknell Mens 1st pipped the visitors at the post with goals from Paul Kaplanski, youngster Matt Humphries and Captain Danny Ray leading the way with 2 of his own.

 

Bracknell Mens 2nd v Eastcote MBBO Open Div 5
 Result     3 -  1

Bracknell continued their fine run of form with a excellent away win against an unexpectedly strong Eastcote side. Halftime saw Bracknell lead 1 – 0 from James Radcliffe’s clever reverse stick sweep form a short corner breakdown. The second half was made somewhat easier when shortly after the restart Steve Collerbone put away the rebound off the keepers helmet from his first shot off Dave Mackinder’s cunning second time cross. Dave Mackinder then closed out the game himself with a flourish from five feet out. Eastcote did come into the game in the last quarter only to find Bracknell’s keeper Tom Witthey in fine form; sadly Eastcote gained a conciliation goal from the last hit of the match.
 

Bracknell Men's 3rds vs. Staines 6ths -
 Result 1 - 0
 
Bracknell extended their winning streak to 4 games in the  MBBO Open div 7 with a controlling 1-0 win over Staines. The score line did not reflect the amount of pressure and possession Bracknell enjoyed, had it not been for Staines' outstanding young 'keeper, the game would have had a far more one-sided score line. Bracknell ran the game, as proved by Bracknell 'keeper Tony Dunning not having to make a save. A single goal from Sam Heaver was enough to collect all three points and keep Bracknell in the hunt at the top of the table.
 

17th Nov 2007

Bracknell Mens 3s vs. Banbury 4s

Result     4  -  0
 
Bracknell secured their first away win of the season in style beating Banbury 4-0. Bracknell ran the game from the outset with the opposition barely having any shots at 'keeper Ian McConnell. With attacks up both flanks, aided by very attacking full-back play, Bracknell gradually wore down the Banbury defence and were rewarded with three goals prior to half-time. A well taken strike from a short corner by Ernie Munro, and two close range finishes from Pete Bailey after some fantastic approach play from the likes of Steve Mitchell, Bracknell debutant Ian Ellaway, and Tom Mitchell amongst others. The second half brought with it no difference in the flow of the game with Bracknell making all the chances and many goals would have been scored had it not been for the brilliance of the Banbury 'keeper. Bracknell did manage to get a fourth through a good run and strike from Ian Ellaway to secure a well deserved third victory in a row.

   

Pete Bailey  Men's 3's double scorer

10th Nov 2007

Bracknell Mens 3's vs Eastcote Eagles


Result   5  -  1

A fantastic result for Bracknell 3s' in MBBO Div 7,beating a previously unbeaten Eastcote team, with a 100% record, 5-1. The belief and commitment shown in previous weeks paid off in this game as Bracknell went for it from the outset. Bracknell ran the game and were two up with goals from Pete Bailey and Sam Heaver in no time at all. Bracknell kept their shape well with everybody putting in the hard yards as Eastcote looked to get back in the game. They could have levelled the game up had it not been for Bracknell 'keeper Tom Withey making two great saves, one of them full length.
Predictably Eastcote started the second half brightly looking to get back into the game but it was Bracknell who extended their lead once again through Sam Heaver . Eastcote then got a foothold in the game with a goal but the fightback didn't last long. Bracknell took advantage of their opposition only having 10 men after an incidence of ill-discipline, by killing off the game with two further goals, one from Steve Mitchell and one from Sam Heaver who completed a very well taken hat-trick. A fantastic team performance .


 

 

 

 

Sam Heaver - young scorer of an excellent hatrick

 

3rd November 2007

Bracknell Men’s 1’s v Marlow men’s 1’s

 Result      3 – 2 

Bracknell men’s 1st XI break Marlow’s winning streak with a well deserved 3-2 victory in the MBBO 1st XI's League Division 1.

Bracknell went into the game with a positive attitude even though they knew that Marlow were unbeaten.  Marlow opened the scoring after a brave double save by goal keeper Carl Eatwell was not enough to prevent their 3rd attempt finding the back of the goal.  Bracknell then picked up their game and grew in confidence and strength playing a possession game.  A well struck penalty corner by Chris Keeley midway through the first half drew Bracknell level. However Marlow scored a second goal in the last few minutes of the first half taking them in to lead at the break.

 

Bracknell went into the second half confident they could still win the game and picked up the pace with an excellent all round performance by the outfield players, leaving the G.K little to do.  The hard work paid off with a second goal by Ash Stratton, bringing them level.  The midfield and defence managed to keep the Marlow attack at bay and were able to create a further chance for Captain Dan Ray to strike one passed their Goal keeper.

With 1 minute of play to go Marlow won a penalty corner and brought all their men up for the attack.  The corner was well taken however Carl Eatwell Bracknell’s Goal keeper reached out to make the last save of the game.  Bracknell came out on top with a deserved win 3-2 over Marlow

 

 Bracknell Mens 2's v Newbury    

Result   2 - 2

Bracknell travelled to Newbury for their MBBO div 5 game and found themselves in a real battle against a Newbury side totally committed and full of youthful energy. Despite Bracknell taking the lead through James Ratcliffe, Newbury had a better shape about them first half and they exploited Bracknell’s positional indiscipline to deservedly turn round 2-1 up.

The second half was a different story, the re-jigged Bracknell midfield were a much tighter unit with David Murray becoming Bracknell’s answer to Newbury’s youthful endeavour. Matt Wakefield neutralised Newbury’s dangerous left winger and Bracknell dominated the half. The equaliser finally came from a set piece with Andrew Badley’s cunningly disguised shot deceiving the Newbury keeper and defence.

 

27th October

Bracknell men’s 1’s v Leighton Buzzard

    Result 4 - 4

 

Bracknell men’s 1st team travelled  to play Leighton Buzzard in their MBBO 1st XI Division league game.  Bracknell kicked off the first half abysmally, with a lack of structure and pace allowing Leighton Buzzard to clinch 3 goals and Bracknell going into half time a defeated team. 

 After a savage and rousing team talk by Tony Heaver the team raised their game, pulled their proverbial socks up and fought back into the game.  First to score was Paul Kaplanski closely followed Tony Heavers' crucially converted penalty flick. Heaver lead by example and pulled his side level with a clinically finished short corner, which earned him man of the match.  Bracknell then allowed Leighton Buzzard back into the game and the visitors managed to slip a fourth goal past goal keeper Carl Eatwell.

With only minutes to go, the pressure was on Bracknell- Paul Kaplanski bashed home the fourth goal , giving them a hard earned 4-4 draw.  Captain Danny Ray said “This has hopefully put an end to our losing streak and we are looking forward to playing Marlow at home next week”

Bracknell Men's 2 v Boyne Hill

    Result 2 - 1

Bracknell ended Boyne Hill’s undefeated start to the season in a hard fought MBBO Div 4 match. Such was the intensity of the game that the two teams almost fought themselves to a stand still, but imperious throughout was Mr Cool himself, Dave Scott, who graced the game with a majestic display of skill. Scott laid the first goal on a plate for top scorer Martin Gessy, who slapped home from a short distance after just five minutes. Boyne Hill were undeterred and came back strongly to end  the first half with honours even at 1:1. The second period was just as evenly contested and the result turned in Bracknell's' favour on a well deserved goal for the industrious Alex Voakes.

 

Bracknell 3's  v  Ashford 5's 

    Result    3 - 4


Bracknell travelled to unbeaten Ashford for an early MBBO Div 7 game on Saturday. The home team started much the brighter and took their chances better than Bracknell who soon found themselves 2-0 down. But Bracknell never gave up and were able to pull a goal back before halftime thanks to a good move finished off by Phil Grindley.
In the second half, Bracknell pressed hard but were undone and fell 3-1 behind. This just proved to provoke the fighting spirit in the Bracknell team and through hard work from everyone, they levelled the score at 3-3 thanks to a very well taken goal from Pete Bailey and a sweet strike from a short corner by Ernie Munro. Unfortunately Ashford still had something left and managed a winner towards the end of the match.
Bracknell should be proud of their efforts in this game and can look forward to some good results this season following this weeks performance.

 

20th October 2007

Bracknell Mens 2's v Abingdon

Result    9  -  0

Bracknell travelled to Abingdon and dismantled their rivals clinically; the forwards were ruthless and the midfield masterful in what ranks as the team’s best display this season. Four players scored two goals a piece:- James Ratcliffe, Dave Makinder, Martyn Gessy and Mark Burley with the ninth goal being scored by skipper Neil Badley with a precision like short corner strike. The most impressive element of the display was the way team kept their shape and kept the hockey simple ensuring that Abingdon were under pressure all over the pitch.


 

13th October 2007

Bracknell M2   v   Meadhurst

        Result     6  -  1

Bracknell dominated the previously unbeaten Meadhurst through out this MBBO Div 5 match.
Even so Bracknell were surprised to find them selves one down after spending the first 15 minutes of the game camped in the Meadhurst half. But the team was unfazed by this set back and intelligent midfield play by David Scott, Mark Burley and Andrew Badley saw the side regain their strangle hold on the game and set about the six goal fest’. Hatrick hero James Ratcliffe was joined with a brace from Martyn Gessey and one from "poacher in chief" Dave Makinder.

 


Bracknell Mens 3's v Rhamgaria


        Result   0  -   4


Despite a committed and battling performance, Bracknell Mens 3's went down 4-0 to a superior Ramgharia team in this MBBO Div 7 game. Bracknell worked hard to stem the flow of attacks from the opposition and despite worrying them with pace of their own in attack, found themselves 2-0 down at half time. The second half saw Bracknell dig deep and in a real team performance, tried to break down the opposition defences creating a number of chances with the final ball often lacking. Ramgharia managed two further goals in the second half to create a slightly unbalanced scoreline. Hopefully the level of commitment and teamwork shown in this game will spur Bracknell on to achieve better results during the season.


Bracknell Beagles v Maidenhead Merlins
        Result    1  -  2


Bracknell Beagles conceded two goals in the first half in their Four counties friendly league home
game against Maidenhead Merlins. Bracknell put together strong attacks
but the final pass was not there. In the second half Bracknell came out
stronger and more determined, their passing improved and they started to make
good attacks on the Maidenhead goal. The Bracknell defence held strong
as Maidenhead mounted a number of attacks which were
broken down and the ball released quickly for Bracknell's counter
attack. The home side managed a late
consolation goal by Philip Grindley to end the game 1-2.

 

6th October 2007

Bracknell Mens 1's  v  Wokingham

                   Score   4  -   3
The honours in this local derby narrowly went to Bracknell with Tony Heaver scoring in the dying minutes of the game. In an evenly matched contest Bracknell's other goals came from Duncan Wiggett, Matt Humphreys and Paul Kaplinski to give them 3 further points in the MBBO 1st XI Div 1.

 

Bracknell  Mens 2nd  v  Gerrards Cross

   Score 8  -  1

It’s a still a mystery where two of Gerrards Cross key players got to, but Bracknell could only play against the opposition on the park and play they did. Hat trick heroes Martin Gessey and Dave Makinder plus a goal a piece from Alex Voakes and David Murray secured an 8:1 win for Bracknell. In a sense playing a below strength side is not the ideal start to what will be tough season for the second eleven but happily it did allow Warren Tucker the opportunity to ease his way back into the game following a horrendous injury last season.


Slough - 4   v   Bracknell Mens

Score   2 - 1

Bracknell rued their missed opportunities including a good goal being disallowed. Steve Collerbone hit the left hand post; Andrew Badley shaved the right hand one; Martyn Gessey had a goal given only to be wiped out following incorrect intervention by the umpire at the far end of the pitch. Even so, Bracknell were generally pleased with their overall performance against a strong Slough side boasting a number of players who have played at the highest level. Mark Burley scored Bracknell’s solitary goal with a reverse stick sweep that wrong footed the Slough keeper.


Bracknell Mens 3's  v   Eastcote

   Score   4  -  0

A comfortable start to the league season for Bracknell Mens 3's with a 4-0 victory over Eastcote. With an experienced midfield running the game, Bracknell soon scored through man of the match Steve Mitchell. Further goals in the first half from Sam Heaver and (S) Mitchell again meant that Bracknell had control of the game. The second half proved harder to break Eastcote down but good interplay between youngsters Sam Heaver and Tom Mitchell lead to a well taken goal from the latter. A good start!

 

Bracknell Men’s 1’s 6 Bicester 1.

Bracknell started lethargically allowing Bicester to take the lead early on in the first half, however they managed to pull it back to finish the first half 2-1 up, with goals from Dan Ray and Tony Heaver.

In the second half, Bracknell managed to take control of the game. A Superb mercurial team effort from a long corner led to a magical finish from Ash Stratton, then the flood gets opened and Paul Kaplanski sunk a scintillating shot from a tight angle. Bracknell then won a penalty flick which was clinically converted by the triumphant Tony Heaver. The game was finished off with a diving effort from Dan Ray.

Bracknell Beagles v Addiscome

5  -  3

Bracknell Beagles continued their strong start to the season with a
home win against Addiscome. Two goals from Philip Grindley in the first
half got Bracknell off to a good start. Good passing and moving meant
that Bracknell had much of the possession which gave Addiscome little
chance to attack the Bracknell goal. Addiscome came out in the second
half determined and managed to get an early goal. Bracknell kept their
heads and continued to dominate the midfield leading to a third goal
for Bracknell by Paul Emerson, shortly after this Philip Grindley
completed his hat trick by coolly placing the ball to the left corner
of the goal. Addiscome stuck back again which was quickly replied to by
a Paul Ermerson for his second. Addiscome scored in the last minutes to
take the final score to 5-3. Both teams enjoyed the game and are
looking forward to the replay at Addiscome.

 

 Bracknell Beagles (Men)   4  v   2  Camberley Owls
                                                   
Bracknell Beagles and 3rd team joined up to play a friendly game against
Camberley Owls at Camberley.

    The game got off a shaky start but after 10 mins Bracknell got their shape together and passing improved, with this Bracknell start to score. Two goals for Philip Grindley and one from Peter Bailey took Bracknell into the 2nd half with a 3 goal lead.
Camberley came back in the second half more organised and determined and struck home a goal however, after a number of short corners ,Bracknell hit back with their fourth.

  Camberley continued to pressurise and win short corners of their own deserving their
second goal late on in the second half as Bracfknell began to tire. Bracknell defended very well in
the second half with Carl Eatwell managing to pull off some great saves
in goal to keep the home side out.

  Final score 4-2 to Bracknell.

 Date: 22nd Sept 2007  

Bracknell  Mens 3's Vs. Wokingham (friendly)
    
Bracknell Mens 3rd team set themselves up well for the forthcoming league season with a good win against Wokingham.  The game started at a brisk pace and Bracknell started the better with two well taken first half goals from man of the match Martyn Gessy,helping to establish a healthy lead before half-time.
Wokingham came out fighting in the 2nd half and managed to get a goal back to get them right back in the match. But Bracknell were able to withstand the pressure and two further goals from Steve Collerbone and Dave Mackinder put the game beyond Wokingham and secured a 4-1 win.
 

(The Beagles play in a Berks/Surrey friendly League - no official website or results page) 

Bracknell Beagles continued their good start to the season with a 6-3
victory away to Woking.

Two goals from Peter Bailey, one from Philip
Grindley and one from Dave Murray saw Bracknell go in at half time 4-0
up. Woking made some changes at half time introducing some younger
players which started to even the game up.Alex Light struck home a
fifth early in the second half then Woking started to mount strong
attacks. Woking managed two goals when, against the run of play,
Bracknell scored their sixth securing the win. Woking managed a late
goal to bring the final result to 6-3. The Bracknell Keeper , Carl
Eatwell, got injured in the last 5 mins and it came down to Lee Polley
to step into the goal with no padding just a helmet , in that last 5
mins Lee managed to stop two attacks from the Woking side which topped
of a very solid performance by him.