Result: 9-0 win over Manly

The first round of the season was an easy opening game for the Sydney Uni Sexy Sixes, a team that proudly inclues a number of the former stars of the Junior Club, when we faced Manly women (an oxymoron?)

After a fairly disorganised start with some girls leaving it to the last minute to rock up for the match, and Emma Simmons having to throw the pads on to play in goal for the first time, we took to the field and fired from the start. The might of our attack was just too much for the Manly girls to deal with as we spent almost the entire first half in their side of the paddock, leaving Emma, Adelaide and Ali to chill out at the back, occasionally being brought into play and tackling our opponents with ease when called upon.

We controlled the game and had the umpire standing with arms outstretched for most of the half as we won short corner after short corner. The first goal was scored by a dominant Hayley Marks as she stormed down the left wing and cut in to hammer the ball past a flailing keeper from the baseline. Soon after Dianne Gall followed with a slap shot from a loose ball to make it 2-0. Then, after 32 short corners, we finally worked out to get the ball the Alex `Rhino' Ryan at the top and she converted our final two shorts with powerful thunderbolts into the backboard. 4-0 at the break.

The second half continued in the same vein as the first. We dominated possession and territory, and Sophie Curtain controlled the game from the centre. Following some outstanding coaching during the half time break the forwards and inners took more time on the ball when in the Manly D and as such we were able to pass the ball around the defence and keeper for 4 easy goals knocked in at the post by Chloe Hardwick Jones, Dianne Gall, Freya Berkhout and Lucie Garling. The girls were playing some very stylish hockey and throwing together many strings of passes that left the opposition running in circles. As such they got desperate in defence and we were awarded a flick which Rhino converted with ease to seal her hat-trick and the team's 9-0 victory.

Special mentions to Ali Griener, Adelaide, Ava and Chloe for some excellent defensive work dispossessing Manly with ease time and time again, to all forwards especially Diane and Alex for their goalscoring prowess and to the new seniors Freya Berhout and Laura Bushby for creating so many attacks down each flank. Also to Lucie Garling for an outstanding performance at inner and Emma for a great vocal performance from in the sticks!

Best on Ground: Hayley Marks 3 points, Alex Ryan 2 points, Chloe Hardwick Jones 1 point.

Nick Brown

Result 0-0

Sydney Uni 3rd Grade's second round match was up against the tough Western Districts. They came second in the competition last year and are notorious (to us) for dropping higher grade players down. With last week's landslide win behind us, this was shaping up to be our first real test.

The first part of the test was turning up to Olympic park at quarter past eight on Sunday morning! The team was not short of a few sore heads and tired eyes but we hit the turf both focussed and determined.

In the first half Sydney Uni had most of the attack. Our passing through the midfield was seamless and our speedy forwards penetrated well up front. We had the odd scare with the opposition's counter attacks but our defence remained solid and transfers across the field were slick. Somehow we did not seem to create enough shot on goal opportunities. This was not helped by our total inability to earn a short corner despite many, many incidents. Our enormous frustration over this was matched only by Western District's bewilderment that they had no shorts awarded against them.

We shook the frustration off at the half time break and walked back on the pitch to find, to our relief, the relevant umpire replaced. We continued to pile on the pressure on the Western Districts defence with impressive play up both flanks, attaining short corner after short corner (and at the other end). Our final counter attack saw us slot the ball between the posts less than two seconds after the final buzzer, thus being a no goal. We were very unlucky not to come away with the three points but we played extremely well as a team unit and this has set us up for a promising season.

Best and Fairest: 3 pts Fiona Tout, 2 pts Anna Bray and 1 pt to Jess Higgs

Result: 4-2 Win

Round 2 saw SUHC 6th grade face their first real challenge for the season. Coming off an easy 9-0 win in the first round and a fairly big Friday and Saturday night for most of the girls, complacency and a lack of drive personified our first 50 minutes of hockey.

Playing a much older team (I think their average age was about Nappy's waist size) who had no goalie, we made the mistake of allowing them to dictate the speed of the game throughout the entire first half - leaving us stagnant and frustrated. In the D we were crowded by some intelligent defence from Blues, who managed to cover most direct shots at goal and bear down on our forwards before they had the chance to fire off a shot. This meant that we passed the ball too much in front of goal where it would have been better to fire some head high warning shots at the goal-line defence. The exception came from Laura Bushby as she managed to use some slick skills to dribble the ball into the net. In reply, our opponents put 2 soft goals past us and we headed into half time 2-1 down, a bit baffled at how we had got there and highly infuriated.

Realising that we needed to step up the intensity and play the game at our speed, The Six Pistols (pending!) started firing (pun intended) in the second half. The girls knuckled down and started talking to each other, inspiring each other to push forward and we started to make the Blues run after us. Gradually, we began to wear the opposition down and started to mount more coherent attacks on their goal, coming agonisingly close to levelling the scores on a number of occasions. Sophie Curtin came on at Right Wing and, combining with a very hard working Chloe HJ and a skilful Hayley Marks, showed the other forwards how much running they needed to be doing to free up space. Soon followed a deluge of attacks down the right and with 15 minutes to go we converted one of these into a goal much to the relief of all the team and the bench. This was the spark we needed to pull our thumbs out and start playing better hockey. Once we found our groove, the last ten minutes proved fruitful as we closed down the Blues within their own half and had more time and room to attack as their legs became weary. This was reflected on the scoresheet as we put two more past them to finish up 4-2 winners.

The game was an education for the 6's as we learnt that even against a tired outfit with no goalie we cannot afford to let our intensity slip. Had we started the first half the way we finished the second we could have unleashed another thrashing on the league and got some valuable goal difference. Another learning was that we need to work on our shooting and our short corners in order to be really ruthless. Positives were our ability to lift in the second half and the way in which we held our structure throughout the game against an experienced opposition.

Special mentions to the goalscorers - Freya Berkhout, Laura Bushby (2) and Dianne Gall, to Sophie Curtin for some excellent work on the right flank and showing the team the real meaning of movement, to Lucie Garling for working so hard all day at Centre Half, to Ali for some exceptional tackling (again) and to Chloe for infectious spirit and a really gutsy performance.

Best on Ground:

Chloe Hardwick Jones 3 points
Lucie Galring 2 points
Hayley Marks 1 point.

Result: 6th grade won 6-0

The draw for 6th grade's third round of the season saw us face our own blood - the Sydney Uni `Sexual' Sevens in a must win  crunch match that laid plenty on the line. Mickey J had held an STD (Sevens Team Dinner of course) meeting on the Friday night to rev the girls up and attempt to plan our demise with a mixture of spirit and scare tactics! The night was a clear success with the girls bonding and getting very fired up for the Sunday evening duel - if they can conjure up that sort of energy before every other game this season I am sure we could face each other once again in the finals. Luckily, we had our own fire-starter in the form of skipper Adelaide Lee Warner, who got our sixes hearts pumping and feet moving with some kind of ancient hockey tribal dance. This was the start of what turned out to be a great team effort for the girls.

With only 11 players, a couple of whom had to play well out of position (thanks Freya & Hels) it was always going to take a solid effort to grab win number 3 against a full squad of girls with hearts set on an upset. Thankfully they gave us some interesting protection before the push back and this worked a charm at keeping their sudden attacking spurts in their end of the pitch.

Learning from last weeks game, the Sexy Six Pistols or whatever we are called these days started with some great intensity and charged down the throats of the sevens, winning virtually every 50-50 on the park. This gave us the possession we needed to control the game and dictate the pace at which we wanted it played. Some excellent running from all halves and inners made the job of both full backs and strikers much easier as we distributed the ball well around the back and up the flanks, spending most of the half in opposition territory and penetrating their `D' time and time again. This pressure, combined with the lack of 7th grade possession lead to some desperate tackles and a string of sixth grade short corners throughout the half. Goals were hard to come by, however, as we spent too much time contemplating shots and not enough time shooting - we need to develop better hunger in front of goal in the future to maximise our chances of going all the way this year. Some outstanding keeping from Amy Kuitus also held us at bay, and it was not until Hayley Marks threw a couple of quick fire sweep shots to the corners that we managed to get our noses in front. 2-0 at half time.

Happy with our structure, intensity, spirit and talk, we needed to focus more on our off the ball movement - especially at free hits, ability to finish in the `D', and our quality of passing in the second half. With all this in mind, the girls went out just as hard after the break, again holding possession in the Seven's half for the majority of the half. We structured more attacks down the right flank, and with some excellent leading from Curto we created lots of space and put more pressure on the D. We forced countless hits outside, but our movement was still for the most part very ordinary with only one or two players stepping up and leading well. On the occasions that we did move we forced shorts and soon the goals came. Some ruthless finishing from Laura Bushby and Alex Ryan in open play put us 4-0 ahead, and an excellent corner strike followed by her second successful stroke of the season saw Rhino get back to back hat-tricks and sealed a very controlled and somewhat masterful 6-0 win for the girls.

Best on Ground: Hayley Marks 3 points, Alex Ryan 2 points, Chloe Hardwick Jones 1 point

NB

Result: 1-1 Draw

As two of only three teams yet to be beaten in this competition, this game was billed as the top of the table clash and it lived up to the hype. With some notable absences, we took to the field with a new look defensive formation.

The first half had plenty of attack from both sides, but North Sydney were the stronger side. Much of the half was spent in the midfield where our soft passes were easily cut off by the opposition leading to fast breaks into our D. Our defence held strong and tackled hard, perhaps too hard as Fi was threatened with a send-off for her enthusiastic tackling. We had a few chances with short corners, but we could not capitalise with shots just wide of the post. North Sydney peppered our goal face with shots and came excruciatingly close with a deflection off our goalie to our defender ON the line.

The second half began in similar fashion to the first with North Sydney being very dangerous on the breakaway. But our backline defended with passion and desperation, epitomised by some head first sliding dives by Danni and Weens to deny the opposition what would normally be certain goals. With a little more belief and the opposition tiring, we slowly turned the game around to an even keel. We penetrated more with our attack and had more chances to slot the ball in.

We finally broke the drought with a thumping shot from Lisle deflected in the top of the net off a short with less than 10 min to go. But North Sydney continued to pressure our defence and the uni side conceded their first goal for the season. Some frantic play in the dying minutes could not break the deadlock and the score remained 1-1.

At the end of the day, we did not bring our full game to the table and we were lucky to come away with a draw. On a positive note, we defended like demons and it was a gutsy show of effort and desperation.

Best and Fairest: 3 pts Smoz, 2 pts Sarah Bennett, 1 pt B Lestrange

Round 4 vs Norths Districts Fives: Score 8-0

After quite a disorganised pre match routine on a cold Sunday evening, the Sixes took to the field against a much older and more experienced team in the form of Norths Districts 5th grade.

From the start we dominated possession and territory (as we have managed to do all season so far!) and sent wave upon wave of attack upon our opposition, with Jacqui Taylor, Ali Greiner and Adelaide Lee Warner having virtually nothing to do at the back. With this pressure came a barrage of short corners and chances for the girls to score, many of which saw us denied by a very good Norths goalkeeper who somehow managed to get in the way of the majority of shots on goal throughout the evening. Our persistence, however, paid off and we soon managed to break the deadlock and start finishing our chances with more clinical shots to the corners of the goal.

The first came from an excellent strike from the hard working Curto, and soon Rhino got a sniff of the action and slotted 2 home herself, her flashing blade the last thing the keeper saw before hearing the balls thump into the backboard.

In the second half our youth and fitness really showed against our tiring opponents - we ran out with intensity and never gave them a chance to settle or stop moving. This gave us lots more time and space both on and off the ball, and we soon started to string attacks together down both the left with some fantastic running and distribution from a tireless Rachel Smith and the right through a relentless Chloe and Hayley. The movement amongst the forwards was much better than in previous games and before long Curto had scored her second (followed by a great celebration), Rhino her third ... and fourth, and Sophie Joseph opened her account for the season with an excellent finish after creating a channel for an inch perfect ball with some good leading. Hayley Marks also polished off another good performance with her fourth goal of the season.

8-0 final score, another demolition by the Sexy Sixes. Special mentions to Lucie Garling for another stand out performance holding structure, tackling back and showing some great vision and to the inners and wings on both flanks for some excellent ball running and link ups. Also to the unstoppable Rhino for keeping her hattrick a game record in tact, scoring her 10th in just 3 games!!

Best On Ground:  Alex Ryan 3 points, Rachel Smith 2 points, Hayley Marks 1 point

In an awesome show of strength and skill, the Women's teams were undefeated in all their games on the weekend. As a result:
 
1st grade are 5th (beat the 1st place team so they may move up pending on other results)
2nd grade are 1st
3rd grade are 2nd
4th grade are 5th (out of 11 teams and this may change when games get updated)
5th grade are 10th (same division as 4th grade)
6th grade are 3rd (out of 12 teams - probably tied 1st but have to wait for the website to be updated)
7th grade are 8th (same division as 6th grade)
 
Click on the SWHL website for the results and tables for 1st to 3rd grades. Click on  SNWHA's website to check the results and the table for our 4th to 7th grade teams. 

Our Women's teams have the firepower to do well this year and in the future. The Premier squad includes one Australian national U21s player (Harriette Moore) and two State representatives (Emily Hurtz and Jessica Blake). Emily has also been invited to training weekends at the AIS. In addition, we have five under 15 rep players in our top 3 teams, so our future looks good.

Last weekend (3/4 May) our 14 Mens and Womens teams were all undefeated, and just two draws.   Fantastic. 

Mens and Womens 1st and 2nds teams had strong wins, and every team from 4ths to 7ths for Men and Women also had wins. The 3rds for Mens and Women both drew, and were perhaps unlucky not to be winners as well.  Read more about the Womens comp and their results here.

Result: 4-0 loss

I am a firm believer that you should always give the good news first. So, having finally got our act into gear, I'm happy to say that the ladies 1s will be providing you with a weekly update going forward on our progress in reaching our ultimate goal - to win the league.

The bad news? This was undoubtedly the worst game we have played all season, and is by no means a reflection of what's to come.

Our lacklustre warm-up set the scene for what was a sluggish start to the game and before we knew it the opposition had put two goals in the back of the net. Being two nil down at half time is never ideal, but having been in this position just a couple of weeks earlier and come back to win the game 3-2, we were confident we could turn the game around.

Although we took to the field with more gusto in the second half, we struggled to make the most of our opportunities in the circle and were particularly unlucky when a deflection by Jimmy narrowly missed, going wide of the left post. Like the two goals in the first half, we conceded the third goal after a mistake half way up the pitch which lead to a counterattack, leaving our full backs outnumbered. A gap in our zone-defence cost us a fourth goal shortly before the final siren. As coach Nappy Gunner aptly put it at the end of the match (in his usual dulcet tone), we didn't bring our `A' game, and it hurt us.

ML1 look forward to bringing you better news next week!

Best and fairest: 3 points Lou Matthews, 2 points Jess Blake, 1 point Victoria Johnson

Kristen Paech

Result: 2-0 Win

Playing hockey at Olympic is not the normal Monday night for most of us. Add a police shoot out and car chase through Sydney and a plethora of injuries and absences unexpectedly reducing the team to the bare eleven, and this night could not have begun on a more eventful note.

The first half saw Uni take a somewhat sluggish control of the game. We had more possession, more chances at goal but there was a distinct flat feeling throughout the first term as we squandered half chances at goal and could not convert our shorts.

After the break we took to the field a little more revived. With the clock ticking down, our first goal came through some handy improvisation by Fi off a misguided short corner pass. With a spring in our step, we continued to pressure the Sutho defence and started to string more passes together. Our second goal was a true team goal with the play shifting across both sides of the pitch before hitting the D and with a slick pass around the goalie to an awaiting Sar Morbey on the left post. With tiring players pulling up with cramped muscles, we toughed it out to the end buzzer, the final score 2-0.

It was a test of our resolve, we will need to pick up our intensity if we are to truly challenge the top teams. Whilst we could have played better, to our credit, we did enough to put them away and take the three points.

Best and Fairest: 3 pts Fi Fi (Sydney Uni's NEWEST State Squad Member!!) , 2 pts Amelia, 1 pt Bennett

Result: 4-1 Win

This week Sixth grade faced their traditional uni rivals in the form of UTS in what turned out to be a spirited and well won performance. Coach backchat arrived late but was very happy to see the girls showing the height of professionalism, already midway through their warm up and it was clear from the start that they were switched on for this round. This was just as well as UTS came out strongly and made us dig deep to maintain our unbeaten record.

The first half saw the girls play their now expected style of hockey - aggressive from the back all the way to the forward line and relentless in the pursuit of possession. UTS were experienced and managed to find occasional inroads through our normally airtight press into our half, but these were few and far between in a half that saw us probe the D again and again, forcing more shorts and shots on goal. Eventually Alex `Rhino' Ryan broke the deadlock and followed with another soon after to put us two nil up at the break.

Realising that we had to work harder and focus on maintaining possession once we won it, the girls ran out looking far more controlled in the second half, but we faced a stronger UTS side than the one we played in the first half as a number of extra players arrived at the end of the first half and gave our opposition a fresh and younger bench. The difference in intensity from UTS was evident almost immediately as they gave our backline its first genuine test of the season, catching us sleeping on the break a couple of times and throwing some good running moves together to start probing our D. Before we really knew what had hit us, and following some fantastic saves from Jacqui Taylor (about time you did something Jax!), the UTS girls managed to get one back on us much to their enjoyment - the score was 2-1 and they were pumped for a comeback. This goal put our girls into a new gear and we responded magnificently with some excellent defence from fullbacks Ali and Ads, and the ever hard working halfs, Rachel Smith and Chloe Hardwick Jones. Soon we turned this defence into possession and this possession into pressure.

Sniffing her 4th hattrick on the trot (checking to see if that is a record), Rhino converted perhaps our 6th short corner of the game with a super strike, which deflected off the UTS runner's stick to rocket into the roof of the net. This turned out to be the goal that broke the confidence if UTS 3's, and soon we managed to outrun them down the flanks and get lots of ball into great positions of the D. Following a few half chances, the ever versatile Ava Shirley stepped up in her debut at wing and pounded our 4th goal home. This was the game and SUHC Sixes had jumped another hurdle on their way to a successful season, mindful however that this was no push over and we still have the stronger UTS side to come.

Special mentions to our defence for their ability to play so well having not been tested so far this year, to Alex Ryan for another dominant performance upfront and especially to Lucie Garling, who won the Best and Fairest convincingly this week for an excellent performance at centre half - a role that she is really starting to master, combining hard running with dogged defence and increasingly accurate and strategic distribution. GO SIXES LET'S KEEP THE WINS COMING!!

Best on Ground: Lucie Garling 3 points, Alex Ryan 2 points, Jacqui Taylor 1 point

Result: 3-0 win

Sunday's push back was at 3pm, yet by 2.50pm only 11 of ML1's 14 players had arrived, thanks to an AFL match, a seven car pile up and general traffic mayhem on Sydney's roads. Alas, the tardy ones made it in the nick of time and we headed onto the pitch fired up and ready to win.

The first half was tight but across the park the girls fought hard to close down the opposition's skilful midfielders and step up to win those important 50/50 balls. Short corner practice also paid off with our first of the match resulting in a conversion after a deflection by Lou from the spot.  Solid defence, good switching of the play and slick passing led to more opportunities in the circle but no further goals in the first half and we went into the break with a slim 1-0 lead.

Some motivational words from Coach Nappy (I can't remember what they were, but they must have been good) saw us come out even harder and produce what was arguably the best hockey we've played all year.

One highlight was when we implemented a `fall away press' we'd practised at training in the past. Backing away from the ball, we waited for the opposition to turn it over and when they did our strikers swooped, linked up a series of superb passes and hit the ball into the circle to Ange, who finished it with class. 

Another - although it has nothing to do with the game - was when Nappy yelled at Johnno to "Run like the wind" at the top of his voice as we prepared to take an attacking short corner late in the second term, leaving the opposition a bit bedazzled.

Our last goal came shortly before the final siren when a scrap in front of goal saw Hertzy wrangle the ball from the opposition and put it in the top of the net.

In summary, it's a credit to our defence that we didn't concede a single goal despite defending numerous corners (an honourable mention must go to Burgo, who ran a half marathon Sunday morning).  More importantly, we had such good fun out there, and it really showed in the way we played.

Best and Fairest: Harri 3 points, Sookie 2 points, Burgo 1 point

KP

Result: 1-0 Win

Sydney Uni came up against traditional rivals, UTS on 18 Sunday May. Our injury depleted squad was helped by the return of Captain Lisle, VC Treloar and AJ as well as by some aid enlisted from a few of Khevy's little helpers - Prue, Cara and Mel.

A lacklustre warm up and a slow start pretty much sums up the first half. We were not playing particularly badly, just without the intensity and passion that we normally do. Our first and only goal came from a direct from AJ off a short.
 
We picked up a little in the second half. At times we strung together some brilliant passages of play. Most of the half we were in attack but unfortunately we could not improve on the scoreboard.
 
Potential can sometimes be a terrible word. It means we could be at another level but we are not... yet. While it has not derailed us, it is making our aim of back to back minor premierships just that bit harder to reach. As Rem succinctly put it, we are a good team but not yet a great team. We can get there, we just need to want to.
 
Finally, a huge THANK YOU to Prue, Cara and Mel for filling in for us and playing like champions.

Result: 1-0 Win

Sydney Uni third grade are a resilient bunch. We have sustained injury after injury but we have held our own and are yet to be beaten. This week was no different as we welcomed the return of Anna Bray.

Simply put, we had the majority of the possession and played a dominant and controlled game. Our only flaw was that we couldn't put it in the back of the net more. Our build up through the midfield and defence was smooth, with transfers from left to right catching our opposition off guard. Weens was impenetrable at the back and B held strong in the middle of the park. Bennett and Amelia linked up well as a formidable right attacking combination, and Treloar was aggressive in the D with her cracks at the goal flying wide.

We finally put one in courtesy of a clinical short conversion, a B Lestrange thunderbolt into the back board. We continued to pile the pressure onto the Ryde defence in the second half but could not add to the scoreboard. With a small hiccup towards the end, we conceded some short corners close to the final buzzer. It would have been an injustice to succumb to a draw then but the Uni defence held on strongly to see out the win.

The score didn't truly reflect our dominance in this game, although it did highlight our lack of confidence in finishing off goals. There was also more spirit in this match than in recent weeks which looks promising for our next game, which is against the fourth placed Strikers this Friday.

Best and Fairest: 3 pts Bennett, 2 pts Amelia, 1 pt Wendy

Result: 4-3 win

Have you ever seen a fly cheat death by wriggling its way out of a spider's web? It generally unfolds as a struggle, characterised by fighting spirit and, one can only imagine, a colossal sense of freedom when it finally breaks free. You might say ML1 had a similar escape against Strikers on Sunday 1 June...

Painfully slow starts are becoming far too common for us and it's something we need to work on if we want to mix it in the finals.  Despite this, we managed to capitalise on the opportunities we had in the first half and find ourselves 2-0 up at half time.  The first goal came on the back of a strong strike from George from the short corner battery, which Hertzy deflected into the goal in trademark style.  The second, again from a corner, was thanks to Jess' usual tenacity. Pouncing on a rebound from another of George's strikes from top, she flicked the ball over the goalie and into the net as the keeper watched helplessly from the ground. 

As soon as we stepped back onto the field after the half time break it became clear that the opposition weren't going to go down without a fight. I think we underestimated their determination to win after a string of losses, and before we knew it they'd put three goals in the back of the net to take a 3-2 lead. The second half was full of panic and for the most part we struggled to find our rhythm and play our usual quick, short passing game. Thankfully we managed to get it together long enough to create some brilliant passages of play and turn the game around at the very last minute. Some great team work down the left hand side of the field and a sliding pass from Jess to Angie saw us score the equaliser. Picking the ball up on the run, Angie went one on one with the keeper and made it look easy as she slotted the ball into the right hand corner. With about 10 minutes left on the clock, we worked the ball up the field into our attacking 25 and won a free hit at the top of our D. Hearing Jess' call from just inside the circle, Kristen passed it to her and watched with glee as she cracked it into the goal - at 4-3, the game was ours.

It might have been a bun fight, but we got there in the end. 

Best and fairest: Sookie 3 points, Jess 2 points, Harri 1 point

KP

Result: 1-1 Draw

3rd Grade's Friday evening game saw the welcome return of Jess Higgs from her Thailand escape. We knew from the start we needed to be on the ball for our second outing against the vastly improving Gordon side, and that our previous landslide result had no relevance to the game at hand. We got a few shorts early but we could not capitalise. We started to succumb to the Gordon defence and our play became panicked. Soft, inaccurate passes were cut off and our defence got a full workout in the counter raids. With our heads down, it seemed inevitable and the opposition got one up on the scoreboard first with a deft GNS backstick tomahawk finding the back board.

With some half time sugar sustenance from Sar Morbey (thanks Sar!) and some calm discussion about what we weren't doing right, we came out in the second half ready to score. The Uni side picked up their game and began to control the midfield. There were diving intercepts, more effort for the 50-50 balls and our tackles were flatter and stronger. The Uni attack piled the pressure on with a barrage of short corners. We finally equalised after a misguided GNS clearance found B at the top of the D. B casually strolled in, dragged the first defender and slotted in a bobbling shot that bamboozled the fullback and goalie. Uni had all the attack for the remainder of the game but some solid Gordon defence denied us the win.

Did we escape a loss or miss out on a crucial win? To be honest, it was a game of two halves, GNS had the first one, we had the second one and it could have gone either way. There is no doubt we will need to pick up our game in our next match against the top ranked Western Districts side. Go Uni!

Best and Fairest: 3 pts Fi Fi, 2 pts Amelia, 1 pt Wendy

WA

Result: 0-1 loss

ML1's jet-setting coach Nappy had three major concerns ahead of our game against Glebe, which he flagged up on email from Paris. These were: early game (we had a 10.30am push-back on Sunday), opposition (our previous performances against perceived `lesser' teams have been poor) and complacency (I think this one speaks for itself). Unfortunately, these three elements - and our failure to react to the tactics of a team that had clearly studied our style of play - ultimately cost us the game.

Glebe came out hard from the start and used a strategic press to put constant pressure on our defence, particularly when we were taking 16 yard hits. Using a high striker to discourage the transfer around the back and close down our options, we found ourselves backed into a corner for much of the game. Rather than recognise that the space was now in the middle of the pitch and use our centre-half to transfer the ball, we mimicked the opposition's style of play by attempting to hit long through the midfield, often turning over the ball.

The only goal of the game came just before the half time siren. With 10 seconds left on the clock, the opposition won a short corner and converted to take a 1-0 lead. In the second half we played well in patches (credit must go to Soph for helping to lift our intensity), but for the most part struggled to do the basics well and didn't grab hold of those vital opportunities inside the circle. This was considered a must-win game and our top-four position is now under threat. Needless to say, we will need to up our game this week.

On a brighter note, we are proud to announce that four of our team have been selected in NSW squads for 2009. A huge congrats to Jess Blake, Emily Hurtz, Amanda Hese and Harriet Moore - go girls!

Best and fairest: 3 points Soph Brownhill, 2 points Harri, 1 point Sookie

The Women's 2nd grade girls have had a fantastic start to the 2008 season. After 7 wins and 2 draws the mighty 2nds remain undefeated at the half way mark of the season. While there may be a considerable age difference between the grandmas and babies of the team, we have displayed a great deal of team spirit and loved the diversity all bring to the table. Professor Khevyn William's pre-game tutelage (known as Cultural Studies 101) has been of particular value, while Bec Reardon's (Scabs) `banter' has enlightened the team and kept us well-entertained!

Our younger members have shown their brilliance not only at club level but also at representative level. Three of the girls who regularly play in the team made the NSW under 15s Squad earlier in May. Cara Simpson, Mathilda Carmichael and Melissa Shoard are these budding starts. Mathilda went on to be selected in the team at the end of the month. Their seniors in the team are aspiring to display such success on the field, and in the meantime have ensured the team's social prowess off the field.

We have had a few guest stars from the 1st grade team in Sarah-Jane Kapene and Katie Burgess plus guest stars from 3rd grade in Amelia Parker, Anna Bray, Sarah Morris and Fiona Tout (another member of this year's NSW U15s squad).  We thank them at this juncture for their assistance in our unbeaten streak and wish them the best for the rest of their respective seasons.  We welcome them both on and off the field to enjoy in the splendour of our successes.

All girls are thoroughly enjoying being a member of the mighty 2's and we hope we can continue our success for the rest of the season.  Khev will surely reward us at the end of the year if we can remain undefeated and fulfil one of our goals which is to be minor premiers this year.

Lucy Millner and Prue Rutherford

Result: 4-0 Win

Third grade faced up to local rivals Glebe at P2 on a soggy Sunday evening. Glebe were sitting bottom of the table so Uni were expected to win on paper, but our defensive line-up was depleted. Remo's pre-match talk was all about non-complacency and composure in the wet conditions (we think).

Uni hit the field fired up and ready to roll and the first half was an impressive display of slick passing, quick transfers and solid tackles. We opened the account with a straight short conversion off B, beating the goalie's right foot. We continued to rack up the short corners and pile pressure on the Glebe defence. Our second goal came courtesy of some handy improvisation, leading to the ball being flicked in by Anna Bray off the left post. Uni were on a roll and B slotted in her second of the day as the Glebe defence tried to clear the ball straight to B waiting at the edge of the D.

The second half began as the first finished, with Uni stepping it up in attack. As the rain started to pour down, the game slowed up. Uni continued to crowd the attacking circle and were denied by some brilliant saves by the opposition goalie. We finally scored with a well constructed goal with polished finish by Occa. With a few scares towards the end, Uni remained calm, held on to the clean sheet til the final buzzer and were happy to get out of the rain!

Best and Fairest: 3 pts Treloar, 2 pts Fi Fi, 1 pt Occa

Result: 3-0 Win

The last few weeks have been a somewhat unsettled time for SUHC Women's 6th Grade. Coach Brown had a knee reconstruction and handed over the reigns to Coach Cooke, who successfully took the team to 3 more wins before tragically losing his mother last week. I speak on behalf of the entire squad here in offering our condolences to you at this hard time Cookie, our love and thoughts are with you and we look forward to having you back on board whenever you are ready.

Losing much input from the coaching staff could have derailed the immense success the Six Pistols have created this season, however they have shown strength in adversity and have taken it upon themselves to manage their coaching and activities on and off the field. This unity and positive attitude will serve us well later in the season. A big thanks to all who have helped out in this time, especially to skipper Adelaide for keeping the girls focussed.

On Sunday, after a late starting and slightly disorganised warm up routine, the girls came up against a good looking Macquarie Uni team who were playing far better than their position at no.8 on the ladder suggested. Possession in the first half was fairly even, as was territory - the two teams fought out a game that was played mostly in the middle section of the field, with occasional and fruitless penetrations into the D. The Sixes were focussing their attacks down the right flank just as practised throughout the season, but for the first time this season our structure was letting us down as we reverted to the kind of bunching and ball following normally reserved for schoolgirl hockey. This was due to a general lack of communication across the park, and our failure to find a blue stick with the final pass in attack lead to frustration and a loss of intensity. These factors combined to see us return to the dugout at half time scoreless (although we may have gone one up had Alex `The Destroyer' Ryan's shot not hammered into Mac Uni's 1st runner's leg, causing her much pain and putting her out for the rest of the game!). One of the only positives was that our Fullbacks and Jacqui in goal were getting a far more thorough workout than normal!

Realising that we needed to lift our intensity, to win 50/50's, to talk up and motivate each other more and work on our basic triangles, a much more dominant Sydney Uni returned to the paddock after the break. Our structure returned with Chloe, Lucie and Rachel doing a great job at finding the inners and forwards and soon enough we were controlling possession and stringing many passes together to drive us into the D. Following one such attack we managed to find Rhino free on the seven, and there was only ever going to be one outcome. 1-0. This sent the Macquarie heads down and our two forward lines - the College line and the Junior line (holy ice hockey!) soon ran amuck, probing the D again and again winning many shorts and demanding some fantastic saves from the Mac `keeper, who was heavily influential in the difference between a win and a whitewash. Soon Rhino slotted home a second to make the score 2-0, before getting a change of scenery for the remainder of the game playing at Fullback. The Junior line of Freya, Ava and Laura continued in the same style as the College line, throwing the ball around seamlessly and eventually finding Laura Bushpig leading to the post and deflecting the ball past the flailing Mac `keeper. 3-0 and another victory to the Sexy Sixes.

Best On Ground: Emma Simmons 3points, Chloe Hardwick Jones 2 points, Hayley Marks 1 point.

The cooler months have settled in and SUHC has decided to organize team hoodies to keep everyone warm, as well as providing another alternative for members to show their support for their favourite club!

This year we have designed a standard club hoodie, with the option of each team embroidering its team name on the front. Men's, women's and junior sizes are available and can be ordered at your next training session. The hoodies will cost $30.00 each, with a portion of the proceeds going towards the Foundation.

If you would like to order hoodies with your team name, please use the attached order form and nominate a team member to organise your order. Either Katie Burgess or Andy Elton will attend your main training sessions to take orders and collect money. All orders MUST be paid in cash by Friday, June 20th. Juniors should email orders to juniorhockey@suhc.asn.au .

Support your club and team! Order a hoodie this week and stay warm all winter  - and look Schhtop IT in it!!

Players given leave to pay fees late must pay those fees by this Saturday - along with anyone else who has slipped through the cracks. Your Clubmates cannot be expected to subsidise you. You will be "Unavailable" if you are not a financial member of the Club for 2008.

Our Poker Night will be held at the Roxbury on Saturday 26 July. Smoz and the Social Committee are collecting bookings now. Its a big night - why else are all the guys getting haircuts??

Remember the Trivia Night too on Saturday 23 August at the Roxbury. 

Result: 6-2 Win

Two words: SEXY HOCKEY. Sydney Uni 3rd Grade's preparation was at best, not ideal - we had not played for two weeks and had not properly trained for even more (thanks to uni exams and holidays). To top if off, we found ourselves 5 players down and up against the top of the table and undefeated Western Districts side. Yet against all the odds, 3rd grade absolutely tore up the field in its most spirited and gutsy performance yet.

Let me recall the first 5 seconds of the game. Start whistle, WD push back, Sar Morbey pressures opposition centre half, Morbey gets ball, drags the left fullback, draws the goalie out and calmly pushes it into the goal. Uni 1-0 up! I think Rem's pre-game pump up talk worked...Western Districts were never going to be a push over though and to their credit, they responded immediately with an attacking barrage. They drew a penalty at the top of the D, smacked it to the spot where an opposition striker smartly deflected between her legs for the equaliser. If the adrenaline wasn't pumping before, it was now. Game on.

It was a tight contest in the midfield, and we had our chances up front. Our second goal came courtesy of a tricky Anna Bray deflection that bobbled and bamboozled its way to the back board. We earned a flurry of short corners and got our third on the board with a sweet straight shot conversion off Lisle beating the keeper's left foot. But Western Districts were not to be disheartened. They shortened their game and pushed our defence hard and started racking up their short corner count. Some quick running out and solid defensive pressure by Jess Higgs neutralised most of their shots until they finally got their second off an unlucky deflection that roofed into the top of the net. We snuck in one more before half time with another Anna Lisle thunderbolt off a short. 4-2 up at half time.

Our half time talk emphasised the need to keep up the momentum and not let up any slack. As we expected, the opposition came out fired up and gave themselves every chance of getting back into the game but were denied by some brilliant keeping by Smoz and diving saves by the halves and fullbacks in the D. Western Districts started to panic and began to take us on individually. Whilst they had a few handy players in the centre with good stick skills, ultimately they turned the ball over and the Uni side was fast to pounce on the counter attack. Our presence in the attacking circle continued to genuinely threaten the goal. We were quick to turn around in defence and some smart tackling and backing up by our front pack produced our next goal. Anna Bray dispossessed the opposition at half way, AJ followed up with a quick counter attack up the right wing, and then B drew the defence and passed off to Amelia for a simple tap in from the spot.

Our next goal wasn't too dissimilar, with a tackle and turnover in the midfield, quick transfer from left to right, attack up the right flank and then a deft pass across the D to a waiting Libby Munro on the left post. Western Districts managed to get a stroke after some rather enthusiastic tackling by Bennett but Smoz being Smoz, anticipated the shot and dived right to stop the mid height flick. The Sydney Uni defence held out to keep the sheet clean for the second half and wrap up the match 6-2.

This match was nothing short of spectacular and to put 6 goals past the top team that has only conceded 5 for the entire season thus far, it was a gutsy and impressive effort by all involved. Despite the handicap of uni holidays, we have managed to find the hunger and belief again we are now the only undefeated side left in our competition. Bring on Baulkham Hills!

Finally, a big THANK YOU to Lib Munro for backing up (and SCORING!!) for us. Go Uni!

Best and Fairest: 3 pts Smoz, 2 pts Lisle, 1 pt Amelia
WA

Result: 2-8 loss

I'm going to make this brief, so as not to draw out the pain ML1 are feeling after what can only be described as a blood bath at the hands of Western Districts. Looking at the final score, it's hard to believe we were only 3-1 down at half time, with the game still well within our grasp.

What unfolded on Sunday July 6th was a combination of lack of composure, failure to utilise the transfer and ultimately, in my view, not enough passion to win against a team that is undoubtedly skilful but far from untouchable. After conceding two goals from short corners, Jess put ML1 on the scoreboard towards the end of the first half with a well-placed shot into the right-hand corner, one of our standard short-corner variations. Sadly, Western Districts answered minutes later, regaining their two-goal lead shortly before the half time break.

In the second term, the opposition succeeded in playing to their strength down the right side of the pitch, while we struggled unsuccessfully to transfer the ball. Our tireless defence (and stand-in goalie - thanks for your efforts Mel) fought hard to keep the ball out of the net, but the opposition's slick short corner battery proved a formidable force. At 6-1 down (and after WD converted a stroke given against us), Jimmy gave us some hope, picking up the rebound off a corner hit from George and putting our second goal in the net. But WD came back with another two goals in open play and the final siren almost came as a relief.

Best and fairest: 3 points KP, 2 points George, 1 point Jess

On a more positive note, your slack scribe failed to write-up last week's 2-1 steal against Gordon North Shore. It was a hard-fought match, the winning goal coming in the dying minutes of the game after Jimmy was awarded a penalty stroke and Jess stepped up to take it, putting the ball in the back corner.
KP

Fashion houses are notoriously unreliable on these things, but Andy Elton has been assured the club's hoodies will be available some time next week. That means there is just one more weekend to go where most of us look like just any old hockey player. (Comments about Mens Premier Squad deleted - Ed).

Andy will be in contact with people as soon as he has more details.

Result: 6-0 Win

There is not an awful lot that can be said after this weeks win against ND. Once again SUHC 6's came up against an older team and once again the difference in fitness and skill became apparent early on in the piece. At this stage, as the draw stands, 6th grade girls are not being challenged on the pitch and as such it is very hard for them to have the discipline to maintain their structure and play a good, attractive brand of hockey. I know they have the ability to do this, but when 9 times out of 10 charging forward and throwing speculative balls still gets results, the girls fall into the trap of playing to this game plan, when they would find the scoreline may have read more like 15-0 if they had tempered their performance and looked to structure their attacks coherently.

Playing against an opposition that is easily overrun can lead to bad habits creeping in, and this personified our first half performance. We continuously ran the ball into opposition players and threw passes without looking where they were going. Frustratingly for myself and Cookie, despite the scrappiness and ugliness of the hockey we put 5 past Northern Districts by half time. Laura Bushby took from Rhino's lead and slotted home a well deserved hattrick and Hayley Marks took from Pamela Anderson's lead, coming off with what looked like a half botoxed lip following copping a stick to her face. Just what she didn't need the week she goes to in to get her wisdom teeth out! When we did revert to playing hockey we looked good and controlled the ball very well, but this was only done in short bursts.

Going out into the second half the Six Pistols attempted to rectify the situation and found themselves going through the motions and slowing themselves down when they didn't necessarily need to, yet still running into trouble when they should have avoided it. What followed was our worst half of hockey this season, one that we will not dwell on and will not emulate later on! One more goal was scored, leaving us 6-0 victors.

Going forward we must stick to our structure, we must focus on the basics and getting strong and low, and we must throw the early ball - whether it is going forward or looking back to eliminate any unnecessary pressure. From here on in there are NO MORE EASY GAMES! UTS next week and then the draw will be split. So let's re-focus, girls.

Big thanks to Dianne Gall for throwing on the keeper gear (not that she used it) and to all who contributed to the victory. Team Dinner Thursday 26/06, Thai La Long.

Best on Ground: Freya 3 points, Lucie 2 points, Alex Ryan 1 point

Following the huge success of our last Men's Club day, the SUHC Fundraising and Social Committees have announced the next instalment of Club Day Fixtures.

On Saturday the 2nd of August 2008 six of our seven Men's teams will be playing one after the other at Pitch 2 Homebush (P2). 5th and 6th Grade will be pushing to smash uni(?) rivals UNSW, whilst 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th grades will be slugging it out against Moorebank. Full details are on the Hockey Club Day Flyer.

I played during our last Club Day, and it was an amazing feeling for everyone in the team to have a crowd of around 100 SUHC supporters backing every move we made and punishing any error the opposition made. You cannot believe how good it is to hear a crowd roaring at our games, or how much it really does lift the players.

Please join the Club's growing number of fans and come and support SUHC our way: fair, supportive and LOUD - just the way it should be.

Bring the noise and enjoy your game!

Scrappy

Club Captain

Baker's Delight has a sponsorship proposal that you may be interested in. Click here for details of the Baker's delight promotion. Unfortunately for the Executive it does not cover Blueberry and white chocolate scones.

NB The Biggest Losers are not allowed to participate in this proposal. We do not want one fundraising strategy to cancel the other.

Result: 3-2 Loss

They say every win you move one step closer to your next loss, so perhaps this was the one we had to have. Sydney Uni third grade have had an amazing run, having not lost a game since round 8 last year.

There is not a lot to say about this match against the 4th placed Sutherland side. We were inconsistent, turned the ball over too many times and could not get our basics right. We showed some patches of brilliant play but then could not capitalise with enough results in the circle. To Sutho's credit, they were stronger, fitter and all round better than us. They responded to our quick transfer play and pressured us out of the game. Sutho's goals were 3 well worked field goals where we had two great short corner conversions off B. 

But the end goal of major premiership is still within reach, we are still well positioned coming into finals season. We just need to work on a few things... and with our full squad back in action, we will not go down without a fight (not literally of course).

Best and Fairest: 3 pts Fi Fi, 2 pts Amelia, 1 pt AJ

WA

Result: 1-0 win

3rd Grade's opposition, UTS were on the brink of the 4 and coming to the business end of the season, the result of this match up would make or break their season. We of all teams knew that guts and determination can count for a lot in a game and we could not afford to underestimate our uni rivals who would lay their game on the table.

And bring their game to us they did. UTS hit us hard and we were under defensive pressure for much of the first term. Sydney Uni defended the numerous short corners valiantly and tried to counter attack but our passes weren't sticking and we did not have many opportunities in the D. With a few contentious calls, in particular, two disallowed UTS goals; there were more than a few feathers ruffled at the 0-0 score at half time.

Sydney Uni came out a different side in the second half. We held the ball in the midfield better and started penetrating the circle. We earned a few short corners but we seemed to lack the desperation in the goal mouth and could not put a goal away. With less than a minute on the clock, we broke UTS' hearts and finally snuck one in when Anna Bray picked the scraps after B's straight shot bounced off the pads in a short. 

It would not be fair to UTS to say we deserved this win, perhaps we were the better team of the second half but not of the entire match. This game highlighted the vast improvement of opposition sides in the ML4 competition and we will need to train hard and step up a gear come finals if we are to achieve back to back major premierships. Fire up Uni!

Best and Fairest: 3 pts Sar Morbey, 2 pts Fi Fi, 1 pt Anna Bray

Training for 3rd-7th grade is from 9:30-10:30pm at Cintra (Concord turf).

If you have any questions you can contact me by email on suhcwomen@gmail.com

p.s. Don't forget to bring your stick, shinpads, mouthguard and a water bottle!

Cheers,

Nat

1. Wendy Au
2. Sarah Bennett
3. Rhianon Bickford (GK)
4. Anna Bray
5. Jess Higgs
6. Danni Hudson
7. Edwina Hunt
8. Alex Julien
9. Belinda L'Estrange
10. Anna Lisle
11. Sarah Morbey
12. Liz O'Connor
13. Amelia Parker
14. Fiona Tout
15. Alex Treloar

1. Charlotte Baker
2. Sally Cooke
3. Gideon Dow
4. Jane Forsythe
5. Carrine Hoban
6. Eleanor Kennett
7. Libby Munroe
8. Amy Quigley
9. Amelia Smith
10. Nat Stewart
11. Caitlyn Walker
12. Lesley Wallace
13. Eleanor Webster (GK)
14. Billie Whitehouse
15. Juliette Winterflood

1. Josie Benecke
2. Llewella Butland
3. Andrea Hordern
4. Sarah Jones
5. Ellen Kershaw
6. Alyce McGee
7. Annabelle McGee
8. Felicity Nethery
9. Steph Phelan
10. Maddy Roche
11. Camilla Sinclair
12. Karen Smith
13. Jacqui Taylor
14. Georgina Wettenhall
15. Nicky Wilcox
16. ***GOAL KEEPER NEEDED!!!***

1. Freya Berkhout
2. Laura Bushby
3. Sophie Curtain
4. Dianne Gall
5. Lucie Garling
6. Ali Greiner
7. Anne Hanley (GK)
8. Chloe Hardwick-Jones
9. Sophie Joseph
10. Adelaide Lee-Warner
11. Hayley Marks
12. Helena McCarthy
13. Alex Ryan
14. Ava Shirley
15. Emma Simmons
16. Rachel Smith

1. Louise Barber
2. Edwina Bower
3. Kerrie-Anne Brandon
4. Andrea Buchan
5. Sarah Caskey
6. Jess Edington
7. Katie Fenwick
8. Eliza Grant
9. Catherine Kelly
10. Amy Kuiters (GK)
11. Katherine McCallum
12. Pamela Merrick
13. Kim-Ly Nguyen
14. Trinh Nguyen
15. Caroline Reay
16. Claudia Solomons
17. Samantha Weeks

Result: 4-2 Win

This weekend's match up pitted us against equal first placed North Sydney. Our previous outing had been a tight 1-1 contest and a 3 point result in this match was crucial to 3rd grade's tilt at the minor premiership title. With a staggering 8 players out and a heavily depleted attacking line up, we enlisted the helping hands of Mel, Sal and Ellie to scrape in with the bare eleven.

Gloomy skies, no subs and a lack lustre warm up, things weren't looking up. With the improvised right attacking flank, we lost the sting in our attacking raids and we turned over the ball with soft passes, giving Norths control of the game. They had more possession, more shots on goal but we fired ourselves up and showed why we have one of the best defensive records in the entire Metro League. We were quick to pounce in counter attack and our first goal came in the form of a deftly taken stroke by Lisle. Our spirits lifted and we struck again, this time a sweet hit from Fi Fi at the top of the D. Norths finally slipped one past our defence with a well worked pass and deflection to beat Mel's right kicker.

After Remo's half time serving of a can of Man-Up, we set out to hold strong and finish the opposition off. Norths hit us first and equalised with a field goal. Game on. Our tiring legs showed at times but we pushed on and got our third after a Norths defensive clearance found Sally Cooke lurking on the edge of the D. Sal carried the ball in and from a tight acute angle, sent a firm push that defied all logic and hit the backboard. We put the nail in the coffin by a true team goal that saw the play shift from the right midfield, transfer around the back, up the left flank, cut back into the midfield to B to slip it through the opposition defence and finally to Occa, who dusted the goalie. It was seamless stuff. Our tired legs held out and the final buzzer went with the scoreboard 4-2.

This game was by no means pretty, we did not dominate and we were not on form. But we dug deep, defended with grit and determination, took every chance we had and scrapped and fought hard for the entire 70 minutes. We left it all on the park and at the end of the day it was our ticker that pulled us through to come away with the 3 points.

A HUGE thanks to Mel, Sal and Ellie for filling in for us and making that difference, we couldn't have done it without you.

Best and Fairest: 3 pts Fi Fi, 2 pts Jess, 1 pt Occa

Your friendly 3rd grade scribe failed to write up last week's 7-2 obliteration of Baulkham Hills due to being knocked out and taken to hospital. Under Luke's tutelage and with tight numbers, it was a great game... apparently!

WA

The undefeated run of 2nd Grade came to a dramatic end on Friday night, and it was ended by none other than our uni rivals UTS. Our usual pre-game pep-talk consisted of Khev's persistent proliferation of the prevailing power of the letter `p', as Khev has found it a common denominator in our game priorities: press, passion, pressure and possession. While this, of all things, signifies that Khev perhaps has too much time on his hands, it was the first time our game plan didn't bring us success.

Both teams played with strength and tenacity, but an early goal for UTS left them in a position we found difficult to fight. Our forwards continually put pressure on the UTS defense, and though we had some opportunities we never quite managed to return the goal. However, we had some brilliant plays involving the whole team; we communicated well; and we made UTS fight for their win. Although a little disappointed that we could no longer claim ourselves undefeated at the end of the match, we have taken the loss in our stride and plan to use it to fire up in our continuing quest for the minor premiership.

Final Score: 1-0: 3pts Cara, 2pts VJ, 1pt George.

The season to this point has been a fun and entertaining one, complete with Khev's preaching, Scabs' enlightenments, Soph's pick-ups, George's old age, the juniors' youth and naivety, and stories from the Shire, Pommyland, and of course Port Douglas. And it's definitely not over yet. We've got a few big games coming up to end the season, and we're looking forward to finishing as strongly as we started.

Please come show your support this Sunday Aug 17th at midday at P2 at Homebush as we continue towards our goal of minor premiership - it is not secure yet!!!

Results: 1-1 draw and 4-1 win

Sydney Uni 3rd Grade's season has been one of frustration at our potential and elation when our hard work turns results. This was pretty well summed up by our two games this week, clashes against mid-table opponents Ryde Hunters Hill and Strikers on Tuesday and Sunday.

The Ryde match was one to perhaps reflect on what we did right - which was most parts of the game - and what we could not do - score. It would have been a frustrating game to watch as we dominated possession and transferred and passed around the midfield and defence well. With not much to show for our efforts, we finally put one in, tapped in by Amelia after a scrappy passage of play. However a short lax moment later and Ryde put in an equaliser. We had abundant opportunities to put the game away but we simply could not finish.

The Strikers match on Sunday morning was always going to be a little tougher, they were higher ranked opponents and we had not had any training due to our oddly scheduled previous match. We came out firing, again. We passed smoothly and carried the ball well through the midfield and constantly found space, again. But somehow we found ourselves at a 0-0 deadlock at half time. Hmmm...

Second half started similar to the first, we had some brilliant passing passages across and up the field and were holding strong in the midfield. We finally tapped one in, courtesy of a smart finish off Occa, only to shortly concede one, 1-1. De-ja vu of sorts...

 But then something happened, we kept pushing and we did not let this "slump" defeat us. We drew on our guts and determination and were finally rewarded with another field goal by Fi. With spirits up, we trotted home with another two goals from short corner conversions by our newest goal scorer Jess Higgs, who bludgeoned the ball in from direct shots. Who knew our super defender Higgs had that in her - obviously she did as she celebrated with a sprightly jig.

We played to our strengths, stuck together as a team and it was a good and deserved result. We have just one more local derby against Glebe to build on before we hit finals. We have the ability to take out this second consecutive major premiership, we just need to believe it and want it. Go Uni!

WA

Ben "Remo" Chiarella has surprisingly been bypassed as the subject of choice for several of the world's leading psychologists for their latest study. Instead, the psychologists have been urged to opt for an even more confounding subject, which is the entire SUHC women's 2nd grade team.  These girls seem to enjoy staring defeat in the face, causing their adoring fans to watch their games with dread and giving their coach transient ischemic attacks, and only once this has happened will they decide to take over a game and win it convincingly.  This team has won the minor premiership with 15 wins, 2 draws and 1 loss (the only loss being to the team that was last on the table at that time).  In the other 17 games the "Posse", as they are known, has had to come from behind 9 times.

Exactly this happened in their last game of the seaso, when they played Sutherland's 1st grade team, one of the two teams to draw with them through the season.  You need to understand the full background to this game, though, before you can appreciate the enormity of yet another amazing come back. 

At 9am on Sunday 31st of August, SUHC was on top of their SWHL table with 44 points, Wentworthville 2nd with 33 points, Sutherland and GNS were tied for 3rd with 27 points and equal goal difference (GD) of +8, Macarthur was 5th with 26 points (and a GD of +14) and UNSW 6th with 24 points and a GD +2. It was very close for 3rd and 4th spots, to say the least.  Sydney Uni and Sutherland were the last of these teams to play that day, and they were playing against each other. Macarthur drew earlier in the day to move to 27 points with a game in hand ie the same points as Sutho.  UNSW and GNS drew with each other 1 all, which menat GNS went to 3rd on 28 points with a game in hand.  For Sutho to stay in the 4 they needed to draw, as a loss would knock them out of the top 4 and any prospects of a finals berth becasue of their lower GD compared to Macarthur.  I hope you are still with me...

I wouldn't be wringing all the pathos I can out of this epic story if we didn't win, so you know what happens. However, the fashion in which we did win was unbelievable. The coach of the Sutho team is rumoured not to be a fan of ours (for reasons unknown), but I on the other hand believe him to be a quite pleasant individual who makes intelligent coaching decisions.  This rumour inspired the girls before the game and they resolved to play with intensity, concede no goals and stamp their authority for 70 mins of the game.  Did they do this? NO!!! At half time they were down 3 goals to nil - due to no fault of their own but rather to a stellar performance from one of the best players in this league in the Sutho team.  But the girls had little fear as they  had been in a similar position numerous times this season.  So at half time they regrouped, discussed tactics, had some lollies and went back on to do the business.  Mind you, their tactics were a little askew as the Sutho superstar didn't start in the second half, so they simply shrugged their shoulders and carried on with business.  In a dominant performance they went on to win the game 4-3 with the last goal being scored by us with less than a minute to spare.  Even though the superstar did come back on she could not influence the game as the girls adopted their strategy successfully.  We would like to thank the lollies...

Even though they were able to carry out this feat without Hannah "did you see the new girl" Baker and Kirsty "oh my pretty face" Anderson, the girls want it to be noted that bothy were sadly missed on the park.  They will also miss Holly "I know I fit right in" Sheer in the finals.  But no doubt, as I have no more cardiac muscle to suffer heart attacks anymore, the Posse will Persevere...  Details of the playoff times and locations will be released soon.  Come watch if you need a touch of excitement in your life...

Their coach honoured his promise and gave them a keg for winning...in a form suitable for all players regardless of age.

KW

It is a breach of licensing regulations to bring your own alcohol into licensed venues like Olympic/P2. Closed circuit cameras have detected this occuring in recent weeks. SWHL and SHA have notified us again that people will be liable for massive fines if caught.

The club may also face action from the SWHL Executive should SWHL be forced by Sydney Olympic Park to employ security guards to check the bags of all people entering the venue.

Please note these rules, and pass this warning on to friends and family who come to support our teams during the finals series.

Presentation Night on 11 October means it's awards time again. Forget the Biggest Losers - this is all about finding the people who gave their all during the year, and not just a couple of kilos. Each year SUHC presents a number of prestigious awards to recognise the achievements of players from across the Club. The awards include:

Rising Star
Coach of the Year
Social person of the year (female)
Social person of the year (male)
Best defender of the year (female)
Best defender of the year (male)
Most valuable player of the year (female)
Most valuable player of the year (male)
Clubperson of the year

You - the players and friends - know better than anyone else who ought to be considered for these awards. If you think someone deserves to be considered you need to nominate them now.  Its easy:  just email the Club secretary Melanie Platt (melsp@yahoo.com) and tell her the name of the person, the team they played for, the awards(s) you are nominating them for and a brief outline of why they should win the award(s).

Nominations are due by Friday the 19th of September.

There is no rule about how much info you need to supply or the format of the info. Just make sure you send Mel enough info for the Committee to have all the facts they need to make a fair decision.

Looking for a great way to stay fit and have fun over the next few months? Still wanting to play more hockey? Well, come and play indoor with us.  The season starts very soon and we will be entering a wide range of teams of various levels including:

Sydney Lions - Men's Premier

Sydney Lionesses - Women's Premier

Sydney Tigers - Men's A

Sydney Tigresses - Women's A

Sydney Ligers - Men's B

Sydney Mixed Cats - Mixed

The majority of the competitions go from September through to Early December and are played at various Sports Centres throughout Sydney. Some comps are also played early next year.

Contact Andy Elton (aelt5006@usyd.edu.au) by Wednesday 27th August to be sure of a spot. 

Results: 3-0 and 2-0

We might have had a mid-season blip (let's be honest, we fell in a hole and struggled for many games to get out!) but ML1 ended the season on a positive note, winning our last three games and finishing in fifth position.

Last Sunday seems a lifetime ago now, but I will attempt to recall the thrills and spills that saw ML1 defeat Strikers in our penultimate game for the season. I must first disclose that there was a rather large carrot dangled in front of the ML1 girls on Sunday by coach Nappy Gunner; "if you win this game, you can all choose where you play next week".

As it turns out, our strikers have a burning desire to play full back and our full backs fancy themselves as the next Nikki Hudson. But I'll come to that later. 

As for last week, we didn't play our best hockey, and the score line should have been a lot wider, but in the end, we got the result. The first goal came early in the first half when Hurtzy put the ball into the circle to SJ, who skilfully spun around and put the ball in the goal. KP followed up a few minutes later when Hurtzy again used her skills to work the ball into the P-spot, but found herself in a difficult shooting position with the ball on her back stick. Passing it to KP on her left, all that was left to do was slap the ball into the net, giving us a 2-0 lead.

A 2-0 lead is always hard to hold onto, so in the second half, Hurtzy (I think!?) made it 3, and the game was in the bag. A spectator commented that when we strung four passes together, we were lethal, but it unfortunately didn't happen as often as we'd have liked. In the end though we came out on top, and won the right to play in our dream positions!

Nappy is a man of his word, so for our last game against Glebe, we picked where we played. George, our trusty full back, started at striker in what was her last game at Sydney before hanging up the boots. George has played over 300 1st grade games for Sydney Uni and will be dearly missed next year! Jimmy, who has played more than 100 1st grade games up front and is leaving Sydney to go overseas to the land of Guinness and pies, took on full back, and did a stellar job at it with fellow striker Ange, who rose to the challenge so well that she won `man' of the match.  We held our new positions well in the first half, partly because everyone did the simple things. Jess put us on the board early in the match with a great shot from the right into the corner of the net. Shortly after, a well executed short corner variation saw Hurtzy drag flick the ball low on the ground, and Jimmy deflect it in.

The second half left a bit to be desired - ironically given we had returned to our regular positions. Good defensive play kept out an opposition eager to score, but we were lucky not to concede after some bad decisions and scrappy play.

A win is a win, and while we failed to make the finals - by a very narrow margin - the girls should be proud to finish the season on a high. A huge thanks to Nappy for all his hard work, we really appreciate it!

Best and fairest (Strikers): 3 points Hurtzy, 2 points KP, 1 point Jimmy
Best and fairest (Glebe): 3 points Ange, 2 points Jimmy, 1 point KP

KP

Result: 3-2

There was a vibe of elation in the ML1 change rooms on Sunday evening, after the girls saw off a seriously beefed up UTS team to win 3-2. Having struggled at the bottom of the ladder for most of the season, UTS recently enhanced its team with a handful of ACT and QLD reps in a bid to avoid relegation. It was always going to be a tough game, but a spectacular team effort and never-say-die attitude showed UTS that it takes more than a few ring-ins to win a match.

ML1 dominated the first half but, like so many games before, found ourselves 1-0 down, this time after a baffling umpiring decision. Mid-way through the term, a UTS ball hit from outside the circle was accidently deflected into the goal by one of ML1's defenders. Channel 7's Olympics commentators aside, we all know it's not a goal unless it's touched by a UTS player inside the D. Nevertheless, we retained our composure and were unlucky not to convert a number of chances before the half time break.

We came out hard again in the second half, with plenty of sexy hockey across the park. The strikers and midfield linked up beautifully, the defence fought hard to break down the play, and Harri - as always - made some spectacular saves.  On another day, we might have dropped our heads when despite our best efforts, UTS converted a short corner to score their second goal. But instead the girls pulled together and we answered shortly after when Jess pounced on a corner rebound and smacked the ball into the goal to make it 2-1. Now on a roll and smelling a come-back, we continued to take the early balls, transfer the play, and use the space to our advantage.

Our equalising goal came after some skilful play through the midfield and a bit of luck in our attacking circle. Getting a spill at the top of the circle, new Sydney Uni player and Pom Laura `Gitto' mishit the ball and watched in disbelief as it found its way past a handful of defenders and into the net!

At 2-2, things were looking good, but the clincher came with just a few minutes left on the clock when Hurtzy got her stick to the ball as it powered into the circle and deflected it in.

Passion, aggression, composure, determination - all of the things ML1 has lacked in the second half of the season were there en masse on Sunday, and finally got us a well-deserved win. I, for one, am feeling very proud.

Best and fairest: 3 points KP, 2 points Hurtzy, 1 point Jimmy

KP

Result 2-2 draw

Watching the Hockeyroos play South Korea on Monday felt like déjà vu - except the Hockeyroos were ML1 and South Korea was Briars. As Korea slotted four goals in versus the Aussie girls' one (they of course later staged a phenomenal come-back to win 5-4), I felt empathy for a team who, despite their best efforts, found themselves chasing the opposition's tail.

ML1 got off to a cracking start on Sunday 10th. We came out firing, blowing all theories about Sydney Uni women's teams and early morning lethargy out of the water.  So how then, did we find ourselves 2-0 at half time? To be honest, I can't remember exactly how Briars first scored, except to say that it was one of about four real opportunities they had all game.  ML1 continued to fight hard, held possession much better than in recent weeks, and after numerous attacking short corners and a few decent shots inside the circle, God only knows how we hadn't bagged a goal.  With just 30 seconds remaining of the first half, the opposition won a free hit at the top of the circle. Taking it quickly, they caught ML1's defence off guard, and the ball deflected past our star keeper Harri and into the net.

A stern half-time talk from coach Nappy and some motivational words ("get angry, girls!") saw us take to the field determined to fight back.  Some great attacking play by the girls up front created lots of opportunity and eventually SJ put us on the board with a convincing deflection.  Ironically, it was the opposition who got angry, so angry in fact that they had two players sent off. One was given a yellow and the other managed to turn her yellow into a red after continuing to foul mouth the umpire from what she thought was the safety of her dugout.  Now outnumbering Briars by two players, ML1 seized the day and after scrapping for the rebound, Hurtzy equalised, slotting the ball past the keeper's right foot and marking a momentous occasion for the girls. Why all the excitement, you may be wondering? After all, it's not like we won. Well folks, there are a number of reasons giving ML1 cause to celebrate our draw on Sunday:

*It came after seven consecutive losses
*It gave us our first point since Round 10
*We fought back from 2-0 down at half time

We may not have won, but it was still a victory.

Best and fairest: 3 points Hurtzy, 2 points Lou, 1 point Burgo

KP

Result: 0-4 loss to Esquires

Sydney Uni women's hockey teams have a reputation for finding morning games a bit of a struggle. So as you can imagine, ML1 wasn't too enthused about our 9am fixture - and 8.30am meet - on Sunday. However, despite the early push-back, we got off to a cracking start, playing our first 10 minutes like a team determined to avoid mid-table mediocrity and fight its way back into the top four.

Sadly, we didn't keep this up for the entire 70 minutes, soon losing the intensity with which we started and the composure necessary to stay on top of the game. A five minute lapse in the first half saw Esquires, whom we beat in the first round, put two goals in the back of the net, and suddenly we were 0-2 down. It's always hard to bounce back when you lose your momentum and inevitably the opposition scored again to make it 0-3 at half time.

The second term was peppered by passages of excellent play, but not nearly enough short corners or shots on goal.  The final goal was conceded late in the second half after we lost the ball at the top of our attacking circle and suffered a lethal counterattack which we failed to break down.

As coach Nappy Gunner aptly put it, we had the majority of the possession yet no territory. We played most of the game in our defensive half - dare I say 25 - and put ourselves under constant pressure by failing to hold onto the ball in attack, and make stick-to-stick passes.

After our recent disappointing performance, the ML1 girls are keen to put the past few weeks behind us and take it to UTS this week like we know we're capable.

Best and fairest: 3 pts George, 2 pts Sookie, 1 pt Johnno

KP

The SNWHA website will soon have all results and details for Womens 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th grade.

Go to www.snwha.com and download our stats by clicking on the "Clubs" tab on the right hand side and then click on "Sydney University".

You can also click on "Club Reports" on left hand side and "Club Fixture" to get a sheet with the whole club's fixtures.

SLICS will be running a Goalkeeper & Striker Academy during February at Cintra Park, Concord.

Players of all levels 13 years and older are invited to attend. This is an opportunity for players to prepare for the 2009 season under the guidance of SLICS' quality coaches. Players will be grouped according to their age and ability levels, with Advanced, Intermediate and Novice groups all available.

STRIKERS PROGRAM
WEEK 1: Hitting Technique & Accuracy
WEEK 2: Power shooting, lifted shots - chipping and squeezing
WEEK 3: Quick shots, reverse stick shooting, PC's & PS
WEEK 4:  1v1's, rebounding, deflections

GK PROGRAM
WEEK 1: Technique, ground saves and circle orientation
WEEK 2: Hand & stick saves, saving of wide shots
WEEK 3: Dropping & sliding, PC's & PS
WEEK 4: 1v1's, dynamic & reaction saves, multiple saves

Location:        Cintra Park, Gipps Rd, Concord
Dates:              February 1, 8, 15, 22.
Times:             4pm - 6pm each week
Cost:                $150 (includes $50 discount equipment voucher for any purchases over $150. Valid for 12 months)

To register, log onto www.sportslinkaustralia.com.au and go to the "Camps & Clinics" page. REGISTRATIONS CLOSE 26th JANUARY 

Family & Club Discounts also available:
1st Player - Normal price
2nd Player - 10% discount
3rd+ Player - 20% discount

SUHC Women entered 7 teams in 2008.  3 teams were entered in the SWHL comp (ML1, ML3 and ML4) and 4 teams in the SNWHA comp at Ryde.

The 2009 teams and comps will be finalised in February or March. We expect at least as many teams as in 2008, and hope for promotion in various divisions. 

Our womens 5th grade team play in the Div A minor Grand Final this weekend at 1pm at Ryde. SUHC is guaranteed a result of sorts because they are playing against SU Rollers, our (unofficial) women's veterans team.
 
Womens 2nd grade are also in a Final on Sunday, as is 3rd Grade. The 2nds play against Macarthur at 11am on P2 at Homebush, while 3rds play their Final against North Sydney at 9am, also on P2.

Come and support them. Go the Blue and Gold!

The SWHL draw for ML1, ML3 and ML4 can be found here.  An excel file of the final version of the complete SWHL draw can be found here.

Congratulations to Jess Blake, Amanda Hese, Emily Hurtz and Harriet Moore on their selections in the NSW squads for 2009.

Jess, Emily and Harriet were selected in the NSW AHL squad, and Amanda, Emily and Harriet in the NSW U21 Squad.

Fantastic effort for the Blue and Gold!

The preseason has started well but we are still looking for a couple of women's lower grade coaches.The commitment isn't massive. One training a week and a game on Sunday @ Ryde or Homebush and you get remunerated for your efforts. Those coaching in previous years have enjoyed the role, learnt a lot and had a good time.  There is the added benefit this year of learning from John Bessell, our new head coach (ex NSWIS).
 
Please call Remo on 0408 266 646 ASAP if you might be able to help this year.

A highlight of the 2008 competition start has been to see so many current and former SUHC juniors who are playing in the Mens and Womens senior ranks.

There are already more than 15 current and former juniors scattered through all grades of the Mens and Womens teams. These juniors have been training with the senior squads for manyweeks, and are now having their first games for 2008 in the senior competition. .

Most noticeable was the Mens Third Grade side on Saturday 29th of March, where five of the team were products of SUHC's own junior club. In addition, there are several current Juniors playing in our Premeir womens squad.

Hey girls,

Trials are this weekend! So in lead up to Sunday, we'll split 4ths, 5ths, 6ths and 7ths up into two groups at training on Thursday. This will help move things along on Sunday as it will give us an idea as to what grade you feel you should be playing this year. Ideally, the split will be those of you who want to play 5s and possibly 4s, and those who wish to play 6s and 7s. But obviously, depending on numbers, we may have to even it out a little regardless. If you cannot make it on Sunday it isessential you make it on Thursday. It is essential anyway you make it Thursday as it will let us coaches know you're serious about playing some good ,stop it hockey for SUHC this year! If not, please let Bucko know - otherwise you may well get allocated into a team you wish not to play in, or not play at all! :(

On a sad note but one that should be highlighted... We are unaware of registration numbers this year, but going from past years there is always a waterfall effect from the higher grades for girls having to play down. This sadly means that some of you may have to miss out on playing for the grade you dearly wish to play for, or even sadder may not play for SUHC in 2009. The club, and particularly the coaches, will try accommodate and allocate everyone appropriately but this is a reality we all must deal with.

3rds aren't affected by this info.

Hugs,
Rob and MJ

Internal trials will be held for both Men's 5ths-8ths and Women's 3rds-7ths players on Sunday March 15th @ Olympic Pitch Homebush from 8.30am - 3pm
 
Women's
8.30am - 10am - Women's 3s and 4s
10am - 11am - Women's 5s / 6s / 7s
11am - 12pm - Women's 5s/ 6s/ 7s
 
Men's
11.30am - 3pm- Men's 5ths - 8ths
 
Please turn up well before the start time for your session.
 
If you can't make these trials please speak to your respective coach/manager or Vice-President(menshockey@suhc.asn.au or womenshockey@suhc.asn.au ). Non-attendance without notice will result in non-selection.
 
Ben Chiarella
Club Captain
 

SWHL will be holding an Umpires Meeting on Wednesday 11th March from 7:30pm in Auditorium 1 at the State Sports Centre. Auditorium 1 can be accessed through the main entrance of the State Sports Centre. Parking will be available in P7 next to the State Sports Centre. If the boom gate is down, please advise your umpires they can buzz the Reception area using the button on the boom gate and advise they are attending a meeting in Auditorium 1.

SWHL will be introducing the new FIH rules as of Round 1 and it is imperative all umpires attend this meeting to gain an understanding of the new rules, as well as being provided with relevant information for the 2009 season. Club delegates are also welcome to attend. The meeting will be conducted by Lisa Roach, SWHL Umpires Convenor.

One of the objectives of the FIH and therefore of the Hockey Rules Board (HRB) is to decrease the number and duration of interruptions to the flow of play and to increase the length of time the ball is in active play.  A "self-pass" from a free hit has therefore been introduced.  It enables the player taking the free hit to play the ball again after taking the free hit which will encourage free-flowing hockey.

As with other actions on the hockey pitch, this must take place safely.  Other aspects of the free hit rules have therefore been reviewed.  The HRB is concerned that the ball is often played hard, indiscriminately and therefore potentially dangerously into the circle from free hits in the attacking 23 metres area.  In future, these free hits must not be played directly into the circle.

FIH believes these are indications of the way it wishes to see hockey develop.  Exciting innovations will take place but there will also always be a concern that the game should be as safe as reasonably possible.

These Rules changes above are referred to as Mandatory Experimental Rules.  They are mandatory because they must be played throughout hockey; they are experimental to show that they will be reviewed after experience before deciding if they become permanent Rules. 

Metro League games this weekend are:

Friday 27th March - Sydney Olympic Park 6.30pm
Sydney Uni 3's VS Macquarie Uni 2's 

Sunday 29th March - Sydney Olympic Park 3pm
Sydney Uni 2's VS UNSW 1's

The non-Metro Women's Competition starts this Sunday 29th March with games for 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th Grade. They are at either Pennant Hills or Ryde.  Times and places are as follows:

Sydney Uni 4's VS Sydney Uni 6's- 7:30pm Ryde
Sydney Uni 5's VS Northern District 2 - 6:30pm Pennant Hills
Sydney Uni 7's VS SU Rollers - 6:00pm Ryde
Sydney Uni 8's VS Northern District 4's - 2:00pm Pennant Hills

Please ensure that you are at training this week. We will be running fitness for the first ½ hour, and we will be making all the final selection calls based on your performance on Thursday evening.

We're looking forward to a Top Season

Rob, MJ, Henry, Smoz and Kevin (Coaches)

John Bessell has prepared a training schedule for the Men and Higher Grade Women through to the end of March 2009. It can be accessed by clicking here. Please check regularly as it may be updated from time to time.

In summary our schedule is:

Monday
All: Fitness -  6:30 to 8:00pm @ The Square (from Monday 2 March)

Tuesday
Women: 1st to 4th Grade - 9.30pm to 10.30pm @ Cintra
 
Thursday
Women: 1st and 2nd Grade - 8.30pm to 10.30pm @ Kyeemagh
Women: 5th to 8th Grade - 9.30pm to 10.30pm @ Cintra

If you do not know where the grounds are have a look at our ground location information. For any other info contact your true-blue VP, Bucko, on womenshockey@suhc.asn.au.

Womens 4th Grade v Manly on Sunday 5th April. Lost 2-1

After our first friendly game of the season (against Sydney Uni's sixth grade), this week we faced the challenge of one of the strongest teams in the league, Manly.  Our team this year consists of both new and old players coming from all over the world. After a notorious Sydney Uni social everyone was feeling a little worse for wear following new player's night at Coopers Hotel.

We dominated with the majority of possession in the first half although conceding a goal mid way through, despite this Uni equalised with some fast flowing passes into the manly half for a cross across goal for Skiddo to find the back of the net.

The back four - Ange, Sally, Maggie and Fliss - kept strong for the rest of the half  keeping Manly out our `D' taking us into the second half with the score still being 1-1. We continued dominating play but unfortunately couldn't capitalise on the short corners we kept winning. We then went on to concede off a well worked Manley short corner later on in the second half.

This was a disappointing result but with good performances all around there are defiantly positives to take from the match. Special mention has to go to Maggie for a great performance and well deserved man of the match.
SL

Womens 6th Grade v  ND 2 on Sunday 5th April. Drew 1-1

It was a tough game throughout, the first half was evenly fought, with SUHC getting the majority of the chances but sadly struggled to convert. ND snuck one through our defences to go down 1-0 mid way in the first half. Steph started to dominate in the middle with some hard work. The forwards worked continuously to make opportunities and they came, in the form of short corners, and a penalty flick, which was unfortunately denied by a great save.

The second half went from strength to strength, everyone stepped up and wanted it more. The defence was as solid as ever! Emma and Dianne were strong as inners, which lead to some great attacks, and eventually a goal! The forwards created more short corners, and hit the post twice! So we were unlucky not to walk of with many more goals.

Well done to all the girls for a great effort.

HK

Round 2 v ND1. Lost 3-1

Despite a sterling 2nd half effort, The Femmes Fatales could not manage to hold off a strong ND1's team on a blustery Pennant Hills. Confidence was high after the "Stop it" victory over ND2's  the previous week.  However, the Femmes were unfortunately hampered by the absence of the Team Nutritionist (and Skipper Dr Dre) the night before, meaning the strict diet of pasta and energy drinks was substituted for Sauvignon Blanc & Jagermeister!!!

ND1 were quick out of the blocks, and were quickly up by 3 goals due to some clinical finishing, despite the best efforts of Leash in the goals.  A change of tactics from Coaches Hamish & Andy (sans skinny ties) at half time allowed a much stronger and resilient Uni in the second half, with "New Masto" moving back to support fullbacks Steph "The Wall" Phelan and Mel Limbert - (possibly Nottingham's finest Export since Robin Hood)!!

Some superb link up play between Dr Dre, Elle (The Gazelle) Kershaw and a cracking finish from Ashleigh up front eventually gave The Femmes a well deserved goal, and only some solid defensive work from the ND1 defence prevented Uni from getting back into the game.   Some positive signs from the team going into the Easter Break - Best & Fairest Points shared between Elle & Masto. 

Be afraid, Scott Laird, Be very afraid.

RV & MJ

Round 3 v Ryde: Won 2-1
 
As always the constant stand-out performing team of Sydney University, Women's 3rd grade have again started the season well. They are sitting outright first after the first three rounds. With their next closest two teams sharing a tight 0-0 draw it has created an early but ever so small lead. (Great coaching!!)
 
"To have a gap this early in the season is a great way to start" said Captain Flocker (Translated). "we are hoping we can capitalise from this and continue to look hot, win hockey and make the opposition pay for giving us a break so soon in the season."
 
Soph Boyle has been in outstanding form on the field with regular best and fairest points and has been terrorising defence across the comp whilst off field Sarah Harrington Birch has been in outstanding form doing her best to get promoted into 2nd grade!!
 
Women's 3rd grade is going to be the team to beat this season, with Sarah Jones, Flocker and others looking very dangerous in attack on and off the field this season with Millner, Bron Steele and Lorna Dunning all showing great early form on the bottle at the first function this is looking very likely to be the team of the season.
 
Watch this space in 2009 - most definitely more to come.

BC

Round 3 vs. Baulko. Won 4-1

After a shaky start to the season, we were hesitant going into the big Friday Night grudge match against Baulko on the 3rd of April. With two losses behind us, one an undeniably big loss, the nerves were obvious in our pre-game warm up but soon the mood lightened when I reminded the team we were going to be lucky as I hadn't washed my clothes since last Sunday's game.

We started off pretty strongly with a goal by Heidi in the back of the net in under 10 minutes. After dominating possession on the field for most of the half it was 2-0 by the time the half time whistle was blown.

Our trusty coach Liam Huntley Dixon reminded us at half time how dangerous this position of being 2 up at half time was and we went out strong with our minds set on scoring more goals. As the clock ticked down the umpires fired up as Kirsty reminded them that "on the line is in" and was sent off with a yellow card. Soon this was matched with the culprit who hit the ball way too hard and injured half our team from Baulko to make the match 10 on 10. Two quick goals through good passing up the midfield led to a 4-nill lead in the final 10 minutes. With ten to go Baulko snatched a quick goal to end the final score at a 4-1 lead to Sydney Uni 2nd Grade marking our first win of the season and bringing our standing to 6th place and only one point out of the top 4.

An awesome team effort from everyone, lets hope next Friday night we can be as pumped up to smash Esquires and secure our spot in the top 4.

Johno

Women's 1sts v Esquires.
Won 2-1

After last Tuesdays disappointing result all the girls were ready to play and came out firing. Everyone was keen to follow in the path of 2nd grade as they had just won their match against Esquires 1-0!

It took Uni about 15 minutes to score our first goal of the night. The goal came because of the awesome press which had been set up. Esquires tried hitting through Heidi but couldn't, she trapped it and a neat pass to Soph in the circle. All that was needed was a simple drag of the Esquires goalie and Soph did it with ease. Uni were leading 1-0. For the next 15 minutes our structure could have been better, but was good enough for us to survive. We allowed a few opportunities for Esquires to score. However some good saves from Mel in goals and strong defence from Lou and Sookie prevented them from gaining the equaliser.

With about 3 minutes until half time Esquires scored the equaliser, but this was not to stop us, as we came out in the second half determined to win! After having a few shots go wide and some good defending by the opposition we knew we were going to have to work hard if we wanted to score! But all it took was a short corner won by VJ, which Jess Blake had no problem in smashing it into the goal!

Although we were up 2-1 there was still 25 minutes left and that was plenty of time for them to score, or on the positive side we could put a few more in the back of the net! Both teams had chances to score but some great tackles in the midfield by KP and Gill meant that Esquires opportunities to score were limited. Until the last 5 minutes of the match when the Syd Uni defence was under some pressure. Although they had a few short corners and shots in general play they could not score and we held on for the victory!

With Cara and Emma being away at Academy Games we didn't have a full team. However Heidi, Jess Higgs, Alex and Kate played with us, after they had played in second grade the game beforehand. Although they had played one game already it didn't look it on the field as they all played extremely well!

Well done girls for a fabulous win!!!!

Best and fairest: Mathilda, Lou, Jess B

MC

Women's 2nds v Esquires in Rd 4. Won 1-0

Our round four match was against Esquires
The girls from Sydney Uni were keen to let down their tyres.
Our game started off with the drama of a concert by Bono
Our courageous captain injured, a broken finger for Jono.
From here Esquires had thought they'd cut down our threat
But it wasn't much later until we had put one in the back of the net.
Our short corner executed ever so tidy
The finishing touches scored by our Pommy star Heidi.
From there we defended like our lives did depend
Our one goal we were determined to defend.
We missed some opportunities, in fact three open goals
For a while there we may as well have been playing lawn bowls.
The last five minutes we showed our determination and guts.
Bring on next game when we kick the Moorebank girl's butts!

Julz

4ths v ND: Won 2-0

This week most people turned up to the match feeling a little less hung over and refreshed after a good Easter break. After a few early chances we clenched the lead with our first goal coming from a nice link up play between Nat and Ellie. Once again Fliss and Sally stayed strong throughout and put in another good performance at the back.

With many more chances we stayed dominant for the rest of the first half and with another inspiring half time team talk from Scott and good passing through the midfield Nat went on to pinch a well deserved second goal mid way through the second half. With SUHC having the majority of the chances and some great shots from Jodie we were unlucky not to score more. Once again an improvement from our previous match!

Well played AJ and Sal for getting joint man of the match!
JT

Women's 3rd grade Vs Strikers: 0-0 draw.

In a game of young vs.. old, youthful vigour Vs age old cunning and future talent vs.. past glory. Sydney Uni met the Veteran Strikers in a hard fought end to end tussle nil-nil draw.

In a game that never really got out of 2nd gear Sydney Uni were strangled against the heavy handed, physical tactics of the old gals from Strikers and our game dropped to the scrappy standards of our wise old opposition. We had several opportunities but silly options in the circle and brilliant keeping from Strikers (amazing) keeper meant that SU were unable to put the game away and take the 3 points.

We will take a lot from this game and hopefully this was the shock we needed to kick us into gear. The undeniable knowledge that if we don't raise the bar pick up our basics we are going to find it difficult to compete against the top 3 teams in the comp in our coming rounds is all that is needed hopefully to step us back into top gear.
BC

5ths v Manly 3rds. Draw 1-1

A waning half-moon, tumultuous weather patterns and that annual distracting event of Taurus the Bull defeating Aries the Ram for astrological residence in the calendar all contributed to the disappointing draw that the Fatales succumbed to on Sunday, 19th April.

The earlier game at Ryde may also have seen certain Fatales still clOAKed in the previous night's haze. No, come on now. Hardly excuses. I suggest far-less superstitious reasons. The Fatales had 80% possession in the first half with most of that spent in their attacking 50. Missed opportunities on goal and short corners heightened frustration within the ranks. Manly 3s showed defiance over waves of Fatales attack - a flooded Manly backline made space hard to find for mellifluous passages of play. 

The second half mirrored the first. Yet late in the second and after a few fast-breaks by Manly saw the Fatales down 0-1. The girls held strong and knew the game should be theirs - heads high they continuously countered with lightning speed down their flanks for Doyle to finally sate her hunger for goals. 1-1. Five minutes left, bench near swallowed their hearts as a Manly attack found itself 1 on 1 with Leash (the Goalie)... Leash, asserting her return to SUHC, demonstrated her unbelievable wall-like character with the Manly shot-on-goal rejected. As they say, a draw is better than a loss and the Fatales come away with much to reflect on harnessing their awesome potential as a team.

Goals: Doyle. B&F: Hayley and Dre

MJ

SUHC 6ths v ND. Lost  0-6

We knew we had a tough game on our hands going into Sunday's game againts division leaders ND1's, and it proved to be! They were a very strong team, but the girls battled hard, and with some unfortunate goals against the score seemed a little harsh, not to mention the horrific weather conditions, which lead to most of the first half being played in the dug out! Still Jacquie in goal made some increadible saves to keep our heads up in the miserable rain. The backs worked hard, and so did the midfield, but it was hard to control the ball on the drenched pitch. A few forward plays looked good, but unfortunatly we didn't manage to convert. Good effort, we'll smash them next time!
H

SUHC 7ths v ND. Won 5-0

The 7th grade had a brilliant match on on Sunday with a awesome 5-0 win! The defence was solid, which sed up a brilliant backbone for the whole team. Some solid hard work in the middle from Harriet, and Nicola, mixed in with some skills from Bucko, who linked well with Lize, to produce some brilliant through balls for the forwards who didn't stop running! And they were rewarded with 5 goals! Congratulations to Bucko for a Hatrick! Well done to the whole team.

HK

SUHC 8ths v UTS. Lost 0-3

A big change in formation led to a much improved performance this week for the 8th grade as they went down 3-0 to UTS. Putting the emphasis on ball pace and workrate, Sydney Uni started brightly and should have been 1-0 up in 5 minutes after missing a golden chance when finding themselves 4 v 1 in the attacking 25. Not to be deterred, however, Uni kept working hard and fashioned several more chances, mainly from excellent work from defensive midfielder Laura Simmons.

The 3 defenders were looking much more solid this week with more communication, however their resistance was broken 25 minutes in, and then again 3 minutes from the break, however they can count themselves very unlucky with both goals. At half time emphasis was again placed on work rate and communication, and it seemed to pay off with 15 minutes of heavy pressure from Uni, however they just couldnt find that breakthrough goal they badly needed. With 5 minutes left on the clock Uni tired and a lapse in concentration led to the third for UTS. A hugely flattering scoreline for UTS, Uni can hold their heads high with a huge improvement in performance, which can only mean better results will surely follow.
 
K/S

Womens 1sts v Baulkam Hills on 14th April
Result: Lost 1-2

Just as the thunder and lightning had threatened late on Tuesday afternoon, so did the Uni girls on the pitch early in the first half against Baulko. They built pressure early, and with a few enthusiastic supporters behind them, a goal from Emma, after some great work from the midfield saw our aggressive play rewarded. The lead didn't dampen our structure and the girls continued to create attacking opportunities in the circle, but just couldn't convert.

Baulko scored from a powerful hit from their first short corner, making it 1-1. As always, the defence was working hard, and was succeeding in eliminating Baulko's speedy strikers , however, Baulko scored again from some scrappy work in the circle, despite Mel's spectacular saves, putting us behind 2-1.

We were confident in our fitness in the second half and still managed to create attacking opportunities in the circle, made possible from strong, possession play from Mathilda, Lou, Burgo, Amanda and KP from the back and in the midfield.  Cara almost repeated her tomahawk brilliance, and Gill had a strong shot on goal late in the game, however we couldn't make it count.

Special mention to Jess Blake who was absent, our thoughts are with her and her family.

Best and Fairest - Soph, Lou and Mathilda

SB

Sydney Uni Vs GNS - 8th April

Result: 3-1  

After an extremely long pre-season, the girls were glad to get out on the pitch and revive the Sydney Uni spirit. They wasted no time settling in to the game plan and came out firing with the first goal coming in the first 20 minutes from Cara. The girls maintained their composure, despite a few GNS shoulders coming our way, but Mathilda liked their form and gave it back with force, resulting in a green card. Gordon thought they could go one better with a yellow card. Sookie went down after a GNS stick found her forehead, but tough as she is, she was back out there with fire in her belly. The girls lead 1-0 at half time.

The second goal came from the brilliant teamwork of Jess and Emma, after a powering shot from Jess, Emma was there to clean up the pads and finish it off with style. Short corners did not go as planned like at midnight on Tuesday!!! Mis-traps and wide shots meant we were not rewarded with deserving goals. Shortly after Cara again found the back of the net with a fluke hit that will never be repeated!!! VJ is still seeing Cara's priceless face in her dreams. (Good to see the former Juniors doing the work for the Seniors too!) With the lead now well established at 3-0, GNS has no chance of penetrating Bambi's brick wall. After a few more shoulders, sliding tackles and yellow cards GNS held strong on their rebounds and tapped one across the line making the final score 3-1.

Best and Fairest: Cara, Soph, Lou

CS

The draw for Women's 5ths to 8ths this weekend is:

5th -  1:30pm @ Ryde vs UTS 5's
6ths - 3:00pm @ Ryde Vs Manly 2
7ths -  3:30pm @ Pennant Hills vs Red Bears
8ths - 5:00pm @ Pennant Hills vs Northern Dist

Your coaches will notify you of the teams: they will not be posted on the website this week (sorry). If in doubt contact them:

5th Grade: Rob - 0416 389792 or MJ - 0417 868861
6th Grade: Henry - 0413 647916
7th Grade: Smoz - 0408 656 295
8th Grade: Kevin - 0406 730888

Women's 1st grade v Moorebank: Lost 2-1

Round 4 saw us coming up against the top of the table Moorebank. Needless to say, it was always going to be a tough game and we knew from the start that we'd need to step it up a level for the entire game if we were to have a shot at beating those guys. The team morale seemed pretty high after Friday night, and as Lou kindly pointed out in her pre game pump up speech, "If anyone is feeling shit when they're out there and you believe that a kind remembrance of Friday night will bring a smile to their face, then do it!"

The first half we struggled to control the play. Turnovers, turnovers and more turnovers, we just couldn't get it out of our defensive half. Moorebank's first goal came from a break down our left side where through some simple elimination of our players and me, they swung it into the back of the net to be up leading 1-0 with 17mins to go on the clock. As time ticked away, we were still struggling to string together some passes and look dangerous in the attack. Moorebank continued to dominate, giving the defenders and I a pretty good workout. (Maybe this was your way of saying welcome back for the two games I had missed?!). KP had a nice save on the line, just gliding her stick onto the ball so graciously! Unfortunately, with about 10mins to go till half time we conceded a penalty with their ex-hockeyroo coming up for the strike. Bottom left corner at a bazillion kms/hr, all i heard was the backboard!

So down 2-0 at half time, we knew we had a lot of work on our hands. We were able to keep our structure and work the ball around, holding possession which was great. We had a number of attacking circle penetrations, which lead to a penalty strike be awarded to us. Em went up for the strike and didn't disappoint with a solid flick to the bottom right hand corner. 2-1 and we were back in the game! We continued to create more excellent opportunities and even some one on ones with the keeper but were just unlucky in not being able to convert. Moorebank continued to try get some more in the box but just couldn't quite break through effectively. The last 30 seconds of the game saw Em with a runaway opportunity, but unfortunately got taken out by their keeper.

So the 2-1 loss was slightly disappointing, but at least we came away with the win in the second half. Looking forward to Sunday's game against Briar's where we can look forward to claiming 3 points for the victory!

Sydney Uni 3rds v Glebe: 4-0 win.
 
A local derby usually always brings out the best in the Glebe girls, however not in 2009. Sydney Uni were focused clinical and more polished than their lack lustre rivals. Not once venturing in our circle Sydney Uni dominated the entire game and were unlucky not to score 8 or 9 more. Millner was in fine form scoring not once but three times, finally finding the form that she has been renowned in previous seasons and Sarah Jones continued to find the back of the net picking up the 4th.
 
HB picked up 3 points, obviously the coaching from Second Grade Coach is paying off as Glebe failed to register any circle penetrations passed the wall of B and HB at the back.
 
Massive game next week - Top of the table clash Tuesday Night Vs Manly.  Must win if we are to be considered real chances at taking out this competition this year.

BC

The 8s notched their first win this weekend with a terrific 4-1 win over Northern District. Sydney Uni started brightly from the off, concentrating on work rate and posistional discipline, and could count themselves unlucky going a goal down after 15 minutes. Not to be deterred however, Uni kept battling away and some good work in the midfield from Allegra and Nat gave Eliza the chance to score and she took it with ease, scoring a beauty from the top D. Uni were brimming with confidence now and looked like scoring with every attack, and the 2nd goal came 5 minutes before the break, newcomer Jane slotting in from close range following a superb passing move.

Half time came and went with no dramas (for once) and Uni were sent out again with the instuctions to not let up on the opposition, and thats just what they did, with player of the match Laura Simmons showing brilliant battling qualities in the middle to keep up the pressure on the opposition.  After a good start to the 2nd half, Uni took their foot off the gas slightly and 10 minutes of heavy pressure followed, however the Uni defence held firm with the help of some great saves by debut goalkeeper Cate and the all important 3rd goal followed, which was quickly followed the 4th, richly deserved following the performance the team put in.
A brilliant performance, one which was always going to come given time, same again next week!
 
Best And Fairest: Laura Simmons
Goals: Eliza, Jane (2), Jolie
 
Koala

SU 5ths v  UTS: won 3-1

Half the Fatales went into Sunday's inter-university derby having had some tennis professional advice and aerobic ho-down the night before. The other half seemed to be attempting to build up some influenza immunity. Antibody build up, mind-expanding advice from tennis pros and aerobic fitness: this is `risk management' - in such times of crises, this is something the world over should be learning from such advanced beings as the Fatales. They WILL be the last ones standing after any foreseeable battle! (We're looking at YOU, 4s). *cough cough*

2-1 at half time against UTS 5s. Dr Dre scooped in the first of three Fatales goals for the day after some ping pong rallying with the UTS goalie, while Ferris looked on with goal hunger un-sated. The next came from Miss Marks, burning up the throat of the pitch. Doyle lost use of her stick for a moment... to the UTS goalie Doyle niceties, "excuse me, you're standing on my stick". "That's because it's underneath me", the padded Captain Obvious replies. Channelling her frustration, Doyle finally retrieves it and trods off. Next four should have come from the Choppers on the flanks, Purcell prancing on leads unlucky enough not to find the backboard and only UTS shoulders. Then, UTS sneezed to bring it back to 2-1.

The second half: The Fatales made better use of great runny nose, I mean running of those channels - often to no avail, with UTS tackles taking terrifying new lows. WHO SITS IN FRONT OF THE BALL CARRIER!? Sir Alex in fevers on the sideline. In such cold sweats he near frosted the tips of his hair. Yet, with time, he slowly receded himself out of umpires' earshot. Doyle, in full use of her stick, notched the third of the day.

Goals: Dre, Hayley, Doyle
B&Fs: Ashleigh (3), Dre & Hayley

MJ

SU 4th grade vs ND1: Lost 1-0

This week was our big game against top of the table ND1. It was clear from the start this was going to be a fast paced tight game of hockey. With constant rotation from the bench and fresh legs on the pitch we held our own. The first half was well matched with Sydney Uni making some good and promising runs which we were unlucky not to convert. Unfortunately 10 minutes before the end of the first Half Sydney Uni conceded a fairly sloppy goal.

Despite this we kept our heads up and after having had positive half time talk we fought back hard.

We dominated play for the whole of the second half. With more chances going our way it was a shame we couldn't quite finish things off. We made some slick transfers and good leads which carried on pressing there defence.

This continued until the final whistle although this was a disappointing result we have plenty of positives to take from this into next weeks game!

 Best and fairest- Ange

JT

SU 6ths v Manly: lost 1-0

On a beautiful sunny day, the SUHC Stop-Its took on Manly 2's out at Ryde. It was a tough first half, a combination of the heat and the strong Manly attack. 6's had some good attacking play early on with the midfield being strong on the ball, Dianne, Georgia, Steph and G-Raff combined well in the centre to produce some chances for the forwards to convert, Swine flu tried to penetrate the manly defense but it seemed ineffective!  Manly then stepped it up later on in the second half and applied a great deal of pressure in our D. The defense took up the challenge and adapted brilliantly, Grinder and Toey held the back well together, Captain Chloe HDB, The Ambassador, Tim Tam, and Lauryn all put in 100% in the halfs and some absolutely incredible goal keeping from Jaquie Taylor which kept us in the game. Sadly Manly managed to sneak one past us just before the half time whistle.

The second half was much more upbeat from the 6's, we started to string along plays and have some great breaks. It was an evenly fought half until Uni really picked up in the last 10 minutes and looked like scoring, attack after attack, but unfortunately the Manly defence managed to break up the plays well.

An very good effort from all the girls!

B&F - 3 pt's Jacqui, 2 pt's  Georgia, 1 pt Steph

T-Spoon

7ths v Baulkum Hills: Won 1-0

The first 5 minutes of the game got off to a shaky start with the 7's defensive line getting attacked. Lou and Ad's held a strong backline and we worked the play back into our half to the pitch. After a massive pump up cheer at half time SUHC 7's switched on in the second half and came out firing. With a beautiful lead from Freya out wide following by a shot on goal, Amelia was in the perfect position on the post for a defection, putting Syd Uni in the lead 1-0. 

The 7's held strong even though the opposition was getting a little rough and heated on the pitch. We finished the game with a few missed chances in the goal but an unbeatable back line as the opposition tried but failed to put away 5 short corners in the dying seconds.  

Goals: Amelia

B&F: Harriet, Lize, Ads and Nicola  
Smoz

6th grade v Manly on 26 April. Won 2-1

On Sunday afternoon we came away with the first win of the season! The girls played brilliantly in the first half, with a fair share of goal scoring opportunities, of which we converted one to take the lead. We dominated for the rest of the half, with the backs having little to do.

The second half started in a very similar fashion to the first, and we scored another well worked goal. Manly put up a bit of a fight in the second half, and they even managed to scrape one goal back through a short corner, but SUHC were straight back at them and spent the majority of the final quarter in there 25! Well done on an awesome win!!

B&F 3 Dianne, 2 Georgia, & 1 for Stepf, and well done to Laura for scoring both goals!
 
HK

 5th grade v Manly on Anzac Weekend. Drew 1-1

Following the disappointment of last week, The FF decided to ditch astrology and follow a new path to glory - Scientology, Buddhism and Jedi were all considered - but the winner turned out to be "Manning the hell up", a hybrid movement featuring ferocious shots on goal (Primrose), tearing up the midfield (Hayley), marshalling the defence like Winston Churchill (Mel), and Leash "The Rock" in Goal bringing fear to the Manly strikers!

After a strong Thursday Training, FF were fired up and ready for action from the off, despite Masto quizzically asking coach Hamish what "a game face" is- idiot!!  From the one, two, three UNI call one could sense passion in the air (perhaps that was still lingering from Doyle's date on Saturday night??).  Some dominant attacking from Uni, with Hayley Marks an ever constant threat at Centre Forward, led to The FF taking the lead, Ashleigh with a cool finish in front of goal.  The atmosphere was electric & the attacks kept on coming from Uni, mainly through some solid work through the centre from the ever reliable Dr Dre Horden & Elle the Gazelle.   Manly discovered a 2nd wind moving towards the half time hooter with some impressive play down the right.  The FF were powerless to stop the equaliser from going in after a wave of Manly attacks - 1-1 at half time.

The Femmes started the 2nd half the strongest, with a barrage of short corners coming down the southern end of the Ground.  Shot after shot rained down on the Manly goal, including an absolute THUNDERBOLT from Primrose Wilkinson that almost put a hole in the keepers arm!!  Both Em `Usaine Bolt' Dole and Hayley `Asafa Powell' Marks split through to go one on one with the keeper only for the final touch to let Manly off the hook.  Meanwhile Manly were strong on the counter, and only two fantastic athletic charging saves from Leash Norman.  Coaches Hamish & Andy's hearts were in their mouths - with Hamish's language turning the air blue in a true Sir Alex Ferguson style as chances went begging from both sides - if a swear box is introduced for the season, it is likely that we will have our own turf in the next 4 weeks!!!

The hooter went, and the game finished a tie.  A fantastic end to end game, and pleasing to the eye of our "guest" Dutch strategist (with Leo Sayer's Haircut).  Goals - Ashleigh Purcell, Best & Fairest - Elle Kershaw & Hayley Marks.

Catch the next instalment of the Fifth Grade Femmes Fatales at Ryde next week, BRING IT ON!!

RV&MJ (aka H&A)!!

With Scott taking an early season break, Andy was on fine form on the bench with substitutes and starburst flowing. The result was never in doubt after Sydney Uni took an early 1-0 lead thanks to Nat. This was shortly followed by a neat deflection from Skiddo.

Half time soon came around with the score being 4-0 due to good finishes from Elle and Nat. The second half continued in the same vein as Uni piled on the pressure. Nat soon completed her hat-trick, whilst Ange and Jodie scored their first goals of the season. (at last jodes)

With short corners galore this could have been double figures or with Scott's influence maybe a closer affair. We will be looking forward to next week's big match against top of the league and seeing Andy on the bench again.

Best and Fairest: 3 - Georgie, 2 - Ange, 1 - Nat

Quote of the day:  `Andy, your'r way better than Scott'

JT

SU 2nds v Moorebank : Won 4-2

After 2 consecutive wins the SU stop it second grade women were looking to go one better against top of the table Moorebank. We had been working hard towards this match all week with 2 training sessions followed by a team bonding session in the metro cup organised by Remo. From this preparation we took our good form Friday night onto the field coming out firing in the opening minutes. Both teams traded blows as expected with Moorebank U21 Tasmanian keeper repeating her good form from winning nationals a week earlier making the opening saves.

Second grade repeated the attacking raids and after some scrappy play in front of goal Heidi Baber pounced on it and Uni did what we had failed to do all season and took the opening opportunities to convert. Moorebank looked shocked, expecting to come away with 3 points, soon realised this was going to be a tight affair that would come down to who wanted it more. SU however had not read the script continuing to dominate possession and stringing together several good passes which denied Moorebank to find any rhythm. From some good build up play and structure from the back Uni managed to construct a second goal set up by Fiona Tout and finished off by Emmeline Hickey which gave us a 2-0 dream start to the match. Unfortunately in our last 5 minutes of the first half we started to look to defend our lead and gave away a short corner. This was only the sniff Moorebank needed, easily converting off a well-executed left slip option. The first half ended at 2-1 with the match very much in the balance after Uni allowed Moorebank back into the match with that late goal.

After a few choice words from the coach we maintained our focus not wanting to let the opportunity for a win slip from our grasp. Although the game started much like the first half with Uni dominating possession and looking in control a small mistake in midfield saw Moorebank do what they do best creating an opportunity out of nothing to level the match 2-2. Uni were rattled up 2 nil and now 2-2 with Moorebank in the box seat. We literally spent the next 10 minutes pinned in our own half defending for our lives with some key saves by Mel Shoard our U15 state keeper. Luckily Uni managed to hold off the barrage and steadied the ship going into the last 20 minutes with possession tipping back our way. Fiona managed to tun possession over deep in their half and set up Emmeline for a shot blocked by the keeper only to be finished by our youngest team member who started the counter, Fiona. This was all Uni needed to step up and close the door on Moorebank. Shortly after a few more good passes and attacking with width led to a short corner which was going to prove the final nail in the coffin for Moorebank as Heidi calmly slotted the shot off a well rehearsed left slip to finish the game 4-2.

The win propels us even on points with Moorebank and 1 point off first position after the first 5 weeks. No one would have predicted it after being promoted to ML2 this year and losing our first two matches that we would now be competing with the top teams and may even look to challenge for the premiership later in the year.

Next match will be another tight contest against Briars 2 who now sits equal first after Moorebank's loss.
LHD

Tickets to the Samsung Hockey Champions Trophy Women 2009 are on sale now.

Please head to Ticketek to purchase your tickets, all for under $45!

For further ticketing enquiries, please contact Hockey Australia on 03 9555 1500.

SUHC v Ryde on 17 May: Lost 4-2

The day didn't start well for Sydney University with only 9 players in the change room 10 minutes before the start of the match due to illness and other hockey commitments, and it didn't get any better from there.

We were constantly playing catch up throughout the match with the very dominant Ryde strikers drawing first blood to go up 1-0.  From here USYD lifted their intensity and began to string passes together placing Ryde under great pressure which saw Jess convert one of our many short corner opportunities. However, Ryde quickly hit back, albeit through the help of a few feet, to go up again.
From here USYD threw everything at the tiring Ryde defence late in the first half and was rewarded with a great team goal that stretched from one end of the field to the other and ended with Jess scoring her second. With minutes before half time Ryde scored another goal from a well placed `Tomahawk' to the bottom left hand corner just evading a diving Bambi. Ryde 3-2.

At half time Khev instructed his girls to make better decisions in attack and to tighten up in defence with far too many long passes penetrating our defensive press. However as a playing group we failed to execute this with Ryde again scoring after the break and from there we never looked like winning. Credit must go to Bambi who made some amazing saves and did her best to prevent the score from becoming a white wash. Burgo, Mathilda and KP also scrapped hard in defence and Jess and Cara never gave up in attack.

The lesson of the day is that we need to support the ball carrier by providing more opinions in attack through leading and hard running. I'm sure we can all learn from this loss and will come out fired up in 2 weeks time to play Strikers in what is shaping up as a must win game to move back into the top 4.

Thanks must go to Fiona, Rhiannon and Jess Higgs for backing up after playing for seconds earlier in the day.

MVP VJ, Bambi, Gill.
VJ  

8th v ND: Won 3-1

The newly named 8 balls of fire completed a double over Northen District this week, beating their 5s 3-1, 2 weeks after seeing off the 4s 4-1. In a hard fought win, Uni started brightly against the top team, determined to show they were up for the fight, and made the breakthrough early on in the 1st half, Laura finishing calmy under pressure from a short corner. Debutant 'keeper Roxanne was kept busy in the 1st half, and Uni were unlucky to concede with 20 minutes gone, having dominated the early exhanges. "Heads up Uni" was the call and we responded in style, going 2-1 up with the last action of the first half, following terrific work down the left from Eleanore (District couldnt handle her all game). Following a huge shout of "Are you ready..yes yes yes etc" instigated by Allegra which deafened just about everyone in Sydney, Uni were sent out again looking to press home the advantage and see the game off early. Uni didnt have it all their own way however, Roxanne again being kept busy but coping admirably, helped by sweeper Jolie who had a stormer of a game. The vital 3rd goal came mid way through the 2nd half, Laura completing her brace and capping another fine performace.
Bring on the U18's next week!

B+F Eleanore Galt

Sydney Uni def. Briars 1-0 in Round 5 on 10 May

Our 5th game for the season and it seems like we're just warming up! A great win on the weekend against Briars. We started off a little slow in the first half with a lot of turnovers, but none-the-less looked dangerous at times in our attacking 25, where our strikers created some great opportunities.

The second half began at 0-0, but we all knew that the win was up for our taking if we stuck to our basics and followed coach Khev's wise words. The quality of play was definitely a lot better in the second half and we reaped the rewards when Soph smashed in that awesome goal midway through the half. So with the 1-0 lead, everyone must have thought it would be nice to give the defenders and me a MAJOR heart attack in the last 5mins by giving away about 50 short corners, (just to keep things exciting of course)!! 

Good job on the win ladies, that puts us in 4th place! Let's keep up the fine form through the season.

PS

SU 2nds v Briars on 10 May: Won 1-0

Uni makes it 4 wins on the trot beating another top of the table team in Briars. Who would have thought after missing 5 of our integral team members for this week's clash that we would have struggled against a team leading the competition. Special thanks must go to Sophie Boyle, Prue Rutherford and Devin Eppley who all played up from 3rd grade and did not look out of their depth in the Briars domination.

 It was always going to be a challenge to ensure our team cohesion was up to the standard we had set for ourselves over the last couple of weeks. Thankfully we were up to the test completely dominating possession and territory over the 70 minutes. Unfortunately old habits die hard with our inability to find the back of the net the common theme in the match. This continued until the very last minute when we managed to draw a short corner for an intentional foot outside the circle. As the clock ticked over our main battery stepped up with the remaining players around the 5 metres. After a few short passes at the top we managed to fire a ball wide of the far to post to none other than our 3rd grade star Soph Boyle. What a game, what a great result and a well fought win against a Briars' team who seemed to be playing for the draw.

As we knock off another top of the table team we draw one step closer to next weeks match against Glebe who now sit in first, one point ahead of us. We remain one point behind Glebe and a good result next week will see us sitting in the best position going into the second half of the competition.

Go Girls!

LHD

5ths v 4ths on 10 May: Femme Fatales Won 2-1

I mouth a spoonful of the final dégustation dish and exclaim, "Garcon! Garcon!"
Over trots the waiter, "Yess, Sir? What iz it dat I help you with?"
"Garcon, this dish, what is it?"
"Vwe call it Victory, Sir."
"Yes, of course! Victory! Garcon, it's delicious!" I holler. "And THIS one tastes so sweet! Give my recommendations to the chefs, would you?"
"Oui!"

I leave Cafe Fatales overwhelmingly satisfied, Sunday 10th of May, and recollect on such a feast for the senses and emotions. All fifteen chefs performed to perfection. All as one to produce the greatest feast - no, feat of all time. It was one of THE intra-club derbies of the SNWHA competition. And this one turned out to be bigger than (don't want to get all cliché (that's French) here, but I will) Ben Hurr. And he's big.

Scores 1 apiece at half time. Scores 1 apiece at full-time.

But let's start from the beginning. As Miss Marks took the field 5 minutes in the Fatales were starting to show they were here not to sniff roses. An unbiased view would say the attacking percentage favoured the Fatales. A fast break from the tricksy 4's forwards saw a great strike at the Fatale's goals. Leash, with an epic dive just got her stick to ball and was robbed for her effort as it crossed the goal-line. 1-0 to 4s, 10 mins in. Countering that, the Fatales held their strong attacks with Masto running riot down the right. As the coach was distracted on substituting, The Gazelle intercepted a defensive pass in the D and made hay while the full-moon shone. Scores 1 apiece at half time.

Yells from a fiery Limbert at the back sent shockwaves through all living beings for miles. Fatales were here to assert. Dr Dre commanded the mid-field with Felony directing traffic and halting any unlawful forward press by 4s. An even second half arm-tussle kept scores as were, with Leash rejecting any 3 on 1 attack. Every short by both sides went unrewarded, except one...

Coach, with heart in throat, checked watch: 34 minutes gone. Short corner to the Fatales.  Huddle at the top then break. Short-corner battery at-the-ready. Whistle. Full-time. "All up!" Leash still in defensive half.  Coach with heart in mouth. Gazelle, in standard stealth push out pose, rockets ball to the top. Clean strike. Save. A discombobulate left-half McGee traps and hesitates. "Shoot!" Shot on goal. Save. Purcell pounces to push. Save. Hayley on back stick flicks and ROOFS the godforsaken dimpled ball. 2-1 to Femmes Fatales!! A very sweet dish indeed.

Goals - Gazelle, Hayley
B&Fs - Leash (3). Gazelle (2). Dre, Hayley, Steph & Mel (0.25).

MJ

6ths v UTS on 10 May: Won 3-1

Despite having to give up our Mothers' Day dinners to trek out to Pennant Hills for a 6.30pm start, all of the Stop It Sixes were ready and raring to go against UTS 5s this week, with some pre-game psych-ups leaving us determined to dominate and put in some much-needed goals. Gee-raffe's motivation was clear from the start, declaring "If I get a goal tonight, I'm allowed to buy that jacket I want"!! 

Teaspoon's new killer formation confused the other team from the outset, creating plenty of space up front for our "outers" and strikers to make leads and opportunities in the D. Gee-raffe fulfilled her promise, taking on the goalie one-on-one to score within the first ten minutes, ensuring early domination. Steph and Dianne ran rings around the opposition in the middle, stopping numerous attempts from the opposition midfielders to get the ball into their attacking half - not bad for someone (Bladder) who'd only got home from their 21st at 6.30 that morning! A second goal by the lovely Swiney saw us go up 2-0 before half time.

In the second half, UTS managed to gain some ground, with our end-of-game fitness leaving a little to be desired. Toey and Grinder again showed off their stop-it defensive skills and the ever-unflappable wall of a goalie that is Jaxface made some amazing saves once more. Unfortunately we let through a sneaky goal, but Harriet managed to smack one into the corner on a short, putting us up 3-1. Despite some nail-biting defensive shorts and a bit of panicking in the last five minutes, we managed to hold it together until the buzzer.

Match highlights: the Ambassador and Lauryn, the two quietest girls on the team, screaming their guts out; doubling our season goals in one game; masses of circle penetrations (made the coach happy!!). Best and Fairest: 3 points Steph, 2 to Emma, ½ each to Lauryn and Harriet. 

CHDB

Congratulations to Mathilda Carmicael, Rhi Russell, Mel Shoard, and Fiona Tout who have all been selected in the NSW U15 state squad of 35 after the Half State championships in Newcastle last weekend. 

Mathilda was named player of the tournament, and has also been selected in the first tier of the Hockey Emerging Talent Squad of NSWIS. This is a two tiered program that provides support for up to 40 athletes. The first tier supports up to 20 athletes with the potential for Junior World Cup selection and the second tier works with athletes that have potential for state team selection.

7ths v Rydeon 10 May: Lost 2-3

This week the Seven's Deadly Sinners started with the intensity they needed to take control of the game early on and put Ryde under the pump. With some hard work from our forwards Trish, Freya and Kerrie we managed to put a cheeky goal away at the left post and take the lead in the first 10 mintues. Eager to get another goal, gaps started to form in our defence and acros the whole field allowing Ryde to take advantage of mistakes. With great defence from our fill in goalie of the week, Scarlett (goalie number 2 in the making) we managed to hold them off for a while but they eventually they got one past us making the scores even. Half time gave the Deadly Sinners time to re focus and re group before taking the pitch once more with some passion and intensity. Although we had some great plays, some great running of the ball from Jess at the back and Harrriet putting her body on the line time and time again Ryde took the score line to 2-1.

Finally Sevens found the drive they need to push just that little bit further and with some luck we managed to score goal number 2 with some help from the Ryde fullback. With the scores even at 2 all, we battled on but when down in the last 10mins to Ryde 3-2. Unlucky, but good game girls.
 
B&F: Harriet

Smoz

8ths v Manly on 10 May: Lost 2-0 
 
Brimming with confidence after last week's heroics, the 8ths took to the field keen to carry on where they left off. Missing key players, Uni were still all over Manly, spending most of the first match camped out in Manly's half, however lack of compusure in the D let them down badly and were unable to break through. Towards the end of the half Manly managed to do just that, leaving Uni harshly 1-0 at the break.

It was a similar story in the 2nd half, Uni could have set up camp (tents, campfire etc) in Manly's half but were still unable to break through, despite numerous short corners. Once again in a repeat of the 1st half, Manly scored towards the end of the half, ending the game as a contest. Let's pick our game up next week Uni!
 
B+F Eleanore Galt.
 
Scapegoat

Early on Sunday Morning 2nd grade took the field to take on rivals Glebe.

Battling for top of the ladder it was a very very tight match. We dominated in the first ten minutes, then fell a bit allowing Glebe to steal two quick goals leaving them leading at half time 2-0. Some words of wisdom from coach Liam, who reminded us that being 2-0 up at half time is the most vulnerable position, the team came firing out of half time. Most of the possession was in our attacking quarter for the second half. With some great skill work from forwards Heidi, Fiona and Emmeline a total of 15 short corners were granted our way. However, the conversion rate of this was not as impressive.

The final score of 2-2 left Glebe in their 1st place position however we are closely following them and will smash them when we play them next!

B&F: Re 3, Fi  2, Alex 1
Johnno

3rds v North Sydney on 17 May: Won 4-1
 
With the top four in Metro 4 all within 4 points of each other (that's a lot of 4s!!) every game is crucial, dropped points will see you chasing the leaders, not a place you want to be at this stage in the season.

Third grade showed the right form in a very clinical 4-1 win against a strong North Sydney Team. Never getting out of 2nd gear they were methodical in their approach scoring two in the first half and two more in the second. Never looking on edge or at all under pressure, they moved the ball well and delivered the killer strikes when required. A good result from a good team.

A few big games coming up. Watch this space!!
BC

A PICTURE PAINTS A THOUSAND WORDS! (Frederick R Barnard, 1921)

2/5/2009. Michael Johnson, with his best mate (the umpire) at Masto's 'house party'. Cunningly at the same time that MJ is giving his mate a 'befriending hug', Robert Verdon is pick pocketing his yellow card!

T-Spoon (Munching on a bunch of sour grapes since 1.30 pm on Sunday 17th May 2009 when 5ths beat 6ths 5-1)

8ths v ND on 17 May: Won 3-1

The newly named 8 balls of fire completed a double over Northen District this week, beating their 5s 3-1, 2 weeks after seeing off the 4s 4-1. In a hard fought win, Uni started brightly against the top team, determined to show they were up for the fight, and made the breakthrough early on in the 1st half, Laura finishing calmy under pressure from a short corner. Debutant 'keeper Roxanne was kept busy in the 1st half, and Uni were unlucky to concede with 20 minutes gone, having dominated the early exhanges. "Heads up Uni" was the call and we responded in style, going 2-1 up with the last action of the first half, following terrific work down the left from Eleanore (District couldnt handle her all game). Following a huge shout of "Are you ready..yes yes yes etc" instigated by Allegra which deafened just about everyone in Sydney, Uni were sent out again looking to press home the advantage and see the game off early. Uni didnt have it all their own way however, Roxanne again being kept busy but coping admirably, helped by sweeper Jolie who had a stormer of a game. The vital 3rd goal came mid way through the 2nd half, Laura completing her brace and capping another fine performace.
Bring on the U18's next week!

B+F Eleanore Galt

Come see Hollywood, Eastham and our very own Hurtzy (Blues '08)!

The Samsung Women's Champions Trophy is fast approaching. SUHC has secured tickets so purchase your tickets today and don't miss out on some great sporting action. Sunday, July 12th will showcase some amazing hockey match-ups including the highlight match of the day, Australia vs. Argentina. Tickets are quickly being snapped up so contact Andy Elton (social.suhc@gmail.com or 0434 191 270) ASAP and reserve the opportunity to witness international hockey at its best. Your ticket provides exclusive access to the Champions Club. The Champions Club gives attendees the opportunity to enjoy quality food and drinks within a private marquee whilst watching world class hockey.

The draw for the day includes:

England vs Germany
Australia vs Argentina
China vs Netherlands

Tickets are $40. Don't miss out on the only international women's hockey tournament this year!

The Men's teams have a Club Day on 13 June at Olympic. Everyone is playing at Homebush that day except 5ths, who play at Pennant Hills at 12:30pm. See the brochure here

Sydney Olympic Park is a fully licensed venue. BYO is NOT allowed. SUHC has been warned by SHA and SWHL because of breaches of this rule by our supporters in the past, and neither we nor they will tolerate further incidents. There are severe consequences for the club and supporters for any breaches, so please respect this rule. Alcoholic beverages can be purchased at the canteen or the Waratah Room Bar.

2nds lose to Strikers 1-4 on 22 May

Late Friday night 2nd grade were reluctantly hitting the field in the wet, cold and windy weather. From the start of our warm up we were joking around and having fun hoping for a fun win over a team low on the ladder, however after 10 minutes of the match dragged on we got a wake up call... Strikers came out firing, wanting it more than us and even playing better than us, we were quite shocked. They played hard and got to the ball giving them the 2 - 0 lead at half time leaving an annoyed Sydney Uni team.

Coming back on the field, the second half started with many questionable calls from the umpires aggrovating us more, however we picked up our game and started to play better and faster hockey and were rewarded with strong attack through the midfield, pass from Re allowing Fi to just place it in leaving the score at 2 - 1. But once again we dropped our game and they hit back with a goal and then another in the last 10 minutes, although fighting to the last second the game ended with 4 - 1 loss, unhappy players and even more frustrated coach. It was certainly not our best game although I know next game against them we will win!

FiFI

6ths beat ND 4-1 on 24 May

The mighty Sixy Team were, despite being rather hungover from the awesome pub crawl,on top form for the game against Northern Districts 2's. We kicked off with an aggresive counter attack which enabled us to score a great goal from Charlie!!! We then managed to score a further three goals by myself (GGGGGGGGGGraffffe), Swinnnneyyy and Wino so overall 4-1 was a brilliant result. Special mentions go out to Di and Stef who got rated highly from the rest of the team. Our defence at the back was fearless, letting Jackie only touching the ball maybe four times in the whole game. Therefore to round it all off, great play from all the girls and bring on next weeks game come on come on!

Giraf

Fatales (5ths) v ND on 24 May: Drew 1-1

The new Rhianna remix was on repeat throughout last week , "How do you stop the Femmes Fatellas? Ellas, Ellas Eh Eh Eh, You are my Femmes Fatellas, Eh Eh Eh Eh...". Not even that The Bird is the Word song (see the clip) could take-over that for catchiness! This is meant to be a match report... but for some strange reason there's a complete loss of memory from the weekend. Wait, hang on... yes, it's coming back now. It was a (turquoise) Sat'day night full of 16 bellas, as I was hanging out with ALL of my Femmes Fatellas ellas eh eh. Then suddenly it was early Sunday afternoon and I found myself out at PFH with all but the gazella, as we were about to verse a team of mozzarellas.

Steadfast, the girls knew the headache they faced. Gutsy, they kept everything under their skin as their "Hair of the Dog" niggled and nudged to attempt to retch a win out of the Fatelles. Masto and Dr Dre kept the central channel calm, while Felony, Wing-woman and The Wall kept the Fatales to their feet. Alas, these mozzarellas notched the first. Headstrong and adrenaline cooling all fevers, Marksman and Miss Primrose spearheaded all forward motion. Monroe was unswerving on the left gun while Doyle Roadrunnered the right. The Fatales resolute attack penetrated the circle motion after motion until their efforts went rewarded after Marksman roofed (yet again!) a rebound from one of Purcell's shots. Scores level at half time. These mozzarellas had only dropped one match throughout the first round of games to a team the Fatalles had drew with a month previous. Knowing this, the Fatales sculled it back onto the field with a full bench, ready to row. Scores kept level throughout the second half. Rounds of shots were shouted even into dying minutes of the crawl, uh, game. Yet all went unrewarded. Three cheers were shouted for those cantankerous mozzarellas, while I had a quite 10,000 for this team of bellas, who are the Femmes Fatellas ellas ellas eh eh eh.
MJ

SUHC 7s beat Manly 7-0 on 24 May

The newly official 7-11's of SUHC sauntered into Ryde all with the same thing on their mind.. Having the last game of the night WASN'T an advantage after pub crawl because we were actually so exhausted by the time of our 7:30pm match, we lacked our usual confident claim to an easy defeat against Manly.
Manly was warming up strongly with a full squad in attendance. We were missing some teammates, our memory from our night before together (tick!) and our beloved coach in Melbourne :(
However, as soon as our game got going, we pulled it together. We pushed ourselves and played like a bonded team thanks to the previous night's checklist, making sure that Jagerbomb was ticked off once if not thrice.

Shout outs go to:
-Harriet Van Der Caterson, who was all over Manly like SUHC on Newtown's King Street Saturday night.
-Our Quickee forwards with the last three goals made clean AND "good".
-Ava Shirley, our slurpee saver, who volunteered as match GK.
- Scapegoat Kev who kindly directed us to victory.
-and Little Red Fanning who was our honorary baker this week with hockey stick shaped shortbread.

Next week.... WOMEN'S CLUB DAY! Come out and support SUHC's hottest members SUHCers! WE NEED YOU!!!!!!! X

AB

SUHC 8s lost 1-3 to our own SUHC U18 Girls (who were not invited to the Pub Crawl)

Eight balls of fire can count themselves hugely unlucky after 2 umpire blunders cost them at least a point against the SUHCJ U18s. We started brightly despite the majority turning up 10 minutes before the match (no need to ask why!!), and with the coach still in last nights clothes, uni were quickly 1-0 up following good work in midfield from Allegra and Nat in particular. Thats the way it stayed until just before half time when the 8s resistance was broken to level it up at the break. Half time came and went with not much said (again no need to ask why) and the 8s dragged themselves out for the 2nd half. The 8 balls continued to play good attacking hockey and could count themselves unlucky not to regain the lead, until the U18s scored from outside the circle to go 2-1 up..your guess is as good as mine! The final nail in the coffin came 5 minutes before the end with the U18s scoring their 3rd, although not without the help of their feet...ah well. Thats about as much as i remember!

Scapegoat

1st drew 4-4 with UTS on 31 May

Confronted with the task of playing with only 10 players and with a brand new back four (Burgo moving to fullback, Alex stepping up from seconds with VJ and Jess making their first grade début appearance at half) and only two strikers, the first grade girls knew that they were going to have to play as a team and for each other if they were going to steal the 3 points away from UTS. We came close, but it wasn't to be, as the girls held out for a gutsy draw at Bankstown on Sunday afternoon.

The game started well with USYD going up 1-0 through a great strike from Em Scriven beating the goalkeeper on the far post.

Half time scores 1-1.

USYD started the second half poorly, conceding two goals - both in very similar fashion - to suddenly go down 3-1 in the blink of an eye. But this didn't dishearten the girls who continued to fight and scrap for possession. Jess converted her first short corner for the day and with Gill scoring a rather fortunate goal, scores were soon levelled again at 3-3. 

Soon after though, UTS managed to score their own `fortunate' goal with many of the defenders believing that the ball was well and truly over the baseline before being placed in the back of the net. Instead of hanging their heads after fighting so hard to get back into the game the girls, instead, lifted their intensity and scraped even harder.

Typical of the determined attitude of the team that day, Burgo received a yellow card for a desperate tackle on one of the UTS defenders. So with only 9 players on the field, down 4-3 and with 10 mins to go it was a welcome relief to see Fiona, Cara and Mathilda arrive to take the field after their trials at Moorebank - Cara doing so in rather spectacular fashion by first falling down the hill and then jumping the fence in the back corner of the field! So with some `fresh' legs USYD made one last effort down the right side of the field with a series of passes between Gill, Jess and Cara resulting in a short corner. Jess converted in the bottom right hand corner to level the scores 4-4 with only seconds remaining.

Even though it was only a draw much can be taken away from this game - the communication and precision passing was some of the best this team has displayed all season. In addition, our work rate was outstanding as not one single player stopped running hard for the full 70mins! When we meet UTS in the second round - with a full complement of players - I know we are very capable of beating them. 

Finally, congratulations to Mathilda, Rhiannon and Cara on selection into the NSW U/16 All Schools team.

VJ

All seven of our teams in the Sydney North Women's comp are playing from 12:30pm onwards at Ryde this Sunday 31 May. The 4ths, 5ths, 6ths, 7ths, 8ths, U18 Girls and even our own women's vets, the Rollers, will all be in action.
 
See the flier and be there!

A BIG thank you to everyone who attended Women's Lower Grade Club Day last Sunday on the 31st of May.  The girls all appreciated having that extra support there that got them the following results out at Ryde:

4ths: W 2-0 vs 6s
5ths: W 5-1 vs ND2s
6ths: L 0-2 vs 4ths
7ths: D 2-2 vs Rollers (Women's Vets)
Rollers: D 2-2 vs 7ths
8ths: L 1-3 vs Blue

We are all looking forward to Men's Club Day on the 13th of June, where we will take back our pom poms and cheer on our boys in the Blue and Gold!

x Bucko
Women's VP

5ths def Manly  2-1 on 14 June

The Femme Fatale is a historical icon. She strut her glamorous self on the silver screen during that golden age of Hollywood, during the 50s and 60s. She seduced her unsuspecting male with vulnerable flashes of her lashes and tendered voice to lure her male accomplice in whatever larcenous act was schemed. When WHAM! out would jump this dominant and ruthless femme that would stop at nothing until the job was done. Then she disappeared from the silver screen, never to be seen or heard of again... until now.

On a balmy evening late March this year, mon collègue et moi were walking all unsuspecting like along the shores of Sydney Harbour. My colleague, Sir Alex, was discussing with me his intrigue as to why kamikaze pilots wore helmets during the Second World War. To this I had no answer. But hypotheticals were bantered anyway. Then, suddenly, a troupe of femmes emerged from round the bend. And in unison they said, with tendered voice and flashy lashes, "Sir Alex and MJ, will you coach us this season?" Well, we side-glanced at each other and with no conflict of thought said "OK".

Not far into the season did one begin to realise the uncanny alikeness many of these femmes had to the greats: Rita Hayworth, Raquelle, Monroe and Bergman. This dawning moment came after 5 minutes lapsed from the start whistle at Ryde, this drizzling Sunday, as Risotto aimed and missed the Manly 2 GK but slotted her net target. From that moment onwards, this troupe of Femmes Fatales larcenously lifted the pride from the undefeated Manly 2. Marksmen mid-first half took her season tally to 8 to have the Femmes twist the knife. Manly 2 collected themselves at half-time and fought back hard. But The Wall went all Pink Flloyd and solidified herself with yet another brick while Crunchie showed her trés Gilda-esque qualities with flashes of Rita Hayworth. End result, 2-1.

The Fatales are now slowly etching their way into the top two. A top of the table clash is on again this weekend, against ND1, and will test their cunning and flashy lashes.

B&F: Crunchie

Goals: Hayley, Risotto

MJ

3rds beat Sutherland 2-1 on 14 June

Ugly match, cold night, good result. Must improve from this level of hockey in this second half of the season if we are a real shot, we all know it. End of story.

6th grade def UTS 6-0 on 14 June

Sixy Time were pumped up and ready to go Sunday, and it turned out to be a very good day! We started strongly, playing our own hockey and dominating the possession. We were pretty much camped in their D for the first 20 minutes! Great attacking plays lead to many shots on goal, but none could be converted as we hit balls at there keeper for the first quarter! Finally we converted one, and it was a big relief. Just before the second half we converted another to take the lead to 2.

The second half was when the flood gates opened, with Bushbig slotting 4 goals! Uni completely dominated the whole match and were rewarded with the 6 goals and a clean sheet!

B&F - 3pts Laura, 2pts Georgia, 1pt Diane

2nds Slay the Dragon in Sunday in 14 June Boxing (Sorry, Hockey) Match 

On the cold, rainy Sunday afternoon of the 14th of June, Sydney Uni 2nd grade took the field against the physical St George. They had  beaten us in the first round.  After waiting 9 weeks for this rematch the girls where ready and raring to step up and take the 3pts from Saints.

For some reason some of the Saints actually took "the fight" literally, but the verbal and physically stuff from St George (who should know better) didn't stop Sydney Uni from fighting on. Em had the worst of it, so congratulations to her for being tough and not letting the other team intimidate her. Great work Em! Also congratulations to the whole team for supporting each other and sticking to our game plan and not getting flustered by the on field drama. It was a laugh at times, and we can always watch it again, as our trusty camera women Mathilda got all the action on tape so we can re-play the drama and wonder how the umpires misplaced their cards until the 2nd half of the game.

So time keeps flying by in the first half, and finally Soph puts a goal away off an amazing diving one hand deflection. It really defined "putting your body on the line"!  Awesome goal Soph, thanks heaps for playing up for us, it obviously really helped as we took the game 1-0 eventually.

The rough play didn't stop our determination and we kept fighting towards the goal and cutting down St George every time they passed over the half way. Our team had great links between lines of positions and it really showed working forward into the attacking circle. Attempts with the new plays weren't as strong as they could have been, but hey, practice makes perfect!

With other results going our way over the weekend, SU2 have jumped into equal 2nd place with UNSW who we face this weekend. And we are only 2pts behind Glebe at the top.

Re

1sts lost 5-1 to GNS on 14 June

Women's 1sts took the wrong biblical approach in their match with GNS. We focussed on  the golden rule: "Whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them". It was our `wish' that GNS would let us score goals. Unfortunately we followed the rule and stepped aside to let them score 3 goals in the first half and 2 in the second. GNS failed to show the same high moral standards as us and only let us score 1 goal.
 
We started well. In the first minute Emma Scriven received a ball down the right hand sideline and took the ball into their D. We kept up the pressure for a few minutes and had several chances, but then GNS broke through our press, ran down the field, passed around our keeper to an unmarked player and scored a sloppy goal.  Around here we began to fall apart.  We didn't retain possession in our attacking 50, we stepped in front of our own players and failed to connect with one another.

There were some stand out players. VJ's aggressionn and never-give-up attitude is an example for us all. She was rewarded for her efforts with a goal and a block of chocolate, to be delivered on Thursday from yours truly. The goal came at 4 - 1 with about 20 minutes remaining, but even then we couldn't generate momentum from this goal and we conceded another goal 10 minutes later. Soph Brownhill was back from sick leave and ran hard all game despite missing training for 3 weeks. Katie Burgess nailed a great overhead to pass to Cara Simpson, who had some good runs up the wing. Newcomer Alex Ford made a great save on the goal line as well as some important tackles from full back.

Mathilda Carmichael played well until being hit by a wild swing from the GNS penalty corner hitter. Even though her mother is perhaps the best qualified emergency care helper in the country Mathilda insisted on asking her mum to leave the premises in the quickest possible way, in the politest tones of course. We hope her hand recovers quickly and that she is back as soon as possible.

we need a different Biblical value for Friday's game against Western Districts. "Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control lest after preaching [or in our case playing] to others [or against others] I myself should be disqualified"

We have the talent to make it to the finals LETS GO UNI!!!

Scorer - Victoria Johnson

JB

3rd grade won 5-1 against Macq Uni on 21 June.

After some lacklustre wins recently in 3s, we were looking for a bit of spark to get the minor premiership chase back on track. Coming up against a gritty Macquarie we knew we could put a couple past them if we turned it on but we also knew they were going to be a tough niggly game as they defend pretty well.

After a solid first half we led 3 nil, with a couple of lovely individual goals from Bron "I am made of" Steele, Clare "Its my birthday" Flockton and B "defenders can score also" Lestrange poised to go ahead and destroy the pretend Uni.

However the 2nd half saw us drop the bundle slightly and the game plodded along, until Lorna "Can't booze" Dunning buried one from the top of the circle.

This I thought would be enough to spark us and to come home with the win and several more. However to our surprise Mac hit back and put a huge amount of pressure on us resulting in a scrappy goal against and the game possibly to go down as another "not quite good enough" win.

At 4-1 the game was never in doubt but we needed more goals to catch Manly's goal difference and keep us in the hunt for the minor premiership.

The proverbial nail came five minutes from full time when Sarah "That's just how I roll" Jones full faced dive at the right post to scramble with the keeper for another very impressive one to her ever growing season tally and the damage was done, 5-1 in another wet soggy affair at Homebush.

A good result, but we need to find another gear with some important games coming up! Must maximise these victories ladies, Manly is still ahead on difference. The challenge has been set!!

BC

Champions Trophy is fast approaching and I now need to collect payment from the people below who have reserved a ticket. Can you please transfer $40/ticket to the following account ASAP and please make sure you reference your name. If your name is not on there but you are still keen, can you let me know ASAP (social.suhc@gmail.com or 0434 191 270) as there are only a limited number left.

If you prefer to pay by cash, please contact me quickly and we can arrange a time to collect.

BSB: 082372
ACCT No: 589347241
ACCT Name: Andrew Marcus Elton
 
The following people have reserved tickets:

Max Girault x 2
Gideon Dow
Ian Lo
Danni Hudson x 3
Phil Gray
Andrea Buchan
Maddy Roche
Cameron Whittaker
Georgia Wettenhall
Kev Roberts
Ben Chiarella
Carly Church
Amelia Parker
Lucy Millner
Prue Rutherford
Claire Flockton
Mel Limbert
Kate Etherington
Heidi Baber

Thanks,

Andy

As the mid-way point of the season passes and the run up to the finals heats up, SUHC reminds all its loyal members and supporters to be respectful to players, officials and opposing supporters when representing the Blue and the Gold at each and every game.

SUHC supports and encourages its players, their opponents and the umpires who officiate at our games. As a Club, we pride ourselves on our good sportsmanship and we encourage all of our players and spectators to ensure that they comply with the Club's philosophy.

SUHC has a great reputation in Sydney for amazing support and this is something we are keen to maintain. We encourage you to be loud and proud, but you should also respect the players and umpires (ie normal sporting etiquette) when attending games as a representative of SUHC.

Roll on New Uni!!

Bucko

Hockeyroos begin Olympic cycle with a win

The Hockeyroos have had a positive start to the Olympic cycle with a win over Argentina in the Spar Cup final in South Africa - 3 goals to NSW players sealed the victory.

Even more pleasing for coach Frank Murray was the fact that his young Hockeyroos team, which had six debutants leading up to the tournament, fought back well after finding themselves a goal down at half time.

Argentina, lead by 2008 World Player of the Year Luciana Aymar, appeared to be on top during the first half, showing some excellent dribbling and overall skill.

However the Hockeyroos stuck to their task, scoring three second half goals to seal the finals victory in their first international tournament since their 5th place finish at the Beijing Olympics.

Despite the dramatic turn around after half time, Murray said the result was not due to anything in particular - just a case of working harder and smarter.

"On attack we were able to get through their midfield and into their defence," said Murray.

Defensively, the Hockeyroos were also much more efficient in creating pressure on those providing the ball to Aymar, denying the Argentinean playmaker any room to move.

The Hockeyroos equalised three minutes after half time through a penalty corner slip pass to pusher Casey Eastham, who at the age of 20 already looks like a long term player capable of leading the Hockeyroos for many years to come.

Tournament debutant Emily Hurtz (SUHC 2007-8) also continued her good form to score a field goal while Kate Hollywood scored her fourth goal of the tournament to seal victory for the Hockeyroos with eight minutes remaining.

Murray praised his players' determination after the win.

"Argentina have more speed and flair than us at the moment, but it is more than just speed and technical skill that wins matches, and our players continue to develop their hockey knowledge," Murray said.

After their 5th place finish at the Beijing Olympics, where the team was extremely unlucky not to qualify for the semi finals after only losing one game during the entire tournament to eventual gold medalists the Netherlands, the signs look good for the new era of Hockeyroos.

The young team will be given a further opportunity to develop and climb their way back to the top of the hockey world at the Samsung Hockey Champions Trophy - Women 2009 held in Sydney from July 11-19.

The Champions Trophy sees the top six teams in the world go head to head. As the first major international tournament since Beijing, the Hockeyroos will be eager to perform well on home soil.

Source: HNSW

Andy Andy has the tickets and supporters cap from SWHL for all those who purchased tickets to this Sunday's Champions Trophy event.  He is arranging to deliver tickets to you beforehand but will also have them available at the grounds when you arrive. Call him on his mobile if you need to discuss ticket arrangements - 0434 191 270

If you are attending, share some SUHC spirit by wearing our club paraphernalia like a hoodie. Alternatively, support Pink Ladies Day, because Sunday, July 12th is Pink Ladies Day at the Champions Trophy. "The Hockeyroos will be pretty in pink at the Samsung Hockey Champions Trophy - Women 2009 Sydney, where they will wear full pink uniforms to mark Hockey Australia's charity partnership with the National Breast Cancer Foundation. This will be the first time any Australian national team has completely altered their official team uniform for charity."

Order of play  - Sunday July 12, 2009

11:05 England v. Germany
13:05 Australia v. Argentina
15:05 China v. Netherlands

Enjoy the great hockey!

I know you've all been waiting patiently for your SUHC hoodies, but freeze no longer.. they have arrived!!
Wendy Au will be coming to your next couple of training sessions to hand them out to those who've ordered, so wait no longer, start looking HOT today!!   

Bucko x
Women's VP

SU 6ths lost 2-0 to ND on 28 June

Team Sixy Time suffered its first between-semester shortage on the weekend, with holidayers and college-kids-returning-home leaving us 5 players down with a severely depleted forward line. Scott Laird graciously stepped in to coach as Keeling's flight to England was leaving at 3.30 that afternoon. Thanks to the Triple Js - lovely 4th graders Jo, Jodie and Jess - for filling in as well!

The first quarter of the game lacked intensity and talk, and some lazy passing on our behalf gave them opportunities to turn over and make several attacks, with one goal going in early. Our defence remained strong, however, with backs Toey and Julia and goalie (U18 player Georgia then 4th grader Jess) making several great saves. The energy picked up towards the end of the second half, with our ever-strong midfielders Di and Steph creating plays in the middle, and we were unlucky to have another goal slip past us in the final minute of the first half.

The energy picked up a lot in the second half when we realised these guys weren't nearly as intimidating as their top-of-the-table position suggested. A lot of the play was happening in our attacking half with some great leads up front from Charlie and Wino, but despite putting a lot of pressure on the ND backs, we were unable to get any shots past their goalie.

Unfortunately our star back Toey managed to do something horrific to her knee in the final 10 minutes of the game, with sideline physio Nat stepping in to readjust a bone or two!

A great effort considering the circumstances! B&F to Steph and Kate.
CHJ

5ths beat Manly 4-0 on 28 June

Beak of kookaburra, shadow of grays,
Spleen of gryphon and mazon on blaze!

It was as though the spirit of GI (not a shy 500 SUHC games) had possessed our young Madaline, as she thundered straight a strike off the first short corner. Manly GK succumbs to Masto's Pink But Don't Blink spell stormer.

Embers glow and smoke like inkblot,
Boil this stew with a pinch of plot!

Our own kinky Femme Fatale finally notched her first for the season. With Gazelle on an inter-Territory tour, it was Primrose La Dentelle in on that left post for the next few shorts and alakazam! The Lace throws her Aboutfriggintime spell back in the faces of Manly 3 (and onto the backboard).

Double, double, toil and trouble, Fire burn, and caldron bubble!
She was in my ears and in my eyes, four of fish and finger pies.
 In summer, meanwhile back. Down the right she's worried of hack,
but in the end she slotted two, thank you thank you merci beaucoup.

 B&F: Primrose (The Lace)

MJ

5ths/Fatales lost 1-0 to manly on 5 July

This result was 'Bad, Bad, really really bad' in terms of the Fatales hopes of a top 2 finish, against a 'dangerous' Manly 2's side, who since our last game had 'taken a look at themselves and made a change'.  A revamped Fatales heralded the inclusion of some new faces, including Mini Gazelle who 'rocked my world' as soon as she took off on her first dashing run.  As she entered the D the crowd yelled 'beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it'.......it was clear that 'no-one wanted to be defeated' up at Ryde that day.

Several attacks by the Fatales and some near misses by mini gaz and Skid, had the Fatales forcing their way up the pitch....a pass to the middle and the ball 'was hit by', the ball 'was struck by' a smooth Crunchie Bar.....but sadly a great save kept the goal ever elusive....it is coming Crunch, and we will 'remember the time' when it does!! 

"I want you back" do do do , "I want you back" Steph the Felon yelled, Manly had the breakaway down the middle and finished well.  Fatales were down but not out.  Now was the time to try and make 'history'.  'Annie are you ok, are you ok are you ok Annie' Sir Alex yelled - mistakenly, of course Annie is ok, she is in Europe IDIOT!!!  Cue Mini Gaz again, the "speed demon" cutting apart the full backs, 'something evil was lurking in the dark' at the far post, New Mel slid in vain to latch on, but sadly it was not to be.  'Keep it on your forestick, Don't stop....Don't stop till we go 2 up', I screamed!!  But that damm whistle had to sound!!  A great effort, and a point a piece would have been fair.  B&F Steph the Felon - points a piece for Mini Gaz and Skid.

"And though you fight to stay alive, your body starts to shiver, for no mere mortal can resist, the evil of THE FATALES!!!"

RV

3rd Grade beat Ryde 5-2  on 5 July

Women's 3s won 5-2 but saw their chance of a minor premiership win practically go up in smoke before they even started!!
 
Fielding only the bare 11, Women's 3s turned up confident that we had the stuff to come away with a hard fought victory. It wasn't going to be easy, but we were confident that we could lift to the level required to get the 3 points.
 
However upon arriving at the Bankstown Hockey field (i.e. Whoop Whoop) we were dismayed and disillusioned to see a full strength Manly (1st place) playing a 7 player Macquarie and the score heading upwards to the 20's. The feeling was sickening, to see our hard work over the last few weeks to draw completely level with Manly on goals for and against go up in smoke with the incompetence of another club unable to fill even close to a full team. Even beating Manly now in the 2nd round will still result in a goal difference of 15 and the chance of taking the minor premiership now resting on Manly making a mistake.  This sort of deflation prior to a game would be enough to send most teams into self destruct, however 3rd grade stepped up and hammered 5 of the best past Ryde in a dominant affair. Claire "China" Flockton was on fire belting a hat-trick but was still unable to pick up a single best and fairest vote.. (What's a girl gotta do?)

With the minor premiership now a fragile memory, 3rd grade now must win every game for the rest of the season and hope Manly drops another point somewhere to secure the Minor Premiership! Which we intend to do! We certainly wont be leaving anything to chance.
 
We are down, but far from out. Good performances and plenty of goals will see us test the competition to the final whistle. We have a few weeks off now and the break will do us good. We are playing good hockey and the run to the semi finals and  grand finals looming, we will be back in 3 weeks ready to stamp our dominance on this comp once again. Watch out Manly, the mighty 3s are coming for you!!

Goals: Flockton 3, Millner 2

BC

Fatales def UTS 2-0 on Sunday 12th June.

Here I quote directly what was uttered at half-time when the score-line was tentatively teetering at 1-0 thanks to a Crunchie goal:

"I dont know what to say, really. Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds. No, that wont do. I wont take that tack today. Although this opposition arent violent their minds are mediocre. I have a dream that you girls will one day play in a competition where they will not be judged by the colour of their jersey, but by the content of their character. Hmm, no, that wont do either.But girls, look, a dog is not considered a good dog because he is a good barker. A man is not considered a good man because he is a good talker. In truth, it is not about my words or yours. It all comes down to today, and either, we heal as a team, or we're gonna crumble. Inch by inch, play by play. Until we're finished. Today, you look like a bunch of fifth grade sissies after a cat fight! You got anger, that's good, you're gonna need it. You got aggression. That's even better. You're gonna need that, too. Hockey is about controlling that anger, harnessing that aggression into a team effort to achieve perfection! We could go over the cliff. You would hope not. You would hope that we see what needs to be done. It's not rocket science. It's not difficult. It's not even all that costly. It's actually about the way you think about the game. Now I can't do it for ya, I'm too old. I look around, I see these young faces and I think, I mean, I've made every wrong choice an old man can make. I, uh, I've pissed away all my money, believe it or not. I chased off anyone who's ever loved me. And lately, I can't even stand the face I see in the mirror. You know, when you get old, in life, things get taken from you. I mean, that's... that's... that's a part of life. But, you only learn that when you start losin' stuff. You find out life's this game of inches, so is hockey. Because in either game - life or hockey - the margin for error is so small. I mean, one half a step too late or too early and you don't quite make it. One half second too slow, too fast and you don't quite trap it. The inches we need are everywhere around us. They're in every break of the game, every minute, every second. On this team we fight for that inch. On this team we tear ourselves and everyone else around us to pieces for that inch. We claw with our fingernails for that inch. Because we know when we add up all those inches, that's gonna make the difference between winning and losing! Between living and dying! Aye, fight and you may die. Run, and you'll live... at least a while. And dying in your beds, many years from now, would you be willin' to trade all the days, from this day to that, for one chance, just one chance, to come back here and tell UTS that they may take our lives, but they'll never take our freedom! Now I can't make you do it. You've got to look at the girl next to you, look into her eyes. Now I think ya going to see a girl who will go that inch with you. Your gonna see a girl who will sacrifice herself for this team, because she knows when it comes down to it your gonna do the same for her. That's a team, ladies, and either, we heal, now, as a team, or we will die as individuals. That's hockey guys, that's all it is. Ask not what your team can do for you, but what you can do for your team. And when you step onto this patchwork turf, just remember what you are taught every Thursday night. Jink on, right hand. Jink off, left hand. Jink on, jink off. Breathe in through nose, out the mouth. Jink on, jink off. Don't forget to breathe, very important."

B&F: Gazelle
Goals: Crunchie & Gazelle (1)

MJ

SUHC 5ths lost 0-1 to SUHC 4ths on 26 July

As numbers are so important in life, and as a number is one of the most important thing to have whilst on a hockey pitch, as a tribute to the Fatales Great effort in the 1-0 loss to 4's this match report will be written in binary.

1001110111  111 0000 111 01111111110000  11 00000001 1100 100001111 100111 100111, 1001110111  111 0000 111 01111111110000  11 00000001 1100 100001111 100111 100111, 1001110111  111 0000 111 01111111110000  11 00000001 1100 100001111 100111 100111, 1001110111  111 0000 111 01111111110000  11 00000001 1100 100001111 100111 100111, 1001110111  111 0000 111 01111111110000  11 00000001 1100 100001111 100111 100111, "don't, don't mess with Hayley, cos Hayley will really hurt you", 01111111110000  11 00000001 1100 100001111 100111 100111, 1001110111  111 0000 111 01111111110000  11 00000001 1100 100001111, 01111111110000  11 00000001 1100 100001111 100111 100111, 1001110111  111 0000 111 01111111110000  11 00000001 1100 100001111, umpires!!!!!! 01111111110000  11 00000001 1100 100001111 100111 100111, 1001110111  111 0000 111 01111111110000  11 00000001 1100 100001111. 

Fantastic effort from the Fatales, bring on the 3rd and final instalment!!!

Best and Fairest - Primrose, Elle and Emma (Daddy LL!!!)

RV

An extraordinary last round has seen Women's 2nds reach the finals in their first year in ML2.

SUHC was promoted from ML3 last year and its early ambition was to avoid relegation. After a season exemplified by wins against the top teams and losses against the bottom teams, 2nds needed to win the last round by 5 goals or more to make the finals. After trailing 0-1 against  Macquarie Uni early on, SUHC levelled the score at 1-1 by halftime, then scored 4 incredible team goals in the second half to take the game to 5-1.  SUHC was awarded a short corner with 10 seconds remaining, and scored after the siren to win 6-1 and achieve the magic 5 goal margin. We have made our first finals in ML2!

Full report to come

SU beat UTS 3-0 on 30 August

The Glorious Femmes Fatales (see dictionary definition for legends) under the tutelage of Coaches Hamish & Andy (2 names etched in the walls of eternity) have again shown why they are in the words of Tina Turner - SIMPLY THE BEST.

As well as dominating the social arena (more time spent in the coopers than any other team -mainly due to the coach falling in love with one of the barmaids there) the fatales have stepped up again this season and successfully qualified for the Major Finals for the first time in 3 years.

"Amazing, this is truely wonderful.  The Fatales are the epitomy of what SUCH Hockey is all about.  Coaches Hamish & Andy are SOOOOOOO HOT RIGHT NOW" Secretary Katie Burgess was heard to say, after a little Sauvingnon Blanc on Saturday night. 

The Fatales have been awesome all season, even managing to secure a 1-1 draw against ND1's when every single one of them had been out BLIND on pub crawl with only about 2 hours sleep.  Again on Sunday they dominated despite Stiff resistance from Boccocini - (private joke) - with Gemma "The Crunch" Ferris completing a stunning hat trick against UTS.

"Psychology is a pretty hard word to spell" Captain Dr Dre Horden commented after the victory, "but spelling is for loosers!  There is only one word that I like to spell and that begins with a W and ends with an N"

Centre Half and Lace fetish extraordinaire Primrose Wilkinson (who was joint Fest and Barest with Gemma) was happy after the win - "We are confident that we can go all the way this season if we remain focused and determined, and provided I can still have my 2 litres of wine before each training, and a bottle of gin before I run on the pitch, we will do very well.  THIS IS BATHURST!!"

5th Grade have one more round this Sunday, and the result has no impact on the final standings, but the Fatales are keen to make it a goal fest, because if they don't their coach has threatened to make them watch endless videos of him playing sport. That is a fate worse than death.

Can they do it?  Time will tell.  One thing is for cetain: if you have writer's block because your other coach is far better at writing match reports than you are - simply parody Remo's!!!

Goals - Gemma 3

RV

The legendary Women's 3rd grade under the tutelage of Coach Remo (a name to be remembered beyond eternity) have again shown why they are the glamour team of the Club.

As well as dominating the social arena and the women have stepped up again this season winning a Metro League Minor Premiership for the 2nd time in 3 years.

"This is a fantastic achievement, which we have been pushing for along time", secretary Katie Burgess was heard saying "Moving up another grade in the Metro Comp, allows Uni to become only the 2nd Club to have teams representing in Metro 1, 2 and 3. This is a big plus in attracting top line hockey players and allowing our juniors to move smoothly through the grades"

The girls have been awesome for about 36 months now losing less than 5 games in the last 3 seasons. This year has been exceptionally close with Uni and Manly level on points until a crushing victory 2 weeks ago. This game saw Uni dominate Manly 5-1 and knock the wheels off the fragile Northern Beachers season who have since dropped their next two games.

"The psychological damage of that big loss to us obviously hurt Manly, for some reason they have dropped the bundle in the last couple of games. We are certain they will be back to their best come next Sunday however." Captain Flockton said after last nights Minor Premiership winning 1-0 win over UTS.

Team Rock Prudence Rutherford was really happy after last nights ugly win "We are confident that if we keep playing good hockey we can go all the way this season, we need to remain focused and determined. We know Manly and Gordon are both tough teams and the finals hockey in 2009 will be an absolute belter, but we just cant wait to get on that field come next Sunday and see if we can do the double."

Third Grade have one more round game this Sunday which the result has no impact on the final standings, but the girls are keen to take a good win and loads of goals into the finals series.

Can we again do the double? Time will tell, one thing is for certain. We aren't going to go down wondering!! IT'S GAME ON !!

ben

Fatales def ND 2-1 on Sunday 16th August,

Shall I compare them to a summer's day?
They art more lovely and more temperate;
Jelly Beans do hath no worth so say,
And summer's sneak of heat did break this date;
With ten to start and time already `gun;
Not often blue and gold complexion dimm'd;
At pee-eff-hache Fatales this time combines,
Not chance, but nature's changing course destin'd;
And from behind, one-nil, they did not fade,
Head-strong possession, then slow-mo they grow'st;
Mozzarella doth brag but in futile crusade,
When in eternal times Fatales they're pro'st;
Quick break and weave, relieve, my eyes doth see,
Fought back, with blood, rapport, and smiles of glee

B&F: The Lace (3), Gazelle (2), Crunchie (1)
Goals: Crunchie, Gazelle

MJ

SU 4ths magically lost to SU 5th 2-3

It had been a tough winter for Crunchie Potter what with the flashbacks and the ever constant pain from the lightening shaped scar on her forehead throbbing away.  Combined with the ever present hard workload in the final year at Hogwarts, and the rumours and threats that the evil Lord Lairdamort had returned, it was a welcome distraction to Crunchie Potter that Sunday produced the rival Quidditch Match against her arch rivals, the Slytherin 4th Grade.  She picked up her brand new broomstick - a shiny blue Griffin 5000 purchased from Ye Olde Ryde Store a week before, and set off with her 2 best friends Haylemony Skid Marks and Rice Boychucker to play under the watchful eyes of Professor DUMBledore and Professor DUMBERdore!!

It was a bitter night at the PFH Quidditch Arena, as the two teams took off.  The Gryffindor Fatales had a couple of tired faces all ready since the Potions Expert Dr Dre and Care of Magical Creatures Reproduction Specialist "Jizz" had been taking part in a Tri Wizard Tournament over in the mystical village of Bondi earlier that day.  It was back and forth action from the start as the two sides fought tooth and nail for control of the Quaffle.  As the Slytherine 4's venomously attacked the goal, Leash "the wall" had to use a levitation spell to drastically contort her body and pull off a miraculous save from the onrushing striker.  The new defence against the dark arts pupil K Dog Karen, was also starring at the back using her stunning and jinxing charms to deny the ferocious attacks.  But the Fatales were powerless as striker Nat Malfoy managed to counter-stun the defence and bury a goal.  Seconds later it was 2.  The crowd was silent, a hush descended over the ground.

Suddenly Crunchie Potter's scar burn harder than ever, she sensed the presence of Lairdamort and needed to react before it was too late.  Using her wand she conjured the Long Leg's spell on her friend Daddy Emma - allowing her to plough forward into the D, and BAM Crunchie bashed the Quaffle past the diving Keeper.  She then pointed her wand at Rice and performed the "gas" charm, hoping that extra speed would wear the defence down...it almost worked, but unfortunately Rice had drunk a veil of boyfriend ditching juice the night before and the combination sent her deflected effort wide.  With 10 mins looming, Crunchie Potter took it on herself to save the day, putting body on the line after Elle had transformed into a leaping gazelle to win a penalty corner, and BOOM The Fatales were level. 

A scream from the middle was heard, The Witch Primrose La Dentil had unleashed her Bathurst Petronus that took the form of a Silvery Bottle of Bundy Rum and it hit Rice square in the chest, drawing both her and the ball spiralling to the far post.  As if lunging away from an SU Predator, Rice jabbed her broomstick down and the Quaffle squirmed over the line.  It was done, The Gryffindor Fatales had done it in one of the most spectacular games of Quidditch this season.  A shot at the finals, and shot at seeing Professor Sir Alex frost his tips was now well and truly on the cards!! 

Goals - Crunchie 2, Rice 1
Best & Fairest - Crunchie 3, Karen & Hayley 2           
RV

Fatales (5ths) drew with Sixy Time (6ths) 1-1 on 2 August

It was WingWoman's last game before she went back to the (so-called) Motherland. The Fatales were hungry for a win so to end Mel's highly decorated Australian tour on a high. But alas. Oh, Alas! This was a tussle-of-a-game. The Fatales only took the game away well into the second half last they met, so Sixes were hungry for revenge. Credit where credit is due: Sixes constantly broke down the Fatales attack. Sixes burnt up the patchwork turf on fast breaks and were unlucky not to see them through. And the goals seemed near impenetrable. Just past mid-way through the first term Doyle hugged the baseline and popped the ball up to the spot where the WVP was waiting and swiped it in to notch one up. Gazelle was the most elegant Clydesdale one would ever see. Dr Dre tackled and rattled the counters. And WingWoman and Felony were peas in a pod on their last partnership at the back. But it was the keeping of Sixes that stole the day. Mid-way through the second term Rice, once again potent in the circle, was one-on-one at the spot with my new muse, Jacqui "The Force" Taylor. Top left! Padded down. Then top right!! Padded down. Top frustration and devastation of Rice! Then came the Sixes short corner with 5 minutes left. Mechanical. Fluid. Calculating. An unsuspecting deflection from the Bushpig and The Wall lost a brick. 1-1. Well in... Well in.

Goal: Bucko
B&F: Mel

MJ

Syd Uni 1sts drew with Esquires 1 - 1 on 2 August

After a 4 week break the Sydney Uni girls were refreshed and ready to take on Esquires! With some inspirational words coming from coaches Liam and Remo, which included Remo telling us we weren't going to lose because he was wearing his "lucky undies" the girls were ready to take anything that Esquires could throw at us.
The match began and S.U had the better of possession for the first 15 minutes but we were unable to put the ball in the back of the net. A lapse in concentration by the SU girls and it allowed Esquires to have their first real scoring opportunity and unfortunately for us they took their opportunity.  However Uni fought back, and in a few minutes the scores were level through some great teamwork up the right side involving Jess, Gill, and Cara and then finally finished off in style by Em.

Once again, a small lapse in concentration by the SU midfield meant that Esquires had another opportunity to counterattack. And once again they converted their opportunity and made it 2-1.  Play went up and down the field with both teams having short corners opportunities. Bambi made some good saves and some of SU shots narrowly missed the goal or a player on the post.  With 5 minutes until half time SU won a penalty corner and a left slip to Burgo was nicely tapped in by Jess on the post. Heading into half time it was 2-2 and SU knew that we had been playing well as a team. With some more advice from Liam and Remo we knew exactly what we had to do if we were to win, eliminate our lapses in concentration and take our opportunities when we got into their circle.

The second half began much like the first half did with SU having most of the possession yet not putting the ball in the goal. The stick to stick passing from all meant Esquires could only defend. SU backs and halves were patient throwing the ball around the back until an attacking option arised.  After numerous shots on goal it was only a matter of time that one would go in however two flukish saves from their defenders on the line denied us from getting our third goal.

The game ended as a draw but the way SU played was fantastic! Basic skill level was great and team work was even better. Bring on Moorebank next week!!!

Finally thanks to Alex, Heidi, Probert and Fi who doubled up playing 1s and 2s and also Remo for helping Liam coach.
 
MC

Our website has been plagued recentlyt with numerous team reports of such glamorous results, of such glamorous teams. This week, a new glamour team has taken over. Some would argue this glamour is the result of the tutelage of second grade women's coach Liam Dixon whose good looks and blonde locks are as important to him as his hockey girls. Others, such as Secretary Katie Burgess would announce that "second grade is the most glamorous of them all due to their dedication to training and firing attitude on the field". But most of us who played on Sunday would have to say that coming back to win with such a small thrashing of 6-1 after being tied 1-1 at half time is a pretty glamorous act. Not to mention Second Grade Women under Liam are the highest team in the club to reach finals! Another glamorous act only attained from true dedication.

Only two weeks ago, the semi finals looked rock solid for Sydney uni 2nd grade. After a hard, tight and tough season were we had seen both ends of the ladder, 4th place and a spot in the semis was where we ended up. However a minor little hiccup in SWHL rules led us to a -4 point loss just a week before semis consequently losing 4th place, letting our biggest rival of 2009, St. George, take 4th place. Sydney Uni was now faced with the challenge of beating Macquarie Uni in our final game, and relying on St. George losing or drawing to minor premiers UNSW. As we all found out in the cold midst of the night when we arrived for our game on Sunday night, things did not go to plan. St. George tied their match 2-2, leaving Sydney uni with a tremendous challenge of winning the game by 5 goals to go ahead on goal difference and secure 4th place and a shot in the finals once again.

Facing the loss of three key players to injuries; Jess Higgs, Fi Fi Tout and Soph Boyle (whom we stole from 3rd grade), the mood in the change room was one of worry and anticipation. Although coach Liam said some inspiring and moving words, we got off to a very slow start, letting Macquarie score in the first 10 minutes due to some terrible umpiring and a freakish shot from a ball that seemed to float in front of goals. Our heads did not drop though, and we kept on shooting (and missing), when finally we put one away to head to half time with just a 1-1 draw.

We were now left with the challenge of scoring one goal every 7 minutes, as we still needed 5 more goals to get back into the finals. One was put away early, followed by three very quick mind blowing goals by Erin and Jenny who put their bodies on the line. The game plan soon became "just pass it to Erin and let her drag everyone". With 2 goals left to score and 15 minutes left, one was put away. The clock was ticking down, and as it approached the final minute of the game, many were doubtful about scoring just one last time. UNTIL a short corner was called on the final whistle. With one chance left to score, and all the pressure in the world, it was played out. The first shot was saved, rebounded and saved, rebounded and saved, cleared to just outside the circle where Kirsty `Pocket Rocket' Anderson picked it up and smashed it towards the Macquarie defence. Most of the crowd (and the players) closed their eyes and waited for that glamorous sound of the ball smacking the backboard.

The scene was glamorous as players, coaches, supporters on the sideline jumped up in relief. The second grade team will be making the semis this year thanks to an incredible game on Sunday night. Everyone played out of their socks and we should be extremely proud! Thanks to Liam and everyone who came to support us! Bring on the semis!

Also, a huge thanks to Heidi who has played with us all season and played her final game on Sunday. You have been an asset to our team and we will miss you incredibly, on and off the field! We better see you next year!

 Scorers- there are too many to name!

Fatty-J

If you still have yet to collect your hoodie you need to see the following people:

Andy Elton and Katie Burgess - Premier Squad
Ben Chiarella - Women's 3rd Grade
Chloe Hardwick Jones - Women's 5th to 8th Grade
Bradley Cooke and Damo Cunningham - Men's 3rd to 8th Grade

BEWARE: Hoodies not collected by the end of the seasn are going to be hard to locate next year!

The draw for this weekend's first round of finals: 

SUHC 4s v SUHC 5s 3.15pm Pennant Hills
SUHC 6s v Manly  11.45am Ryde
SUHC 7s v Ryde  10am Pennant Hills
SUHC U18s v ND  5pm Pennant Hills

Good luck to the Blue and Gold!

Northern Districts will be running a BBQ at Pennant Hills this weekend. They are our fellow stalwarts in the Sydney North comp, so support their BBQ - but switch to SU when we play them at 5pm!

Men's, Women's and Junior trials for selection in NSW indoor teams for 09/10 will be held in September.

All trials will be held at the Hurstville Leisure Centre. The respective State Championships take place toward the end of October/early November.

Women's Open and Junior girls trials will be held on Saturday, 12 September 2009 are as follows:

U/13 Girls                            - 2.00pm-4.00pm (Court 1)
U/17 Girls                            - 2.00pm-4.00pm (Court 2)         
U/15 Girls                            - 4.00pm-6.00pm (Court 1)
Women's Open                - 4.00pm-6.00pm (Court 2)         

Men's Open and Junior boys trials will be held on Sunday, 13 September 2009 are as follows:

U/13 Boys                           - 10.00am-12.00pm (Court 1)
U/17 Boys                           - 10.00am-12.00pm (Court 2)    
U/15 Boys                           - 12.00pm-2.00pm (Court 1)
Men's Open                       - 12.00pm-2.00pm (Court 2)

Good luck to all SUHC members who trial!

For further information please visit the SIHA website,

Uni 3s Lost to Manly 1s 0-1 in sudden death penalty strokes.  It was a 2-2 draw at the end of regulation time, still 2-2 after 15 minutes of golden-goal drop-off, a 3-3 draw after stokes ..... but then a 0-1 loss (3-4) in sudden death strokes
 
I flippantly quoted good old Vince Lombardi to someone last week. I agreed with him then. I would still agree with him now if I had not been involved in Sunday's Grand Final loss with the amazing bunch of players that was SUHC Womens 3rd grade in 2009.

It's not often you can walk away from a Grand Final loss and say you rightly feel like a winner.
 
After 70 minutes of regulation time the scores were tied, Uni having to come back to draw 2-2 with five minutes to go. The game went into extra time, which meant 7.5 minutes 9 aside, then 7.5 minutes 7 aside. This was golden-goal stuff, but at the end of the extra 15 minutes the scores were still tied. The Grand Final then went to strokes. After 5 strokes each the score was still tied at 3-3 (Uni came back from 2-1 after 3 strokes to level the scores) Sudden death strokes, Uni flick a hard low shot slightly to keepers left, she makes the save. Manly hit their stroke and the game is over, the season is over and the dream vanishes.
 
Or does it?
 
The most remarkable scene then occurs amidst the pandemonium of Manly celebrating their success. Uni come together in a huddle around the top of the circle arm in arm a group united in defeat, united in pain, united in a season that was. The dream actually lives on, the dream I realise isn't about success or winning the dream is about the friendships and the memories that is playing in a team like this creates. This success goes way beyond the hockey field.
 
I'm sure we all dream of winning a premiership in sudden death strokes. Who wouldn't? The dreams we don't see or probably don't acknowledge is what occurred for us. In our change room before the game was a united group of friends about to do battle, singing the team song,  then after the game they were dancing in a living room until 3.30am in the morning with our second place medals on. A team that came together 25 weeks ago as relative strangers and finished as best of mates.
 
You may read this thinking "Who cares, you didn't win the Grand Final". You are right, we didn't win the Grand Final, but the 13 members of Sunday's losing team and I have this funny feeling that we actually won this season.
 
Thanks for the good times, thanks for the bad times. They were all part of the remarkable season that was.
 
Remington.

Signing off for 2009.

Great performances from all our women's teams in both the SWHL and SNWHA Grand Finals this past Sunday.

SUHC 3's lost their Grand Final in sudden death shoot outs to Manly 1sts, 4-3 (see Remo's report)
SUHC 4's beat Northern Districts 3-1
SUHC 6's won their minor semi 1-0 against Manly
SUHC 7's lost to Ryde 3-1
SUHC U18's won their Grand Final 1-0 to UTS

Congratulations to all the players on a job well done.

AB

Sydney Uni 3rd Grade vs. Manly 1st Grade on Sunday 27th at 1.30pm, Pitch 2 (Homebush)
 
This top of the table clash will be the grand final of the season. These two teams have played three times, with both teams winning once and then drawing most recently in the Semi.
This match will prove a titanic arm wrestle of the two big hitters of ML4. SU pipped Manly at the post with a minor premiership, but come Sunday this means nothing when it all goes on the line for the Major Premiership of ML4.

Manly had a massive crowd for the semi-final. We need to match them to bring our fair ladies home!!
 
Get there, wear your blue and gold and help bring the last remaining Metro League Team home!!

FYI:   There is a cycling event at Homebush this Sunday 27 September. The following roads will be closed from 7.00am to 4:00pm:

·         Olympic Boulevard between Dawn Fraser Avenue and Kevin Coombs Avenue
·         Kevin Coombs Avenue between Pondage Link and Australia Avenue
·         Holker Busway between Hill Road and Kevin Coombs Avenue

The road closures should not affect hockey matches and we can continue to use P4 as usual. There may just be a little more traffic than usual. Extra time should be allowed in case of this.

COME SUPPORT YOUR HIGHEST GRADE WOMEN THIS SUNDAY 13th IN THE SWHL SEMI-FINALS!

12:30pm SUHC 3s vs Manly - P2
2:30pm SUHC 2s vs Glebe - OP

SUHCulous Wonder Women... I would like to congratulate you all on such a great season you have powered through this year. Things have come to a well fought end for some of you, while others are strategically preparing for semi-finals. Either way, it has been an impressive accomplishment, with 5 of our 8 Women's teams in the finals this year. This along with our Men's 4 teams in finals puts SUHC at the top of the hockey clubs in Sydney. CONGRATULATIONS SUHC!

Please come and support both your Men and Women's teams in the next few weekends so we can boost as many of our teams to the Grand Finals as possible. And don't forget about our Women's VP Champagne Celebration and Men's VP Club Keg on Saturday, 19th September at The Coopers Hotel to congratulate all your hard efforts.
Sincerely,

Your Women's VP
Bucko

SUHC 1sts beat Strikers 4-3 on 29 August
 

We knew Strikers would come out hard as they were playing to avoid relegation. They came out a little harder than we anticipated, though, and put away two early goals. Uni got quick on the attack and with many unsuccessful attempts finally found the net thanks to Gill. Shortly after, Jess also put one away in style. Strikers were not going to give up that easy. We gave away a corner and strikers converted. We went into half-time down 3-2.

The play in the second half came from both sides, and with many attempts we struggled to find the back of the net. With 15 minutes left of play, we found a gap in their defence and got the break-away, which was finished off by Cara who calmly took the ball around the keeper and in to an open goal. The scores stayed level for the remainder of the match until the last five seconds when Cara once again turned over the ball on the half way line, took it round a few defenders and hit it from the top of the D with 2 seconds to spare. The sound of the back board came one second before the buzzer!

It was a great effort by all the girls and im sure they are all glad to finally have a win again!

CS

Following on from her wonderful successes on the hockey pitch this year, Mathilda Carmichael has been selected in the CNSW U17 team to compete in the U17 Cricket Australia National Championship to be held in Brisbane, Queensland from 6th - 12th January 2009.

Congratulations Mathilda and good luck in Brisbane!!!

You don't have to be disappointed that the outdoor season is coming to a close because Indoor is just around the corner!!  If you're keen to stay fit in the off-season and want to sharpen up those skills, why not try indoor hockey this year?  Sydney Uni has teams from U9 to premier men so there's a team for everyone. 

Seniors
The seniors competitions are generally held mid-week and run from the first week of October through to the first week of December.  There will be a few trials  but as a general guideline, they are roughly equal to your outdoor ability so if you play in Men's Prem now, you would most likely play in Men's Prem for indoor.  Please email Andy Elton at indoor.suhc@gmail.com by August 31, 2009 and let him know what grade you would like to join. 

Juniors
Sydney Uni has a fantastic record in junior indoor hockey and we will be entering teams in all the junior SIHA competitions again this year.  There are numerous junior comps available and depending on team numbers will be held at Ryde Aquatic Centre, Auburn and/or Hurstville. Our plan is to pull our teams together and enter them at Ryde as our Club's preference but first it's important to get numbers.

Games commence the week beginning 19th October and continue until 11th/13th December. There is no midweek training for indoor but we will be holding some training sessions at HK Ward prior to the comps commencing.

If you are interested in playing, please email juniorhockey@suhc.asn.au with your name, date of birth and which comp you would like to play in by August 31, 2009.  If you want to put a team together, 8 is the ideal number per team, although 7 to 10 is possible.  Players do not have to have played with Syd Uni before and we welcome all newcomers.

We would also like to hear from players or parents who would like to coach, manage or umpire indoor.

If you want to read more detailed information on the Sydney Indoor Hockey Association, please follow this link: http://www.sydneyindoorhockey.com.au/pageitem.aspx?id=22631&id2=1&eID=12540&entityID=12540

Hey Freshers (and other possible new hockey club members),

Representatives from SUHC will be at our stall during O-Week (9am-4pm, Feb 24 - 26) and would be happy to answer any questions. Come along and chat to our friendly faces about hockey, the club, our great social program, our fantastic coaches - or anything else.  We are located near the SUSF Tent on the front lawns: you won't miss us.  Registration Day is the 27th so add that to the calendar too.

Explore the website for more information on the club.

SU's womens' indoor A grade team has finished in first place and will play in the semis tomorrow night (Wed 25th) at 7pm at Hurstville.

If our womens Prem team wins on Tuesday 24th they will also finish first in their pool and will play UTS from the other pool.  Their match will be at 9:30 on Wed 25th.
 
So be at Hurstville: see the Sydney Uni mens AND womens indoor teams in action in the finals at the same time.

SU 4s beat ND1s by 3-0 on 27 September to win the SNWHA A Grand Final

After 21 round games, a local showdown win against fellow SUHC'ers in the semi, and a smashing preliminary final against manly; the time had come for Women's 4th grade, "Fours to the Floor" (FTTF), to size up competition rivals Northern Districts 1. It would be the match of the season: the SNWHA Division A Grand Final!

Coming in as Minor Premiers and having a 2:1 advantage over FTTF and 12 points clear of the competition, ND seemed quite confident that the game was in the bag and they would walk away with the premiership double. Little did they realise that FTTF were on an unstoppable winning streak fuelled by massive victories in earlier finals matches (a better goal difference in the finals than we had for the rest of the season!) and were out for vengeance, the title was ours!!

The whistle blew (as did we all in ridiculous high speed winds at Pennant Hills!) and the game was on. FTTF dominated from the start and took control of the game, linking up well across the pitch and demonstrating why it was we had made it this far. The ball barely crossed over halfway and our defensive line was only ever really challenged with breakaway runs from a speedy inner. With a few shots saved by their keeper, and their fullback being the only thing that really kept them in the game, the score was still locked well into the first half. Then, 25 mins in, FTTF got the first short corner for the match. A deflected shot of Georgie's landed on Nat's stick, and with a shot going across the goal, beating the keeper; Ellie snatched the ball into the back of the net to give us the lead 1-0 going into halftime.

An inspirational halftime talk from Scott and it was back to business to maintain the lead and bring home the silverware. Once again, FTTF came together as a team and pieced together some really good hockey, continually challenging the ND defence. A beautiful build-up into our attacking circle saw FTTF in a promising position with the defenders dusted and with a tricky flick over the diving keeper, Hannah was able to double our total (and hers for the season!) and bring the score to 2-0. Not long after Hannah struck again with a penetrating run into the circle and brought the score line up to a solid 3-0 lead. Nearly falling into our token "2nd half 10 min slump", ND were starting to look quite dangerous, and being awarded multiple short corners they were able to convert one and bring the score to 3-1. With a final short corner on fulltime to ND, and our forward line confirming to each other on halfway that there was absolutely no way they could score two more goals, the shot was saved and VICTORY WAS OURS! A fitting end to an enjoyable season, ND were beaten and Fours to the Floor came home as Major Premiers!

Thanks Scott for the tireless effort you put in, trying to motivate us and keeping us on track as we set out to achieve our goal (even if sometimes we were nowhere near as concerned about a game as you were!!). Kudos also go to our fellow team mates who helped us reach the finals - Jo, Jodie and Maggie, and Verinka and Laura for their brief appearance at the end of the season. Victory is sweet, especially when it is shared with such a great team, and I can't wait to see you all at preso!

Nat

Femmes Fatales lost Finao 0-2 to SUHC 4s

As the fly of fate smashes into the windscreen of destiny, and the loose bowleed seagull of time swoops low over the unsuspecting tourist of eternity, so endeth the campaign of the Femmes Fatales. 

It has been a long war, a tough war, a war of attrition, with many a Phyrric Victory.  The Fatales have experienced highs and lows, injuries and departures of several key players.  It was a testament to the overarching team spirit and commitment that propelled them into their first Major Finals appearance.   The 4's were out for revenge, and were clinical in their finishing, bagging 2 goals in the first 5 mins.  The Fatales were missing "Wingwomans" flirtatious powers at the back.  However they were kept in the game by extremely solid defending by The Phelon and Masto (making a welcome return to the field after several weeks of injury torture).   Acrobatics by Leash "the Wall", plus Mini McGee's backtracking down the right flank, kept the Fatales in the game, yet despite several chances, the goals just would not come. 

As the final whistle blew, a hush sounded (sic) around Pennant Hills.  The Sun sank her head back behind the cloud.  The Animals ran back in to their holes.  In Paris a wailing scream was heard as Coach Andy cursed the heavens from the top of the Eiffel Tower.  Sir Alex sat with his head in his hands.  Chris Martin once sang "The hardest part was letting go", Take That sang "someday all this will all be someone else's dream", Peter Griffin once sang "the bird bird bird, bird is the word, bird bird bird bird bird, bird is the word".  At the end of the day as an an extremely proud coach, what I will say to you my dear Fatales is this...............

 "ITS BEEN EMOTIONAL"

On behalf of MJ & myself, congratulations on a great season Fatales; it's been a pleasure to coach you all and be part of some great games this season.  May the Blue and Gold continue to dominate Women's Hockey in Sydney.   So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, good night!

B&F - Leash 3, Steph 2, Primrose & Annie 1

RV & MJ

Uni 3s Lost to Manly 1s 0-1 in sudden death penalty strokes.  It was a 2-2 draw at the end of regulation time, still 2-2 after 15 minutes of golden-goal drop-off, a 3-3 draw after stokes ..... but then a 0-1 loss (3-4) in sudden death strokes
 
I flippantly quoted good old Vince Lombardi to someone last week. I agreed with him then. I would still agree with him now if I had not been involved in Sunday's Grand Final loss with the amazing bunch of players that was SUHC Womens 3rd grade in 2009.

It's not often you can walk away from a Grand Final loss and say you rightly feel like a winner.
 
After 70 minutes of regulation time the scores were tied, Uni having to come back to draw 2-2 with five minutes to go. The game went into extra time, which meant 7.5 minutes 9 aside, then 7.5 minutes 7 aside. This was golden-goal stuff, but at the end of the extra 15 minutes the scores were still tied. The Grand Final then went to strokes. After 5 strokes each the score was still tied at 3-3 (Uni came back from 2-1 after 3 strokes to level the scores) Sudden death strokes, Uni flick a hard low shot slightly to keepers left, she makes the save. Manly hit their stroke and the game is over, the season is over and the dream vanishes.
 
Or does it?
 
The most remarkable scene then occurs amidst the pandemonium of Manly celebrating their success. Uni come together in a huddle around the top of the circle arm in arm a group united in defeat, united in pain, united in a season that was. The dream actually lives on, the dream I realise isn't about success or winning the dream is about the friendships and the memories that is playing in a team like this creates. This success goes way beyond the hockey field.
 
I'm sure we all dream of winning a premiership in sudden death strokes. Who wouldn't? The dreams we don't see or probably don't acknowledge is what occurred for us. In our change room before the game was a united group of friends about to do battle, singing the team song,  then after the game they were dancing in a living room until 3.30am in the morning with our second place medals on. A team that came together 25 weeks ago as relative strangers and finished as best of mates.
 
You may read this thinking "Who cares, you didn't win the Grand Final". You are right, we didn't win the Grand Final, but the 13 members of Sunday's losing team and I have this funny feeling that we actually won this season.
 
Thanks for the good times, thanks for the bad times. They were all part of the remarkable season that was.
 
Remington.

Signing off for 2009.

Trials for women's 4th to 8th grade are this Saturday at Concord (Cintra Park, Gipps St, Concord - see our Links page). (Some of the 3rds will also be trialling - you will be contacted individually).

7th/8th Grade: 9:00am - 10:15am  Coaches: Henry Keeling (7) and Ian McMaster (8)
5th/6th Grade: 10:15am -11:15am  Coaches: Will Tan(5) and Henry Keeling (6)
3rd/4th Grade: 11:15am - 12:30pm  Coach: Scott Laird (4)

If you played in 2009, welcome back! Please come to the trial for the team you played in last year. If you intend to trial higher, let Harriet know when you arrive and we'll invite you to stay for the following trial.

If you are new, welcome! Please attend the session where you'd like to play. If you're unsure, arrive at the earliest session but be prepared to stay longer if required.

Please arrive at least 15 mins before the start time and be ready to play. In addition, please bring both a dark and light (pref white) shirt.

Any concerns, please email Harriet Caterson, Women's VP . If you can't make it, please email Harriet ASAP as we usually have an excess supply of players and plenty of demand. In previous years we have unfortunately had to decline players due to oversubscription. The season does require a fairly a big commitment and runs from now until September and we do request you play the majority of games. This is only fair to your team mates and the club.

In addition, please ensure you've paid your $55 SUSF Membership. It it a requirement from the club and SUSF, and it is essential for insurance. Players who have not paid will not be permitted to take the field.

All the best for Saturday.

AWESOME session this morning (Sunday 31st Jan): stairs, beach sprints, swimming and a good long kayak session. A special mention to Scriv and Brownhill for sinking the kayak and having to swim it back for 20 minutes to shore!!

This Wednesday 3rd we meet at 6.30pm at The Arena Sports Centre on Western Avenue at The University of Sydney. It will be a bootcamp type session ie running, stairs, pushups, sprints, dips, lunges, fun things etc etc.

Next Sunday morning (7th Feb) we meet at Balmoral Oval again at 7.45 for an 8am departure. Don't be late  - we won't be around Balmoral for long!! (NOTE this is a change from original plan). Wear running gear and gear you're happy to swim in as well at the same time. We will head off into bush tracks and then do some swimming challenges at a nearby beach, then run again through another track to another beach and same again. You will be running in wet, sandy, sweaty gear but Liam promises it will be fun (and challenging).

Today was just the start of what is going to be a awesome season. Those who came will confirm it was lots of fun and a good workout.

Looking forward to seeing more of you Wednesday and next Sunday. Bring on the 2010 season! PUMPED.

Liam

SUHC's women's teams have had a great year so far in 2009. We now have a team in every SNWHA grand final match, while 3rd grade represent in SWHL's grand finals on Sunday 27 Sept!

The men inspired the ladies last Saturday with their two grand final wins (see circle of females around medallion draped males Sat night at the Cooper's VP's celebration). But can the ladies step up and do better this weekend?

The odds say Yes, but history has always been against us. "Stay in the kitchen. Care for the children. Mop the floors" said the men. Well, this Sunday we will prove history wrong forever, without need ing to burn bras in the process

Babysitters have been called, take-away is ordered and mops are replaced with sticks. Get ready: on Sunday SUHC Women will boost SUHC's 2009 record gold medal haul in a season finale!

Come support us and help change history (even if you're a bloke fearful of female power)

SWHL Grand Finals: Homebush Pitch 2: 1:30pm Sydney Uni 3rd Grade vs. Manly 1st Grade

SNWHA Grand Finals: Pennant Hills

DIV A Majors: 1:30pm Sydney Uni 4th Grade vs Northern Districts 1st Grade

Div A Minors: 3:15pm Sydney Uni 6th Grade vs Manly 3rd Grade

DIV B Majors: 11:45am Sydney Uni 7th Grade vs Ryde

Div B Minors: 5:00pm Sydney Uni Rollers (Vets)

Div C Majors: 10:00am Sydney Uni Under 18s (Juniors)

NOTE: There is a cycling event at Homebush this Sunday 27 September. The following roads will be closed from 7.00am to 4;00pm:

·         Olympic Boulevard between Dawn Fraser Avenue and Kevin Coombs Avenue
·         Kevin Coombs Avenue between Pondage Link and Australia Avenue
·         Holker Busway between Hill Road and Kevin Coombs Avenue

The road closures should not affect hockey matches and we can continue to use P4 as usual. There may just be a little more traffic than usual. Extra time should be allowed in case of this.

AB

The current 2nd to 5th grade Women's teams have trial matches at P2 (Homebush) this Sunday 14 March. The schedule is:

9:00 -10:10  SU 5ths v UTS4 (be there 8.30am)
10:10-11:20 SU 4ths v UTS3 (be there 9.40am)
11:20-12:30 SU 3rds v UTS2 (be there 10.50am)
12:30 -1:40  SU 2nds v UTS1 (be there 12.00pm) 

NB 4th and 5th grade are playing on Sunday as well as on Saturday (3rds tbc?). See the Links Page for directions to P2/Homebush

This week's first grade squad is playing at Little Bay. The schedule is:

2:30-4:30  SU 1sts vs UNSW1 (be there 1.45pm)

If you have any questions please contact the person responsible for your team as set out below (click on the name to get the email address):

1st grade - Liam Dixon 
2nd grade - Ben Chiarella
3rd grade - Ben Chiarella 
4th grade - Scott Laird 
5th grade - Will Tan 

Good luck.

SU 1sts defeated Gordon 6-4 in Rd 1 on 21 March

We had a tough pre-match session for the season opener: Louie forgot her shoes, 3 girls had to race to the game from NSW U18s and 5 girls had to come from the rigours of the NSW U21 trials. They included Em, our keeper, who missed the first 4 minutes as our bench worked overtime to get her onto the pitch.

After the chaos our new German international Silky settled everyone's nerves by opening our account soon after the whistle with a well rehearsed drag flick to the top corner. Mathilda followed up soon after with a short corner that snuck under the keeper's pads: SU up 2-0 after 10 minutes. Everything was going to plan (or better). Unfortunately a few simple turnovers in the midfielder and some complacency allowed Gordon to score two goals from quick counter attacks, and we had a game on our hands. The scores remained locked from then on until - just before the whistle - a Gordon tomahawk found the top of the netting through a crowded circle. We were 2-3 down at the break.

The break was good. It allowed us to gather our thoughts and reinforce a few key areas to target in the second half, and that targeting worked: we dominated the opening phases of play and had some good opportunities, including Cara lobbing the keeper but seeing the ball sail just over the crossbar. Our short corners were also working well: Mathilda fired our 3rd short hard into the backboard, making it 3-3 and with SU again having the momentum. And what momentum: the flood gates opened from here and everyone wanted to get on the scorecard. First Cara off a strong build up in play, then Mathilda off an unorthodox Tildaesque lope into the circle followed by a one touch (who needs to trap these days) cover drive to the top corner, then Sookie using all her pre season striker training to put the ball into the back of the net.

The final score was 6-4, after a late goal to Gordon.

Great start to the season despite the lesser quality match preparation. Good to see so many goals from First Grade. Great to see a strong second half in the heat. Greatest of all was seeing a sustained fightback against quality opposition.

The winning vibe is flourishing in 2010.

GOALS
Mathilda - 3 goals (soft goals set up by the rest of the team)
Silky - 1 goal (drag flick then did nothing for the next 67 minutes)
Cara - 1 goal (although she missed several)
Sookie 1 goal (I keep telling everyone I'm a striker)

B&F: 3pts - Mathilda, 2pts - Silky, 1pt - Maya

LD

SUHC club uniforms are now available at Just Hoclkey at Homebush. See the Homepage for details, and click here for a link to the Just Hockey website for times, maps and their other gear.

Could ML1, 2 and 3 players please check with VP Harriet before buying a shirt with a number - we want to avoid double-ups in the same team if possible.

Selections for Round 1 are below. If your name does not appear please contact Harriet Caterson(womenshockey@suhc.asn.au) ASAP. Please note game times and game locations (see the Links page for venue addresses)

Selections are still evolving and will continue to change over the next couple of weeks as we adjust to new players and new coaches. Please contact the Club Captain (Andy Andy Elton) if you believe there are serious mistakes in our gradings.

You must be at your game at least 30 mins before the start. If you are unavailable please inform your coaches immediately via mobile.  Contact your team mates or coaches if you need to arrange a lift. 

Good luck on the weekend and hope you have a awesome season!!

8ths lost 1-2 to ND on 28 March

The first round for the 8th grade women's game unfortunately was a loss 2 - 1 to Northern Districts, but great signs and look forward to a very successful season.

As many nursed sore heads and rubbed sleep from blurry eyes to be at Pennant Hills for a 1030 game, the 8th grade women's came together a new team, no previous time training together, a brief drill and then an attempt to try everyone's name in two minutes, the temperature soared, the game started.

The game was very close affair and SUHC maintained a lot of ball, after letting in a goal early, we held on well and fought back hard to get the equalizing goal, they snuck in another and it was 2-0.

The second half Sydney held onto the ball and put on lots of pressure and Liz was able to get one in, we then kept pushing hard looking for the second and the hot weather was starting to take its toll on both teams with a lot of up and back, our defense held strong and we were successful in holding out a number of defensive shorts, which was great as no keeper and not playing together before! Our bench was reduced to one with about 10 to go due to hockey balls and heads not agreeing with each other.

Great work and I think everyone is looking forward to the cooler weather, it is a winter sport!

B & F: 3 Hats, 2 Lucy, 1 Cate

Goals: Liz

IM

7ths lost 0-2 to Macquarie Uni on 28 March

The Sydney Uni 7th Grade Women (team name soon to come) took to the pitch on Sunday afternoon feeling a little dusty after the previous evening's exploits and a little wary of the shiny, new Ryde turf they stepped out on. The sun was out, the glare extreme. New faces and old hands were mixed together as they faced their common foe, sticks in their grasp. Macquarie University, emblazoned in yellow, seemed confident and excited while the lionesses of Uni appeared more bashful and hesitant to test their fitness, hangover and hockey skills that afternoon.
 
However, as the whistle blew the perspiring girls of Uni showed that not all had been forgotten from last year. Trish, as Birthday Captain, promised Birthday Goals from Centre Forward. Attack kept great height, dabbled in some fancy stick work while the halves and backs kept up the momentum and Fi in goal maintained the classic Uni chat. Subs were fast (and much appreciated) and Coach Keeling watched his soldiers from the sideline, excited for the season ahead. Unfortunately the Sydney University girls lost a little bit of puff in the second half of the second half and allowed two goals in by Macquarie.
 
An unfortunate loss for the 7s, who weren't able to capitalise on their opportunities in the circle. However, a lot of promise was shown by all players despite final score.
 
Best and Fairest: Lize
 

Women's Lower Grades Fixtures for 11th April are:

4ths @ Pennant Hills 4.30pm vs Gordon North Sydney
5ths @ Pennant Hills 3pm vs SU 6
6ths @ Pennant Hills 3pm vs SU 5
7ths @ Pennant Hills 6pm vs U18-1
8ths @ Pennant Hills 1.30pm vs Macquarie Uni

U18-1 @ Pennant Hills 6pm vs SU 7s
U18-2     game deferred

NB Any player deemed guilty of calling the Juniors VP "Mum" while at Albury may be required to remain on the bench all game, as well as the ritual tarring and feathering.

"I hated every minute of training, but I said: 'Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion' ." [Muhammad Ali]

Welcome to the 2010 season! Another exciting and action filled year is planned for club members.

Players interested in trying out for Sydney Uni Women's Premier Squad in 2010 need to attend Pre-season Training. Preseason begins on Sunday, January 31st. Interested players should notify the Premier Squad coaches, Liam Dixon and Ben Chiarella, of their availability especially if they cannot attend sessions and would like to be considered. A preseason calendar will be uploaded shortly.

All new players are welcome to trial and should email Liam (lhdixon@internode.on.net) to register their interest and find out more information. 

Women's 3rd- 8th Grade Trials - More information will be provided shortly on fitness, trial dates and arrangements for 2010.

Rego day is Sat, Feb 27th at HK Ward, Sydney Uni (9:30am-2:30pm). Early bird specials apply as in the past and late fees will be applied after Feb 27th.  If you have any questions, please contact Harriet Caterson, Women's VP at womenshockey@suhc.asn.au.

I look forward to meeting many new faces and catching up with old ones very soon

Thanks,

Andy Andy Elton - Club Captain 2010

Welcome to Sydney Uni Hockey Club, and thank you for your interest in joining our great club. We are delighted to welcome new players. SUHC has 8 women's teams across all grades, so we provide the chance to play hockey across all levels, ranging from our highly competitive Premier Grades through to a more social competition.

Our top 3 teams play in the top-ranked SWHL Competition, where we are now in the top three grades - ML1, ML2 and ML3. Our other teams play in the SNWHA Competition, which caters for a diverse range of skills. Games are mostly on Sundays at Olympic Park, Pennant Hills or Ryde. 

This year we'll be holding trials for Women's 3rd-8th grade on Saturday 13 March from 9:30am to 12;30pm at Cintra (see our Links page if you do not know where it is).  We encourage you to come to the trials to be considered for a team in 2010. Training for everyone will be commencing in the week of Feb 15th.

Joining SUHC is a great move. In addition to our serious sporting endeavours we have a fantastic social side, with numerous events and gatherings throughout the year. SUHC has a men's, women's, vetertans and juniors section, so we are one of Sydney University's largest sporting clubs as well as being one of Sydney's largest hockey clubs.

We stress that there has been very strong demand for places in all our 8 teams in recent years, so please turn up to trainings and trials so the selectors know what to do (and because they are fun).

For further information please contact our Women's VP, Harriet Caterson, at womenshockey@suhc.asn.au.

4ths won 2-1 against Syd Uni 5ths on 18 April

Women's 4ths v 5ths has been by far THE biggest interclub rivalry since Sydney Uni joined the Ryde comp. Ever. And with no fewer than five players facing their former teams, everyone was out to prove a point (especially after opposition Dr Dre's slip/sledge of the tongue just before the start of the match).

So let's make like Cornetto's and skip the boring bits, aka most of the first half. It was a high intensity but scrappy ping pong half with both teams not really able to string together many plays (although one close 5th grade dive that dinked the post). 0-0 half time.

Half time pump up, Coach Scott said something constructive and then Captain Ange pulled us in for a final word. "They called us 6th grade. DOES THAT MAKE YOU ANGRY!!!" (actually, Ange said happy but angry sounds way more dramatic - she is quite lovely really).

Second half Fours to the Floor stepped it up and performed considerably better. Our transfers and midfield passing started to stick and our strikers created havoc with the 5ths defence. We got some slick shots on goal but the opposition GK was up to the task, pulling off a couple of superman moves to save what would normally have been certain goals. We picked up our short corner count and finally broke the 0-0 deadlock with Hannah "see I score heaps" Coffey squeezing one past a flurry of sticks. Our second goal was a sweet field goal slotted in by Soph "this isn't how we play hockey in Holland" Niermans.

With these 2 goals in the bag, we seemed to step off the gas slightly and Will's troops responded with some dangerous break throughs. There were a couple of chances that were only to be denied by some really skilled (or perhaps lucky) cricket skills off the goal line. 5ths finally snuck one through our guard from some furious follow up from our short defence (ie. short corner, not vertically challenged). The final whistle blew, we played out our final short corner to no avail, and we breathed a sigh of relief and satisfaction. Final score 2-1. 

Top effort girls, it may not have been our best game but we dug deep. And despite being on the opposing side, it was great to see Leash "The Wall" Norman back in action for SUHC. In the end Sydney Uni Hockey won (but so did we :). Til next time 6ths woops I mean 5ths... Banter.

Goals: 1 Hannah, 1 Soph

HC

8ths lost 2-7 to UTs on 18 April

We turned up to play UTS U18s and it was UTS.... just not U18s (or not all of them anyway). The coaches thought this was an advantage as the U18 teams just keep running like headless chooks, so our fitness would have been seriously tested. It was going to be tested anyway in the hot conditions and with no reserves. Gotta be good for you!

We lost 2-7.

The score line doesn't really tell the story or do us justice. We played without a keeper, without a bench and were short on numbers anyway. This all made it a bit difficult on the field. We have started to get going, though, and team bonding is well underway with facebook pages, planning for an upcoming dinner and pub crawl...let's hope its not followed by a 10am game.  Back to the game, though. It's always difficult in the circle with no keeper as any foot is nearly a stroke. Lizzie was the culprit this time, and with the helmet in the car UTS got a stroke at an open goal. We were running strongly on corners and in defence, and with little more talk up front we will be even better. We might need to stop tackling each other, though, and could perhaps have some more ice breakers so we know everyone's names. That might help me avoid falling into a giggling mess again. Uniforms might help too -  Amie should be able to double her goal tally if she won't need to hold up her shorts with one hand whilst dribbling the ball.

All in all the team is looking good, and will be even better with some extra numbers and a keeper. I am looking forward to the next few rounds and to seeing all my new friends on facebook

B & F : 3 Amie, 1.5 Lize, 1.5 Eddie.  Goals: Amie x2 

IM

The fixtures for the 18th of April for the SNWHA games are:

4ths @ Ryde 10.30am (v SU 5s)
5ths @ Ryde 10.30am (v SU 4s)
6ths @ Pennant Hills 1.30pm (v Northern District 1)
7ths @ Ryde 4.30pm (v SU Rollers)
8ths @ Pennant Hills 3pm (v UTS U/18s)

U18-1 @ Ryde 6pm (v Hunter's Hill 5)
U18-2 @ Ryde 12pm (vs UTS 6)

NB: 4th Grade and 7th Grade Women will be required to wear white shirts and different coloured hockey socks.

Good luck on the weekend everyone!

4ths win 5-0 against Gordon on 12 April

It's official, Sydney Uni fourth grade are on a winning streak (hey, two games counts as a streak doesn't it)!! This new look 4th grade team is a nice mix of some new faces complementing a core of last year's reigning premiership players and under the guidance of Coach Scott and newly elected Captain Ange, we are showing plenty of promise. This year's SNWHA comp brings in the challenge of new clubs to the competition and this week we fronted up against a somewhat unfamiliar opposition in Gordon.

Scott - "Guys, I used to coach these guys. We need to win this game"

4ths - (Shrug)

With this inspiring pre-match pump up, we took to the field. Sydney Uni put in a solid performance. Simply put, we had the majority of the possession and played a dominant and controlled game. We had good build up through the midfield and defence, with transfers from both sides catching our opposition off guard (Scott: do Mens 1st grade want tips?). Our attackers and midfield were always on the move providing options for the player on ball. On the occasions where we did turn the ball over, our tackling in defence was solid and we kept our goalie to only a few touches throughout the match.

Goals came courtesy of a direct short conversion, a Kate "49" Walker thunderbolt into the back board. UK import Cindy managed to put a tricky backstick jink past the GK's near post after some nice passing up front. Our attacking press poured on the pressure causing a misdirected opposition defensive 16 hit; Elle pounced on the opportunity and calmly slotted the ball past the keeper. The other goals came from passing field play (ie. I don't really remember!). Special mention to Hannah who, despite being taken out by the goalie on numerous occasions, still couldn't quite tap one in!

Finally, a huge Thank You to Fi, Lou and Dre for filling in for us and playing like champions.

Goals: 2 Elle, 1 Kate, 1 Cindy, 1 Nat or Katie?

WA

SNWHA fixtures for the 2nd of May are: 

4th Grade: 10.30am v Northern District @ Ryde
5th Grade: 10.30am v Mosman @ Pennant Hills
6th Grade: 9am v Mirrabooka @ Pennant Hills
7th Grade: 3pm v Red Bears @ Ryde
8th Grade: 12pm v SU U18-2 @ Ryde

U18-1: 12pm v Northern District @ Pennant Hills
U18-2: 12 pm v SU 8s @ Ryde

Top of the Table Clash vs Moorebank - Uni Second Grade was clinical, composed and calculated in their dissection of an imposing Moorebank Team.  Having watched first grade come undone vs the talented Moorebank squad, second grade were determined not to fall to the same fate.  A good warm up and a big pregame talk saw the team pumped and ready to do battle: an arm wrestle first half saw a 1-1 deadlock at half time, but a Jemima Barlett coached short corner saw us take a early 2-1 lead in the 2nd term of play.  From there the players stepped into overdrive and Moorebank never looked in the game. The 3rd goal was hockey at is simplest and best and the 4th was just a result of sustained pressure and a beaten opposition.

4-1 and the number one spot safe for another week.  Second grade have hit their straps and are throwing the gauntlet down - "Catch us if you can.  We are the team to beat in 2010!"

Goals: Annalyse Lister 2, Alex Ford 1 & Lizzy Maister 1.
B&F: Lizzy Maister 3, Soph Brownhill 2, Alex Ford 1

4ths drew 1-1 with Mirrabooka on 9 May

In SNWHA Div A's first top of the table clash, Fours to the Floor faced extremely tough opponents in Mirrabooka. The opposition had a few very high level players (former premier metro) and also a few ex-SUHC premier players from way back (obviously quality there!). Both teams came into this contest undefeated and were hungry for that coveted first place spot.

First up, credit is due to Mirrabooka who displayed plenty of skill and grunt; they were quick to play the ball off free hits catching us off guard and were unrelenting in their pressure. They got the first goal after a missed tackle and quick pounce on a through pass.

But Sydney Uni also brought some great hockey to the table. Elle made plenty of dashing leads up high and burnt the opposition fullback with her speed. Comeback kid Georgie (welcome back!!) carved up the left midfield and Capt Ange and Les were all over the centre like a rash. Hannah and Anna (say that three times quickly) bamboozled the defence with their quick ball turns in the attacking 25. Sophie continually tracked back in defence despite playing in attack and Fi "I love goal keepers" Jamison had a belter in goals.

So long story short, we pegged one back courtesy of a lovely finish from Hannah "see I really do score heaps" Coffey before half time. Tight but scoreless second half. Still undefeated, still on top - but I feel a rivalry brewing... The end.

And for you kids out there, a little tip based on observation: Don't head butt the goalie - the helmet always wins

Goals: 1 Hannah

WA

SU 2nds beat Glebe 4-1 on 9 May

It was always going to be tough to get ourselves up for the Glebe match after the top of the table clash and victory last week.  We were playing a team that plays the archetypal long hit and hope game, and found ourselves falling into the same trap.
 
Instead of playing the type of hockey we have had much success with already this season we resorted to playing long one out hockey and we suffered because of it, leading just 2-1 at half time. We were very lucky not to be down a few more goals if we are to be honest, Glebe definitely created several impressive opportunities.
 
However a halftime rethink and a vow to remain composed and play our style of hockey found us more clinical and impressive in the second half. A 4-1 win was a fair if not flattering result for 2nd grade.
 
We can take a lot from this game. As the previously single Rob Verdon would say, though, going ugly is still a win.
 
So we will take the ugly win and the points but unlike Verdon we definitely want to play better in coming weeks.

Goals - Annalyse 2, Jimmy 1, Kirsty,1.  B& F - Annalyse 3, Burgo 2, Alex 1

BC

4ths drew 1-1 against UTS on 30 May

Fours to the Floor lived up to their name last weekend following a solid performance at Saturday night's yellow shirt parade (aka pub crawl). So it was no surprise that we were a mighty sorry bunch at Ryde at 12 noon on Sunday. The exception being Coach Scott - who turned up to Pennant Hills. Hmm. Good start....

So here is a rundown of the game through the eyes of the next 4th grade starting line up left half. Try not to vomit. Check. Intermittent blur. Let in a UTS goal. Oops, but check. Team effort goal. Yessss! Earn a stroke (top job Miss Primrose). Cue dramatic pause.........

She who shall not be named, steps up to the spot. Tension. Suspense. She takes the stroke. Suddenly everything felt as if it was going in slow motion. Hang on. Real time, it WAS going in slow motion. The ball bobbles along at the pace of a sloth at quarter speed and barely makes it to the goalie's kicker. We all drop to the ground laughing (ROFL for all you acronym lovers out there).

Kate "probably more than 49 now" Walker said something about picking up lots and menopause. Stand-in-Captain Katie B questioned someone's ability as a mother. Three votes went to moving the Pub Crawl to a Friday next year. Enough said.

Goals: Who knows. But BIG thanks to Nat G for filling in for us and having a super stellar performance at the back!!

WA