Over 50’s Trophy – 2016-2017

Hi Guys, I just wanted to express my thanks and pleasure to you all, and the club as a whole, for what, in my opinion, was a very successful and enjoyable 1st year at Timperley. Thank you all for making me feel welcome and look forward to playing with you all in the upcoming season. Special thanks to Col for finally scoring, sorry we couldn’t back you up with a few more goals. Cheers, Albert

A big thanks to Col for his efforts in co-ordinating everything from start to finish it is more appreciated than anyone will tell you, but also:
All who played a part in the logistical effort of getting 2 teams plus hangers on and 2 ninja turtles to Lee Valley and accommodated etc. etc. To Ed (and Noel) for his time for the last few rounds and especially for coming to London – obviously we expect the same commitment next year – how far is Limoges to Whitley Bay? And to those of you for whom there is no such thing as home game, it is very easy to forget that effort especially when I can walk to a home game (and stagger back). It has been a pleasure to play alongside you all. Andy Entwistle

Hi all, it’s been a real giggle, the highlight being sharing a room with the gorgeous Gary. Thanks everybody, but especially Col, a man mountain. Cheers Dick Allott.

Col and everyone else. It’s been an absolute pleasure and privilege to play this season. I’ll let Towno take the No. 4 shirt next season to aid that final step! Richard Knill

Truly a life long memory , not least sharing a room with Mr Allott. Great team Mates one and all. Hope to do it again. Thanks to Col nick and everyone else who took charge. Gaz Weatherley

Hi Gents, thanks to all – its been a great experience and great fun. Need to go one better next year. cheers, Tim Roberts

Thanks Col for all your work. Shame we didn’t quite make it but great fun along the way. Summer well everyone see you in the Autumn. Towno

Yes great effort by all, guys … if it had been that easy to win it there would be less motivation for next year … But you know now it can be done … enjoyed the ride and great for the Club … see you soon. Nick

Here here. It was a blast! Thanks to you as well, Col. – Dave McGuire

Thanks again Colin and a pleasure to practice with, warm up and watch you guys. Cheers. Jonathan Tipler

At great personal expense I have deployed an advance party to Lee Valley this week to case the joint … this is their report just received via carrier pigeon …

Walk to pitches from hotel 15 mins agree – quickest through Stratford International station and East village rather than straight in to park
Pitch 2 has some seating but no cover
Photos were in a marquee off the first floor of the main facility
Small café facilities on first floor of main building but if they are being pedantic spectators may only have access if have pitch 1 tickets.
A coffee/snack van outside main building
Portable toilet facilities by pitch 2 (on players side)
Pitch was bobbly after dried out for a bit
A walk from Euston to St Pancras (10 mins) and the quick train to Stratford Int (7 mins) is definitely the way to go not tube/DLR etc – I was at the pitches 40 mins after train arrived at Euston – also Premier Inn right next to this station.
Premier Inn reception on 1st floor.

Col

OK chaps, I was expected some further ‘essential’ info from Eng Hockey about this but apparently not. So I’ve made this up …

Firstly, attached is:
1. The Team Sheet I’ve had to submit to EH in advance. These are your shirt numbers. Apologies to those four who missed out on either 4 or 14, but you’ll need to be quicker on the keyboard next year.
2. A kind of arrival times plus rooming / accom booking list. You can see approx. when everyone is arriving. Ignore the column about room cost, more about that later …

Friday Eve.
Could we meet changed in the Hotel reception at 18.15pm please. It’s a 15-20 min walk to the LV pitch from there. Young Mr Stropek is taking the lead on the 45 min training session, but basically it will be about:
1.Loose trotting on the pitch getting used to first touch on a spongy water surface.
2.Pen corners
3.Try out a few shuffles, in the event of a tie.

After that its a wander back to Hotel and its up to you to find somewhere for a glass of Sav Blanc and your pasta packing.

Saturday.
I’m a bit in the dark about when we might have access to change rooms at LV as there will be some kind of timed rotation involved, (I remember two years ago being half changed and having to move – not a pretty sight for the Tennis fraternity there!). So … based on that experience …

12.00 – Meet Premier inn reception – changed. Dunc is bringing the shirts with him on Fri eve and so maybe this is a good time to distribute.
12.45 – This is our official team photo slot – somewhere inside LV (or so I’m told), so on arrival hopefully we can find our changing room, dump kit and get this out of the way. Back into change room for a talk and if I recall an EH official comes round to give us all a ‘ring check’.
13.10 ish … – we can move to the pitch and do a warm up … we won’t get access to the pitch until the other final is out of the way and so we’ll only be on at about 13.30
14.00 – Game starts.

As before, game management / subs rotation etc is all in the hands of Noel. Nick/Ade Luth will be on the bench somewhere if anyone needs anything.

After the game … there will be team food in the LV stadium – but don’t expect very much. It was pretty poor two years ago, and I’m told it hasn’t really improved. Beer wise – again, Eng Hockey have not yet understood the equation; Vets Hockey + beer = happiness. So maybe after seeing how Bowdon get on in the Shield game (4.00pm start), we should idle back to the hotel, dump kit and make our own entertainment. Nick/Ade are going to have a scout around on the Fri eve and make some suggestions …

Sunday.
Timp Ladies over 35s play Harlaston Magpies at 11.00am

Admin & £’s.
Nick and Ade will be dealing with whatever admin is needed and the collection of loot.
Shirts – we have new playing shirts for the day provided by the club. If you wish to keep yours, then the cost is £15. If not plse hand back to Nick/Ade.
Socks – if you have asked for new socks, I have them (£6), and we have a couple of pairs to borrow for the day.
Pitch hire – Fri eve. We’ve had to hire the pitch on Fri eve and so a contribution of £5 per head would help offset some of those costs.
Beer Kitty (Sat eve) – again Nick/Ade to collect. I’d suggest we start with £20 each?

Accommodation.
This has not been easy to sort out. Slightly complicated by the fact the booking has been a joint one made by with our ladies team and that there have been numerous amendments made. So I have simply attached the booking confirmation emails as the have been received by me. 1. Accom Main Group, 2. Accom Carson, 3. Accom Allot-Tol. The total group bill has been averaged (or something, I don’t really know), and so the cost is pretty much as we originally stated, but possibly not quite. Anyway, you are responsible for sorting out your own room bill… I’m told this is payable upon arrival but who knows …

The only complicating factor is that Mr Allott and Mr Carson will be sharing Gary over the weekend. Dick is his personal plaything on Friday (when relatively sober), to be discarded and replaced by Mr Carson on Sat night (when not). So … Mike … you can ignore the room booking in your name as you’ll be with Gary. Dick, the room booking in the name of Carson, is for your girls, and there is separate one in your name – if that makes sense. To be honest … I have lost the will to live on this one … but I thinks its ok.

Let’s be on time and ready to go. Can’t think of much else to say. See you Prem Inn Reception on Fri eve 18.15pm. Call me if there is any problem – 07990 971190.
Col

Latest update … After yesterday evenings game the general consensus was that we should train again next week at Timperley (Tues 25th 7 – 8.30) and play a short game again a Timperley club XI. It was pretty obvious that collectively we are not playing week in week out now and it showed. So please be there is you can – it helps us all.

Secondly a reminder that if you have not sorted out an admission ticket for your nearest and dearest, you probably ought to …
KO Finals tickets are now on sale:
http://englandhockey.seetickets.com/event/men-s-investec-women-s-ko-finals/lee-valley-hockey-and-tennis-centre/1073311

Prices:
Saturday and Sunday day Tickets:
£12 Adults
£5 Children (U18)
(Per day)
Pitch 2 only
Adults £7
U18 £2

Car Park. I have had requests for two of the five spaces allocated to us (Mr Tolley & Mr Carson), and so have three left is anyone wants one? I say that but have not yet had them posted to me at the club and assume that they’ll arrive fairly soon …
Shirts – are on order and should arrive in due course.
Will feed through any final info as/when I have it …
Col

Firstly, the shirts have been ordered. What is it about numbers 4 and 14 ?… 3 x requests each for those two. I went on the first email come served policy.

Secondly, next Tuesday 18th April at 7pm. Our ladies 1st XI have a national league play off match the following Saturday and have invited us to play a match against them. I suspect it won’t be full-on and we all want to avoid injuries, but it does provide the opportunity to oil the legs and loosen your facilities … it might also be quite an interesting game in itself. I realise the ‘southern’ branch of the team might not be able to make it up … but the North West residents should be able to. We will then make up a team with a couple of old lags who we can find … so are you available …? Please confirm Y or N …?

Thanks Col
Ps we can then all retire into the bar to watch the mighty blue army whack Athletico in the second leg of the champions cup q/f …

Firstly, just a reminder that there is no match this eve at Bowdon – it is cancelled.

With respect to Lee Valley, we are all arriving at various times (see attached), mostly on the Friday, although a couple arrive on Sat am. We have the Lee Valley pitch booked from 7-7.45pm on the eve of Fri 28th April. The intention is to do a light run about, try to get used to the bounce and because most of the protagonists are there, work on a few short corner options. None of the above will be particularly strenuous, but can’t do any harm and it will save time the next day. We will be practising with yellow balls… see attached info. I’d suggest therefore that we meet in the Hotel foyer at 6.20pm, It’s a 15-20 min walk to the ground.

LV info

KO Finals 2016-17 Team Information

Just a few personnel changes / additions to mention. Firstly, Stokesey has decided not to be part of the final squad. A combination of persistent injury and a prior commitment, that, were it not for the injury he would have cancelled, are behind this and which he feels would have severely limited the contribution he would have been able to make. I know it was a difficult decision for him, and I’ve thanked him for all of his efforts in the three matches he’s played along the way this season. Secondly, this has meant the squad became 15 and so we’ve added a reserve GK to the rosta: Mr Jonathan Tipler, who a lot of you know from ‘Aardgolf’, and who has returned to 6th XI action this season after a decade-long sabbatical during, is coming along. Jon has trailed around and watched most of our matches and so we’re very fortunate he wants to join the party. Nick will be designated Team Manager and Ade Luth will be Physio. My advice would be to study the attached info pack carefully so as to fully avail yourself of administrative requirements and not to get injured!

With respect to that info, I’ve attached the info pack England Hockey have sent over – so you know as much as me. There are just a few points from that pack to make specific reference to.

1. Spectators.
If your partner is coming along they/you will need to purchase admission tickets for them in advance …

KO Finals tickets are now on sale:
http://englandhockey.seetickets.com/event/men-s-investec-women-s-ko-finals/lee-valley-hockey-and-tennis-centre/1073311

Prices:
Saturday and Sunday day Tickets:
£12 Adults
£5 Children (U18)
(Per day)
Pitch 2 only
Adults £7
U18 £2

2. Accreditation – all the above will receive a ‘handstamp’ to ensure access on Sat 29th April. If you intend to stay to watch Timperley Ladies O35’s on the Sunday morning (11.00 start), then you will need to purchase an admission ticket as above.

3. Car Park. I have the five car park tickets that have been allocated to us. If you are traveling by car and would like one … let me know now. First come first served …

4. Squad numbers. I am required to submit a full team list with numbers by this Wed 12th April. If you have a particular preference you need to tell me by 17.00hrs on Mon 10th April LATEST.

5. Shirt Colour. Its been confirmed that we will be in Royal Blue shorts and that Formby will play in their alterative strip. I understand that the club is purchasing a new set of shirt, ‘so that we can look the part’, it seems that some people think the tents look a bit scruffy…?

I think that’s all for now. Keep training and stay fit.
Col

Right gents … an update for you.

Travel.
There is going to be NO coach to/from Timperley. Despite our best efforts to get a good price, the number of people wanting to use it is very low and so it makes no financial sense. Sorry chaps if you were hoping to make use of it, but you’ll need to revert to car or train.

Accommodation.
Please see attached Rooming List for the hotel. NB PLEASE CHECK NOW AND COME BACK TO ME ABOUT THIS IF THERE IS ANY PROBLEM. FROM 1ST APRIL THESE BOOKING HAVE TO BE CONFIRMED AND ARE THEN NON-REFUNDABLE. ROOMS WILL BE IN YOUR NAME AND YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR PICKING UP THE TAB AT THE END OF THE WEEKEND.

Mike Carson, we are aware that you don’t need a room on the Friday evening and already have that amendment. Nige … you’re on your own on the Friday.

Kev / Dunc / Stu / Noel have already booked in independently.

I am expecting an info pack from England Hockey anytime now, which should answer all the other issues on the day … I will fwd onto you when I get it.

Hope that’s ok … contact me asap if there is any issue with the hotel bookings. Col

Strange but true!

To help keep those bones and joints well oiled in readiness for the final, the club has arranged some ‘end-of-season fitness training’ sessions on Tues evenings 7-8pm at the club starting this Tues and continuing throughout April.

… see here … http://www.timperleyhockeyclub.com/news/fitness-strength-conditioning-sessions-are-back-st-1769106.html

I intend to be there. That’s, plus the practice match on Sat 8th April that I’ve already mentioned is about as much as 1/the club can do… the rest is down to you. But … if you need some 1:1 motivation then I can arrange this with Wilks.
Col

OK. So starting to become a bit clearer now.

Firstly: Travel
As mentioned before, you are responsible for getting yourself down to London on the Friday 28th April … (or in the case of Dick & Tolley on Sat am). The club is proposing to put on a coach for supporters and the ladies team which will leave Timperley on Saturday 29th April – leaving no later than 08.00am tbc. We will confirm the departure time in the next few days. The coach will ONLY return on Sunday 30th April at 14.30pm after the ladies O35s final. If you follow this link on the club web site
http://www.timperleyhockeyclub.com/news/join-the-big-blue-bus-to-lee-valley-29th-30th-apri-1768107.html
you can book your place on the coach back to Timperley – the cost is going to be in the region of £20 pp – but you will need to do this by 17.00 tomorrow to make sure you get a seat!! After that no guarantees !!

Secondly: Hotel
All of us, club supporters, women’s team and us are booked in the Premier Inn. I have attached a schedule of who and when which summarises the info I have, please can you check an make sure it is what you are planning to do.

Finally: what happens on the day etc …
At some point in the next week or so I will get a full info pack from England Hockey. I’ll forward this on to you when I have it and I’m assuming it will answer most things.

Think that’s all for now.
Col

Hi Col. Top work – I am in for a hotel Friday for me and Saturday for me and Beck. My niece was at the National girls finals a few weeks ago – they stayed at the premier inn which is in the Westfield shopping Mall loads of places to eat and take on a sociable drink. If we are feeling more adventurous on the Saturday it is only one stop to Liverpool Street and the bright lights of London. We’ve come a long way since we shared a B+B with cast of Rainbow in Darlo all those years ago. Cheers, Towno.

Ok gents – here we go …

As Andy has mentioned, and now by EH that our final is at 14.00 on Sat 29th April. The womens 035 final is the following day (30th) at 11.00am. There are discussions going on to try and co-ordinate within Timperley HC and mutually support each other as much as we can.

This is a major weekend for the club – two national finals – and from what I’ve heard, there is quite a lot of interest from around the club about travelling down to support.

There was a fair bit of talk on Sunday after the game about what we should do, how, when etc etc…but the common denominator (at least from what I recall, which would have had to have been before 7pm! ) was that we should make the most of the weekend, give ourselves the best chance, do as much as we can as a team, and savour it because who knows if it will happen again.

The same is true for the womens team also, and so there are already people on the case looking into various modes, times of travel and also looking at accommodation. What we have already realised is that its going be quite a scrum … we already know that it’s going to be complicated to arrange, not cheap, and options are limited. On the 29th April alone, there are 11 matches taking place across the two pitches, the first of which stats at 09.00am and the last starts at 19.00 that evening – loads of hockey players and most are scrabbling for accommodation – so on the face of it, a 14.00 match doesn’t too bad a draw.

The only way to do this is for a couple of people to take the lead and make some decisions for us all and a couple of the women’s squad are already working on accommodation for us all. It will be impossible to cater for everyone’s preferences but we hope to come to a sensible and workable plan for the weekend that we can all buy into. I’ve got no doubts that one of our strengths has been the fact that over the six matches to date, we’ve built up a strong sense of teamwork and I hope we can finish our season together – whatever the result. So that involves committing to a hotel in / around Lee Valley and, because its going to be busy, it means committing yourself early.

So taking all of the above on board, this is what I’m looking at …

I’d like all of us (that’s 16 plus Noel) to meet at Lee Valley Centre at 12 noon. I would suggest that we don’t trust the traffic on Saturday morning and that we should make our way to the Hotel (I’ll come back to that later) on Friday afternoon/early eve, probably by rail, have a meal and a sociable drink, and make sure we’re there early.

There is likely to be a coach leaving Timperley club on Saturday morning, bringing down partners, a mish mash supporters including Mitch from the club and the womens team who want to come down to support us. I don’t have the leave time for the coach yet, but I’m guessing it will be early.

For those who wish to, and I’m guessing that some of the club supporters will do this, the coach will travel back to Timperley after the game late on Saturday afternoon. But I hope we will all stay and celebrate/commiserate as a team during the evening in Stratford. Sunday am following breakfast, we watch and support the womens team in their game at 11.00am. Around 2.30pm another coach will bring everyone back up to Timperley. Obviously for those who don’t live at Timperley you probably don’t need the coach bit. I know also that Stu Nich and Andys sons are likely to be playing in the schools finals which are on the Weds & Thurs before and so they will probably be there anyway.

But the key bits; arrive Friday to be there early for Saturday, a night out and two nights accommodation is what I’m asking for …?

As for a Hotel – a couple of the womens team have already moved very quickly yesterday morning and so they have kindly reserved a stack of rooms in both the Premier Inn and Holiday inn which is right next to Stratford rail station and so we’re well placed. Of course London hotels are not cheap and they know it’s a big weekend at the stadium. Its also bank holiday weekend and not easy to get rooms for one night only … but we’ve managed to get enough rooms reserved at £80 per person per night – which frankly sounds a good price to me, given everything.

We have enough rooms reserved for your partner to come down and stay on the Sat eve also … Once we have the players and partners sorted, then any other rooms we have left will be offered to the club supporters if they wish … or we will release them … Hotel rooms are being held on several womens hockey credit cards and so lets not mess them about … lets do this as a team, it would just seem messy if we all did our own thing, rather than together …

But we need to get a shift on, make a decision. So all I need you to do, is read the above and then drop me an email confirming you’re in …?

Col

During my recovery today from what turned out to be a surprising amount of beer and wine consumption yesterday, I was idly looking at the 6 games played and noted that – for your delight and delectation – 10 of us have now scored and the team has a record of 38 goals for and 6 against.

Currently leading the race to win the mythical Golden Espadrille is Stu Nic, closely followed by Taylor. Carson was the big mover over the weekend but, rather like Leicester City’s late Premiership challenge, he’s probably left it a bit late to top the chart.

Nicholson 11, Taylor 9, Marcano 5, McGuire 4, Carson 3, Tolley 2, Brown 1, Edwards 1, Entwistle 1, Townsend 1

FYI the goals conceded chart is as follows:
Weatherley 6

And on the injury standings Stokes is so far out in front it is embarrassing with Allott a very distant second.

There you go then. Tol

… its all a little foggy. But somewhere in the back of my head I can recall a hockey match and Albert topping up a bottle of Port from three half empty ones …? But … a great effort, great teamwork and thanks to one and all for getting to the final. Whichever way that goes, it’s already a great achievement. Six games, 38 goals for and 5 against.

There was a rumour yesterday that we’ll play Formby in the final at Lee Valley on Sat 29th April. I don’t have details yet of that, but there was talk yesterday of keeping the momentum going with a training match? I understand that Bowdon have also made it through to the 50’s Shield final and as Lee Valley is a wet pitch it seems sensible to suggest to them that we have some kind of match mid-way between now and the final? … So I’m asking for your availability over the weekend of Fri 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th April (Easter) and also Sat 15th and Sun 16th April, and Sat 22nd or Sun 23rd April. Would you be available ? … which dates are you not available?

I realise that not everyone will be … but if we have the majority, then it could be worthwhile.

As for the final … when my brain clears (Tues or Weds this week), then we’ll get on to that. Our Women’s O35’s have also made it through, and their game is on Sun 30th. Whether the club tries to do anything ‘joined up’ I don’t know at this stage … but we’ll have a chat and see – watch this space.

For now just bask in the fainted glow of a headache … but let me know about the training match dates.

RSVP …?
Col

Gents, the kitty evaporated sometime around 6pm following the last match. So we have to self-manage this coming Sunday. There will be close to 40 of us sitting down after the game, which includes a group of 18 from the opposition camp plus, a few partners, friends etc who have also requested food.

So …

Game + meal £15
Game only £10
Meal only (eg guests/supporters £5-10) depending upon level of drinkingness

There might be (eg likely) further calls for a kitty throughout the game.

PS … our Women’s over 35s team who are also playing their S/F in Nottingham start their game at 11.30am so they will over by the time we start and should arrive back in town around 3.30-4pm which should make for some likely entertainment …

So …
Game + meal £15
Game only £10
Meal only (eg guests/supporters £5-10) depending upon level of drinkingness

There might be (eg likely) further calls for a kitty throughout the game.

PS … our women’s over 35s team who are also playing their S/F in Nottingham start their game at 11.30am so they will over by the time we start and should arrive back in town around 3.30- 4pm which should make for some likely entertainment …

Gents, all confirmed for next Sunday 12th March vs Bury St Edmunds HC.

The start time is going to be 13.15. We are the only game on at the club that day – our Women’s O35s team have been drawn away at Boots GC in Nottingham in their SF. I suggest we meet anytime from 11.45am for a coffee, etc … before making the sure the pitch is ready after Junior academy training finishes at 12.30.

We will have a squad of 15. Gary GK, Dunc, Nige, Rich Knill, Tim Roberts, Andy Ent, Allott, Tolley, Mike Carson, Albert, Kev, Stu, Dave McGuire Stokes, and myself. Chef de mission: Ed Stropek. Unavailable: Towno (away overseas on business).

Blue shirts provided. Usual extravagant feast with cheese/wine to follow. Please let me know if you other ‘alf wishes to be fed…? Otherwise – let’s be early and ready to go. Any problems, call me on 07990 971190. Col

I believe the A556 is closed again on the 12th March … if I’m reading the following link correctly …
http://www.timperleyhockeyclub.com/news/a556-roadworks-road-closures-up-until-end-of-the-s-1752424.html

Also, does your “Good meal” reference below mean it will be a repeat Sunday – ie 2 tons of cow (1.5 tons for Mike Carson) followed by about 10 pints and 2 bottles of red per person – and will people be “out to play” afterwards?

Finally, just looked at the BSE results and they indicate they will be a good team. They drew (lost on flicks) with a team now in the Cup semi-final. So although they should be good if in a semi final, it looks as though they will be.

Cheers
Tol.

Right then chaps … Semi-Final. Sunday 12th March Vs Bury St Edmonds at Timperley. Start time is likely to be about the same – 13.00.

However, our Women’s over 35s play in their QF this coming Sunday (away at Leamington), with their SF on the 12th also. So If they win and get a home draw there might be a change to the start time … but the only possibility is that it goes back to 2 or 2.30pm … before I agree to anything is that a problem to anyone? I understand we’d probably prefer to play earlier, but is it a problem? It will all become clear by this time next week anyway. Assuming it is the same time, I’d suggest the same format. Meet around 11.30 for a coffee, loosen up and plenty of time before we start.

Again, we’ll go for a good meal although the kitty will need topping up!! … actually more of a complete refill.

Just for the record, I can’t recall much from about 7.30 onwards, certainly not getting into a taxi to go into Altrincham, I do know we were in Costelloes around 10.30 and I know that Gaz couldn’t stop laughing … but then the details fade away badly … Yesterday was a write off.
Col

Gents, final details. We have a squad of 14 for Sundays game. Gary GK, Dunc, Nige, Towno, Rich Knill, Tim Roberts, Andy Ent, Allott, Tolley, Mike Carson, Kev, Stu, Dave McGuire and myself. Unavailable: Albert, Stokes & Mark McGhee. Ed Stropek (Noel), who most of you will know has agreed to undertake some kind of management role for us which basically means he’s going to organise the warm-up, say something before and at HT, and rotate / be in control of the bench – I felt that with the possibility of 14-15 players we needed that objectivity. If we get a win, then it will have worked. So let’s meet anytime from 11.20 for coffee and definitely by 11.45. Make sure the goals are out and ready and we can start promptly. A full meal has been ordered for after the game with cheese and wine … so don’t have that third rasher for breakfast! I think we’re all set.

Gents, its confirmed. QF vs Lichfield (who beat Hampton 2-1), Sun 19th Feb. Meet 11.20 onwards for a double-mint choc macchiato coffee with lycra syrup … or 11.45 changed. Post match nosh. Steak & Kidney pud or hot pot plus cheese and wine. If anyone knows if we will have any supporters who fancy joining us for food that’s absolutely fine – I just need to know numbers? Hope to make a Trumpish ‘executive order’ in the next day or so concerning some management material who will sort out the subs rotation pitch side. A top-secret person has been asked and they are just sorting out childcare-issues. So … a few beers on the Sunday eve and Mon work from home then. Again, unless you tell me otherwise, I am assuming you are available. Col

Evening Gents, OK so the next round … the Quarter Final. Sun 19th Feb. It is a home match vs Lichfield or Hampton-in-Arden (they play this coming Sunday). The start time will be 12.45. Starts to get a little serious … so could we be ready and changed an hour beforehand at 11.45 please. Maybe a ‘mingling coffee’ at the club around 11.20 onwards? … either way, lets be ready in good time, make sure the pitch is sorted and we’re ready to go.
From here on in, umpires will be appointed and so on behalf of all of us, thanks to Nick for umping in the previous 4 rounds. I’m thinking we should ensure some good nosh, plus cheese and plonk for our oppo … usual Timperley hospitality and so maybe plan to stay around for a few after the game?
Please let me know if you can’t make it – I’m assuming you are available unless you tell me otherwise. More details after the oppo sort themselves out. Col

I’ve not heard anything else from Huddersfield HC and so I’m assuming that the meet and match details below are now confirmed. We will be a squad of 13 for the match: G. Weatherley, N. Stanhope, D. Brown, R. Knill, M. Carson, A. Entwisle, T. Roberts, R. Allott, I. Tolley, S. Nicholson, K. Edwards. D. McGuire and myself. Ump – Nick. We should be ok … but obviously please avoid all possibility of injury this w/e.

Keep an eye on the weather next week folks and I’ll be in touch with Huddersfield anyway. If you don’t hear anything from me, assume the game is definitely ON. Hope that’s all … any queries give me a ring.
Col – 07990 971190

As for the non-attenders,: Towno & Stokesey are skiing, Albert is coaching the Timperley U18 at the National Indoor Finals, whilst Wilks strutting his stuff in Scotland.

Right – here we go then …
Next match – last 16. Vs Huddersfield Dragons. Sun 22nd Jan. The venue should be at Lockwood Park, Brewery Drive, the home of Huddersfield RUFC. Subject to confirmation, I’m told the start time is likely to be 1.30pm. http://huddersfielddragonshc.co.uk/contacts/directions/. The post code for the Rugby Club is HD4 6EN.
Given a fair wind its about an hours drive from Timperley, so I’d suggest meeting at Timp from 11.00am onwards for a coffee – on the road by 11.30am. For those travelling direct, meet in the changing rooms at 12.30.
We will probably be playing in white shirts, navy shorts and red socks – I will have the team tents. They play in purple/black.
I’M ASSUMING THAT ALL ARE AVAILABLE AND THAT YOU’LL BE AT TIMPERLEY CLUB BETWEEN 11 AND 11.30 am – OR AT HUDDERSFIELD AT 12.30 … IF NOT PLEASE LET ME KNOW.
Keep an eye on the West Yorkshire weather … if the game succumbs to weather, the slip date is the week after.
I understand its sometimes difficult to juggle kids, shopping and work stuff … but we’re getting to the interesting part of this competition now, the games will get harder and it will be required of us all that we clear diary space. We’ve got a good squad but not a huge one and if we’re 3-4 down then it adds more pressure on others.
Should we win, the next two rounds are on: Sun 19th Feb, then Sun 12th March.
See you on the 22nd.
Col

On we go then. A 3-2 win over Wakefield lobs us into the last 16.
The draw for the next round on 22nd Jan should be out either later today or tomorrow … i’ll email around as usual. Not all of the other results are yet on the EH website, but some of the other clubs who have made it through are: West Wilts, Tunbridge Wells, Ipswich, Formby, Epsom, Winchester & Bury St Edmonds … so expect a probable trip south if we get drawn away. The Chester v Bishop Stortford result and Harrogate v Sutton Coldfield has not yet been published.
Please shed yourself of injuries, family events, umpiring duties, junior training etc etc. Also, if weather becomes a factor, the slip date (and we may have no say in this), is the following week … Sun 29th Jan. The round after is scheduled for 19th Feb (Half term week?) again the slip date is the week after. You’ll need to sort out your diaries as these games could be postponed due to weather and re-arranged for the week after.
Col, 07990 971190

Gents, ok – so all confirmed for next Sundays Round 3 game Vs Wakefield. The match is being played at Wakefield HC, Wakefield Sports Club, College Grove WF1 3RR. The start time is 13.30. So we’ll meet in the changing rooms there at 12.45pm. For most of us travelling from Timperley, we’ll meet at the club 11.15am.
Team, based on the info I have, is … Gaz Weatherley GK, Dunc Brown, Nigel Stanhope, Towno, Rich Knill, Tolley, Stu Nich, Dick Allott, Andy Ent, Kev Edwards, Dave McGuire, Col Taylor, Tim Roberts, Mark McGhee. Nick Burnett (umpire). Unavailable: Albert Marcano, Mike Carson, Stokesey (inj), Wilks. If any queries on the above, give me a ring.
Without wishing to temp fate … it might be worth now casting an eye forward to the next rounds after Christmas and make sure you clear your diary. Sun 22nd January … as the draw now appears ‘national’, please expect a match anywhere. Please shed yourself of injuries, family events, umpiring duties, junior training etc etc. Also, if weather becomes a factor, the slip date (and we may have no say in this), is the following week … Sun 29th Jan. The round after is scheduled for 19th Feb (Half term week?) with, again, the slip date being the week after.
Col, 07990 971190

Hi all. Just rec’d this from our oppo regarding Sundays game. Doesn’t change anything in terms of meet time but doesn’t allow too much slack on the outwards journey. Lets be on prompt and away on time. We have a team of 13, plus Nick umpiring.
Col
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Colin, as mentioned this morning we have had to change the venue for our match to Newcastle University Sports Ground (Stan Calvert Memorial Pitch) Coach Lane Longbenton Newcastle upon Tyne NE12 8AD. We have the pitch up until 3pm so if we can get a start at 1.30 or earlier then that would be good but appreciate this depends on your journey not being held up by traffic and/or roadworks.

After the game we will go to a pub (The Lockside) which is just down the road from the pitch.

Really so for the late change.
Cheers, Toby. 07900-605299

Gents, ok – so all confirmed for next Sunday.

The match is being played at Kings Meadow School, Market Lane, Gateshead NE11 9NX. Which I’m told is just off the A1 and a little closer for us.

We’re aiming for a start time of 13.30 although if there problems we can shift back a little. So suggest we meet at Timperley at 09.15 and aim to be away by 09.30. We’ll be playing in white shirts which I have. Red Socks (if poss), if not, anything but blue.

Team, based on the info I have, is … Gaz Weatherley GK, Dunc Brown, Nigel Stanhope (assuming dodgy back behaves itself), Towno, Rich Knill, Tolley, Stu Nich, Andy Ent, Kev Edwards, Stokesey, Col Taylor, Albert Marcano, Tim Roberts (fitness test this Sat), Nick Burnett (umpire), Mark McGhee (hopefully)

Unavailable – Mike Carson, Dick Allott (inj), Dave McGuire (Bell ringing class), Wilks (too far to travel)

Any queries, give me a ring
Col – 07990 971190

OK Gents, the general consensus from those who have responded to me is that we will be travelling up on Sunday morning. Towno, Andy Ent and Nige Stanhope may travel on the Saturday to visit friends/family, but the rest of us will go on Sunday morning.

I’ve had info from Whitley Bay that their normal pitch is in use and so they are trying to arrange an alternative, but that they think the start time will be 1.30/2pm … I’ll confirm venue and precise time asap. Leave time from Timperley is then going to be around 09.30am.

I’ve spoken to most people and as far as I know … the only likely absentee’s are likely to be Wilks and Mike Carson (still returning from a horse jumping injury), other than that we’re all in? If you know different to that, please let me know asap.
Col

Hi all. Firstly, Thanks to all who played a couple of days ago. An 8 – 0 win sounds a bit one sided, but plenty of people were talking about the way we won, the controlled manner in which we went about the business of the day. The hope is we might have a team capable of getting through to the national part of the competition.

Implicit with that suggestion was that at some point we would have some travelling to do – and of course it is a national competition we’ve entered – which is handy to know because we’ve been drawn away to Whitley Bay in Round 2. So we all knew we would have some travelling – it’s come now.

I guess we should assume the game will be around 13.00 – which is going to mean something like a 09.00 meet on the Sunday morning.

Is there any interest in going up on the Sat evening?

OK Gents, Details for the First Round of the cup on Sunday 16th Oct now confirmed.

Meet at 12.30pm. Lets be prompt and sort out the goals on the pitch etc. Start time is 13.15 at Timperley vs Driffield. We’ll be using the set of club – bring black shorts and blue socks. I know that Wilks and Tim Roberts can’t play, but I’m assuming that everyone else can and is … (?) Please let me know if that’s not the case.

Food has been arranged for after the game, Driffield are staying around for a while and so lets get them a jug or two.

Right any problems, let me know … otherwise see you on the 16th at 12.30pm
Col