Junior Boys
 Celebrations at the Mini Hockey Presentation Evening By Judy Hooker The Sunday morning Mini Hockey Club formally brought their season to a close with an awards presentation night on Friday. Around 50 children, between six and eleven years old, and their families, packed into the Clubhouse to receive their Stix Skills awards. Then, Liz English, ably assisted by Sarah, Emily and Becki, presented the Little Stars trophies to the youngest group of 6 and 7 year olds. Richard Taylor, on behalf of himself and Mark Minion, presented the U9 Group with their Best Players and Best Attendee trophies. Lindsey Shaw, Andrew Hartley and Wayne Murfin presented the Most Improved Players, Players Player and Managers Player of the season trophies to the U11 Boys A, B and C teams and the U11Girls team. All the hard work of the coaches and players on Sunday mornings, over the years, has again been rewarded by the tremendous success of the U11 Boys A Team this season. Having won the County and Midlands Mini Hockey Championships, they now go on to compete in the National Finals being held at Highfields on 18th May. Supporters will be most welcome as the boys try to bring the trophy back to Belper for the second successive year, as the best team in the country. This is the ultimate goal of the Mini Hockey section. Many thanks to all the coaches, helpers, young players and parents who have turned out every Sunday, come rain or shine, to ensure the continuing success of the Mini Hockey section of Belper Hockey Club. We wish all the Yr 6 children well as they move up to the Junior sections and hope to see everyone else in September. Sunday 6th April 2008 – Belper host last u13 Notts/Derbys fixture of the season
By Judy Hooker - u13 Boys Manager On another glorious Sunday morning we welcomed teams from Burton and West Bridgford to Belper for our final competitive games of the season. Because of the school holidays we were a little short of players so the U13s joined forces with the U11s to make up two teams. Belper Reds (U13s): Jacob, Toby, Alex R, George, Chris, Connor, James, Nik T (GK) West Bridgford were new opposition for the Reds and proved to be a useful team, despite being short of key players. The Reds had to work quite hard for their 4 – 2 win (Alex 3, Toby). A passing game was the key to success here as the West Bridgford players tackled strongly, but the Reds were vulnerable to the break away goals. For the game against Burton a stronger formation in defence was employed to avoid being on beaten the break and a clean sheet was the result in a good 3 – 0 win (Toby, George, Conor). The combined U11/U13, Belper Blues, team had two competitive games against Burton (losing 2-0) and West Bridgford (losing 2-1), but their final game against the Belper Reds was a rather one-sided contest. The younger boys put on a very spirited display, despite some of their strongest players being away, and thoroughly deserved their goal. The Reds goals came from Jacob, Chris (2), Alex, George (3) and James. A good team effort by the Reds again, and an enjoyable end to the season. Many thanks to Ben Mills for Coaching the Reds and umpiring, and thanks to Sally Cozens for timekeeping on her day off.  Belper u11 boys win Derbyshire mini-hockey title  By Lindsey Shaw Belper boys continued their fine tradition in this tournament by winning for the fourth year in succession. The victory was hard fought given that there were six ten minute group games followed by a twenty minute final for the top two teams. By the end everyone, players and supporters alike, were exhausted. We started brightly if a little nervously with comfortable wins 2-0 and 4-0 against Longstone and Barton. The highlight of these games was a clever flick over the excellent Barton goalie’s head into the top corner by Dominic Bennett. We then played Belper Reds who fought hard but were not yet able to compete physically and ran out winners 2-0 . Captain Luke Rowbottom scored a fine goal worked from the back and Ben Clague made the points safe with quick hands on a rebound. Then came the crucial game against Burton who are a tough physical side playing a break away game with two good strikers. Alex Bird man marked the Burton ‘’number 26’’ danger man brilliantly foregoing his normal attacking style to totally neutralise their goal threat. The rest of the team driven on by Ben Clague and Angus Shaw pressed Burton hard and high up the pitch running out winners 2-0 with cracking goals from Luke Rowbottom and Dom Bennett. Advantage Belper. Our final two league games were won comfortably 2-0 against a determined Belper White and 4-0 against a young Buxton team. In the final Alex again superbly marked Burton’s number 26 and although they tried to get forward through other players Jake Taylor dealt with every threat in a cool calm manner,playing his best game of the day. With our defence secure we attacked hard through Ben, Angus Luke and Dominic hitting the post in the first minute and eventually scoring a beautiful winner after an excellent passing move through Jake and Ben and crashed into the net by Dominic. In the second half we tired but Burton’s efforts to man mark Luke proved fruitless as he ran them ragged up front and we tackled for our lives in midfield. In my notes I have not mentioned Rory Barnden who came on every league games in four different positions no less and linked in straight away, playing some excellent hockey. His most confident display to date under pressure. Harri in goal had a quiet morning but I think he knows his day is about to come in the next round. He is developing the confidence in his game and on pitch personality needed to play at a much higher level. Thankyou to all parents and supporters and wish us luck at the Midlands finals on April 27th. Photo: u11's in action against Burton HC in the final. Left: Luke Rowbottam get's behind the Burton defence. Right: Ben Clague and Angus Shaw celebrate the win. Sunday 2nd March 2008 – Derbyshire Mini Hockey Tournament - U13 Boys section.
By Judy Hooker - Manager Belper Junior Boys entered two teams, Belper Reds and Belper Blues, into the U13 County Mini Hockey Tournament at Repton on Sunday. Belper Reds Squad: Nik Trifunovic (GK), Jacob Bullock, Chris Handley, Toby Hooker, Nick Pankhurst, Alex Robey, George Murfin, Conor Gordon. The first game was against Ramgarhia, opposition the Belper Reds had not met before, but we had heard stories of their stature and maturity! Unusually quick off the mark with a goal (Nick) within the first two minutes the boys almost took themselves by surprise. Toby received a blow to the head from a ball, which fired him up for the rest of the afternoon. The tall Ramgarhia players may have out reached our boys but couldn’t out play them. A 1-0 win was a very satisfactory start. The Buxton team was a more manageable size and the Belper Boys were able to dominate and play their own game. The defence was solid and Nick and Toby scored in open play, and Alex from a well worked short corner. Having warmed up, now, the Belper team went straight back on to play Burton. The games between these two teams have always been keenly contested, with Burton fielding some strong players. The Belper Boys were not to be trifled with and were determined to come out on top. George and Toby were on target to secure a safe 2-0 result. The next game was Belper Reds v Belper Blues. After taking a couple of minutes to settle the Reds put on an increasingly confident performance coming out 5-0 winners (Alex (2), George (2), Conor). Having won all their games thus far Belper Reds had already secured at least 2nd spot and a place in the Final against the old rivals Trent College. So the last league stage game, against Trent, was a chance to test each other’s strengths and expose weaknesses before the final. The game was, as expected, fast and furious. Trent were well organised and fielded some very powerful players. Losing the game 1-0 was disappointing for the young Belper team but they now knew what they would need to do. And so to the final contest and 10 minutes each way. The Belper Boys matched the strength of Trent with skill and determination. Neither team would concede an inch or a goal. As full time approached the teams were still deadlocked and the spectre of penalty flicks loomed. The most powerful of the Trent boys stepped forward with confidence and whipped the ball into the net. The pressure of the situation told on our brave lads and they could not beat the big Trent keeper. Déjà vu. But what a tremendous effort! Everyone gave 110%, putting to good use skills learned at the Thursday evening Academy sessions and working together as a coherent team. Many thanks go to Paul Lawrence for his coaching. All the Boys in the Red squad are from last years U11 team so will get the opportunity to enter the U13 competition again next year. So look out Trent.  Winning Start For Under 11A Boys Tournament Season By Lindsey Shaw A strong start for the under 11 boys this season with victories at Lutterworth on the 4th November and this weekend at Loughborough. At Lutterworth the team started very slowly but with a 1-0 victory against Leicester but thereafter were in unstoppable for reeling off five straight victories by at least two goals in each game. Fairfield and Milton Keynes were strong opponents but were outplayed as Luke Rowbotton (6) and Ben Clague(5) supplied the firepower with several fine well worked goals. Alex Bird, Angus Shaw and Jake Taylor proved resolute in defence and dynamic moving forward. Indeed Harry JE in goal was most disappointed not to touch the ball at all in the afternoon. A special mention for Luke Clarke playing up front in his first tournament who proved very fast and effective on the right wing. This weekend at Loughborough we started more strongly winning all our group matches comfortably and the final 5-0. Goals from Dominic Bennett(10) at centre forward, Ben Clague (6) and Alex Bird & Luke Clarke (4) ensured an excellent all round performance although in truth the opposition were generally weak. A fine start to the season ! Belper U13 - NoDe fixtures - at Buxton on 26th November, 2007
By Alan Wisdish Six players from Belper U13 congregated at Buxton on a cold damp Sunday for a friendly "Notts and Derby" competition. After a rush up with the goalie, and a slightly late start, Belper U13s borrowed a player and took on Chesterfield. The team gelled with some good attacking play from Alex T-G, Alex R and George. Connor and Chris took up the defensive duties and tried to keep Tyler from keeping warm. There was a good display of skills from the front three with Alex TG and George getting two each and Alex R slotting in a fifth. OK, so George did "steal" one as it went across the line. Good counter attacks from Chesterfield made sure that Tyler was kept busy and they managed to get two goals past him. The next match was against Buxton - just the six on Belper's side this time. A quick score from Alex TG following some excellent dribbling from George and a lovely cross put Belper one up. However, Buxton took advantage of the man extra and soon pressurised an equaliser. Despite some good attacks, Belper could not score again. The final match was against the Belper U11s. Still with six players, the U13s showed good skills and moved the ball around well. Both Alex's and George scored to give an overall 3-0 win. The U11's pressurised the back three but could not put the ball past Tyler. A good result overall.  Belper 2007/08 Mini Hockey Tournament By Andrew Hartley This year’s tournament was held on Sunday 11th November. Proceedings kicked off with the under 9 tournament. 5 teams were entered: three from Belper and one each from Matlock Monkeys and William Gilbert. The games were played at a breakneck pace – players enjoying the rare opportunity to play on a full size mini hockey pitch. The tournament was a round robin format with William Gilbert coming out on top having won all their games. Belper Blues were runners up. The under 11 tournament followed with 8 teams split into two groups of 4. Group A saw Foremarke, Matlock Monkeys, Belper Blues and Belper Whites play a mini league with Group B containing Burton, Duffield, William Gilbert and Belper Reds. The top two in each group progressed to the semi finals with the bottom two going into a playoff competition. Semi Final One saw Burton and Belper Blues face each other with Semi Final Two being played between Foremarke and Duffield. Both games were very close with Foremarke and Burton doing just enough to get to the final. Burton and Foremarke were very closely matched in the final with neither team being able to break the deadlock after 12 minutes of normal play. So it was down to penalties and Burton came out on top in the shoot out. So Burton were proclaimed winners with Foremarke being the runners up. Some excellent hockey was played throughout and a big thanks to umpires Joan Passant, Sarah English, Ruth and Ian Lane, and Roy Marchant; organisers Joanne Rogers, Judy Hooker, Rhiannon, Kathryn, Hannah; and team managers Mark Minion, Lindsey Shaw, Liz English, Becki and Emily for making the day such a success. Lutterworth Ladies Mini Hockey Tournament, Sunday 4th November 2007 - U13 Boys
  By Judy HookerAt 9pm on Friday evening Belper Junior boys were called upon to field a second team in the U13 section of the annual tournament organised by Lutterworth ladies HC. So it was that we arrived at the tournament two players short of two teams! Fortunately we were able to borrow a player from the Belper U11s (Rory Barnden) and the young brother of one of our players who had come to watch (Dylan Gordan). Many thanks to all those who rallied round and made it possible for us to take up the spare place in the tournament schedule. The young, inexperienced Belper 2 team rose to the occasion and fought out some tough games, losing only one (to Belper 1) and drawing the rest. Simon and Adam used their experience to guide their younger team mates. Newcomer Simon L worked extremely hard putting into practise his new skills. Youngsters Rory and Dylan slotted into the team perfectly, as though they played together regularly. Alasdair provided a solid defence, whilst Tyler pulled off some stunning saves. The team did extremely well finishing one point off 3rd place with 10 points. Team: Adam Wisdish, Simon Taylor, Simon Lorber, Alasdair, Rory Barnden (U11s), Dylan Gordon (U10s), Tyler Henderson(GK) Belper 1 dominated the tournament with attacking play, but, due to some good goalkeeping by their opposition, found it difficult to score goals. None of the other teams looked like scoring against them, although Nik, in goal, did touch the ball on several occasions and made some good clears. The crucial game against Milton Keynes, the only other team in the running, had the spectators on the edge of their seats, the Belper boys leaving it until the last minute before getting the ball into the back of the net. The boys demonstrated their skills and team work to gain 4 wins and a draw coming top of the table with 22 points. Team: Nick Pankhurst, Jacob Bullock, Toby Hooker, Alex Robey, Alex Taylor-Grout, Conor Gordon, Chris Handley, Nik Trifunovic (GK) Many thanks to Ben Lamb for umpiring and coaching both teams and organising a great bonfire. Meanwhile, in the U11 section of the tournament, the Belper team strolled to an easy victory. U15 Belper boys v U15 Beeston boys - Sunday 4th November, 2007
By James Cozens and Joe Sharp The boys’ u15’s played against a very strong and full Beeston side on the 4th November. Everyone was awaiting a tight match however, Belper had to field an extremely weakened team as a few key players were absent. One of which was Chris Bell who obtained a disheartening anterior gleno-humeral dislocation (dislocated shoulder) participating in a competitive men’s match the day before. Beeston started brightly and took their chances well. Despite some brave saves from Matt Rimmington Belper trailed 7-0. Beeston up beat and eager to start the second, against what seemed to be a beaten team. Paul Lawrence (Lozza) said to the rattled Belper side “This next half is a new game.” This and a few more inspirational words urged Belper not to go down without a valiant fight! The midfield had improved dramatically and now were winning the midfield battle. They consisted of Joe Sharp, James Cozens and Matt English. The back 4 were surpassing expectations the fullbacks of Curtley Reed and Alex Field supporting the centre backs of Max Spalton and Ross Duncan as a force stopped the Beeston attack. The second half could not be won without goals and the first one came from David Boddy slotting the ball into the bottom right corner. After more pressure and great work from David Boddy, Ciannan Lee, Josh Buckland and Fraser Brown Belper won a short corner which was converted by James Cozens after a slick routine. Beeston answered the Belper call by seeping through the defensive armoury scoring a breakaway goal. David Boddy took it from near the halfway outpaced a few defenders and slipped it over the goalie just before a “goalie wipeout”. A few minutes later Beeston got another back to finish the game 9-3. The boys had done what was asked of them and won the second half 3-2 however lost the game. Well done lads a bold effort. Belper u10 boys show good form at Worksop
The first Notts/Derby mini hockey fixture on Sunday 14th October, saw Belper take an Under 10’s team to Worksop for a round robin set of matches against two Worksop side and one Newark under 11 side. With all the side under 10 apart from Goalkeeper George Collier it is was a good test for the younger boys against Under 11 opposition and it was pleasing to see how well they acquitted themselves. They were the dominant team at the tournament winning two games (1-0 and 3-0) and drawing the third (0-0) – it was only due to some good goalkeeping that Belper were not able to score more. With Daniel Dickinson marshalling the midfield Belper were always looking to attack and created a number of good chances. Sam Davy at right midfield had a storming game and new players Harry Barke and Jamie Franklin showed considerable skill and good team play. Jonathon Hartley playing in a sweeper role snuffed out any breakaways and created the launchpad for attackers Dylan Gordon, James Rogerson and Will Goodwin to drive at the opposition. George Collier in goal whilst not troubled, needed to keep alert in case of any counter attacks. All in all a thoroughly good performance which augurs well for the rest of the season. Andrew Hartley. Junior Boys 11-18yrs Coaching 2007-8
Belper Hockey Club is pleased to announce an exciting development in coaching strategy for Junior Boys which will commence in September 2007. We are delighted that the current first team coach, Ben Lamb, will be extending his role to provide coaching throughout the entire Junior Boys section. This will enable a direct link between the top club sides and emerging talent, thus giving opportunity for local boys to rapidly move through the teams towards a very high level of hockey. Ben will be supported in this by another highly qualified Belper player and coach, Paul Lawrence. The coaches will work together to develop a structure which includes boys from ages 11 through to 18 and into senior hockey. Further to this, Alan Wisdish and Judy Hooker will provide team management for the Under 13 team whilst Jerry Sharp and Sally Cozens will provide the management for the Under 15’s. Dave Tee will continue to manage the Under 18 team. Coaching will be structured by levels of ability, enabling rapid progress for strong players whilst providing improved assistance to developing skills for younger or less experienced players. There will be movement between skill sectors as the season progresses, but particularly at the very start of the season some individuals may be asked to move between groups until a balance is achieved. We ask for patience whilst the new coaches become familiar with players. Junior training will be on Tuesday evenings, commencing Tuesday 4th September. To begin with all boys aged between 11 and 16 should attend this session, i.e. boys moving up from this years Under 11 team, through to and including boys who were in the Under 15 group during this last season. The group will be split into three skill levels. There will be further coaching by Ben Lamb and Paul Lawrence on Tuesday evenings from 8.00 to 10.00. This will be available for the senior 2nd and 3rd teams, plus the Under 18 boys, plus the most able of the younger junior boys. Initially those boys under 16 who are considered suitable will be notified individually. The current arrangements for Under 11 boys and girls will be unaffected, head coach Andrew Hartley and his strong team of assistants will continue to coach from 9.30 to 11.00. We believe that these new arrangements will provide the very best hockey development for both individuals and the club as a whole. The strategy has been developed by all of the current coaching and support staff, and is fully endorsed by the Hockey Club Committee. We ask that you continue to give your support as we introduce this new regime. Team Management Contacts 2007-8 U13’s Judy Hooker Tel: 01332 843946 Email: nigel@nhooker.wanadoo.co.uk Alan Wisdish Tel: 01332 840983 Email: alan.wisdish@atkinsglobal.com U15’s Sally Cozens Tel: 01332 842220 Email: NeilCozens@BTInternet.com Jerry Sharp Tel: 01332 840325 Email: jerry@southlea.plus.com U18’s Steve Miles Tel: 01332 842655 Email: stevemiles@fsmail.net Winter Skills Training
Season 2007-8 will see the introduction of an extra evening of junior boys 11-16yrs hockey ‘skills’ training on Thursday evenings 17.30 to 18.30, commencing Thursday 13th September, 2007 and run by Tim Barlow (Ladies 1XI coach). This will follow the same successful formula the girls section have been running for the last four seasons where Tim will be focusing purely on improving individual skills as opposed to team play. Due to limited pitch space these sessions will be by invitation only which be circulated late summer. Please note if you are invited to these sessions you must also attend the Tuesday evening training sessions. U11 Mini Hockey
The mini hockey section is run on a Sunday morning and has up to 60 boys and girls from 6-11years training and playing matches. The u11 girls won the England Mini Hockey national title in 2002, 2003, & 2006 and were runners up in 2004 & 2005. The U11 boys won the England Mini Hockey national title in 2005 and 2007. Season 2007/8 commences on Sunday 9th September from 9.30am - 11.00am. Contact Jo Rogers on 01332 840029 or email therogers@duffield55.fsnet.co.uk  Belper U11 Boys England National Champions 2007  Belper U11 Boys represented Derbyshire and the Midlands at the Yazoo National Mini Hockey Tournament Finals on Sunday 13th May, 2007 at an incredibly wet Highfields, Nottingham. The Tournament was between five teams who had won the right to represent their region in the “round robin” competition; therefore the opposition would be the best of the best.Belper’s first game saw them play Ben Rhydding Hockey Club representing the North region, a tight game saw Belper come out victorious with Alex Taylor-Grout scoring the only goal in the seventh minute, following up his own shot which had been brilliantly saved by the Ben Rhydding keeper. Next up were the South’s representative Marlow, who proved too difficult to break down, George Murfin and Alex Robey both having good shots saved by the Marlow Keeper, neither defense could be breached and the scores remained goalless. Belper’s third game proved to be the most crucial as they met the East’s representatives Old Loughtonians from Essex. “The Loughts” had won their first two games scoring three goals in each game; Belper must win to stand any chance of taking the national title! Nick Pankhurst gave Belper a one goal advantage on six minutes, a fantastic defensive display then followed from Jacob Bullock and goalkeeper Nik Trifunovic to keep Belper in the game, this along with a belief defying goal line block by Toby Hooker gave Belper a well deserved 1-0 win meaning a victory in Belper’s final game would see them lift the National crown! Only the West’s representative, Millfield now stood between Belper and the National Championship, goals from Alex Taylor-Grout on 5 and 8 minutes gave Belper the victory they required, and saw the very soggy Belper players and fans begin their celebrations! Other team members Luke Rowbottom, Conner Gordon and Chris Handley, who played a huge part in Belper’s qualification and subsequent victory, should not be forgotten! Belper’s victory was masterminded by joint managers Judy Hooker and Wayne Murfin and Coach Tim Barlow whose attention to detail was something to behold! Another truly fantastic Belper victory in a tournament at National level continuing what is becoming a very impressive record. Belper Hockey Club junior boys section is having an excellent run of success having won the U11 National Championship in 2005, fourth in the U13 Boys National Championship in 2006 and winning this year’s U11 National Championship. This success is down to an enthusiastic group of coaches and helpers; the future looks bright for Belper Hockey Club. Return to top of page : » Men Juniors « |