Sunday 14 March, 2010 - Belper U16's v Ramgarhia
Squad: Adam Wisdish, Alasdair Dickinson, Anthony Broderick, Conor Costello, Elliot Wolfe, George Selby, Henry Macukewicz, Huw Borradaile, Joe Mckenzie, Matthew Greasley, Simon Taylor, Tom Harrop
The U16 "Development" team went to Sinfin School in Derby to play Ramgarhia on the school's new pitch. With Mother's Day taking precedence for a few, Belper fielded an untested team - as did Ramgarhia. The first part of the game was characterised by both sides finding their feet and getting used to playing as a teams. Belper were generally on the attack, but Ramgarhia opened the scoring and they made the most of their early chances. A goal line scramble allowed George Selby to get one back for Belper. The second half opened better for Belper as they strung some good passes together and used the width of the pitch. Although George managed to get another for Belper, Ramgarhia won 4-2 over all - and could have made if five on a couple of occasions.
Many thanks go to Sam Lenord for umpiring and to the parents who turned out to watch and support. It was a friendly game played in good spirit

Sunday 7th February - Cup R4 - Belper U18 Boys 2 v Doncaster U18 Boys 4
By Judy Hooker
Squad : Chris Bell, Joe Browne, Dougie Campbell (C), Calum Duncan, Ross Duncan, Matt English, Sam Horsefield, Ed McAlone, Jonno Miles, Matt Rimmington (GK), David Boddy, Max Spalton, Jason Ward (GK), Dan Wood, Josh McCallion.
Belper’s U18s took to the field for this fourth round EH Cup game without Joe Sharp (at England training) and James Cozens (in CCU) and with ‘walking wounded’ David Boddy and Dougie Campbell just back from injury. Keen to get a good result from this for James and Sally this was always going to be a highly charged game for Belper.
The teams seemed quite evenly matched until Doncaster earned a penalty corner and opened the scoring. Belper managed to pull back level just before half time with a trademark reverse stick shot from Matt English.
The first 10 minutes of the second half were evenly contested until again Doncaster forced another penalty corner and scored. Almost immediately Ross fought back and brought the Nailers level again.
Belper struggled to contain Doncaster’s midfield and the visitors found the net for the third time. By now tension was running very high and the pressure got the better of the Belper boys. With two Belper players yellow carded Doncaster were able to take advantage and sealed the result with a fourth goal.
All the Belper team were disappointed with the final result, but they had played some great hockey and never gave up.
Many thanks to coach Paul Lawrence, coaching assistants Ken Campbell and David Ross, to Sally for all her work behind the scenes and the support of parents and friends during the match. Thanks also to Alison Bell, Ester Spalton, Ken and Liz Campbell, Cathy (sausage casseroles) and Martin Boddy for helping to provide the usual high standard of Belper hospitality, and Phillipa Duncan (for feeding the 1st X1), and everyone else who helped serve food or made cakes. Great Belper team work!

Belper Players represent Ecclesbourne School in U16 Boys National Schools Championships.
A squad comprising past and present Belper players is representing Ecclesbourne School in the U16 Boys Schools competition this year.
Squad : Conor Costello (GK), James Cozens, Ross Duncan, Alex Goodwin, Josh McCallion, Joe McKenzie, Joe Sharp, Ed Wright, Simon Taylor, Adam Wisdish, Jacob Bullock, Chris Handley, Toby Hooker, George Murfin, Nick Pankhurst, Harrison Pearson, Alex Robey, Nik Trifinovic (GK).
The County round was held at Trent College on 28th Jan.
Ecclesbourne drew with Trent, beat Repton and Highfields, and went through to the Midlands Zone round, second on goal difference to Trent.
The Zone round was played at Newcastle School on 4th Feb. The other schools in the group were Newcastle, Uppingham and Notts High.
The first game against Newcastle was quite tough, and although the Ecclesbourne boys had much of the play were 1-0 down at half time, in traditional Belper form. However, in the second half, managed to take advantage of some of their many scoring chances finishing 2-1 winners (Joe Sharp (2)).
The Uppingham team in the next game looked very powerful and again Ecclesbourne struggled to take advantage with their superior skills in the first half and again were down at half time 1-2 (James Cozens)! However a rallying team talk at the break seemed to do the trick with goals coming from Joe Sharp (2), James Cozens (2), Nick Pankhurst and Simon Taylor and a fine 7-2 win.
Notts High looked to be the weakest in the group but again Ecclesbourne managed to be down 1-0 at half time. And again pulled themselves together and eventually won 4-1 (James, Alex R (2), Joe McKenzie)
So, played 3, won 3, a satisfactory and in the end comfortable top of the table finish – but don’t they put us through it! Training sessions before the Midlands finals at Cannock HC on 8th March will concentrate on how to play first half hockey.
Many thanks to :-
Coach - Ben Lamb
Umpires – Andrew Lamb and Paul Lawrence
Staff at Ecclesbourne School – Caroline Maunder, Mark Sellars, and Head – Lesley Underhill for supporting so enthusiastically.
Parents and grandparents who took time out to support the team.
And to Sally Cozens for organising everything.
Judy Hooker

January, 2010 – Boys newsletter
Keep up to date by reading the latest Belper boys junior newsletter. Click here to download newsletter...

Sunday 17 January, 2010 – Belper U15s 3 Denstone 0
Squad: Anthony Broderick, Jacob Bullock, Chris Handley, Toby Hooker, Henry Macukewicz, George Murfin, Nick Pankhurst, Alex Robey, Nik Trifunovic (GK), Matthew Greasley, Simon Taylor, Adam Wisdish, Elliot Wolfe
Coming back to hockey after a Christmas break is always tough, but with the snow, we lost a training session to knock some of the dust of the sticks and shoes. The Sunday game was a short trip over to Denstone College for general Belper vs Denstone competition (U18, U15 and other juniors). For some, there was an early start for JAC training, but most arrived in the sunshine to have their first real exercise of the year.
In the first half, Denstone were well organised and pressed Belper well. The game flowed back and forth, but Denstone getting the first two short corners. The Belper defence kept together and managed to keep the ball back into play for another attack. On one of these breaks, Alex Robey took a neat run round the Denstone keeper to open the scoring and take the game to 0-1 at half time.
The second half started with more pressure on Belper, but a change in formation provided the buffer and an attacking base. This was shown by Belper getting its first short corner of the game. On the second, Alex Robey hit the post and by the third the team had worked out how to score with Toby Hooker scoring… The third goal was then put away by Elliot Wolfe after a breakdown from a short corner. However, it was not over and Nik T made some great last minute saves to keep the sheet clean.
It was a good game, keenly contested and a good way to start the new year. Many thanks to Coach Guy Draper, umpire Di Grostate and the many parents who came to support. Man of the match award went to Alex Robey.
Thanks also to Denstone for the hospitality in their dining hall after the game.
Alan Wisdish

Sunday 13th December, 2009 – Belper u16's v Ramarhia
Squad: Chris Handley, Henry Macukewicz, Duncan Sword, Adam Wisdish, Huw Borradaile, Conor Costello (GK), Matthew Greasley, George Selby, Rannock Linnell, Alasdair Dickinson, Jack Cresswell, Tom Harrop.
On Sunday 13 December, the U16 Development squad took on a Ramgarhia at Belper Meadows. The young visitors were down a couple of players so were lent our umpire for the day, Toby Hooker, to bolster the ranks. Ramgarhia were quick out the blocks to put in an early lead. The Belper side settled down as they got used to the pace of the game. Pressure by Ramgarhia was eventually converted to a goal; George Selby then bringing Belper back into the running with goal from open play At half time, Coach Guy Draper sorted out the tactics and Jack Cresswell was loaned to the visitors to even up the numbers. The second half was much more balanced with the organisation of the Belper matching the flair of the opposition; Toby stopping a short corner shot and denying Chris Handley a goal!
Coach Guy was very pleased with the way the team played and it was a good opportunity for him to see some of next season’s U16 players in action. Many thanks to the parents and supporters, Ray Dickinson for stepping into the umpiring role and to Judy and Phil for organising the refreshments.
Alan Wisdish

Sunday 29th November, 2009 – EH U16 Cup R3. Sheffield 3 - Belper 2
Squad: Fraser Brown, Jacob Bullock, Dan Darby (GK), Will Davy, Chris Handley, Toby Hooker, Tom Lush, Ed Meredith, George Murfin, Nicholas Pankhurst, Curtley Read, Alex Robey, Simon Taylor, Jake Trembling, Nikolas Trifunovic (GK), Adam Wisdish
On Sunday 29, the U16 squad travelled to play Sheffield Hallam at their Abbeydale pitch. The boys started well, winning a short corner in the first few minutes and testing the Sheffield defence. The second short corner gave Belper an early lead with a drag flick from Ed Meredith. The game flowed between ends, with both teams getting opportunities. Good defending at the back kept Sheffield at bay and provided a platform to release Ed, Curtley and Alex in the attack. Sheffield had several short corners that were defended with some excellent saves by Dan Darby.
The team ended the first half 1-0 up and came out strong winning a short corner early on. A good run by Ed then saw Belper being awarded a penalty flick - calmly taken by Curtley to give Belper a 2-0 advantage. Belper then managed to get another short corner, but were unable to score. Sheffield showed no sign of giving up and their two main players kept making attacking runs, leading to a goal from open play. Despite further pressure from Belper, Sheffield then scored again to level the scores. Ed had a good run and with the keeper out of position, shot with a flick only to see it blocked in mid air by a defender. With about five minutes to go, Sheffield pulled ahead; both sides kept attacking, but the Belper Boys were continually thwarted leaving the final score as 2-3 to Sheffield.
It was a great team effort and a very close game. A disappointing result of course but the team should all be proud of their performance. The whole team was a credit to the Club. Particular mention should be made to the subs who didn't get to play; their patience was much appreciated.
Many thanks to the supporters and parents who came to watch, including an injured James Leuenberger on the sidelines. Thanks in particular to Guy Draper and Chris Lush for the coaching and support, Dave Hoare for Umpiring and Judy for the organising (and first aid kit!).

Sunday 29th November, 2009 – EH U18 Cup R3. Bowden 1 - Belper 3
Scorers - Sam Horsfield 19f, Dougie Campbell 34f, 54c
Squad – Chris Bell,Joe Browne, Dougie Campbell, James Cozens, Calum Cuncan, Ross Duncan, Matt English, Sam Horsfield, Ed McAlone, Jonno Miles, Joe Sharp, Max Spalton, Charlie Twigg, Jason Ward, Dan Wood

An early meet to load the team onto the minibus to Bowdon Hockey Club for our next challenge in the Cup competition. The Belper boys were pensive on the journey as we knew these previous Cup winners would be tough opposition for us and we were missing one of our key players, David Boddy, who sadly broke his ankle earlier in the week. We wondered if the black skies and torrential rain were a sign of things to come!
The game began promptly infront of a large group of supporters for the visitors and Belper were soon looking in command with some great skills from England U16’s star, Joe Sharp. He produced a beautiful pass to release James Cozens who was then fouled resulting in a green card for the Bowdon defender.
Bowden successfully soaked up more pressure from Belper. Ross Duncan made a great challenge in Midfield and laid the ball to Sam Horsfield who set up Joe Sharp. He powerfully drove the ball which just missed and sailed past the far post but Belper were clearly on top of this game.
Belper’s dominance was rewarded with a short corner won by Jonno Miles , just back playingfollowing time out with an injury. Belper failed to capitalise on this opportunity, but they knew more was to come.
On the 19th minute mark, James Cozens tackled the sleeping Bowdon defender and passed the ball to Sam Horsfield who delicately slid the ball under the goal keeper for the well deserved 1-0 lead that Belper had been looking for.
Belper were then caught napping as Bowdon broke and had a shot but it was comfortably saved by Jason Ward. After Belper had missed a further two more short corners, they then used the new rules to their advantage and turned a great move into their second of the day. Joe delivered a great pass to Jono Miles who deflected it into the path of the Scotland striker Dougie Campbell who slotted it home ingeniously.
Half time came all too early for Belper as they were in the zone but the rest was needed.
Bowden came out with a bang in the second half. Within two minutes they won a soft short corner and scored a vital goal. This was probably the best thing that could have happened to Belper, as the lads suddenly realised that they had a game on their hands and the pressure was soon back on Bowdon.
The rain was hammering down by this point but Belper remained undeterred.
The back four of Belper were solid all throughout the match, Max Spalton, Calum Duncan, Joe Browne and Dan Wood, but when Joe Browne took a fall and had to be whisked off to hospital with a broken collar bone, the whole team had to react. All the boys had to quickly regroup and it wasn’t long until Belper were back in their stride and managed to win a short corner with some great work from Chris Bell. Putting all their training into practice this was successfully converted with a second goal of the day for team Captain, Dougie Campbell. The final whistle couldn’t come soon enough for Belper, but when it did it was music to their ears. 3 – 1to Belper. A fantastic win and they move to Round 4 of the Cup in February when they play Doncaster at home
Coaches Paul Lawrence and Ken Campbell felt that every player played their best ever hockey and the result reflected their commitment and team work.
The Bowdon coach congratulated Belper on their ‘comprehensive victory’
Bowdon made us very welcome and the hot food was much appreciated by all players at the end of a very wet day.
Thanks as ever to all the parents who braved the weather to show support and best wishes to our injured players David Boddy and Joe Browne.
Special thanks to Lozza, Ken and Andrew Lamb who drove the minibus and umpired for us.
Match Report by James Cozens and Joe Browne (edited by Sally!!)

U16 Boys v Wirksworth JDC (U16) - Sunday 22 November
Squad: Dan Darby (GK), Will Davy, Alex Goodwin, Toby Hooker, Tom Lush, Ed Meredith, George Murfin, Curtley Read, Alex Robey, Simon Taylor and Adam Wisdish
As part of the preparation for their Cup run, Belper's U16 boys played the Wirksworth JDC team. This was mainly to give the JDC a strong opposition as part of their overall assessment. Belper representatives in the JDC team were Chris Bell, Fraser Brown and Ross Duncan (Max Spalton being unavailable, but had attended previous training sessions).
The game was run as a training and observation session with extra breaks. The Belper side had most of the run of play, mainly from being more used to playing as a team. They opened their scoring from their first short corner, but despite pressure, could not convert other opportunities. The JDC won some short corners and mainly through Ross, Chris and Fraser, looked dangerous in the attack. However, the Belper team won out overall 3-0. Many thanks to Chris Lush for umpiring and coaching, Judy and Sally for organising and the parents who braved the rain and wind to support.

Sunday 14th November, 2009 – EH U16 Cup R2 v West Bridgford Monarchs
Squad: Will Davy, Fraser Brown, Jacob Bullock, Chris Handley, Toby Hooker (C), Tom Lush, Ed Meredith, George Murfin, Nicholas Pankhurst, Curtley Read, Alexander Robey, Simon Taylor, Nikolas Trifunovic (GK)
On Sunday 15 November, an injury depleted squad took on West Bridgford Monarchs in the second round of the U16 Cup. Lozza, Ben and a team of helpers prepared the pitch for a long day of hockey, clearing water from the surface. The game started well with Curtley getting a goal early on. This was swiftly followed by a well worked goal from the top of the D by George Murfin. West Bridgford then seemed to settle and the rest of the first half was well contested with both sides winning short corners and looking dangerous on the attack. Some good saves by Nik T in goal kept the half time score as 2-0 to Belper.
West Bridgford were expected to keep playing to the end, so it was a little relief when Ed Meredith converted a short corner shortly into the second half to take a 3-0 lead. However, West Bridgford kept up the pressure and scored from two short corners. With Belper retaining the lead, the pressure was maintained at both ends. With three minutes left, West Bridgford equalised from an open run. Belper counter attacked immediately, with Ed slotting a goal past their keeper. In the dying minutes, West Bridgford won a short corner and scored to level the game (4-4).
The two teams lined up for the Penalty Flicks to decide the game, with Belper starting. After the first five, it was still honours even, with Jacob, George, Ed, Tom, and Curtley all converting their strokes. That then meant it was sudden death. The Belper boys, with Nik T in goal, kept their nerve and, after another three flicks to each team, Belper emerged victorious, 11 – 10 overall.
With nerves in tatters, the teams, managers and spectators retired to the club house for well earned refreshments while the U18s took to the pitch for their match against South Notts.
Nik T (GK) was named man of the match.
Many thanks to all the supporters, Jerry Sharp and Dave Hoare for umpiring, Coach Guy Draper, ably assisted by Chris Lush, manager for the day Judy Hooker, and to Ben Lamb and the others who helped and supported before and during the game. Special thanks to Sally and Neil Cozens, Judy, Candy (particularly for the cakes for Nick Ps birthday), David Brown, Shauna, Nigel for the catering.
Alan and Judy

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Sunday 25th October – Belper U16 Boys v Ramgarhia
Belper’s U16 Boys Development squad played a friendly against Ramgarhia on Sunday. Due to half term, illness and various other excuses both Clubs struggled to field teams but just managed to scrape enough players together for and enjoyable match.
Belper’s Squad: Will Baggaley, Henry Mac, Fraser Brown, Ed Wright, Toby Hooker, Chris Handley, Nick Pankhurst, Huw Borradaile, Tom Harrop, Alasdair Dickinson, George Selby, George Murfin.
Uncharacteristically, Belper scored first from a short corner after 10 minutes when Toby’s strike was too powerful for the defenders on the goal line. Unfortunately that was as good as it got for Belper. Playing without a goalkeeper, Chris made numerous clears off the line but towards the end of the first half the inevitable happened and Ramgarhia scored two goals in quick succession.
The heavens opened at half time and, having let the visitors and spectators shelter in the dugouts, it was a bedraggled Belper team that took to the field for the second half. Despite a lot of hard work and good individual skills the Belper team was not strong enough to break through the Ramgarhia defence. The lack of a goalie took its toll and two more goals were conceded.
Despite the score line the match was evenly contested; the more experienced players working well together and helping their less experienced team mates to distribute the ball and keep the pace of the game flowing.
Many thanks again to rather delicate Guy Draper for coaching the team, Sam Lenord for umpiring and to Candy, Shauna and Nigel for help with refreshments.
Judy Hooker

Sunday 18th October Belper U16 Boys v Lichfield
Belper’s U16 Boys continued their preparation for the next round of the Cup competition with a match against Lichfields Boys on Sunday.
Squad: Nik T (GK), Simon Taylor (GK), Jake Trembling (c), James Leuenberger, Jacob Bullock, Toby Hooker, Chris Handley, Will Davy, Nick Pankhurst, Alex Robey, Curtley Read, Tom Lush, Ed Meredith.
The Belper Boys began in traditional manner, conceding a goal after just 4 minutes, giving the ball away too easily and not quick enough to regroup to prevent a run at the defence. Heeding the wake-up call, the team regrouped and played some attractive hockey which eventually paid off with two goals in the first half (Alex R, Curtley).
After the half time team talk from Coach Draper, emphasising the importance of keeping shape, marking, passing the ball, working as a team and jelly babies, the second half started brightly with some good attacking moves with the defence were playing solidly and keeping shape. Their patience was rewarded with two more goals in quick succession from Nick P and Ed. Belper continued to threaten for the rest of the game but remained unrewarded. With better discipline in defence it was disappointing to then concede a goal towards the end of the game.
An enjoyable encounter for the spectators and certainly less stressful than the 1st Round Cup match. This was a competitive game and a good result, but there is still some work to be done before the next round of the Cup against West Bridgford, at Belper on Sunday 15th Nov, 10.00am start.
Many thanks to Guy and Chris Lush for coaching the team, Sam Lenord for umpiring and to Candy and Nigel for help with refreshments again. !
Judy Hooker

Promising start for under 14's
The under 14 squad has made a very promising start to their first season of 11 a side hockey. We have so far had 5 games and are now settling down well into new positions and responsibilities.
Versus Repton
Our opening two games were against Repton School  under 14 year 9 on two thursday evenings. The early start to the games meant we were a little under strength but we managed a creditable 2-2 draw and 2-1 loss. We were thrown in the first game by Repton  employing a cast of a thousand substitutes which meant the opposition swung from excellent to weak every 5 minutes. Their goalkeeper however was superb and thwarted all of our best efforts up front with some ferocious sallies from his posts and great saves. The second game was much higher quality hockey commencing with Harri sprinting late onto the pitch to make a full length diving save ! Our hockey was far from fluid but we battled well in midfield and started to get some excellent moves down the right side from Ritchie, Luke and Casha. Dominic and Ben were again frustrated by some great goalkeeping and we controversially were beaten by the last hit of the game. Simon Clague gave us his sub centre back after Alex B went off injured. He handed the ball to his Repton team mates at the top of our D and they promptly scored=much muttering all round and a sense of injustice!!!
Versus Lichfield
Lichfield fielded a decent side for our first Sunday game. We played by far the better hockey and ran out deserved winners 7-2 on the morning. The scoreline is flattering and in fact Lichfield took the lead and held us at 2-1 for much of the game. We were however able to dominate the midfield as the game progressed, playing some sparkling hockey down the right flank through Ritchie Luke and Casha.  Dom and Ben put together some super hockey around the D and our finishing was  very good. A word for Tom Harropp who came on as centre forward and scored a well worked goal within 5 minutes and  seemed to energize our team in the second half!
Versus Beeston = Midlands League
This was our first big test of the season played on a very windy day at Melton. For the first 10 minutes of the game we were all at sea and rescued time and again by some cool and positive keeping by Harri. We tackled well in our D led by Alex B and supported by Rictchie, Jake and Angus but we could not get in the opposition half and kept giving away possession. A quick change to plan B put Luke in the centre with Ben and together they got to grips with Beeston midfield and we got into the game. On our first break of significance Andrew L and George S got away down the left and George was able to force the ball home against the run of play. We then settled down and led by Luke competed ferociously all over the pitch and were the better team. Just before the end of the first half Ben hammered home after a well worked corner routine. The spectators and management were in shock and had to be picked up off the floor as we had 20 or more attempts in practice the day before and never came close to scoring! In a very tight second half we defended well  and looked quick and positive going forward. A word for Jake and Angus who were excellent at the back with Harri dealing with everything Beeston could throw at him.  George, Andrew Dom and Casha  all worked back tirelessly to win the ball and we looked threatening down both flanks. Beeston controversially had a short corner goal disallowed with 2 minutes to go and we went straight down the other end to win a corner ourselves. This was crashed home by Alex B with a ferocious strike and we ran out 3-0 winners!!
Versus Rutland
This friendly game was played at Melton after our Beeston clash. Rutland were a quick and large under 15/16 team and we struggled to cope with their speed and  pace. We did however compete across the pitch with Dom looking very lively up front and Tom Harropp putting in a great performance at right mid field. Jamie Clarke , making his debut this season did well in goal and was certainly a busy keeper! We eventually lost 4-1 which was a very creditable result.
Thank you to all of our supporters for their efforts this season. Please could you put in your diaries  29th December which will be our Christmas club get together-further details to follow.
Lindsey Shaw

Belper U18 Boys 4 - Rutland U18 Boys 0 - EH Cup Sunday 4th October, 2009
Squad – Jason Ward, Matt Rimmington, Dougie Campbell (C), James Cozens, Chris Bell, David Boddy, Ross Duncan, Calum Duncan, Matt English, Joe Browne, Joe Sharp, Ed McAlone, Sam Horsfield, Max Spalton
Following on from the nerve-racking u16s game the it was time for the U18s boys to face Rutland.The boys walked onto the pitch in buoyant mood, half of them having already competed in a Super Six hockey tournament at Denstone College in the morning.
The game began and although Belper had all the play and plenty of chances it was twenty minutes before any goals came. Joe Sharp managed a crafty little shot and Belper were on their way.There were numerous penalty corners and immense pressure from Belper playing some great hockey but it was just before half time when David Boddy increased the lead to 2.
The second half began like the first with wave after wave of pressure from Belper.Sam Horsfield made no mistake that yet another penalty corner awarded to Belper would be converted. He ensured it was on target and it slammed in.Two minutes later Dougie Campbell scored sealing the victory for Belper, 4 - 0. A clean sheet to start our Cup campaign and a great day of hockey at BelperLozza said he was really pleased with their performance. There was some superb hockey played inspite of some relatively young players, fantastic team spirit and he is excited about the next round which is against S. Notts at home on Nov 15th.
Special mention to Ed McAlone who has only recently joined the squad and made a fantastic contribution and best wishes to Dan Wood and Jonno Miles who were unable to play.
Many thanks to Lozza and Ken Campbell for all their hard work coaching and training the team. To Dave Hoare for umpiring . Also to Judy, Alison Bell, PhilippaDuncan, Liz English and Liz Campbell for help with catering and everyone for help with the washing up!
Sally Cozens

Belper U16 Boys 6 - Rutland U16 Boys 5 - EH Cup Sunday 4th October, 2009
Team: Alex Goodwin, Alex Robey, Chris Handley, Curtley Read, Ed Meredith, Fraser Brown, George Murfin, Jake Bullock, Jake Trembling (Capt), James Leuenberger, Nicholas Pankhurst, Nik Trifunovic (GK), Simon Taylor (GK), Toby Hooker, Tom Lush and Will Davy
On Sunday 3 October Belper Boys were at home to Rutland and took time to find their feet in a hard fought match. The boys started solidly with good runs by Nick Pankhurst and Ed Meredith. Rutland got the first short corner that was well saved by Simon Taylor. After ten minutes, Rutland got the opening goal from a run down the right hand side. Belper broke straight back with a neat move round the circle allowing Alex Robey to level the scores. Rutland kept up the pressure, winning more short corners - at one time the ball being caught up in the keeper's pads - and eventually converting a break into a goal to take a 2-1 lead. The game flowed both ways with Belper also winning a short corner but the half time score was still 2-1 to Rutland.
Belper came out strong for the second half with a shot from the top of the circle from Nick Pankhurst levelling the score. This was closely followed by a shot from Curtley Read that was saved. Rutland then got a short corner that was converted to take the lead again. Another goal came from Curtley after a strong run that brought the scores level again, but Rutland bounced back to keep the lead. Curtley then hit the post but Belper won a short corner from the following play. James Leunberger stepped up to strike the ball hard into the backboard from the top of the circle - scores level (Again!). Belper could not convert their next short corner and Rutland came out strong on the counter attack to regain the lead (5-4).
The clock was ticking and with the U18s waiting for their game and the supporters on the side line, there was a strong home support for Belper. Both sides kept up the pressure and Belper defended solidly keeping Rutland's play makers tightly marked but releasing Curtley for attacking runs. With five minutes to go, Belper won another short corner; Ed Meredith stepped up and drag flicked it to the top corner, leaving the Rutland defence standing and bringing the scores level (5-5). This was shortly followed by goal line action that resulted in a penalty flick being awarded to Belper. Curtley calmly converted the flick to allow Belper to take the lead for the first time in the game (6-5). For the last four minutes Rutland fought back hard and created opportunities that the Belper defence managed to restrain.
Coach Guy Draper said "It was a very tense last few minutes as Rutland kept on attacking and looking strong, but I am pleased with the boys discipline and effort until the final whistle. It was a very good game with great individual performances. We will make use of the time until the next round to consolidate on how the game went".
Goal scorers were Alex Robey, Curtley Read (3), James Leunberger and Ed Meredith. Curtley took the man of the match award from Guy.
Many thanks to the supporters - and the U18 team in particular for their vocal contribution while waiting for their game. Thanks also to Sally, Judy, Candy Pankhurst and Jayne Brown for the catering and clearing up. The contributions of cakes were greatly appreciated, not least of all by George who celebrated a birthday as well as the win. Thanks also to Robin Peach for the umpiring and a very relieved coach - Guy Draper.
Next round is on Sunday 15 November ... The draw is on a regional basis so it will be a relatively local team.
Alan Wisdish

Boys training programme for 2009-10 season
The Junior Boys training sessions for this season have been revised to reflect changes in the competition structure. All Club competitions will be based on year of birth not academic year. The main competition age groups are U14, U16 and U18. The EH U15 Cup /Plate competition has been changed to U16.
General Training for 2009/10 will start on Tuesday 1st September.
U14s - 6:30 to 7:45 half pitch
U16s - 6:30 to 7:45 half pitch
U18s - 7.45 to 9:00 half pitch
To make the most of these sessions, it is important that all players arrive promptly and are ready to begin work at the session start time.
Skills training on Thursdays - to be confirmed.
Training Fees: will remain at £3 per session, payable in two instalments, due in September and January, to cover the season.

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Belper u11 boys win Derbyshire mini-hockey title 2008
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.