Letchworth Roller Hockey Club was established in 1984 and since then has had many successes, including winning the Premier League and supplying more than 28 players to represent England.
Our current training takes place on Wednesday evenings from 7.00 pm to 10.30pm at North Herts Leisure Centre, Letchworth. Training times vary based on age and ability.
If interested in joining please contact Dalene Howard at letchrollerhockey@hotmail.co.uk
11th January: U11 19:00 O11 20:00/seniors 21:00
18th January: Mixed 19:00/seniors 20:30
25th January: U11 19:00 O11 20:00/seniors 21:00
1st February: U11 19:00 O11 20:00/seniors 21:00
8th February: Mixed 19:00/seniors 20:30
15th February: U11 19:00 O11 20:00/seniors 21:00
22nd February: U11 19:00 O11 20:00/seniors 21:00
29th February: Mixed 19:00/seniors 20:30
7th March: U11 19:00 O11 20:00/seniors 21:00
14th March: U11 19:00 O11 20:00/seniors 21:00
21st March: Mixed 19:00/seniors 20:30
28th March: U11 19:00 O11 20:00/seniors 21:00
4th April: U11 19:00 O11 20:00/seniors 21:00
11th April: Mixed 19:00/seniors 20:30
18th April: U11 19:00 O11 20:00/seniors 21:00
25th April: U11 19:00 O11 20:00/seniors 21:00
2nd May: Mixed 19:00/seniors 20:30
9th May: U11 19:00 O11 20:00/seniors 21:00
16th May: U11 19:00 O11 20:00/seniors 21:00
23rd May: Mixed 19:00/seniors 20:30
30th May: U11 19:00 O11 20:00/seniors 21:00
6th June: U11 19:00 O11 20:00/seniors 21:00
13th June: Mixed 19:00/seniors 20:30
20th June: U11 19:00 O11 20:00/seniors 21:00
27th June: U11 19:00 O11 20:00/seniors 21:00
4th July: Mixed 19:00/seniors 20:30
11th July: U11 19:00 O11 20:00/seniors 21:00
18th July: U11 19:00 O11 20:00/seniors 21:00 (last one before summer break)
Well done to the Letchworth Minors Division two team who played on the 22nd October at Burwell (Walpole’s HT)
It was a lovely sunny day for the boys’ first tournament together. Practise play during training helps but there’s no substitute for the real thing. The formation of the team was from a number of last seasons U11s and a couple of the existing U13s.
The team consisted of Ash (Captain), Reiff, Kai, Samuel, George & Brad with Neil as the Team Coach.
Even before we started, concerns spread through the team, with our first game rapidly looming, no one knew where Samuel was. Thankfully he turned up with two minutes to go, so a rapid change was needed. It was like a slick Formula 1 tyre change as Rupert and Andy went into action. Samuel was ready with seconds to go. Samuel blamed his dad for the delay (taking a detour) but from the tomato sauce down Rupert’s shirt it was clear they had stopped off for an Olympic breakfast on the way (only joking!)
Letchworth v Norwich (3-9)
The first game started a little slowly for Letchworth as they found their feet (or skates). From recollection though, I think we scored the first goal. There on in, it all went a bit down hill. We were pulled apart from the lack of experience in our man to man marking. We came away at half time 6-1 down. Unfortunately our boys were not too happy with one of the Norwich boy’s who had a very immature attitude being a constant source of distraction and irritation. With a focussed talk on our defensive style by Neil the boys took to the rink for the 2nd half.
This half was a lot closer which lead to another 2 goals for us and 3 more for Norwich. The game finished 9-3 to Norwich although I expect our next game to be a lot closer.
Letchworth v Cambridge (11-1)
The boys took to the rink a lot more confident for their second game against Cambridge. In quite rapid succession we had scored 6 goals in the first half followed a further 5 goals in the second half, conceding only one goal in the second half.
Letchworth v Walpole (7-4)
The confidence from the Cambridge game carried across into this game although we came away from the first half 1 goal a piece. The second half says us drive ahead with 6 mores goals and conceding only 3.
All the boys played extremely well.
Reiff made multiple saves often in quick succession. He stayed focussed throughout and unlike a lot of the other keepers who just seemed to fall on the ball; Reiff would stop the shot and push the ball into neutral zones. He made good use of his legs, arms, hands and stick. Excellent first tournament.
Kai who has kindly supported the team in Harry’s absence had a great tournament. He worked hard, tackled hard, shot hard and had a massive impact on the team’s performance. He scored a great goal in the second half against Cambridge which spurred him on to shot more often. Only the goal keeper or the uprights stopped Kai’s goal tally increasing. Kai played well above his age.
Samuel’s confidence and ability grows every game he plays. Samuel found himself numerous times pushing forward and putting the opposition’s goal keeper under pressure. When Samuel wasn’t pushing forward he was the rock in defence keeping the attacking players out towards the walls or regaining possession of the ball. Samuel made good use of the ball pushing it down the wings for other players to skate on to. – Samuel skated through and cracked in a wonderful goal against Walpole in the 2nd half.
Keep up the good work.
George has showed a marked improvement in his play. His pace, skating ability and ball control have all dramatically improved. George too found the back of the net against Cambridge and had some bounce off the crossbar after some ferocious shots from just outside the penalty area. George’s determination and passion to do well is good to see. He clearly loves the game. Keep going George!
Bradley’s speed, determination, skating ability and ball control is great to watch. I think he prefers to attack the opposition’s goal but also skates back hard tracking the opposition’s attackers. Brad’s efforts lead to him scoring 14 of the 21 goals for Letchworth. He managed to maintain a fast pace throughout and keep a level headed sense of achievement which he shared with his brother on the way home in the car. Well done B!
Ash managed to score in all three games today (scored 4 goals in total). He even tried a little chip and hit from behind the Walpole goal, just missing. Ashley listened and reacted well to Neil’s instructions (as did the others). Ashley’s confidence grew game on game and delivered a great standard of roller hockey throughout. Some of the better passing moves started from Ash as he tried to maintain the momentum of the ball. Level headed and determined performance – well done Ash
Massive thanks from the boys and parents to Neil for being a very level headed and patient coach and taking a day out of his weekend.
Massive thanks to Paul for being the team ref for the day – excellent job as always.
All. Please see below of the team lists.
U11.
1. Clara Cox (GK)
2. Annie Jordan
3. Alex Barret
4. Jack Mallard
5. Oli Marshall
6. Mia Allen
7. Kai Hayward
8. Alfie Sears
9.Miguel Cox
U13 – Div 1.
1. Rachel Holmes (GK)
2. Marco Giancola
3. Leon Clawson
4. Joe Veasey
5. Chay Westrop
6. Jacob Howard
U13 – Div 2.
1. Reiff Hayward (GK)
2. Harry Brown
3. Samuel Prior
4. Bradley Allinson
5. George Birch
6. Ashley Allinson
EC2.
1. Ryan Mills (GK)
2. Matthew Burgess
3. Todd Halfpenny
4. Craig Clawson
5. Alan Burgess
6. Matt Cosme
7. Keith O’Brien
8. Ben Beattie
9. James Lence (GK)
EC1.
1. Ian Holderness (GK)
2. Jake Mansfield
3. Matt White
4. Stuart Langley
5. Neil Warren
6. Graham Busolini
7. Craig Gibson
8. Adam Allinson
Premier League
1. Ben Howes (GK)
2. Jake Mansfield
3. Matt White
4. Stuart Langley
5. Neil Warren
6. Graham Busolini
7. Craig Gibson
8. Andrew Allen
9. Nigel Allen
10. Ricky Jupp
11. Ian Holderness (GK)
(If you are not in one of these teams and think you should be please speak to me in training).
Training times for dates up until Christmas 2011 are as follows;
Myself, Nigel Allen, Ben Howes & Matt White have entered a charity race called ‘Race the Sun’ on September 3rd, 2011. This challenge involves riding a bike a total of 50 miles, hiking up and down a mountain & kayaking 2.5 miles around a lake.
We are trying to raise money for Action Medical Research, a great children’s charity dedicated to improving the health of babies and children in the UK.
We need your help to raise £2000.
Action Medical Research relies entirely on donations to fund a range of research projects that address serious childhood conditions and improve quality of life for children with disabilities.
You will also be supporting research to reduce premature birth, prevent pregnancy complications that threaten babies’ lives, and find the best ways to care for sick and vulnerable babies.
As the majority of our sports members are below the age of 16, we feel that this charity is a very relevant one to Roller Hockey.
If you can help, please follow the link below or cut and paste it into your browser.
http://www.action.org.uk/sponsor/lrhcso11rts63
Thank you in advance.
Andrew Allen
Club Awards List 2011
U11 Player of the Year – Bradley Allinson
U11 Improver of the Year – Mia Allen
Minors Player of the Year – Chay Westrop
Minors Improver of the Year – Reiff Hayward
Inters Player of the Year – Ben Beattie
Inters Improver of the Year – James Lence
Senior 2 Player of the Year – Matt Burgess
Senior 2 Improver of the Year – Jake Mansfield
Premier Player of the Year – Nigel Allen
Premier Improver of the Year – Craig Gibson
Clubman/women of the Year – Dalene Howard, Andy Mansfield & Allison Lock
Richard Mathurin Team of the Year – U15
Ian Gibson Exceptional Player of the Year – Ben Howes
Congratulations to all of the winners this year!
For the first time in the clubs history we are at the point where we cannot comfortably take on any more new starters in every age group.
Therefore we have had to take a decision to start a waiting list.
If you or your children would like to join the club, please click on the ‘Contact’ button and send us your name, age and contact number and you or your child/children will be added to the list.
We will then email you when a place becomes available.
Thanks
Andrew Allen
Head Coach
This was Norwich’s home tournament at Wymondham.
The running order was updated following the England Ladies squad pulling out due to club commitment. This meant that Letchworth would only have 3 games rather than the intended 4.
The Letchworth squad would have been a man down today but thankfully Stuart Langley stepped up to fill the gap even though he played 2 games the day before. Many thanks go to Stuart for helping us out.
The day started playing a youngish Ely team who seem to be improving game on game. Letchworth had much of the ball and many chances but seemed to be having difficulty in converting good build up play into goals.
Ended Ely 6 : 4 Letchworth
Letchworth went into this game knowing it was one which would be tough but they could win it they kept their heads.
The game was opened with an Ely goal but after that Letchworth had the best of the ball and after many attempts on goal were rewarded with an equaliser.
Letchworth then proceeded to miss both a penalty and a direct free hit and numerous more chances aside.
Sadly for Letchworth the Cottenham team got a break and didn’t hesitate to tuck away the winner.
Ended Cottenham 2 : 1 Letchworth
Letchworth were keen to start converting their chances and new that against Norwich they should certainly have a good chance of taking the points.
The outcome proved to be as expected and hoped and Letchworth dominated for the entire game and at half time Letchworth went off 8-1 up.
In the second half Michael kept a clean sheet and the out players continued to play as well and as disciplined as they did in the first half.
Both Adam & Matt got hattricks which helped towards a good scoreline which was needed to make up for the deficit seen due to Letchworth pulling out of their previous tournament.
Ended Norwich 1 : 13 Letchworth
All in all a good day and some good hockey… saying that, we should have really come away with more points.
Letchworth U11’s Home Tournament at North Herts. Leisure Centre 19th Feb. 2011
Firstly, what a great day all the boys and girl (Mia) had on Saturday. This was their first home tournament back at North Herts and what a performance they put on for the crowds that had gathered to watch them.
It was great to see the return of Mia in goal, after a long lay off with a broken arm sustained whilst doing a triple back flip off a bouncy castle at her cousin’s birthday party.
Now back to full strength, Letchworth fielded a squad of 6. Kai, Mia, Samuel, George, Ollie and Brad.
We had three games to play against more experienced and what seemed larger opposition. We lost all three games albeit in two cases marginally but our spirit and determination shone through. If awards could be given out for sheer effort, our team would have won hands down.
Some highlights
Mia although definitely the smallest keeper, made an inspirational return to goal keeping duties for Letchworth. I think she went into the first game a little bit anxious but this did not show in her performance. Time and time again Mia made decisive saves blocking and deflecting the ball in neutral areas of the rink. Good movement between the posts and good use of her stick demonstrated that size doesn’t matter. In my eyes and I am sure others, Mia came off a giant.
Kai’s drive was/is unstoppable. Kai for one of the younger players showed a great amount of ball control, skating ability and determination. Kai is never one for giving up and that’s to his credit. We lost the first game against Chesterton 2-1, but Kai was there in the right place and the right time to receive a ball from Ollie on the half way line to skate between two defending players to plant the ball in the back of the Chesterton net. I would have broke down into tears if they weren’t so many people about, what a great goal supported by his team. Great player
What a couple of month’s difference makes? George has shown himself to be one of the strongest defenders in the U11’s. I noticed that on several occasions George had taken what he learnt during training and applied it to the tournament. Using the box defence and smartly realising not to chase the players but to stop at certain points to reform. It was great to see. George is a no nonsense player who tackle strong, skates hard with passing like a rocket. I know during the next tournaments George will use this ability to push further up field to put the opposition’s keepers under more pressure. Keep it up George!
Samuel too has transformed in the last couple of months. Along with George, Samuel is a lot more confident on the ball. Samuel has used this confidence to push out of defence and put the opposition under pressure. Samuel is our John Terry in defence, solid, reliable, willing to put himself about and has scored some wonderful goals. I have yet to see any slide tackles but I guess will leave that for the football pitch or when the senior’s play. Well done SP!
Ollie is very similar in style to Kai. He is determined, skilful and fast. What a combination and what a prospect for next season. Ollie’s skating is second nature. The way he can makes his feet point outwards past any normal angle that most of us can’t imagine (yes you’ve guessed it) brings tears to my eyes. Ollie had some near misses in this tournament either bouncing off the post or the keeper. Ollie uses his head (and eyes) and has the confidence to lift his head whilst skating looking for the pass. Star player.
Brad. It’s difficult to write about Brad. He is a lovely lad, with lovely parents. He is a great little player with a lot of ability and determination. He reminds me a bit of Ashley Young (Aston Villa and England winger). He gives everything 100%, doesn’t like losing and tries to win the ball back no matter what. He’s great to watch, great for the team and has a great personality (as they all have). He scored some cracking goals and put the other teams under constant pressure.
Although we lost the three games, there was a significant improvement in their performance. I personally think that Mia’s outstanding performance in goal laid the foundations for the team’s cracking display on Saturday.
Big thanks to Rieff for time keeping and being a constant source of entertainment. Paul for ref’ing (great job), and Andrew for managing and coaching the team.
WELL DONE EVERYONE
