Presentation Evening - Friday 20th April
Come and celebrate the end of the Youth Hockey season at the Presentation Evening at 6pm at the Clubhouse. There will be awards for the different age groups, and the bar will be open and we will be doing a small buffet too to help celebrate the end of another successful season for Hertford Youth hockey.
Saturday 31st March - final Youth Training of the seaon
We are drawing to the end of another fantastic season for Hertford Youth hockey. Come along to the final training session of the season on Saturday 31st!
Sunday 18th March - Hertford Under 10 boys crowned County Champions!
Hertford Under 10 boys hockey team won the County hockey tournament in a thrilling day of matches against the best clubs in the area. After a slow start against a tough Broxbourne side, Hertford suddenly sprang to life and crashed in five unanswered goals. Josh Over scored a hatrick, and Arthur Twyning and Joseph Mari bagged one each.Against Blueharts, Josh Over and Joseph Mari were back on the scoresheet as Hertford ran out two nil winners. Jack Poelveerde was very tidy in goal and Edward Hartley ensured most of the attacks were snuffed out with his strong defensive play.The match of the day was against the impressive Bishops Stortford team, and Hertford rose to the occasion by putting in their best performance. Euan Begg starved their dangerous right winger of possession, and turned some good defensive play into lively attacks. Archie Worrall impressive out wide, and Henry Manwaring showed how much he has developed this year with some solid tacking. A great allround performance by Hertford put Stortford under pressure and that man Josh Over was on hand again to clinically slot in two goals as Hertford ran out 2-0 winners.Euan Begg bagged a brace against Berkhampsted, with Luke Kennedy netting a third as Hertford once again kept a clean sheet. St Albans put up stubborn defence against the confident Hertford team, but after some intense pressure following some attractive passing hockey, Josh Over and Arthur Twyning scored two each in a 4-0 win. In the last match of the day, Hertford were desperate for the win, and after considerable pressure and a disallowed goal, Josh Over was again on hand with his second hatrick of the day as Hertford won 3-0, and were crowned County Champions. Hertford boys now go on to represent the County in the East of England regional tournament next month.
Sunday 18th March - U10 girls get two wins in County tournament
In the girls County tournament, Hertford started well with a hard fought win over Berkhampstead thanks to a well taken goal by Millie Brand. Unfortunately the Hertford girls couldn't keep up with the strong teams from Bishops Stortford and Harpenden, going down to both teams. But they bounced back saving their best performance to the last match of the day to beat Broxbourne thanks to an excellent goal by Amelia Gibbard who had impressed throughout the day.
Sunday 11th March - Hertford teams come 2nd and 3rd in the U12s County Tournaments
On a beautiful day, Hertford Hockey Club hosted the annual Under 12s County hockey tournament. The best clubs teams from across the County came together for a day of fantastic hockey.
The U12 girls team started strongly, seeing off St Albans 3-0, with Leah Wilkerson (2) and Izzy Wing scoring the goals. In the next game, Harpenden scored an early goal against Hertford, but the girls fought back strongly and Jenny Goodson scored a great equaliser to finish 1-1. Hertford beat West Herts 2-0 with Leah Wilkerson and Lily Tosner scoring. In the semifinals, nothing could separate Hertford and Blueharts in normal time or in extra time. It went down to penalties and unfortunately Blueharts came out on top. The Hertford team put the disappointment behind them, and played some great hockey in their final match to win 1-0 in the 3rd/4th place play-off against Rickmansworth, with Leah Wilkerson scoring the goal. Finishing 3rd was a great performance from this improving Hertford girls' team.
The U12 boys team started strongly, beating St Albans 2-0, with Max Merret netting both goals. Against Rickmansworth, Hertford turned on the style running out 8-0 winners, with Luke Rawlinson (4), James Rollins (2), Tor Bartram and Gus Lawes-Mathers all scoring. In a close game against a strong Bishops Stortford, Hertford dug deep to come out 2-0 winners with Max Merret scoring the winner. In the final group game, a Luke Rawlinson goal was enough to see off West Herts. The semifinal against Broxbourne was a very tight affair, with no goals scored during normal time. In extra time from a final short corner, Gus Lawes-Mathers struck a brilliant shot from the top of the D into the back of the goal for Hertford to seal a 1-0 in extra time. The final against Blueharts proved to be a game too far for Hertford but despite some spirited play, Hertford ran out of gas going down 2-0.
By finishing as runners' up, the Hertford U12 boys team, together with the tournament winners Blueharts, will represent the County at the Regional tournament next month, so good luck to Hertford U12 boys team.
The quakity of the Hertford boys was further recognised with Luke Rawlinson being named Player of the Tournament, and Tor Bartram Goalie of the Tournament.
Sunday 11th March Under 14 girls sign off in the National Cup
In their final National Cup game of the season, Hertford went down 1-0 to a strong Southgate team on Sunday. It was a hard fought game and Hertford soaked up lots of pressure but couldn't quite hold on for a draw. Hertford U14 girls won two of their five National Cup fixtures this year, and have shown that they can compete with some of the best teams around.
Sunday 11th March - Hertford hosting U12s County Tournament
Hertford Hockey Club is hosting the annual Hertfordshire County Under 12s Club Tournament on Sunday 11th March at our pitch at Simon Balle school. Club teams from across the county will be competing for the honour of being crowned County champions, and to represent Hertfordshire at the East of England Regional Club tournament later this year.
The Under 12 girls matches start at 9am and run through to 1pm. The Under 12 boys matches start at 1pm and run through to about 5pm. It should be a great day, showcasing the talents of young hockey players from across the County. Come along to see the action and to support the Hertford teams!
Sunday 4 March - U10 mixed team make it a hatrick of wins
The U10s continued their good form in the Hertfordshire Junior Hockey Leagues (HJHL) in games against three other teams today.
Rickmansworth proved to be strong opponents and there was little between the two teams until Arthur was brought on and made an immediate impact with a smartly taken strike to go 1-0 up. Joseph and Monique worked well together in defense, and Ed made a couple of good saves to keep Rickmansworth at bay, and Hertford ran out 1-0 winners.
Hertford rose to the challenge in their next game against local rivals Broxbourne and played some good passing hockey, with Ella and Sophia playing strongly. Josh really showed his class with a well taken goal after a good build up, and Euan doubled the score with a good strike from near the edge of the D. With the Hertford defence and midfield remaining solid, Hertford closed the game out with a good 2-0 win.
The final match was against Southgate and again Hertford played with style and growing confidence. Joseph distributed the ball intelligently from the back, and Juliet playing with increasing authority and influence as the game progressed. The ever-reliable Josh slotted home two goals that left their keeper with little chance, and Euan scored again to complete a 3-0 victory.
It was a good morning's work overall and good fun.
Sunday 19th February - U10 Girls make their debut
The U10 girls team played their first matches in a couple of friendlies today. Against Broxbourne, Hertford quickly went a goal down - we were still trying to get ourselves organised when Broxbourne struck with a good goal. As the match went on Hertford got themselves sorted out, and began to play as a team. As the players got used to their positions, they made some good passes, there were a few good dribbles, and some tenacious tackling. Hertford scored a well deserved equaliser with Ella slotting the ball home after a good move up the pitch. Hertford played better and better as the game continued but with neither side scoring again, it ended up as a 1-1 draw which was a fair result.
Against a strong Harpenden side, Hertford seemed a bit overawed and never really got going. Hertford lost their shape and tried to move the ball only through the middle of the pitch, and didn't really use the width as they had in the first game. Harpenden ran out 5-0 winners, but it would have been a lot closer if Hertford had played as they had in their first game.
Overall, it was a good experience and it was great to see the girls playing as a team. All the the players had some good moments and showed plenty of potential, so the team will build on this and will come out stronger next time!
Youth Hockey Training - Saturday 11th Feb
Youth hockey training on Saturday morning is cancelled as Simon Balle have closed the hockey pitch until further notice due to the weather. Sorry about that, but fingers crossed for next weekend!
Youth Hockey Training - Saturday 4th Feb
Youth hockey training on Saturday morning is cancelled as the forecast of very cold weather will mean the pitch will be frozen. If we get a sudden unexpected warm spell, we will review this decision!
Sunday 29 January - U14 Girls March on
Hertford U14 Girls continued their winning ways in the Hertfordshire Junior Hockey League (HJHL) today with three more wins against teams from across the county.
Hertford 2 - 1 West Herts (scorer: Maddie Twyning 2)
Hertford 2 - 1 Harpenden (scorers: Phoebe McMurray, Jess Ensum)
Hertford 10 - 0 Welwyn Garden City (scorers: Sophie Rawlinson 5, Maddie Twyning 3, Phoebe McMurray, Jess Ensum)
Sunday 29 January - U14 Boys unbeaten on the day
Hertford U14 boys travelled to West Herts for two HJHL fixtures and a friendly.
Despite conceding a rather soft goal to St Albans from a short corner, Hertford came out stronger in the second half and after some good skills, Finn Kennedy levelled for Hertford. While Hertford kept the pressure on, St Albans nearly snatched a late winner but Will Crowther made a geat save to push the ball round the post.
Hertford 1 - 1 At Albans (scorer: Finn Kennedy)
Hertford came out with all guns blazing against West Herts, firing in three unanswered goals in the first half. This really was 'a game of two halves' as West Herts put Hertford under pressure in the second half, and pulled two goals back. Thankfully Will Crowther had the game of his life to prevent any more goals and Hertford held out to win this entertaining game.
Hertford 3 - 2 West Herts (scorers: Max Hawkins, Jonny Goodson, Finn Kennedy)
In a friendly against West Herts B Development team, Hertford ran out comfortable winners.
Hertford 13 - 1 West Herts B (scorers: Jonny Goodson 2, Luke Kennedy 2, Archie Akers, Max Hawkins 4, Ciaran Begg, Henry Vincent-Wilson, Finn Kennedy 2)
Sunday 29 January - U12 battle well in HJHL matches
Hertford U12 Mixed team battled well in the Hertfordshire Junior Hockey League matches today. Match report to follow, but the scores were:
Blueharts A 4 - 0 Hertford
Blueharts B 3 - 6 Hertford (scorers: Alex Portas 2, Luke Godwin 2, Leah Wilkerson 2)
Southgate 0 - 4 Hertford (scorers: Gus Lawes-Mathers, Alex Portas, George Hammond 2)
Sunday 22 January - U16 girls stun Letchworth in nine goal thriller
Hertford U16 girls fought back brilliantly against a strong and well organised Letchworth team. Despite two goals for Hannah Richardson, Hertford were trailing 4-2 with 15 minutes to play. Hertford moved up a few gears and started to play some exciting passing hockey, moving the ball quickly around the pitch and putting Letchworth under real pressure. Alex-Marie Phillips was the right person in the right place at the right time on the back post when she slotted home two crosses to bring the scores level. Then, with the final play of the day, Hertford launched another flowing move with the ball being passed quickly up the pitch into the D where Hannah Richardson struck her third goal that moved Hertford into a 5-4 lead. The final whistle blew, bringing an end to an exciting game and securing a great win for Hertford U16 girls.
Sunday 22 January - U10 mixed team in HJHL Action
With four Hertford players off at County training, a new look U10s mixed team took on Southgate and Broxbourne in the Herfordshire Junior Hockey League (HJHL). Southgate were well organised and had some skillful players and despite a playing well, Hertford were unable to keep them at bay, going down 2-0 in their first loss of the season. In the local derby against Broxbourne, Hertford were 1-0 down at half-time but after a rousing team talk from Teresa, they came out fighting in the second half. Arthur Twyning played a blinder, and scored two goals for Hertford, who ran out 2-1 winners.
Hertford 0 - 2 Southgate
Hertford 2 - 1 Broxbourne
The U10s second team also had friendlies against Southgate and Broxbourne. Some of the Hertford players were taking part in their first ever matches and, while Hertford came second in both matches, there were some very promising performances. Millie and Jack both showed some good skills and great commitment; Mia and Josie showed they are both 'naturals' at the game, Luke, Maddy and Libby put in some good tackles in defence and midfield. This was an encouraging performance and it helped to demonstrate the depth of talent in this age-group.
Sunday 15 January - U14 girls march on in HJHL
Hertford U14 girls continued their fine form in the Hertfordshire Junior Hockey League (HJHL) with two more good away wins on a cold but bright Sunday morning.
Potters Bar 1 - 3 Hertford (scorers: Sophie Rawlinson, Phoebe McMurray, Maddie Twyning)
Letchworth 0 - 2 Hertford (scorers: Jess Ensum, Sophie Rawlinson)
Sunday 15 January - U14 boys on top in HJHL matches
Having a couple of the regulars missing from their line up, a couple of the Hertford U12 boys - Gus Lawes-Mathers and Alex Portas - were able to play up an age group and did well in the two matches. Will Crowther had a good game in goal; Max, Ed and Finn showed their experience gained from playing men's hockey, and Archie, Tom, and Luke payed solidly. Two good results and good competitive games, and the team was a bit disappointed not to force a win against Broxbourne.
Hertford 1 - 1 Broxbourne (scorer: Luke Kennedy)
Hertford 4 - 0 Rickmansworth (scorers: Archie Akers, Luke Kennedy, Tom Smith and Max Hawkins).
Saturday 7 January - Hertford Debut in Indoor Hockey Tournament
Hertford Youth Hockey scored another big first this season by making its debut in indoor hockey. This is a fast, frantic and fun form of the game that really helps to develop players' skills.
We jumped in at the deep end by entering five teams - U10 mixed, U12 girls, U12 boys, U14 girls and U14 boys - in the Brentwood Indoor Tournament. This pitted our teams against some of the biggest clubs in the region.
Despite being our first foray in indoor hockey, all the Hertford teams performed strongly. They were well organised, played with great commitment, and displayed some good hockey skills. Every Hertford team won at least one match, and none were outclassed by their more experienced opponents. The Hertford U10s led the way by coming second in their group of seven teams, winning four games and drawing one.
It was a great tournament that the players - and their parents - really enjoyed. Hopefully indoor hockey will now become a regular feature of Hertford Youth Hockey.
Saturday 7 January - Youth Training
After a well-earned break for Christmas and New Year, Youth Hockey training starts again on Saturday 7th January. Under 8s, Under 10s and Under 12s start at 8.50am, and Under 14s start at 9.30am. See you there!
Saturday 17 December - Youth Training
This is the last training session of the year, with a festive theme and some fun and games for everyone. We would also like to invite you to the clubhouse after the session for hot drinks, sausage rolls and mincepies.
We start training on Saturday 7th January 2012 - have a great Christmas and New Year and see you again on the 7th!
Congratulations to all our JAC players!
Congratulations to the 32 Hertford Hockey Club players who have been selected for the Hertfordshire Junior Academy Centres (JACs). The JAC is the second rung on the England Elite Pathway and is tremendous achievement for those selected:
Under 12 JAC: Tor Bartram, Euan Begg, Luke Godwin, Luke Kennedy, Gus Lawes-Mathers, Joseph Mari, Joshua Over, Luke Rawlinson, James Rollins and Jenny Goodson.
Under 13 JAC: Archie Akers, Teddy Alexander, Ciaran Begg, George Hammond, Harry Holman, and Henry Vincent-Wilson.
Under 14 JAC: Jonny Goodson, Max Hawkins, Finn Kennedy, Ella Bartram, Lucy Bonafont, Charlotte Butler, Isobel Mclees, Phoee McMurray, Ella Mitham and Maddy Twyning.
Under 15 JAC: Amy Lynn, Sophie Rawlinson, Florence Stansell-Seiler
Under 16 JAC: Emily Butler
Under 17 JAC: Elliot Barling, Will Brant
Sunday 4th December U12 Mixed team remain unbeaten in the HJHL
Hertford U12 mixed team continued their good form with a comprehensive win over Potters Bar, to leave them unbeaten in the Hertfordshire Junior Hockey League so far this season. The goals were shared around between Jenny Goodson (2), Leah Wilkerson (2), Izzy Wing, Luke Godwin, James Rollins and Gus Lawes-Mathers.
Hertford 8 - 2 Potters Bar
U14 Boys win first HJHL game this season
The U14 boys put in two good performances today against good opposition. After conceding two goals in the first half against Blueharts, Hertford got themselves better organised in the second half, using the width of the pitch much more effectively and were unluckly not to score.
Against Harpenden, Hertford got off to a flier with Finn Kennedy and Jonny Goodson both scoring early goals. Max Hawkins added a third in the second half and, with Will Crowther making some good saves in goal, Hertford kept a clean sheet.
Blueharts 2 - 0 Hertford
Hertford 3 - 0 Harpenden
Sunday 27 November
U14 girls get another National Cup win
The U14 girls sealed another win the the National Cup, this time against Cambridge City, with Jess Ensum scoring the only goal of a close game. In their second match, the Hertford girls struggled against a very good Saffron Walden team who deserved their victory.
Hertford 1 - 0 Cambridge Cilty
Hertford 0 - 4 Saffron Walden
U14 boys sign off their National Cup fixtures for the season
The U14 boys completed their National Cup fixtures with a slightly disappointing defeat to Saffron Walden. They also went down 2 - 0 in a friendly against Ipswich in an evenly balanced game. Hertford showed plenty of promise but lack that clinical edge in front of goal
Hertford 0 - 3 Saffron Walden
Hertford 0 - 2 Ipswich
U10 mixed team kick off their HJHL season in style
Hertford U10 A mixed team started their Hertfordshire Junior Hockey League fixtures with a comprehensive win against Letchworth. The U10s A team played with real style and got into their passing game quickly, and demonstrated some clinical finishing in front of the goal. Ella deserves a special mention for her performance.
Hertford's B team also played with real commitment against some spirited Letchworth play to run out winners in their friendlies.
Hertford A 13 - 1 Letchworth A (scorers: Luke 3, Euan 2, Josh 6, Joseph 2)
Hertford A 7 - 3 Letchworth B
Hertford B 12 - 1 Letchworth B (scorers: Arthur 4 plus Archie, George and I think Josie but I lost track!)
Hertford B 3 - 1 Letchworth A
Sunday 13 November
U14 Girls start their HJHL campaign with a hatrick of wins!
Hertford U14 girls played their first league games in the Hertfordshire Junior Hockey League (HJHL) this season at home today. Congratulations for winning all three games - a great team performance!
Results
Hertford 2 - 0 Harpenden (scorers: Maddy Twyning and Phoebe McMurray)
Hertford 3 - 1 St Albans (scorers: Sophie Rawlinson, Maddy Twyning and Izzy McLees)
Hertford 3 - 1 Broxbourne (scorers: Maddy Twyning and Phoebe McMurray (2))
U14 Boys debut in the National Cup
Hertford U14 boys played the first ever games for Hertford boys in the National Cup - another first for the club this year!
Results
Hertford 2 - 4 Ipswich
A close game after Hertford gained confidence after the opening few minutes against strong opponents. Hertford battled hard, with good goals from Sam Taylor and Tom Smith, but just lost out in the end.
Hertford 0 - 11 Cambridge City
Hertford came up against a team of talented individual players who played exceptionaly well as a team. While Cambridge were a level above Hertford, our boys played with real heart, especially Sam who was great in goal.
U12 Mixed team start their HJHL campaign
Hertford U12 mixed tem kicked off their Hertfordshire Junior Hockey League (HJHL) fixtures today with two games down at Broxbourne.
Results
Harpenden 1 - 1 Hertford (scorer: James Rollins)
Broxbourne 0 - 2 Hertford (scorer: Gus Lawes-Mathers and Leah Wilkerson)
Sunday 6 November - U10s mxed team versus Harpenden
A good morning's hockey for our mixed Under 10 teams against Harpenden. Both clubs were able to field two teams for some entertaining hockey.
Results
Hertford '1' 7 - 0 Harpenden 'A'
Hertford '1' 9 - 1 Harpenden 'B'
Some great hockey with Josh, Joseph, Luke and Euan all getting on the scoresheet. The girls made a big contribution, setting up some of the goals for the boys and tackling well, so well done to Sophia, Ella and Phoebe.
Hertford '2' 2 - 3 Harpenden 'B'
Hertford '2' 0 - 6 Harpenden 'A'
A good couple of games for Hertford's less experienced players who played some spirited hockey, and who are learning all the time. They came very close in the first game, and well done to Arhcie in particular for the goals!
Saturday 5th November - U12s Training
Under 12s training runs from 8.50am to 10am. As a trial from this Saturday, we are going to continue the session for an extra 30 minutes for those U12s who want to stay on.
Sunday 30 October - Blueharts Sunday!
We had a great day's hockey with Blueharts, the club based in Hitchin with a strong youth section, bringing their teams over to Hertford for some friendlies. It was a good day for everyone - from U8s to U14s - and it was great to see the Hertford teams showing in matches what they have learnt in training.
Results:
U8s mixed: Hertford 2 - 8 Blueharts
In their first outing, the Hertford players did well in a competitive match - they showed some good touches and were rewarded with goals scored by Kathryn and Georgina.
U10 mixed Hertford A 8 - 0 Blueharts
This is an experienced Hertford team who picked up from where they left off last season. Some good passing and movement, and lots of goals shared out between the players (scorers: Joseph Mari 3, Josh Over 2, Luke Kennedy 2, Sophia)
U10 mixed: Hertford B 0 - 3 Blueharts
There was plenty of promising play for the Hertford team, which was made up of players new to hockey.The scoreline was a bit harsh on a good first performance.
U12 girls: Hertford 1 - 8 Blueharts
The girls came up against a stoing team with an outstanding centre forward who couldn't stop scoring. That said, the team stuck to their stask, and put together some good passing moves and fully deserved their goal.
U12 mixed: Hertford 3 - 5 Blueharts
This was a fairly even games that Blueharts just edged.
U12 Boys: Hertford A 1 - 1 Blueharts
The boys defended well in this game to keep a tough Blueharts team at bay. They managed to get the key goal, scored by Tor Bartram, to give them a hard-earned draw
U12 boys: Hertford B 1 - 1 Blueharts
This was the Hertford boys under 10 team, plus Leah Hawkins in goal, and it was a great game between two evenly matched teams. Josh put Hertford in front, reacting quickly to a rebound, and despite some great defending Blueharts pulled one goal back to level the score. A great game of hockey by both teams!
U14 Girls: Hertford 3 - 2 Blueharts
This Hertford team has benefitted from playing together a couple of times already this season, and this is beginning to show in their play. After racing to a 3 - 0 lead, with Jess Ensum scoring twice and Phoebe McMurray scoring another, Blueharts clawed it back to 3 - 2 by the final whistle.
U14 Boys: Hertford 1 - 6 Blueharts
In their first outing as an eleven-a-sdie team, Herford came up against a well-drilled team that had a couple of outstanding player. It was a steep learning curve for our boys, but they fought hard and played some good hockey, and deserved their goal, scored by Finn Kennedy following up from a short corner.
Sunday 16 October: U14 Girls debut in the National Cup
Congratulations to the Hertford U14 Girls team, who played the club's first ever games in the National Cup. This is a tough competition because it puts a small club like Hertford in the same competition as the biggest and best clubs in the country.
Results
Colchester U14 girls 0 - 5 Hertford U14 girls
Hertford started strongly and had the better of Colchester from the start, and their performance and team work improved greatly in the second half and the Hertford girls came away as worthy winners.
Goal scorers: Phoebe McMurray 4; Jess Ensum 1
Bishop Stortford U14 girls 7 - 0 Hertford U14 girls
We knew that this was going to be a harder match and Bishop Stortford outplayed Hertford throughout the game, with their well worked short corners doing most of the damage.
Saturday 1 October: New Training Times for the Under 8s, Under 10s and Under 12s
From Saturday 1 October 2011, training for the Under 8s, Under 10s and Under 12s will now start 10 minutes earlier at 8.50am. The first 10 minutes of the session will be dedicated to the warm up for the children, followed by a full hour of hockey coaching. Please arrive at 8.50am for a prompt start!
Congratulations to the following 45 Hertford youth players who have been selected for the Hertfordshire Junior Development Centres (JDCs). This is a tremendous achievement!
