Small and mighty
Last weekend saw a massive 8-0 win for the L4, a 2-1 win for the M10 (match report below) and huge wins for the L1 against top of the league Teddington (1-0) and the M1 against relegation rivals Oxford (3-2). On Sunday there were also some great wins for the Kidds (match reports below) and a 3-0 win for the Pirates against East London. This weekend there are lots of matches including six at Lee Valley on Saturday and a big home match again at Lee Valley for the M1 on Sunday.
M1 v Richmond this Sunday
The sideline support across the club has been fantastic over recent weeks. This weekend the M1 are playing Richmond 1 in their battle to stay in East Conference. The M1 got a great 3-2 win against Oxford University last week who are also fighting regulation. They are playing at 1pm at Lee Valley on Sunday so it would be great to get a big Wapping crowd out to support the boys and hopefully cheer them on to another crucial 3 points!
Wapping Kidds
U10 Boys
The U10 Boys were entered in the London In2hockey Cup, as part of the national In2hockey championship, against local rivals Blackheath, as well as teams from Surbiton, Wayfarers, THD, Brom Becks and Spencer.
The boys were very strong, dominating the first 3 matches with excellent individual skill and defending high up the pitch to quash the attacking options from Spencer, Brom Becks and THD. Against Wayfarers, Wapping again dominated, winning penalty corner after penalty corner, but a breakaway goal from Wayfarers was the decider. Similarly against BEHC and Surbiton, Wapping earned plenty of penalty corners, but failed to convert, and ultimately lost both 1-0.
Player of the tournament was Edward Crocker, who was outstanding in controlling the centre of the pitch and also his creativity in front of goal. A special mention goes to 8 year old Arthur Smith Kershaw who made some cracking saves.
U10 Girls
The U10 Girls were entered into the London Plate competition. Losing the first game with a slow start against eventual competition winners Surbiton, they came back very strongly, beating all other opponents (BEHC, East London, Old Cranleighans and THD) scoring 12 goals in the process. The only goal conceded was in the first match.
Wapping ended the tournament in joint 3rd place. A special mention to the Old Crans rainbow pony mascot, the girls now have ideas too, feedback was we need mini wapping shirts for whatever they have planned!
U14 Boys
This weekend the U14 Boys faced Honor Oak at John Orwell. A strong performance by all the boys left Honor Oak rueing the absence of their GK, 11 outfield players were run ragged by halftime. In the spirit of fair play Wapping's GK Nico Newell very sportingly offered to swap teams, and was immediately put under enormous pressure. Despite a cracking second half performance from him, Wapping ran out 11-0 winners.
Amongst many fabulous performances from a very strong group of boys, James Wright was player of the match, controlling the game like a pro. To quote his coach, he was "unreal".
A huge thank you to coaches Tim Wright and David Van Stolk, umpires Sandra Akinbolu, Iain McAuslan, Amy Winkelgrund and Alan Donji.
This weekend sees the turn of the U8s, both U12 teams and the U14 Girls. We wish them well, and look forward to some similarly stunning performances!!
Volunteering
With the success of the Wapping Kidds over the last few weeks, we really want to make sure we give the players of the future the best possible support. Our volunteer coaches are fantastic, the results prove that, but we are stretched. We are growing rapidly, and run through the summer term, so need coaches, and in particular assistant coaches, to help on a Friday evening and Saturday morning.
If you think you can help, we would love to have you. You do not need coaching qualifications or any coaching experience. All you need is enthusiasm for the game, an ability to enjoy both random questions and seeing the immediate impact of your support, and a bit of time. All sessions are led by experienced coaches, and all kit is provided.
Whether you would like to come and lead a shooting master class, or join in a game of Bulldog or Foxes and Chickens, please drop us a line at wappingkidds@gmail.com.
Committee positions next year
As it’s nearly the end of the season (boo), election time for captains and committee roles is fast approaching. Next season may seem far away, but to get ahead with pre-season means to think about these positions for next year.
Look out on Wapping social media for more detail about committee positions but in the meantime please do have a look at https://www.wappinghockey.club/exec-and-committee-responsibilities for some inspiration. Please get in touch with a committee member or your captain if you would like to get involved with a particular role next season.
M10 2 - 1 Tulse Hill
The Wapping 10s faced an uphill struggle this weekend after a loss to their league counterparts, the Wapping Mens 9s 4-1. With 10s goalkeeper Shawn Molver and Captain Karndeep Sidhu out due to injury, goalkeeper Graham and defender Rishan had to fill in last minute.
The first 3 minutes of the match saw 11 outfield players for Wapping as goalkeeper Graham was unable to be ready in time for push back. This gave TH&D early chances to land the first goal but they were unable to capitalise on this
With a Wapping goalkeeper now on the field, Wapping went on the offensive. The first goal, coming from a penalty corner, saw Douglas Shipton injecting into the D, all for Alex Jacko to be given enough time and space to perform a scoop shot which landed in the net.
The second goal came from Emiel Occidental pressuring the TH&D defender into playing the ball out in their own half. A mistake allowed Alan Dorji to aerial the ball into the D. After a few passes, unmarked Patrick O’Malley found himself with the ball at the top of the D and was able to double Wapping’s league.
Wapping continued to attack in the second half. Drama came from Emiel almost scoring an own goal. To his relief a back stick foul was called, disallowing the goal. Moments later, TH&D grabbed a goal through a counter attack with many Wapping attackers committed up front. This saw a 2 vs 1 with the keeper, all to be passed around Graham and into an empty net. 2-1!
In the final 15 minutes. TH&D went on the ultra offensive looking for the equaliser, while Wapping had to stay resolute in their defending. This saw all players defending in and outside the D. Which also saw Graham being green carded and sent off for 2 minutes, a heart in mouth situation! With countless foot fouls and decisions going to the away side. Wapping managed to weather the storm and came out on top with a close 2-1 win. Queue the Maroon celebrations!
Fixtures this week
Lee Valley
10:00 - M4 v East London 2 (pitch 1)
10:00 - L5 v London Edwardians 4 (pitch 2)
11:30 - L1 v PHC Chiswick 1 (pitch 1)
13:00 - L3 v Southgate 3 (pitch 1)
14:30 - M5 v PHC Chiswick 2 (pitch 1)
16:00 - M2 v Southgate 2
John Orwell
11:10 - L6 v London Wayfarers Foxes
12:30 - L7 v Tulse Hill & Dulwich 6
14:00 - M9 v HAC Sutlers
15:30 = M7 v Tulse Hill & Dulwich 4
Away
10:30 - L4 v Southgate 4
13:45 - M6 v Bromley & Beckenham Cardinals
15:00 - L2 v Wayfarers 2
16:00 - M3 v Wayfarers 2
Sunday 19th
13:00 - M1 v Richmond (LV1)
Dragon Hockey Discount Codes
Must use THIS LINK and the following codes to receive discounts!
Sticks: 20% off with code WAPPING20
Bags & Accessories: 20% off with code 20CLUBBAGS
Clothing: 10% off with code 10CLUBCLOTHES
