Another top of the table clash found A&C against Newbury. A&C were eager to put their recent draws behind them with a win - however it was not to be. The game was very evenly fought with Newbury eventually coming out on top. In particular, Chiles, Wolfenden and Wilcox were distributing the ball superbly around the pitch. However the initiative was taken by Newbury halfway through the first half.

The half time team talk stressed continued patience as both teams were playing excellent hockey. The equalizer came within 10 minutes of the re-start with a smooth short corner routine working well with Scott placing the ball on the keepers pads and injector Dave Crossman doing extremely well to dig the ball out and flick it over the keeper. However Newbury were back on top within five minutes with some excellent moves from open play resulting in a goal - with keeper Lovelace unfortunate to suffer a bobble as he went to save.

The game was then halted for 30 minutes when Mark Wardman was taken to hospital following a clash with another player and A&C were unable to regain the equalising goal they deserved in the last seven minutes when play resumed. The league is very close though and any number of teams could steal promotion.

Team: Lovelace, Chiles, Van Duyvenbode, Wardman, Wilcox, Crossman, Turner, Wolfenden, Scott, Cartledge, Watts, Wilson

Playsport in Chalfont St. Peter High Street are currently stocking a range of hockey shoes including the new Adidas Response. They are also stocking a selction of TK hockey shirts as well as the club issue socks, skirts and shorts.

The order for the new batch of playing shirts has been placed today. Please contact Martin if you would like to be included on the next order.

RUGBY WORLD CUP BREAKFAST
20-30 members enjoyed Englands vistory over Wales at the club last Sunday. Watch them take on France in the semi finals this Sunday at the club on the big screen.

Club opens at 8.45am, kick off at 9am and as last Sunday Sandra will be serving breakfast at half time.

SALSA CLUB - RRRRRICO
From Thursday 27 November, the clubhouse will be hosting a Salsa dancing class and music. Learn to shake your bon bon with the lovely Clinton. Open 8.30pm - 10.30pm every Thursday (Bar open too!) £5 entrance. All welcome.

CURRY AND FIREWORKS
Thanks to everyone (Nearly 150 people) who came to the curry & fireworks night on Saturday. The bar take was over £1000 and some profit was made on the ticket sales too.

Thanks to... Zoë & Al for the organising, Wotto, Captains and helpers for the ticket selling, Goochie and Giles for the fireworks, Taylormade for the food & bar.

DATE FOR THE DIARY
Saturday 13 December - Christmas Party
 

Amersham & Chalfont and Bracknell shared the spoils and both earned their first points of the season in this bottom of the table clash on Saturday at Newland Park. A&C started positively but Bracknell had the most threatening spell early on with a series of penalty corners. Having successfully repelled these, A&C's pace and drive up front constantly caused problems for the visiting defence. Both Annie Brothwell and Katy Shaw went close from some penetrating crosses. It was no surprise that A&C did take the lead after 25 minutes when Brothwell drove through the defence at the top of the D and calmly slotted the ball past the 'keeper. Tanya Fyffe was called upon to make a good clearance but was helpless when Bracknell drew level two minutes before half-time. A wicked deflection following a penalty corner wrong-footed the A&C defence and the ball fell to an unmarked forward in front of goal who made no mistake. Just a minute later, A&C were awarded a penalty stroke only for it to be rescinded following a long discussion between the umpires.

The second-half saw A&C enjoy the larger spells of possession but they were unable to make the most of them as they just lacked the sparkle to further unlock Bracknell's experienced defence. Caroline Coates had her shot saved and Shaw's follow-up shot went wide. A great drive into the D and cross by Shaw was unable to be converted by the onrushing forwards. A&C always had to be alert at the back as their opponent's long ball game always had the potential to cause problems on the break. In the end though A&C felt frustrated that they hadn't come away with more from the game.

Team: Fyffe, James, Hagan, Watts, Spicer, Patterson, Boughen, Parker, Coates, Shaw, Brothwell. Subs: Brettle, Bullock, Frick.

LOAN DRAW
To help with the rebuilding of the clubhouse after the fire three years ago and various outstanding debts, some members very kindly lent the Sports Association money to help pay off these sums. Consequently, a draw is now held regularly where a ticket is drawn and the lucky person has their loan paid back to them with interest. The lucky 'winner' this Saturday was Warren Scott (ticket no 34!!). This was witnessed by Drew Downing during the curry & fireworks evening.

SPEED CAMERAS
Following on from last weeks Finally section and a few emails from members...

"Rumours that a £16m motorway congestion warning system has been hiding the latest hi-tech speed cameras have been refuted. The police, the AA and road safety chiefs have all dismissed as a hoax an email claiming that hi-tech signs on the M4 contained the Specs system, digital equipment that works out drivers' average speed between cameras."

Apologies for last weeks inclusion.