MBBO Open League Division 1
Promotion and relegation is on a 2-up 2-down basis.

MBBO Open League Division 5
Promotion and relegation is on a 2-up 2-down basis.

Mens 1st 4-0 Bicester

After previous poor results against Bicester, Amersham and Chalfont Men's First XI were looking to play a strong 70 minutes on Saturday, and avoid the last minute goals that have historically cost them so much.

The match started brightly, A&C using the same formation and similar line-up to the previous week's win against OMT. With the return of sweeper Charlie Wooler giving an extra burst of pace and movement around the back, the team were able to close and hurry every move that Bicester attempted to mount. Movement off the ball and slick passing gave A&C a solid platform and frustration mounted for the visitors, though the A&C forwards seemed unable to capitalise on the superior effort. Eventually the frustration became too much and a lame tackle and outburst from the Bicester centre half left them with only 10 men. The balance of the game was completely in A&C favour, with Crossman now able to find the space to exploit and drifting in top D, ghosted round the defence and popped up near post. His first shot put the keeper on the floor, and his faint of skill and flick put the team ahead.

Still aware of the man advantage A&C pushed on, but it wasn't until the second half that the pressure told again, as the short corner was bounced off Scott's stick back to Richard Martin, whose clinical finish gave him his second goal in two weeks. With the opposition back to strength the fight resumed, but despite the fresh legs, Bicester were unable to stop the terrier like jousting of Martin in the middle, as his match winning performance dominated their half line.

The third goal was a finely placed short from top D, taken from Scott's diagonal cross. The scoring was rounded off after Martin again stole in midfield, the loose ball was picked up and lifted over the defence into the path of Scott who rounded the keeper at pace. With a defender on the line his far post cross found the support run of Stevens to coolly finish from 3 yards.

Despite pressure and ceaseless running from Bicester on a hot and draining afternoon, the midfield of van Duyvenbode, Crossman and particularly Barnes and Martin provided a wall of defence from the opposition, and constant outlets to the A&C attack, giving a strength of midfield and fluidity that has often been lacking in previous weeks.

Team: Paine, Wooler, Bryne, Lamborn, Wardman, Barnes, Martin, Crossman, van Duyvenbode, Nicklin, Scott, Stevens.

SPRING BALL

Over 100 tickets have been sold! £30 deadline is 1st April. All cheques by then (even if postdated!!) Cheques payable to Chalfont Park Sports Association.

RUGBY AND CRICKET

The Six Nations Grand Slam decider, Ireland v. England, will be shown on the big screen at the club on Sunday (30/3/03), 2pm start. Afterwards, weather permitting, there will be a cricket practice in the newly renovated outdoor nets; everyone is welcome to join in, especially new players and anyone from the hockey section who is interested in playing cricket this summer. If you cannot make this and are interested in playing cricket at Chalfont Park this year (men, women and juniors all welcome) please contact me on 01628 487516, or email
matthew@stevenson103.fsnet.co.uk,
regards Matt Stevenson

Boys U14 3-2 Aylesbury

A&C U14 boys development side finished off their successful season with another win against a much stronger Aylesbury side than they had faced earlier in the season. A&C started slowly and conceded early but regained composure when Andrew Carruthers opened the scoring with a reverse stick strike from the top of the D. The game continued with end to end pressure from both sides. Aylesbury went ahead but only until Will Garrett produced some fine play to score twice and take A&C into the lead for the remainder of the game.

Team: Trewavas, Garrett, Salter, Holmes, Ward, Phillips, Langlais, Nicklin, Gossage, Carruthers, Hext K, Hext R, Reape

Ladies 1st 2-2 Abingdon

Amersham & Chalfont Ladies first XI were unable to break their run of troubled form when they came up against Abingdon in their Trysports Three Counties League encounter on Saturday.

A&C started slowly and, although Katy Shaw was denied early by the 'keeper, were soon penalised when Abingdon's only real threat turned two defenders to score on 12 and 22 minutes. A&C started to reform when Catherine Watson's interception set-up Cal Tomlinson. Sarah Watts and Caroline Coates were both denied by the 'keeper from penalty corners.

In the second half Abingdon had two one-on-one chances with the A&C 'keeper, Vicki Williams, who kept her cool in front of goal, but the majority of the possession was with A&C. Cal Tomlinson flicked in her second from a penalty corner pass from Rachel Parker and was denied by the post later in open play. Parker then had her shot from a penalty corner saved and on 66 minutes Sarah Watts's penalty flick was again saved by the keeper. Despite pressure and good play from Laura Patterson A&C were unlucky not to convert any further goalmouth action to give them the desired three points.

A&C travel to City of Oxford this Saturday for their penultimate league match, for what will be the first of two battles for second place in the table and promotion to the Premier Division.

Team: Williams, Watts, Spicer, Hagan, Parker, Bullock, Hewitt, Coates, Shaw, Tomlinson, Brothwell. Sub: Watson, Patterson.

Oxford Hawkes 5-1 Mens Vets

Amersham and Chalfont Veterans conceded an early goal on Saturday, playing away to a strong Oxford Hawkes side who beat them in the National Cup earlier in the season. The home team added a second goal midway through the first half before some good teamwork saw the Newland Park side reduce the deficit with Trevor Wood scoring.

Turning round 2-1 down at half time, A & C were unlucky not to score on several occasions, despite hitting the post. Malcolm Carter put up a fine display in goal and made several good saves, yet Hawkes still managed to add three more goals to make the final score 5-1. Amersham & Chalfont Veterans are home to Wokingham on Saturday at 3.00

Team: Carter, Coleman, Warren, Johnstone, Crossman, Paul, Richman, Cremin, Bennett, Colwill , Jenkins, Wood.