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30 June
Hello all, firstly apologies for lack of updates - we have had trouble accessing the site, but over the coming few weeks, this should be remidied with more updates coming, including fixtures etc.
As you are probably aware, the club has taken the difficult decision to drop the 3rd XI temporarily, at least for the next season. This was not an easy decision and one not taken lightly, but the Committee felt it was in the best interests of the club. The main reasons are the club has lost a number of players over the summer, and at this stage has only recruited one or two. We saw towards the end of last season that injuries and unavailability crippled the club which resulted in the 3rd XI often suffering on and off the pitch. By only running two sides, we will be able to sustain bigger matchday squads and can absorb injuries/unavailability.
If we can ressurect the side in future seasons, this is something we will look at as a club.
Elsewhere, Alan Ball has stepped down as 2nd XI skipper, with the new skipper to be announced soon. It is with no doubt that without Alan, the 2nd XI would not have been so successful over the last two seasons. If you remember, when Alan took over, the 2's missed relegation by a point in HOL4, and the following season saw them finish 3rd, and this season gone finish 2nd and with it, promotion. Steve Johnston will continue as 1st XI skipper. we should also say a fond farewell to Chris Arnold who has joined Romsey. He steps down as Treasurer and has been a very faithful and hard working member of the club. A new Treasurer will aslo be announced soon.
The club has also decided not to retain Craig Peel as its Coach next season, and a new Coach will be appointed.
Finally, keep an eye on the site over the coming weeks, as the Fixtures will be announced soon.
16th March
THAT'S ALL FOLKS!
The league season finishes for the Isle of Wight with mixed news across the club. The 1st XI finished 11th in the Hampshire 1st XI League Division 1 and, depending on relegation/promotion and the league set-up, will play next season in Division 2. However, many games were too close with the Island losing by the odd goal and if they had scored those odd goals, they would be safely in mid table. Next season promises to be much better. Highlights from this year include a 16 - 4 demoltion of Portsmouth Uni and a draw against Haslemere against the odds.
The 2nds are celebrating after a gruelling promotion challenge was finally rewarded with a guaranteed top two finish today. Despite facing an onslaught from a rather slick Southampton Uni side, they somehow managed to hold out and secured a 1 - 0 win that means they'll be playing on the top Open League next season. Highlights include a 4 - 0 away thrashing of the then leaders Aldershot and a 2 - 1 win at Andover which seemed so unlikely before the game began.
The 3's finish in 7th in HOL7 after an up and down season. The team made a blistering start and at one stage looked set for promotion. However, as injuries took their toll in the club, with the 1's in particular affected badly, players were called up to higher sides and the results suffered in the second half of the season. However, they only finished (technically) seven points off the promotion places if you don't count the deducted three points. Highlights include a great win against rivals Hamble.
The club dinner is being held on 29 March and all players should make the effort to atted. The Festival is at the start of May with the AGM on 22 May. All players should try and make the effort to attend the AGM, there is a very important decision to make.
10th March
CLUB AGM
The club will hold its annual AGM at 7pm on Thursday 22 May at Smallbrook Stadium. This is very important for the future of the club, as on the agenda will be the future of the current league set-up and the teams we enter. There will be a light buffet for those attending, but if you could email Alison at toalisona@aol.com and confirm your attendance that will be helpful.
2nd March
The end of season club dinner is being held at the Melbourne Ardenla Hotel in Shanklin from 6'30pm for 7pm, with dinner beginning at 7'30pm, on Saturday Mrach 29. It's £15 which includes a three course meal and entertainment. Please see your captains to book places etc. You should have already seen the menu and you will order on the night.
19th February
All future club news will now be posted in this section, including league results and forthcoming events.
9th December
WEEKEND ROUND-UP
Not much to say really. In what was an awful weekend both on the pitch and with the weather, both the 1's and 2's lost 3 - 0 to Southampton University. The club now enters the Xmas break with the next games on January 5th. The club wishes all its players, members, sponsors and supporters a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
2nd December
WEEKEND ROUND UP
There was drama for the first XI as they again came close to gaining a deserved win, only to be denied against Wimborne. The side went down 5 - 4 during which the home side scored right at the death to snatch a win. Wimborne were reduced to tem men after a player was given a red card and is now facing a ban. Tom Young grabbed a hat trick for the Island.
The 2nd XI came from a goal down to beat Portsmouth University 4 - 1 at Smallbrook. The students took the lead in bizarre fashion but two goals from Craig Bruce helped the Island pick up three points.
The 3rd XI got back to winning ways as they made the long journey to Poole and came away with three points thanks to a 3 - 1 win. Returning skipper Sam Brown grabbed one of the goals.
This weekend sees both the first and second XI's take on Southampton Univeristy while the 3's begin their Christmas break.
25th November
CHRISTMAS SOCIAL DINNER
All players are asked to make the effort to attend the club's Christmas social event at Smallbrook Stadium on Saturday December 8th. A full buffet is available all for only £6 a head. No doubt there will be a trip into Ryde or Sandown into the small hours to continue the celebrations. Wives, girlfriends or even boyfriends are welcome, but you must put your name down first. Please contact Jonno whose number is in the contact section
WEEKEND ROUND UP
The 1st XI were denied a deserved win as they lost a close match against Blandford 3 - 2. The team were denied what looked to be two clear penalty flick decisions, but are still within touch of the leading pack as the league table is so tight. Brian Horwell and Tom Young got the goals.
The 2nd XI battled to a credible 2 - 2 draw at Southampton. Missing their skipper Alan Ball, the team equalised on the stroke of half time after Southampton scored first, before a strike from Simon Butler near full time rescued a point after the home side had gone back in front.
The 3rds suffered their first league loss of the season as they were beaten by Southampton 6 - 1 at Smallbrook Stadium. Captain Sam Brown got the only goal for his side in a performance he described as very poor. The team though still remain top of the table.
20th November
There was something distinctly symetrical about the Island's results this week. The 1st XI madeit four unbeaten as they drew 3 - 3 at Salisbury. For the second week running, the opposition equalised in the last minute. In the 1st XI league, the teams in second and tenth are separated by a mere five points, making it one of the closest competitions in the whole of Hampshire.
The 2nd XI were involved in a game of two halves. They took on 2nd place Aldershot & Farnham and found themseleves 2 - 0 down in an awful first half performance. However, a different side came out in the second period and fought back to claim a 2 - 2 draw. It was the first points dropped for the side this season.
The 3rd XI are still undefeated in their league after a good 1 - 1 draw at rivals Hamble. Despite missing several players, including skipper Sam Brown, the team got a deserved point and remain top of the table.
4th November
WEEKEND ROUND-UP
This was the weekend that really tested the club's depth and it passed with flying colours. Each team were ubeaten with an incredible 30 goals scored between the teams. The 1st XI called upon a number of 2nd XI players and duely dispatched University of Portsmouth 15 - 4 in an extrodinary game. Brian Horwell found the net SEVEN times, while 2nd XI star Felix Stubbings grabbed a hat-trick. It means the team are their league's joint top scorers.
The 2nd XI were missing numerous players and called upon Colts players against Fordingbridge. A great second half performance saw the side score eight times to add to the four they got in the first, winning 12 - 0. They were a little more generous when handing out the goals, with several players grabbing two each. Special mention to colt Ollie Jordan who got two on his debut. The team remain clear at the top of the table.
The 3rds completed a great weekend for the club, as they battled to an impressive draw at Yateley despite missing a number of players. Sam Brown continued his fine form, grabbing two goals. The side remain top of their league.
This weekend Haslemere cross the Solent to take on the 1's, the 2nds go to old rivals Andover while the 3's have a weekend off due to Camberley & Farnborough pulling out of the league.
FIXTURE CARD
Anyone who requires a handy fixture card can CLICK HERE to download one. Once printed, it is designed so that you can fold it into a pocket size list. Very handy!
28th October
WEEKEND ROUND-UP
A good weekend all round as all sides went unbeaten. The 1st XI were involved in a stormy match as Weymouth visited Smallbrook. Goals from C.Simmonds, Steve Woodford, Steve Johnston and Tom Young secured a 4 - 4 draw to move the Island up to 9th in the league table.
The 2nd XI moved five points clear at the top of their league with five wins from five as they overcame Gosport 5 - 1 although the home side caused some nervy moments. However, an injury to the keeper seemed to affect the home side who conceeded three goals in five minutes in the second half.
The 3rd XI continued their amazing start to the season with their fourth consecutive win. Sam Brown bagged his fifth goal of the season in a 4 - 2 win over Fareham, meaning the side remain top of the table with a 100% record.
25th October
CLUB HOODIES
A reminder to all members that the new club hoodies should be arriving within the next week. Please make sure you bring money to the next training session or match to pick them up. No member will be allowed to take their hoodie until they have fully paid. The cost is £15 per member.
21st October
WEEKEND ROUND-UP
Mixed results for the Island's three sides this weekend after last week's 100% return. The first eleven came up against bogey side Alton and went home empty handed as they were beaten 8 - 1 in North Hampshire. Brian Horwell getting the Island's consolation.
The 2nds maintained their 100% start with a 4 - 1 win over second placed Bournemouth at Smallbrook Stadium with three of the goals coming from short corners. Pete McKnight proved just how deadly he is from set-plays as he scored twice.
The 3rds suffered lost 5 - 2 at Trojans with Russel Shore and Sam Brown scoring. However, the side have been awarded the game 5 - 0 and Trojans deducted three points after Trojans broke league rules. They remain top of the table with a 100% record.
This weekend, the 1's host Weymouth, the 2's go to Gosport where last season they were held 5 - 5 in an incredible game, while the 3's host second place Fareham.
15th October
WEEKEND ROUND-UP
Three games and three wins for the Isle of Wight's main senior teams, all coming with convincing scorelines. The 1s got the day off to the perfect start at they demolished Aldershot & Farnham 6 - 1 at Smallbrook. Tom Young and Stephen Woodford chipping in twice each as the 1sts got their season underway in convincing fashion after two losses.
The 2's remain top of their league and are yet to concede after a 4 - 0 win at United Services Portsmouth. Andy Graham got a brace in the game but this weekend will be much tougher.
The 3's were involved in a 12 goal thriller as James Smith bagged a hat trick. The side ran out 8 - 4 winners at the end of a real goal fest. The result means for the first time since the team was set-up, they top their table.
Match reports, goalscorers and league tables have all been updated.
This weekend sees the 1st XI travel to Alton, a game that is always close. The 2's face probably their first real test this season as 2nd place Bournemouth cross the Solent. The 3's will look to continue their excellent start as they go to Trojans.
8th October
WEEKEND ROUND-UP
After dishing out a 11 - 1 hammering to New Milton in a pre-season friendly, the 1st XI found out what it was like to be on the wrong side of a double figure scoreline as they were beaten 11 - 2 by a very impressive Hamble side. Described as 'everyone having an off day all at once' by the team, they were 5 - 0 down at half time before scoring twice in the second half. Pat Butt and Tony Howsam scoring. This weekend Aldershot & Farnham visit with the Island keen to pick up their first win.
The Isle of Wight 2nd XI sit top of the Hampshire Open League Division 4 with a perfect record after beating Petersfield Panthers 3 - 0 at the stupidly-posh Bedales School, where Princess Anne's daughters went apparently. On an equally-stupidly bouncy pitch, the Island did not play their best but were still too strong for the home side. Felix Stubbings (2) and Simon Butler got the goals.
The 3rd XI got their league campaign off to the best possible start as they beat a much-fancied Basingstoke Vikings 2 - 1 on the mainland. Skipper Sam Brown got the side on the way with James Smith also chipping in, in what was described as a great all round performance.
Match reports and scorers available in the respective sections on the website.
This weekend is as follows - the 1's take on Aldershot & Farnham, the 2's go to US Portsmouth 2's while the 3's welcome Fleet & Ewshot, who last week won 10 - 0. Promises to be another interesting weekend!
4th October
SPONSORSHIP
The club is delighted to announce it has been sponsored by Southern Electric. The energy giant will have its logo printed on the Colts shirts and on this website. More information will follow, but in the meantime the club wishes to publicly thank Southern Electric for their sponsorship, and also Sam Brown for making this happen.
16th September
Friendly round-up
In the first full set of pre-season friendlies, the club put in some impressive results this weekend. The 1st XI gave New Milton a taste of what life is like in Hampshire's top division should the Lymington side achieve promotion this season. A rampant Isle of Wight ran away 11 - 1 winners with Horwell scoring five. Play was held up for some time after a New Milton player needed treatment for a nasty cut above his eye and the pitch was washed clean of blood.
The 2nd XI put in a dominant attacking display in their first full friendly against New Milton 2nd XI but met an inspired goalkeeper. The 2's restricted New Milton, who are running through the leagues like a knife through butter, to only a handful of shots while creating numerous chances up the other end, but the game ended in an entertaining 2 - 2 draw. Another day and a bit more luck and the score would have been in double figures.
The 3rds completed a satisfying weekend for the club with a 5 - 2 win at Sabha. Ollie Stubbings got on the scoresheet twice confirming his status as a player to watch this season. Captain Sam Brown also chipped in with a goal. This coming weekend sees the 1's take on Southampton 3rd XI at Smallbrook while the 2nd XI are travelling to Eastleigh 2nd XI. The 3rds were due to play Fleet but the club has been let down by the opposition who have pulled out.
4th September
The broken links on the website have now been repaired and the whole site is now working. Make sure you check out all the new features, including the weather section!. From now on, News items will initially appear on the home page before being archived into the News section.
Eslewhere New Milton have pulled out of the scheduled game this weekend against the 1's although next week's double header is still on. The club is also negotiating with Petersfield to see if the 2's game agains the Panthers can be moved to an earlier start time.
2nd September
In the first match of the new season held on Saturday 1st September, the 2's took on the 3's in a (very) friendly game. No surprises that the 2's came out on top but the idea was to get the players back into a match environment. This coming weekend is the first of the main friendlies when the 1's take on New Milton and the 2's take on Leatherhead. The 3's game against Poole has been cancelled.
30th August
CHANGES TO FRIENDLY FIXTURES
Please note that the scheduled game on 8th September between IW & Michlemersh & Timsbury has been cancelled. It would appear our colleagues across the water are having some troubles and may not even make the league season. We hope they get everything sorted. New Milton have kindly agreed to fill the void and will travel over on the 8th with two further fixtures already agreed on the 15th. This weekend's game between IW 2 and IW 3 is going ahead. IW 2 are reminded to wear the away strip.
***UPDATE***
Its taken some time but we finally have access to our website back again. Huzza! There was a problem with the new server, but all is now sorted, so please keep checking back for updates. Some of the menu tabs are still not working, and these will be rectified in the coming weeks. In the meantime, the club wishes to welcome Craig Peel as its news Head Coach. Having a full international as well as full-time professional player as our coach is a great honour, and by the turn out at training last week, it shows. Keep an eye on the press this coming week as he will be featured in the County Press and also on IW Radio. If you want to have a look at the Press Release Click Here.
A reminder that training is now on a Wednesday night at 7 - 9 pm and it costs £2 on the door.
SELECTION
CLICK HERE to see the selection sheet for September.
Sponsorship Opportunities
The club is now offering local businesses and organisations the chance to become a sponsor of the club for very little money. We are offering year-long sponsorship of the club via its website for just £20 per year. Last season we had over 20,000 unique visitors to this website. You will get a banner in the Club Sponsors section and links to your website within the Links section. Whether you are a restuarant, pub, taxi firm, hotel or sports specialist, we want to hear from you and work together to enhance the sport on the Island. All the money raised will be used to enhance the sport through the club, in particular in helping develop our junior section, which has produced so many senior club players over the years. If you are interested in supporting the Isle of Wight Hockey Club and helping develop the sport, please contact simonbutler1979@btinternet.com or ring 07968827915 and speak to Simon.
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