A SUMMARY OF THE TORBAY EASTER TOUR 2018

( See the photos on the Homepage)

            

The Normans travelled down to Torbay to take part in the annual Torbay Easter Hockey Festival. A party of over 50 travelled down to enjoy what would be another good year of festival hockey, though the weather had other ideas, the sun not making its annual appearance at the right time. The theme for our teams was pirates.

Good Friday:

Normans 2-2 Stags

Goalscorers: Neal Makepeace, James Livingston

After the Flag raising and Bully-Off the Normans got the festival underway, playing the Stags, local rivals and friends from West Bromwich HC. The game was a lively one with end to end action and many battles in the middle of the park. The Normans who had Alex in goal made several clearances. Stags would make the first break and took a 2-0 lead into half time. After the break, Normans seemed more comfortable, Neal Makepeace getting the first goal, followed by a good piece of open play which saw James Livingston hit the ball into the bottom corner.

Oddfellows 1-2 Normans

Goalscorers: Jeevan Chagger, Kathryn Smith

As per an annual fixture, Normans faced "festival rivals" Oddfellows in a game that has seen great encounters over the years. Paul Jarvis in goal played a key role in stopping Oddfellows' attacks though the hosts did take a 1-0 lead into half time. With the pitch beginning to become waterlogged in parts the game slowed down and a lot more action stick to stick offered an exciting second half. The Normans levelled when Neal found Jeevan who hit the ball through the keeper's legs. Minutes later, a great cross from the right saw Kathryn Smith slot home the winning goal at the back post. 2-1 to the Normans the final score.

Easter Saturday

Old Gobblers 6-2 Normans

Goalscorers: Zach Jarvis, Elizabeth Curtice

Saturday offered better weather, little rain though slightly warmer. Normans would face Friday's top scorers, Old Gobblers who had scored 13 the previous day. A game of true festival spirit, both sides enjoyed periods of possession though Old Gobblers looked more threatening. Noah Jarvis making good saves throughout in goal. Normans were set back 3-0 before a penalty flick was awarded. In true festival style, Old Gobblers took the flick for the Normans only to award the rebounded goal from Zach Jarvis. Second half and the game began to open up, Old Gobblers still looking a threat. Lizzie Curtice took a shot from the top of the circle only for the keeper to misjudge and let it in. The final score ended 6-2 to the Old Gobblers.

Normans 1-4 Esandars

Goalscorers: Jeevan Chagger

Few hours later, having kept warm in the pub the Normans played their fourth fixture against Esandars. Zach Jarvis in goal, many attempts were kept at bay and Esandars struggled to put any away. Esandars would break the deadlock and score, only for Normans to level the other end, Lily Jarvis setting up Jeevan to tap home the leveller. The game continued to play out with tired legs, resulting in Esandars looking more likely to score more goals. The final score 4-1 to the Esandars.

Easter Sunday:

Normans 4-6 Villians

Goalscorers: Abu Saahil, Alex Makepeace, Neal Makepeace, Gavin Hetherington

Final day and many tired legs and the weather trying its best to hold off. Edward Reid in goal for the penultimate game, one which saw quick breaks and many chances. With most possession, Villians looked a threat, finding themselves 3-0 in front quite quickly. Finding it hard to break down the defence, Gavin Hetherington stepped up at a short corner to slot home a rebound from the keeper. 3-1 going into the break. More goals and more action in the middle, Normans clawed back at the scoreline, Neal starting off with a goal in the second half. Villians increased their lead to 6-2 before Abu Saahil neatly finished a shot into the top corner and Alex Makepeace making an impressive run to Tomahawk through the keeper's legs.

Cleevillians 0-3 Normans

Goalscrorers: Abu Saahil, Jeevan Chagger x2

Final game for the Normans and what would also be the final game of hockey at Clennon Valley before the pitch was resurfaced. Normans were very lively and well organised in a game that promised much contest. Alex in goal made some great saves and clearances which encouraged our defence to push forwards. With the rain falling, Normans looked to make the most of their final game, though many chances were put wide. Abu made a great run to finish neatly into the top corner to ensure a lead into the break. With the rain continuing, great wide distribution of play encouraged the team who won several short corners though none of which led to goals. Counter attack breaks proved the way forward with two goals scored by Jeevan, though it would've been more had he have been more clinical. It was an enjoyable final encounter which rounded of what would be another great festival in Torbay, albeit if the weather spoke differently.

 

A huge thank you to all the Normans and families who travelled down to make this another successful and enjoyable year for both the Normans and the festival. A special thanks also to Jon Smith and Robert McGuigan who umpired games for us (and other matches for which Normans supported). This Easter saw the Normans score 14 goals.

 

Goalscorers:

4  Jeevan Chagger

2  Neal Makepace, Abu Saahil

1  Alex Makepeace,  Gavin Hetherington, Zach Jarvis, Elizabeth Curtice, James Livingston,  Kathryn Smith

 

Thanks must also go to the players who played well in their 6 fixtures: Mathew Bartlett, James Livingston, Pradeep Chagger, Jeevan Chagger, Gavin Hetherington, Alex Makepeace, Neal Makepeace, Zach Jarvis, Paul Jarvis, Lily Jarvis, Grace Jarvis, Noah Jarvis, Edward Carraway, David Bryan, Kathryn Smith, Martin Cutice, Elizabeth Curtice, Sarah Skidmore and Abu Saahil (guest player). Further thanks to all the supporters and families and club members who turned out to support and enjoy the festival. Playing so well, in true festival spirit.

 

 Normans would end the festival as WINNERS of the Redcliffe Cup, a cup which recognised fair play during the tournament for which the Normans received top marks for each of their games, finishing top of the fair play leader-board.

 

Report sent in by Jeevan Chagger

 

It seems like a good time was enjoyed by one and all, in spite of the weather. Many congratulations on the trophy.